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Friday, October 31, 2008

Bummis & Bamboozle diaper reviews



Bummis
The Bummis Whisper Wrap comes in several cute prints and plain white (if you'd prefer). This wrap is "a state of the art Aplix-closing cover made from a super resistant waterproof laminate sandwiched between two layers of a soft polyester knit," according to Bummis.com.The Super Whisper Wrap is very sturdy and does a great job of holding in liquid. It fits nicely with the Bamboozle or with just a prefold if you prefer. I personally like to use this one as a potty trainer with just an insert for my older daughter.
Bummis is very particular about washing instructions for their diaps and covers. You can find those HERE as well as specific recommendations on detergents to use HERE. Even if you don't use Bummis, their info on detergent residue is really helpful in understanding how to get the most out of your cloth diapers so they perform the best!


I also would recommend Bummi's regular Whisper Pant. I bought several of these on sale at my local cloth diaper retailer and I really love how easy they are to use. They're also great to use in potty training because you can just add in a liner and they can be pulled up and down. They run quite large, so order a size smaller than you might normally opt for. More info on those HERE.



The Bamboozle diaper is made from four layers of super soft 90% bamboo fiber. That and its super absorbency are big sellers for this luxurious feeling diap. It has an insert attached at one end so you can fold it for extra absorbency in the area boys or girls need the most. Poop also falls off of the Bamboozle easily and it has yet to get stained, despite several attempts by my daughters to give it their all.

Bamboozle diapers need to be washed at least twice before initial wear and up to ten times before maximum absorbency is reached. You can find out more about the special care instructions HERE. Though honestly, I follow the same washing rules for all of my diapers. This one is not any harder or easier.

More info on Bummis Whisper Wrap and Bamboozle diapers at bummis.com
*This review is from my original article in my parenting column at Examiner.com

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Great cell phone for busy moms



This is a super bargain, you actually end up getting a check back for almost $50 when it's all said and done. The Blackberry Curve 8320 gets great reviews. I just ordered one tonight. What sealed the deal for me: it works on WiFi networks to boost the signal for no extra cost. Or you can use it on WiFi with an added $10 a month charge and all calls made to anyone are free.

Bath Toys

Bath time is a funny thing. It seems like kids either love it or hate it. Here are five of the best bath toys to help your little one enjoy their time in the tub.
1.Butterfly Net By Little Tikes ($7.99)
I've already mentioned this one in this blog, but good things are worth repeating! Not only is this toy fun but it’s also educational! Tots learn hand-eye coordination as they chase the fluttering butterflies across the tub with the net. Best yet, these butterflies “fly” across the water without batteries. You just pull on the last segment of their bodies and off they go. Recommended for 18 months and up, but both my girls (ages 2 years old and nine months old) love playing with these butterflies.

Dirty Dogs by Alex
Dirty Dogs by Alex
2.Dirty Dogs by Alex ($8.93)
What kid doesn’t like dogs? These bath buddies are perfect playmates to make bath time fun. The precious little pups are spotted with magic ink and need your little ones give ‘em a good scrub. Add a little warm water and voila - clean guys ready to play. Kids also will love the fact that the pups squirt water too! The company also has Piggy Pigs that work the same way. They’re made for children six months and up.
3. Boon Bath Goods ($15 for the set)
Let your little artist go to town with Boon’s colorful bath toy set. Kids can get creative with the 15 foam bath stickers that stick and re-stick over and over again. Also included, three bath balls and two mini scrubbers. All of the items are mold and mildew resist and don’t absorb water. Recommended for kids at least six months old.
4.Car Wash Bath Toy by Sassy ($14.94)
Move over rubber duckies, it’s time to turn the tub into a car wash. This tub set includes three vehicles and a floating roadway complete with a squirting nozzle and car ferry. Kiddos can learn practical cause and effect skills while they wash. Each vehicle does something different: the red truck scoops and pours water, the green car squirts, and the purple car scoops and strains water. Plenty of fun for two to play at once! Cars store in the mesh pocket “garage” and the whole thing can hang to dry. It’s made of mildew-resistant foam perfect for children nine months and up.
5.Whistling Hippos by Alex ($17.99)
Forget hungry hippos, check out these cheerful guys that whistle while you wash. The set of four hippos each have their own ring to float on across the tub. Dunk them under the water and they make whistling noises. Fun for kids and maybe even best for you, they don’t squirt so there’s less mess to clean when bath time is over. These hippos are made for kids at least 18 months old.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Dad diaper gear


DadGear Diaper Vest Grey
DadGear Diaper Vest

Something for the proud papas today... diaper gear for Dads. Pops wants to do his part taking care of the little ones, but when it comes to gear to do so, it's harder to find. But there is some pretty cool stuff targeting dads (but great for mom's too).
Many dads refuse to leave the house carrying a diaper bag that looks like a purse, and why should he? There's several much more dad-friendly options out there.

JJ Cole Logic Bag Cocoa/Pink
JJ Cole Logic Bag

We have the JJ Cole Logic Bag. It comes in a couple colors. I love to use it because it's so streamlined. My husband likes it because he says it's easy to carry around, doesn't hurt his back to carry, plus looks much more manly than other diaper bags without being too bulky. He also likes the insulated water bottle holder. The logic bag also has multiple zippered pouches to store the essentials, from ointments and rattles to keys, credit cards, and phone. I use this bag frequently as well.
Another cool option... the DadGear Diaper Vest. Perfect for fall and winter especially, but practical throughout the year. This bad boy will hold the same amount of goodies as a traditional diaper bag. But you'd never know it to look at it. It costs in the $80 range but you'll probably get your money's worth in the first month. And who says mommy can't wear it too!

DadGear Graphics Messenger Bag Razor Flames
DadGear Messenger Bag
DadGear also makes this cool messenger style bag. The DadGear Graphics Messenger comes in several styles, but I think this one with flames is the hippest of them all. Old pops will look anything but with this slung over his shoulder.