Christmas Gift Guide ~ Combi Pod Bouncer

Hi Rambles of a SAHM readers, it's Laura from Tasty Tuesdays and Food Snob St. Louis with a review for a great item from Combi for your Christmas list.

If you are a first time, or even a second or third time parent, you know that choosing baby gear can be incredibly overwhelming. What are the must-haves? What if your baby hates the swing, but loves a bouncer? Which features are the best and why? Even though we just had our second child, I still get frozen with indecision in the aisles at big box baby stores. It is such a relief when we find a product we, and our kids, love. When we opened and put together the Combi Pod Bouncer, we both breathed a huge sigh of relief for many reasons.

First of all is the profile and look of this bouncer. I love that it looks just like a lady bug, and the bright colors fit in perfectly in our play room. Another huge plus is that if it is in our living room, it's light, easy to move and doesn't take up a lot of room.

 If you have read anything about newborn development, then you know that bright colors and and contrast (black on white) are good for newborn stimulation and development. The overhead bar on the Combi Pod Bouncer features three plush toys that provide just that. Our little one loves staring at it.

 
Of course, the big feature of any bouncer is its soothing vibration. The Combi does a great job of soothing our baby with its vibration mode, which is also quiet (another important feature). Additionally, it has a music mode that plays preloaded melodies, or you can plug in your own MP3 player to play your own music.

Source

Other important things to note about this bouncer are the 3-point safety harness, 2 positions of recline on the seat, a head pillow that can be removed, slip resistant feet and a storage pouch. Oh, and it took 5 minutes to put together.

As you can see, big sister is a fan as well.

Combi advertises that this bouncer is lightweight, safe, compact and affordable. I wholeheartedly agree and am thrilled to have it as a part of our nursery.

  *I was sent a Combi Pod Bouncer for this review, but have not been compensated in any other way. All statements and opinions are my own.*    

The Trio 3-in-1 High Chair in Whimsical Wonders Review

Ingenuity is at again, making mom's life easier one product at a time. You already know that I love their washable playard. Now I am in love with their Trio 3-in-1 High Chair! It’s a full-size high chair, booster seat, and restaurant style high chair. You can also seat two kids at the same time with this high chair!

I like to be frugal, especially when it comes to baby gear. I want a product that lasts and can be used at several different stages of my child's development. The Trio 3-in-1 High Chair fits all of those criteria. Since I can seat both of my boys at the same time I feel like I am really getting great use out of the Trio 3-in-1 High Chair.

When I first got the Trio 3-in-1 High Chair I wondered if you could switch back and forth easily between the three options. The simple answer is YES! Basically you just snap the seat on and off. I can do this by myself.

The fabric is easy to clean by either wiping it down or just tossing it in the washer. The tray is just as easy to clean with a rag or it can be placed in the dishwasher. The tray can be snapped on and off with one hand. (The only drawback is that it sticks a little.)

My oldest likes to help cook and the restaurant style high chair makes it easy for him to be next to our counter top. When in the restaurant style high chair mode you can use the wheels to push the high chair around. The wheels lock but I found that my youngest could still move the high chair when it is locked.

I really think once parents get their hands on this high chair other companies are going to want to copy this design. I would really recommend this high chair especially for the price. You are getting  two high chairs you can use at once and three styles to fit you growing child’s needs.

Connect with Ingenuity Baby on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Youtube!

You can also purchase the Trio 3-in-1 High Chair at Wal-Mart.

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this review are those of Whitney from Rambles of a SAHM. A book was provided free of cost in order to facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising" 

Back to Pre-School with Zutano ~ Super Hero Collection Fall 2013 + Giveaway

From the very beginning, Zutano has cherished the honor of creating the first garments that a baby wears and is dedicated to the belief that every child's individuality should be celebrated. This has inspired Zutano to continually identify ways to acknowledge the unique character and joy of each little boy and girl.

The one thing I always loved about back-to-school time was the new clothes! Not much has changed since then except that I am now the mom buying the outfits.  Since my kids are still little they only care about being comfortable. What I love about Zutano is that they can be comfortable but still look adorable! I love that Zutano captures the cuteness of little kids.

We were sent pieces from the Super Hero collection for both boys. I have to say that my four-year-old was extremely excited about the Super Hero clothes and particularly the Super Dogs! I loved that the boys outfits were color coordinated. Little M loves his Super Hero Reversible Toddler Zip Hoodie and Black Super Hero Mask.

The quality of the clothing is impeccable and their designs are just fun. Little H looks so adorable in his Mandarin Terry Baby Jacket. It is a classic piece that will be great for the fall.

As you can see the boys and I had fun trying out these outfits and ended up with a lot of photos. I just love how you can wear these outfits so many ways and that my boys have fun wearing them.  I will be purchasing Zutano again and I really want my next baby's first outfit to be from Zutano!

I am thrilled to say that Zutano wants to make sure your kids are ready for Back-to-School so they are giving one reader a chance to win a $75.00 gift card! Thank you Zutano!

Giveaway:

One reader will win a $75.00 USD Gift Card to Zutano for a Back-to-School shopping spree! Just fill out the rafflecopter form to be entered! Giveaway will end on 9/09/2013 at 12:01 am EST. Good Luck!

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Li'l Helper ~ Review & Giveaway #BabyExtravaganza

Kim from Party of Five is a busy mom and has found that Li'l Helper is a great product! Here is her review.

Adding a new baby to our house is going to be crazy! With our youngest just going to turn 4 I often find my hands already full. I plan to nurse the new babe but will most definitely introducing a bottle to this babe so I won't be the only person able to feed her.

We made that mistake with Olivia and it was pure torture. I came across li'l helper bottle holder and was so excited when they agreed to let me do a review.

The concept is simple:

li'l helper bottle holder offers a safe, easy way to keep loved ones entertained and nursing while parents are free to multitask. An ergonomic design matches baby's natural nursing posture and li'l helper's BPA-free, solid construction holds most bottle sizes.

Here is the story behind li'l helper

The li’l Helper was born soon after Joe Murillo’s first daughter.
Then 27-years-old, Joe’s lifelong passion for tinkering landed him a career as a jeweler, and helped him develop an expert’s touch crafting with his hands.

Despite being a team with his wife, she and Joe sometimes found themselves struggling to keep with up with daily chores while their daughter was nursing.

Fortunately for busy parents everywhere, the idea for li’l Helper struck Joe one day at the supermarket after he saw plastic clothes hangers and remembered about how his daughter instinctively and tightly gripped his finger.

Soon after, Joe was at his workshop, armed with a blow-dryer and molding plastic rods into a bottle holder that one day would become li’l Helper.

“From then on my wife was like, “Holy Smokes, where’s that baby bottle holder you made?” Joe remembers.

Soon too, family friends started asking for their own, and Joe knew he was onto something that would help parents like him, who sometimes wished for an extra set of hands while driving, cooking or working.

Today, Joe’s ingenuity and li’l Helper are freeing parents everywhere to multitask at work and do simple tasks at home, even while keeping loved ones entertained and nursing nearby.

I love the fact that the bottle holder is not super hard so I don't have to worry too much if baby happens to bang his/her head. I also love the little rattle feature on the left and right sides of the bottom. 

li'l helper bottle holder comes in 4 colors: Blue, Green, Pink and Neutral Gray.

Buy It: li'l helper bottle holder retails for $14.99 and can be purchased on the li'l helper website

Giveaway: One Lucky reader is going to win a li'l helper!!

Entry-Form

Sealy Crib Mattress ~ Giveaway @Kolcraft #ChristmasGiftGuide

I am thrilled to have Kolcraft participating in our Christmas Gift Guide! I am even more excited to offer my readers a Sealy ® BabyPosturepedic ® Crown Jewel ™Crib Mattress (ARV $ 159.99) This is a high quality, USA made, crib mattress that can be used from newborn to the toddler years! Good luck!!!

Description:

The Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crown Jewel crib mattress offers posture support with an adult-grade and twice-tempered PostureTech® coil system that is incredibly firm and resilient. Over 130 years of dependable Sealy durability with a 60 year history of Posturepedic support that your infants and toddlers can appreciate for years of use. Comes with the EverEdge™ support system and a waterproof pearl-embossed cover.

Features:

• Exclusive POSTURETECH® coil system offers 220 POSTURETECH® coils for long-lasting support
• Everedge® Pylons at each corner of the mattress create ultimate corner support
• STAPH-GARD® reinforced cover effectively inhibits bacterial growth and provides an anti-static surface
• All-around heavy gauge steel border rods maximize side, corner and edge firmness
• Steel bars distribute baby's weight evenly over the entire surface of the mattress
• GREENGUARD® Children & Schools Certified: This entire mattress is GREENGUARD® Children & Schools certified for indoor air quality and low chemical emissions to help create a healthier sleeping environment for your baby.
• Two non-allergenic layers insulate the mattress for lasting durability
• Third non-allergenic layer provides additional support
• Fourth non-allergenic layer offers a plush, gentle sleeping surface for your baby
• Tear-resistant cover with vinyl binding resists stains, odors, and mildew. Mattress wipes clean with a damp cloth
• Mattress also fits toddler bed frames
• Lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials
• Meets or exceed all flammability, lead, phthalate and CPSIA testing and does not contain toxic fire retardants
• Proudly Made in the USA

Giveaway:

Kolcraft is giving one of my readers a Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crown Jewel crib mattress! Open to US only 18+. Giveaway will end on 12/11/2012 at 12:01 am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered!

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eddie Bauer MicroTherm™ Down ~ Review & Giveaway #ChristmasGiftGuide

About Eddie Bauer MicroTherm Down:

The lightest down layer in our long history, the MicroTherm™ Down Shirt is the ideal weight for packing or using as a mid, last or emergency layer. The 800 fill Premium European Goose Down insulation traps core heat, while a lightweight nylon ripstop shell treated with StormRepel® DWR finish sheds light precipitation and snow.

§  WATER-REPELLENT, WINDPROOF SHELL Lightweight 1.2 oz 20-denier ripstop nylon with StormRepel® DWR finish

§  800 FILL PREMIUM EUROPEAN GOOSE DOWN Down-packed micro-channels keep you warm with minimal weight and bulk

§  INTEGRATED STRETCH PANELS Increase breathability, improve range of motion and allow for a trim, athletic fit

§  LIGHTWEIGHT AND PACKABLE Stows easily in small spaces

FIT

Active Fit: Garment fits closer to the body; designed to fit over baselayers and light midlayers

Our thoughts:

Eddie Bauer is a name we know well. Our families have been using Eddie Bauer since our grandparents and most likely before. The name Eddie Bauer stands for high quality products. It’s a brand that offers something for everyone in your family. Whether you’re hiking, mountain climbing or simply taking your kids to an outdoor theme park, Eddie Bauer has something for you. Eddie Bauer is as American as apple pie! 

They’ve been around since the 1920’s

I am completely thrilled to work with them on Rambles of a SAHM! Let’s take a look into their MicroTherm Down.

First, Eddie Bauer claims to have the “World’s Best Down”, and after having the coats for a month I can honestly say that claim is quite accurate.

When the coats arrived I thought at first that they hadn't shipped them all since the box was small and weighed nothing. However they were all there and amazingly thin. It blows my mind how these coats can be so thin and yet so warm.  They look like jackets but are as warm as a bulky down coat. We went to a theme park on a 45^o day and it felt like it was 65^o. My husband gets cold easily, but on this day he only had a t-shirt on underneath his Eddie Bauer coat and was perfectly warm. I must also say that it was incredibly windy that day and the coats did an excellent job at breaking the wind.

Something that surprised me was how many times we were stopped by people asking about my son’s orange coat. They said they’d never seen such a thin coat look so warm or they commented on how much they loved the bright color. My son LOVES this coat. He wants to sleep in it and was not to happy when it was left at church. As a parent I could not be more thrilled. I also love that I can strap both boys into their car seats with the straps being tight enough. With other coats you have to take the coat off or have loose straps. Neither alternative is a good one.

I personally love my coat for many reasons so I will just list my top five! 1) It’s thin but warm so I can hold my baby on my hip without feeling like he is slipping down. 2) The pockets are huge. While at a local theme park I was able to keep my cell phone, keys, and wallet all in my pockets. 3) It is slimming!!! Rarely do I ever think a coat looks good on. This coat is tailored to fit me and is by far the most flattering coat I own. 4) I can simply throw it in my washing machine!!! (I hear all the moms shouting hallelujah ) I also need to add that it washes well and does not leak feathers. 5) It is trendy but classic. The neon color is very in for fall but the design is classic. So even moms can be hip but look nice!

One last thing I have to say is that all our MicroTherm™Down coats fit true to size! I was nervous about ordering coats online but they were all the correct size! If you are planning on buying coats for Christmas gifts then you really must buy these MicroTherm™ Down Coats by Eddie Bauer. I promise you will LOVE them.

Another reason why Eddie Bauer is AMAZING is they are going to give one of my readers MicroTherm™ Down for their ENTIERE family!!! Yes…I did just say the entire family! Honestly this company is fabulous.

Giveaway:

One reader will win a set of MicroTherm™ Down for their entire family! Open to US 18+. Giveaway will end on 12/03/2012 at 12:01 am EST! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mamas & Papas Plush Toys ~ Review @mamasandpapas

About Mamas & Papas:

Mamas & Papas is a brand built on a passion for style, quality and innovation. The business was founded in 1981 by one of the UK's first female entrepreneurs, Luisa Scacchetti, who has redefined the modern approach to parenting, whilst also inspiring a new generation of mothers to realise their own ideas and bring them to market.

Luisa's original vision is one that still underpins our business today - "Every product and collection in our range must not only look good, but also add simplicity and assurance to a parent's daily routine. We are about sophisticated, yet simple, solutions, with unprecedented attention to detail in everything we do".

We are hugely excited about the future of Mamas & Papas - a female design dynasty that remains committed to delivering the highest levels of quality, innovation and passion for parenting. We hope you'll enjoy exploring our world.

Come and view our range of adorable and Quirky plush toys that will make the perfect gift & treasured friend for any little one.

My Thoughts:

I have always loved the unique style of Mamas & Papas. When I was granted the opportunity to test out their plush toys with my boys I was almost excited as the kids!

First I must say that I don’t usually love stuffed animals. Usually they are cute but I could take them or leave them. Now that I came across Mamas & Papas stuffed animals I am in love. I want several of them for my boys. The fabric and attention to detail is amazing especially for a plush toy.

I love that these plush toys look classic with still being unique. Little M prefers the Mouse and Little H love the robot dog with the rattle inside.

Little M and little H can get their plush toys dirty and I am happy to say that the Mamas & Papas plush toys washed well and the high quality fabric makes them long lasting.

At my next baby shower I would love to gift a Mamas & Papas plush toy. There are so many styles to choose from and they rotate often.

I love that Mamas & Papas realizes that baby gear and toys should be fashionable and classic all at the same time. I highly recommend these plush toys and your kids will love them as well!

Connect with Mamas & Papas:

Facebook

Twitter @mamasandpapas

Website

YouTube

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summer Travel Event with Onya Baby Carrier Review and #Giveaway @OnyaBaby

About Onya Baby Outback Carrier:

Whether you’re out with your child wandering the urban jungle or hiking with them in the hills, the Outback offers a more performance-oriented approach to the soft-structured carrier. A durable,water-resistant, rip-stop nylon exterior and air-mesh lining makes it perfect for hot weather or hiking the trails. Parent and child will stay cooler with the air-mesh lining, which wicks away moisture leaving you both comfortable. It can be worn either on your front or your back and comes with an integrated seat that will fit almost any chair for when you’ve decided to take a break for lunch and the restaurant doesn’t have a seat for your little one.

Available in Burnt Orange/Slate Gray and Olive Green/Chocolate Chip. $149.00

My thoughts:

When I was contacted to review an Onya Baby Carrier I was thrilled to find that they offered a carrier for summer time. The Outback Carrier is made from nylon and breathable mesh. The straps of the carrier can either be crossed or uncrossed in the back. The carrier can also be worn on the front or back for babies and toddlers up to 45 LBS!

 I love wearing my babies but one drawback during summer is that it can be so hot. My other carriers are made from cotton and just absorb sweat leaving me soaked, which is gross and miserable for both parent and baby.

What separates The Outback Carrier from other carriers its fabric is a durable, water-resistant, rip-stop nylon exterior and air-mesh lining. This feature is my favorite and is what makes The Outback my choice of carrier for summer travels.

Another unique feature for all of the Onya Baby Carriers is that you can use the carrier for a portable chair harness. The front pocket contains the portable chair harness so it’s with you wherever you go.

One feature I would like to see is for the Outback to have pull tabs on both side of the chest clip as of now there is only a one side pull tab and when you are wearing the baby on the front it’s hard to adjust it to the center.

Overall I think Onya Baby makes a great outdoor carrier and as far as I know it is the only carrier made from Nylon and breathable mesh! Onya Baby is a leader in baby wearing.

Giveaway:

One reader will win an Outback Carrier from Onya Baby. Open to US & CA 18+. Giveaway ends 6/25/12 at 12:01 am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter Form below to be entered to win!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review and Giveaway for Swaddle Designs Angry Birds @SwaddleDesigns

About SwaddleDesigns® Angry Birds Baby Collection:

SwaddleDesigns® is introducing the Angry Birds Baby Collection!

Angry Birds have found happiness with SwaddleDesigns baby products! We are honored that Rovio chose SwaddleDesigns to manufacture Angry Birds Baby items based on our high quality products.

Angry Birds by Rovio is a phenomenally popular game.  Angry Birds is the fastest growing brand in the world with over 600 million downloads.  Boys, girls, men, women, grandmas and grandpas – all love playing Angry Birds.  The game is entertaining to people of all ages, genders and geographies.

SwaddleDesigns was founded by Lynette Damir, RN, Designer and Mom in 2002, and SwaddleDesigns was the first company to introduce the large square swaddling blanket to the US and many countries around the world. SwaddleDesigns is known for their premium quality fabric, fabulous colors and prints, decorative edge, and the innovative 123 Swaddle® instructional label that helps new parents master the art of swaddling. 

SwaddleDesigns blankets come in a variety of weights and are perfect for many uses such as a privacy throw for breastfeeding moms, a tummy time play mat, a cover over the stroller as well as swaddling. 

The Marquisette Swaddling Blanket® is a very lightweight openweave high quality cotton blanket – for warmer environmental temperatures

My thoughts:

SwaddleDesigns is one of our favorite baby companies. When we did our first review for SwaddleDesign I had no idea how much I would love these baby blankets.

When I heard that SwaddleDesings had come up with an Angry Birds Baby Collection I knew I wanted to review it on my blog. A lot of our readers are mommies wanting to stay in the know and with Angry Birds being so popular I knew this would be a hit.

Not only is SwaddleDesigns trendy but their blankets are well made. I love that the blankets are soft and never shrink in the wash.  For me SwaddleDesign is the ultimate baby company great products, well made, and trendy designs! I also love the sewn in directions on how to swaddle!

This was the first time for us to review a bodysuit from SwaddleDesigns. I was just as happy with the quality of the bodysuit as I was with the blankets. The bodysuit is made with soft 100% cotton knit. The snaps are made from plastic instead of metal. Overall I would say that Swaddle Designs has designer style and quality for an affordable price!

Buy The Angry Birds Collection on the SwaddleDesignsWebsite!

Giveaway:

One Winner will receive their choice of bodysuit size and bird OR marquisette blanket! US and Canada only 18+. Giveaway ends 06/18/12 at 12:01 EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter Form below to be entered.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The First Years Sure Comfort™ Newborn to Toddler Tub Review & Giveaway

The First Years Sure Comfort™ Newborn to Toddler Tub:

The First Years Sure Comfort™ Newborn to Toddler Tub was named one of Babble’s 10 best infant bathtubs last year and is now available at Wal-Mart, BabiesRUs.com and select Target store locations. At under $20 it is affordable too!

The First Years Sure Comfort™ Newborn to Toddler Tub provides all the security, comfort and convenience parents and growing babies need in a tub. Its deep ergonomic design holds baby better for bathing, and parents will love that it fits both single and double sinks. Plus, the mildew-resistant pads make for a cleaner bath.

It also includes a mesh sling with padded headrest providing extra comfort and support to cradle even the littlest ones. The form-fitting netting provides security, making bath time less stressful for both parents and baby! And, it's machine washable and dryable.

From newborn to toddler, bath time couldn't be better!

My thoughts:

Little H is now three months old and giving him a bath by myself can be a challenge! That is why I was thrilled to try The First Years Sure Comfort™ Newborn to Toddler Tub.

I really like this tub especially since it has the newborn sling. The sling helps keep little H contained. I also like the price for under $20 I consider it a great buy. I also like that the pad is mildew resistant so I don’t have to worry about mold.

Overall this is a great tub it goes from newborn to toddler and it is under $20 making it a great affordable buy.

Giveaway:

One reader will win The FirstYears Sure Comfort™ Newborn to Toddler Tub in winner’s choice of pink or blue! Open to US +18. Giveaway will end on 05/28/12 at 12:01 am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered.