Mom and baby product reviews on The Mommy Insider

Solaroo UV Blocking Sun Clothing from SunFriendlyProducts.com

I received two Solaroo UV blocking suits last summer and failed to write the review and now I can't find the photographs of the kids wearing the suits to post in this review.  Anyway.. I am giving you the heads up now that Solaroo's UV blocking sun clothing is a must have this coming spring and summer. 

Both of my kids loved their suits last summer.  Sebastian felt cool in his surfer style blue shirt and Madelyn looked adorable in her pretty pink one piece suit.
My kids were outside a lot last spring and summer and Sebastian wore his Solaroo shirt when playing with his friends outside and helping me in the garden.  I am paranoid about sunburn and UV damage and love knowing that the kids Solaroo UV blocking sun clothes protect them from UV rays and I never forget to cover the rest of their bodies with super spf sunscreen.  It's not worth it to skip the sunscreen or UV blocking clothes if you have them!  I just wish I had a Solaroo shirt and Extreme Performance Hat for when I'm out in the yard or playing with the kids.

Solaroo UV blocking sun clothing is lightweight, dries quickly, and keep 98% of the UV rays out.  Available in kids sizes 0 months to 8 years, womens sizes up to 18 and mens sizes up to XX-Large with varying prices.

Go to SunFriendlyProducts.com to see their huge selection of UV Blocking Sun Clothing and accessories for babies, kids, and adults.

Product review: Thudguard infant protective safety hat

 Here is something you don't see or hear about everyday but can save you a lot of heartache.
Thudguard is a light foam crash helmet for toddlers designed to help absorb and reduce the impact of head injuries due to a fall or collision. It is suitable for babies and toddlers aged 7 months to 2+ years.

I can't tell you how many times Madelyn fell when learning to walk at 10 months.  We spend most of our time in our kitchen which has hardwood floors and unfortunately, that is where she fell most.  Madelyn walked right into cabinets, chairs, and the refrigerator because she wasn't looking where she was going. To this day she still walks into things but because she has a big head and is over 2 she can't wear the safety helmet.  Madelyn just doesn't look where she's going!

Read some expert opinions about Thudguard and head injuries here on the Thudguard website.

Kelly Forsyth-Gibson, a mom of 3 lives in the Scottish city of Aberdeen and invented Thudguard after her 1 year old who was learning to walk fell and bumped her head.

Thudguard is available in lilac or baby blue and can be purchased for about $38.  Think about it, isn't $40 a great price to pay rather than having to take your toddler to the emergancy room after a fall?

Color Changing Digital Room Thermometer - Grobag Egg

This is one of the most innovative products I've seen in a long time.  The Grobag Egg is incredibly useful and it looks really neat in a baby nursery.  I am obsessed with the Grobag Egg in Madelyn's room.   I have the Grobag Egg on Madelyn's armoire so I can easily see if the room is too hot or cold.  Lately, it's been way to hot so the Grobag Egg glows bright red and has a frown.  The Grobag Egg helped me prove to Tim that Madelyn's room was too hot especially for her to sleep in and he finally accepted that the air had to be turned down.  Before I could show him the Grobag Egg thermometer to prove that her room was too hot, he said it was just me.. I was the only one that was hot. 

When we started using the Grobag Egg thermometer I would yell downstairs to Tim and tell him how hot it was in her room which ultimately led to the air being turned down!  Thank goodness.  When her room reaches an acceptable temperature, around 75°F, the egg is a little lighter in color but still has a frown, and when the room is at the most ideal temperature, 61-67°F, the egg is a very vibrant yellow and has a smile.

The Grobag Egg thermometer glows softly and the temperature is backlit so I can see it easily at night while it provides a nice nighlight for Madelyn.

I have a few Grobag Egg thermometers to give away!  Stay tuned and sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the giveaway contest starts.

Website: Grobag Egg thermometer

Wordlocks review + giveaway!

When I was in high school, I was afraid that I would lose my locker combination and wouldn't be able to get my books and homework out of my locker.   I had nightmares about it and would think about it so much that I set myself up for combination failure.   I'm not kidding. High school was a tough time.

Now, there is a product called Wordlock that I think is just great!  Using words instead of numbers, our kids can secure their locker, bicycle, 'treasure box' and more.

Wordlocks are locks that have letters instead of numbers so you can come up with easy-to-recall 4 or 5 letter word or letter combos like your child’s favorite food, C-A-N-D-Y. Wordlocks are ideal for parents with children because children often forget number combinations, and parents often misplace the sheet of paper with the combination on it.

Wordlocks come in padlocks, bike locks and travel locks.  The bike lock is great for those times when your child might forget a numeric combination and you aren't available for him to call and ask "hey mom, what's my bike lock combination again"?  Now, he can set an easy to remember word combination.   Wordlock padlocks are great for outdoor pool gates, yard gates, and storage boxes that you don't want the kids getting into.   The travel locks are great for your small, personal luggage you take on your summer road trips with the family.  You know, the luggage you don't want the kids rummaging through!

Wordlocks can be bought at Amazon.com.

GIVEAWAY!!
I have three padlocks, bike locks, and travel locks to give away to lucky readers!

Leave a comment about what type of situation you and/or your kids could really use a Wordlock and I will choose three winners to receive one of each Wordlock.   I will choose the winners Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.  You must enter a valid email address when leaving your comment so I can get in touch with you if you are a winner!

Summer Safety Tips

Longer summer days means dramatically more time spent outside in the sun with our kids: from hanging out on the beach or at the pool, to running in the yard, to hiking through the woods. Amidst these summer activities, safety issues lurk from insects to sun burns to keeping hydrated. The Mommy Insider, in cooperation with Mom Central who has joined with The Clorox Company and MommyDocs we share with you these important summer safety tips:

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15.  Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating).  Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future.  In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.

• Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child.  For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.

• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria.  To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of  ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly.  Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.

• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink!  Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.

• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather.  But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine.  If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.

All safety tips can also be found on MommyDocs.com.

Schlage Residential Electronic Keypad Lock

70% - The number of Moms, according to a Mom Central survey, who have given keys to people who are not members of the household.  When asked to consider how many non-residents have keys to their homes, 86% reported feeling at least moderately concerned.   The number that was even more surprising to me is 84% which is the percent of Moms who have experienced a child, babysitter, or housekeeper entering a designated "off-limits" area in the home, sometimes with serious consequences.  Scary!

I was recently given the opportunity by Mom Central and Schlage, to review a Schlage keypad lock and will never go back to a regular deadbolt lock and I think my family agree's.

As featured on The Learning Channel's Designing Spaces, Schlage keypad locks are a great way to keep your home safe from intruders who are pro's at picking locks, while allowing your older children to enter your home after school or sports practice without having to keep up with a key.

Schlage keypad locks are ready to use right out of the box.  The keypad lock comes preset with two unique user codes so programming the lock in not necessary unless you want to create a custom code.  All you have to do is install the keypad lock with one simple tool, a flat head screw driver. 

The keypad lock allows you to add, change or delete user codes in seconds and uses a premium 9-volt battery which is included.  Schlage keypad locks have a plethora of features including, but not limited to:

• A simple keypad to be used for keyless access (no need to keep up with keys!)
• Buttons are coated to prevent wear and tear
• A warning signal after four incorrect attempts
• Lots of finish options (brass, oil rubbed bronze, and more) that have been proven to withstand harsh weather conditions
• Less than 30 minute installation
• Available for interior and exterior doors and in varying styles
• Innovative 'Turn Lock' feature allows you to lock & leave without a key

Take a look at all of the different Schlage electronic keypad locks here and where to buy one online here.

True Fit Convertable Car Seat - Fits babies from 5 - 65lbs.

The True Fit Convertible Car Seat is what I consider to be of the best things since rattles.  This car seat eliminates the hassle of buying two or three different car seats by the time your child is five years old, or 65 lbs. 

Age & Fit: This car seat is one that you can bring baby home from the hospital in and continue to use until your child is up to 65lbs. or 50 inches tall.  That means that your child could probably use this car seat until in her early elementary school years.  The True Fit Convertible Car Seat can be used rear facing up to 35lbs which is great as a lot of car seats don't allow for babies that large to be rear facing.  I recently read that it is recommended for babies up to

Installation: I was very pleased with how easy this car seat was to install.  The instructions are easy to follow and precise. The many illustrations are also clear and easy to follow. It took less than 5 minutes to install and I was impressed with how easy it was to secure the seat without a struggle on my part.   Sw itching this car seat from one car to another is simple and I feel like the seat is secure every time.  The removable head rest can be stored for use when your child is front facing.

Strap Threading: Are you sitting down?  The True Fit Convertible Car Seat's straps NEVER need to be re-threaded.  That alone makes this car seat a dream!  I would dread changing the placement of car seat straps in previous car seats but with the True Fit Convertible Car Seat, I can adjust the straps even while Madelyn is in the seat.

Comfort: While I haven't sat in the seat myself and Madelyn does not talk, I feel confident in telling you that this seat is the most plush, and secure feeling seat Madelyn has used.  The two removable inserts provide extra padding around even the tiniest baby (5 lbs. minimum weight).  Madelyn is two years old and about 28 lbs. and uses one insert. She looks so comfy when in the seat.  It's almost like the seat is cradling her which is great for long car rides.

Cleaning: The cover and inserts snap off for easy cleaning and the cup & snack holder snap off and on on either side of the car seat. Madelyn loves that she can get her cup and snacks by herself.. so do I!

You can learn more about the True Fit Convertible Car Seat on the Learning Curve website or buy it at Amazon.com for about $180, a great investment for a car seat that is going to last a long time.

Healthy Child Healthy World: a book review

I got this book in early April and wanted to hold off on reviewing it here until all the Earth Day hype simmered down.  Why?  We shouldn't just hear about all the products and services that will help us lead  'greener' lives on and around Earth Day!  We need to adjust our lives to put forth the effort to lead safer, healthier lives everyday!

Healthy Child Healthy World is honestly one of the best books of this type that I've read in a very long time.  It is not just a book to read once and put on the bookshelf.  I refer to it regularly as a reference book when I have a question about a cleaning product, formula, toy, etc. 

As parents, we want to do anything and everything to make my children's lives safer and healthier.  But up until recently consumers weren't given easy access to the information and tools necessary to implement changes that will make a difference in our lives and those of our family.  Now with Healthy Child Healthy World, parents can have this much needed information within reach 24/7.

Healthy Child Healthy World teaches us how to move away from cleaning products containing harsh chemicals, ammonia, and bleach and instead use items you may already have such as hydrogen peroxide, borax, and tea tree oil.  These three things are great to use for getting rid of mold.

Two of my favorite  of th 10 chapters in this book are "A Clean Plate: Choose and Eating and Storing Healthier Food" and "Child's Play: Safer Toys, Gear and Clothing".  These chapters provide a wealth of information.

Endorsed by celebrities including Harvey Karp (The Happiest Baby on the Block - one of my favorite reads when Madelyn was an infant) Tobey Maguire, Sheryl Crow, Vanessa Williams, and Tom Hanks.

I highly recommend that all parents buy this book for themselves and for their parents and friends.  This book can make a huge impact on your life like it has already done for mine.

You can purchase Healthy Child Healthy World at a currently discounted rate here.

medibuddy - a first aid kit for kids

40 items make up the conveniently sized 'medibuddy' first aid kit made especially for kids.  If it were up to my kids, the bandages would be gone by now. They love the fun designs and colors and think that the slighest scratch must be covered.. but only with these colorful bandages.  'Regular' bandages aren't acceptable anymore.

Here is what's included in the medibuddy first aid 'capsule' as my husband calls it:

(15) 3/4 “ X 3” Red, Blue & Yellow Crayon Bandages                          
(1) 3” Knee &  Elbow Bandage                            (1) Sting Relief Pad                          
(4) 2” X 2” Gauze Pads (2 Two Packs)                          
(3)  5” X 8” Antiseptic Wipes (sting free)                          
(1) Burn Relief Cream
(2) Antibiotic  Ointments                            
(12) Kid Friendly Fun Stickers                          
(1) Carry Anywhere Case

The fun stickers are sure to help cheer up the fallen, scratched up toddler while mom applies the included antibiotic ointment and bandage.

The perfect size for any diaper bag or purse, there is no reason to leave the house without a Me4Kidz first aid kit.  Other sizes are available on the website.

Website: Me4Kidz first aid kits for kids

GRiPPiES

I can't tell you how many times Madelyn and Sebastian have fallen down while running in circles on our hardwood floors.  A lot!!  In the summer months they usually don't wear socks inside but they do i n the winter and I'm sure you know how great of a combination socks and hardwood floors are?!  Enter GRiPPiES.

GRiPPiES is a new product that parents stick on a non-skid surface to their kids’ socks, tights and gloves, which can prevent injuries associated with every day slips and falls.  Just imagine how much cry time GRiPPiES can abolish in your home!

GRiPPiES are made of a revolutionary material that adheres easily to garments.  Once applied, GRiPPiES provide traction much like pre-made non-skid socks.  If your toddler is a sock lover like Madelyn (her socks have to match.. ugh!) then you will love these because you can stick them on a favorite pair of socks or any socks for that matter.  No more buying generic white, pink, or yellow non-skid socks from the store. 

Just stick a few GRiPPiES stars on them and they're ready to go.

Safety, style, and comfort.. what more can a child ask for?

Website: GRiPPiES