The inspiration behind dearjohnnies:

Rachel Zinny, Founder, President and Mom, dearjohnnies®

“The idea came to me before the birth of my first daughter, Cece. My husband and I planned to take photos right after the birth to share with family and friends, but I realized that a prominent feature in the photos would be the generic, unattractive pattern of a hospital gown. When my second daughter Lucy was on the way, I decided to turn my idea into action. I wanted something fashionable AND functional to wear in the hospital. I wanted it to fit better than the one-size fits all hospital model, look great in photos, cover my backside and be mine – not used by hundreds of patients before me. I designed and wore my first two gowns and shortly after dearjohnnies® was “born”

Having a baby is an extraordinary experience and we believe women deserve to wear something better than an ordinary hospital gown. Giving birth is an amazing and joyful event and our products help women celebrate that -by eliminating the feeling of wearing an institutionalized gown for “sick” patients. We help women look good and feel good by giving them a better option – something that’s beautiful and their own!”

FEATURES:

Designed with your comfort in mind, dearjohnnies® can be worn during labor, in the days following your recovery and at home during the weeks to follow. Hospital staff will appreciate that you’re still wearing a hospital gown. And you’ll appreciate the soft fabric and loose fitting design as your body takes on the challenge of childbirth and then mends.

We currently offer two collections:

*Our Wellesley Collection of couture gowns, matching robes and swaddle blankets features five prints in traditional pinks, greens and blues.

*Our Limited Edition Collection prints are a little bolder for the trendier mom-to-be.

Each gown has snap-down sleeves for breastfeeding and ease of access for medical attention. Also, each gown has snaps that close down the back to keep you covered from behind. Gowns are made of whimsical 100% cotton prints, trimmed with grosgrain ribbon. Our robes and swaddle blankets are made of cozy, yet lightweight, 100% cotton flannel and are trimmed with fabric from our Wellesley Collection.

PURCHASING:

*dearjohnnies® products are currently available in about 30 retailers across the U.S. A complete listing can be found here.

*Additionally, you can shop direct from the dearjohnnies® online store.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Research has shown that the birthing process goes along more smoothly and labor time is reduced when mom feels confident and at ease. dearjohnnies® gowns are hospital compliant which will please the labor and delivery staff! They are well designed with your comfort in mind. From snaps that close down the back to keep your tush concealed to snap down sleeves for easy breastfeeding and ease of access for medical attention. Did we mention that the gowns come in gorgeous feminine prints, that will make you feel pretty, even during labor! Rachel has paid attention to detail which is evident by the ribbon ties on the back, which add a feminine touch.

Rachel mentions that “most moms like to have two gowns – one for labor and delivery and one to wear the following day or two.” We would also recommend the coordinating robes which are super comfy and pull your hospital look together, ideal when family and friends stop by and of course, will photograph beautifully! They are lightweight and provide just the right amount of warmth for moms whose thermostats are adjusting postpartum.

Celebs including Mariska Hargitay have worn dearjohnnies® during the birth of their baby. Mariska received the Ellie gown and wore it during son August’s birth.

Looking deeper, dearjohnnies® designer hospital gowns can truly empower a woman; particularly during one of the most vulnerable times in her life: labor and delivery. Despite the fact that the majority of women in the USA have low risk, healthy pregnancies, labor and delivery in the USA is treated like a medical/surgical event once you are admitted to the hospital. Common protocols include being hooked up to an IV, fetal monitoring equipment and yes, being confined to a bed where the women will eventually give birth. Should low risk women in the labor and delivery ward be treated the same as patients undergoing surgery???? Is pregnancy an illness? For the majority of healthy, low risk women, we say: NO! dearjohnnies® will make a woman feel like an individual who is preparing to welcome in a baby and not an “ill patient”. It has the potential to make a woman feel incredibly special and unique and remind her of the reason why she is in the hospital!

In creating the dearjohnnies® line, Rachel Zinny is sending out a powerful and important message, “I am having a baby. I am healthy. I am not a sick patient and I can choose to wear something beautiful and special for this wonderful life event.”

We distributed 2 dearjohnnies® gowns (Mimi & Ellie) and a robe (Ellie), courtesy of dearjohnnies® to a mom, Mandy, who was about to welcome her 2nd baby. Mandy tearfully shared her first birth experience with us and was clearly emotional when recalling the details. Mandy admitted that she was young, naive and not very informed. She was fortunate enough to have excellent health coverage and had a number of hospitals to select from when deciding where to give birth, yet she didn’t take the time to investigate each one – to find out what common procedures were etc. Mandy’s first pregnancy was low risk. Once she went into labor, she was admitted to the hospital and was given a routine hospital gown!

“The gown was enormous, probably designed for a football player, plus my rear end was exposed to the world. I couldn’t help but wonder how many other people had worn this gown! How on earth could I be comfortable in this.”

This was just the beginning for Mandy, as she was hooked up to an IV, fetal monitoring etc and wasn’t permitted to move around, in fact she was surprised that she was confined to a bed. Mandy wanted a natural birth, however, did not have doula to advocate for her during this vulnerable period and ended up being persuaded by doctors to have procedure after procedure. Mandy had a healthy first born but was angry because she felt so little control during the birth process and her wishes weren’t honored.

With the 2nd pregnancy, Mandy decided to take control and investigated all of her options fully. She was delighted to find out that she could birth at a Baby Friendly Hospital, which was fully accredited. She was off to a great start. Mandy chose to receive care with a midwife throughout her pregnancy, as she was low risk. She was really impressed with the high level of care and personal attention that she received, as opposed to the rushed appointments with her obgyn during her 1st pregnancy. Mandy discussed her wishes to have a natural and ACTIVE birth this time, and the midwifery team fully supported her wishes. Mandy hired a doula to provide emotional support and be her best advocate. Mandy’s doula had helped her to prepare a birth plan, which outlined Mandy’s wishes for an active birth. Mandy’s labor began and once her contractions were well established, she headed off to the hospital. Mandy changed into her dearjohnnies® gown and told us:

“I felt so special changing into my dearjohnnies gown. I had washed it 3 times prior to wearing as per the instructions and it was beautiful, soft and most of all comfortable to wear. Even my husband thought that it was a cute! The beautiful colorful print boosted my self confidence! I was able to move around freely and have an active labor and birth! My doula was a fantastic support person and I would recommend that everyone hire one!

After the birth, I changed into the robe and the coordinating gown. Nursing was super easy with the side snaps on the gown. I really like the matching robe for an additional layer which has built in pockets for comfort. I am still wearing this robe today! I felt very presentable when visitors arrived and received many compliments on my dearjohnnies gown and robe which meant to much to me. dearjohnnies was a very special part of my birthing experience and helped to make it so very special. I was reminded that I was a strong, healthy woman about to give birth and not a passive, sick patient in a hospital! I had the opportunity to reclaim my birthing experience and I want to thank dearjohnnies for being a big part of this.”

dearjohnnies® gowns and robes will make a truly special gift for the mom-to-be! Gowns, robes and Blankets can be monogrammed for a small additional fee, which will add a personal touch.

Also available are Mix and Match Delivery Sets.

Great Gift Idea! Create the perfect delivery set with a gown and robe for mom and a swaddle blanket for baby. Choose the same pattern for each to create a matched set or mix it up for moreof a coordinated look. The Wellesley Collection pieces complement each other so they group easily. Choose the Lucy gown and robe for the mom who loves pink, but get the Ellie blanket if she’s having a boy! Or mix a Lexie gown and Cece robe with a Finlay blanket if the baby’s gender is a surprise. Any combination works well. Treat yourself to a set and deliver in style or treat another mom-to-be with this fabulous gift and be the hit of her baby shower!

To learn more about any of the products featured in this article and to view the full collection from dearjohnnies®, please visit dearjohnnies.com

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bumkins Finer Baby Products was founded by Jakki Liberman, who through necessity, developed the original Bumkins products to assist her in caring for her four children. Bumkins has grown to offer an ever-expanding line of premium baby apparel and accessory products with a strong focus on function and design.

BUMKINS’ NEW GRANDE DIAPER BAG!

FEATURES:

*15″W x 12″H x 6″D
*Metal ring for easy stroller, cell phone or key attachment
*Changing pad included
*Reversible fabric
*Vinyl, phthalate, PVC and lead-free
*Water-resistant

How safe is your diaper bag?

Bumkins:
“Phthalates (pronounced THA-lates), are a family of chemicals that are commonly used in children’s products for their ability to soften many types of plastics. They are often recognized as giving vehicles their distinctive new-car smell. Bumkins feels that babies should smell of lavender fields and lemongrass, not new cars. Studies show that high levels of phthalates have proven to cause challenges with reproductive development in children. Other studies, reported by CNN, have lead researchers to believe childhood exposure to lead can cause learning problems, reduced intelligence, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder. The good news is researchers agree high levels of lead are directly related to an individual’s environment. Therefore parents can greatly decrease their child’s exposure by choosing products with low levels of chemicals. Bumkins’ New Grande Diaper Bag is Vinyl, phthalate, PVC and lead-free.”

PURCHASING:

The Grande Diaper bag is available in your choice of Blue Circles of Pink Circles, both reversing to a cool chocolate brown, making it the ideal Diaper Bag for Moms and Dads! Click here for purchasing details.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Are you looking for a fun, stylish diaper bag which won’t break the bank? We have found the perfect diaper for you: The NEW Grande Diaper Bag from Bumkins. The grande diaper bag is lightweight, which is an added advantage. Seasoned parents know that the contents of a diaper quickly add up in weight, so starting with a lightweight diaper bag can really help! The fabulous water resistant fabric is both stain and odor resistant. Best of all, the fabric is vinyl, phthalate and lead free, so parents can breathe a sigh a relief. Bumkins is certainly leading the way by selecting safer fabrics for their products and we want to applaud them for their dedication and commitment for offering parents safer products which happen to be super stylish and innovative at the same time. The Grand Diaper Bag is fully reversible thus offering parents one bag with 2 looks: Solid or Print. Dads won’t feel self-conscious carrying this Diaper Bag around town.

Lets talk about storage. This well designed bag offers 8 well positioned pockets plus a large roomy interior to accommodate all of mom/dad and baby’s items. We like the multi-purpose metal rings, 2 on either side, which will hold a cellphone or keys so that mom/dad don’t need to search inside!

This will save parents plenty of frustration and time and help them to stay well organized. Included is a matching changing pad which folds up for easy storage and travel.

This high quality changing pad is very durable and easy to clean. The diaper bag features a tie closure to keep items safely inside. Bumkins has paid great attention to quality and durability, which is evident in the well reinforced straps, quality materials and sturdy base. Once your diapering days are over, this bag can be used as a gym or laptop bag, making it super versatile.

All this for under $40, you bet!

Bumkins offers a full line of coordinating accessories including bibs and other items which are a perfect compliment to your Diaper Bag.

We distributed 2 Grande Diaper Bags to our parent panel. Here are some of their comments:

“Having recently welcomed my 2nd baby, I was looking for a cute, well priced, diaper bag with lots of storage. Most diaper bags in this price range contain PVC, which I was looking to avoid. I was thrilled with the New Grande Diaper Bag’s water-resistant fabric, which is super easy and clean and best of all, PVC, phthalate and lead free. The circles print is so fashionable and I was stopped numerous times around town, and asked about my “designer bag”. I really like the 8 storage pockets which stored my essentials and the spacious interior! I really like the metal ring feature which I use to hang my keys from. I no longer have to search for my keys, because they are always there when I need them. My husband was fascinated with this bag’s ability to turn inside out to reveal a solid brown design and proudly announced that when he’s on diaper duty and watching the kids, he would feel cool being seen in public with it 🙂 Thank you Bumkins!”

“I will admit that I have been a tad stressed shopping for a diaper bag. I couldn’t believe that most high quality diaper bags are in the $200 price range, which is simply not in my budget. I was thrilled to receive the NEW Grande Diaper Bag from Bumkins and pleasantly shocked and surprised that this bag retails for under $40. What a steal!!!! I don’t have to sacrifice style, function, safety or go into debt because with this bag, I have it all! I love the circles design which is very trendy-I have received many compliments and I find myself admiring this fun print all the time! The changing pad is fantastic! Durable, well designed and folds easily! The bag is super easy to clean: I wipe it clean with warm water and mild detergent. I am recommending this bag to all of my friends!”

The NEW Grande Diaper Bag from Bumkins offers terrific value for money and will make a wonderful Baby Shower Gift. We would like to thank Bumkins for sending us 2 samples for this review.

For more information, please visit:

Bumkins.com

We here at Summer Infant™ are passionate about delivering great products for moms, dads, and caregivers. We are solely motivated by our company’s mission of “delivering the best for you and your baby” and that emotional connection you have with your child. Our focus is on building a trust with our customers so that they know we are giving them nothing but the best. Summer continues to lead in categories such as bath, gates, bed rails, monitors, infant health and more. Not only do we live it here and in our own homes, but we also listen to you – thereby making our products nothing more and nothing less than exactly what you need.

The Nature’s Purest™ Hug Me Collection offers a full range of organically grown and naturally colored cotton nursery products. The goals of Nature’s Purest are simple and true, to be: Good for Baby and Good for the Earth. This collection represents the absolutely best products for baby, as well as being environmentally friendly; representing two very important factors for today’s discerning parents.

Organically grown cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, chemicals, or dyes. Naturally colored means that the cotton seed is selected and planted so that the cotton bolls grow naturally in three different colors: cream, brown, and green. The method is similar to how a flower grower would cultivate different color roses. Since the cotton fiber is already colored, no bleaching or dyeing is necessary. The colored fibers are then spun into yarn and woven into the fabric without the need of chemical processing – thus creating an ideal, non-irritating fabric for a baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, chemical processing weakens conventional cotton fibers and makes it harsher during processing. So Natural Colored Cotton is both stronger and safer.

Nature’s Purest™ Hug Me Collection Soothing Comfort Bouncer – Bouncer

Part of our Hug Me Collection.

* Pure comfort for baby with natural and organic seat pad, toy bar covering and toys
* Features soothing vibration
* 3 Musical lullabies, 2 nature sounds, and 1 womb sound
* Soft toy bar includes 3 soft toys that crinkle, squeak, and rattle
* Comfortable seat pad is both removable and machine-washable
*Age/weight grade: From birth until baby can sit up unassisted or 25 lbs.
* Requires 4 “C” batteries not included

Please note, as with all other products on the market with the exception of a crib, constant Adult Supervision is required. Never leave baby unattended. Use only on floor. Never use the toybar to lift and carry bouncer while baby is in it. Please consult the instruction manual for full details.

PURCHASING:

*Available from Babies R Us.
*UK – Click here.


*GIVEAWAY*

Summer Infant™, the exclusive distributors of Natures Purest Products, is giving away a Nature’s Purest™ Hug Me Collection Soothing Comfort Bouncer to one lucky reader who resides within the USA.

Congratulations Suzanne B.

Success Through Play™ comments:

In a world of toxic and harmful chemicals, it is so refreshing to find a product that uses color grown organic cotton! What makes this type of cotton so unique is that NO DYES are used to produce the beautiful neutral colored hues.

Transitioning from Womb to World can be an uncertain and fussy period for a newborn. Movement, gentle vibration and soothing music can play an integral roll in calming a fussing baby. The Nature’s Purest™ Hug Me Collection Soothing Comfort Bouncer, exclusively distributed by Summer Infant™, meets all 3 criteria. This bouncer is JMPA Certified. It features a restraining belt over baby’s lap, to keep him snug and secure. The plush naturally colored cotton seat pad is ultra soft and ideal against baby’s sensitive skin. The pad features beautiful embroidery that is sure to attract many compliments!

The three bears which hang from the toy bar are the ideal size for baby to swat at initially and later on, grasp and explore. The bears can be removed from the toy bar for independent play. Two of the adorable bears feature a built-in rattle, which provide your baby with auditory stimulation. The third bear has a crinkle body, which will delight baby with its unique texture and sound! The toy bar is adjustable and removable. Position it towards baby for play and away from baby when he is resting. Parents can rest assured knowing that the bears are non-toxic and safe for their baby. Parents have the option of selecting 3 different melodies, two nature sounds or a womb sound to calm and soothe baby.

We distributed the bouncer to a family with a 10 week old baby, Daniel. Baby Daniel was diagnosed with colic and his parents were having a difficult time calming him down:

“The bouncer is really beautiful. The naturally colored cotton seat pad is wonderfully luxurious, ultra soft to the touch and looks exquisite with its beautiful embroidery. We were really impressed to hear that it is dye free! We had no idea that farmer can grow colored organic cotton! We were eager to let Daniel test out the bouncer. Parents of colicky babies can surely sympathize with our plight! Daniel instantly took to the bouncer and loved listening to the soothing music. The gentle vibration calmed him instantly and the 3 bears were a delightful distraction. We were able to cook dinner together while Daniel mellowed out on the bouncer! This was a first and a welcome change. The plus fabric is easy to clean, which is a huge plus for us. I would recommend this bouncer to all parents looking for an eco-friendly bouncer which keeps its promise: the soothe and comfort your baby.”

This bouncer will make a fantastic eco-friendly Baby Shower Gift. We would like to thank Summer Infant™ for sending us the Nature’s Purest™ Hug Me Collection Soothing Comfort Bouncer for this review.

*To view the full range of Summer Infant Products, please click here.

Surprise everyone at the next baby shower with an organic baby gift that is unique and eco-friendly. Bamboosa makes fluffy hooded towels, super absorbent washcloths and cozy, soft baby bamboo blankets with the health and protection of babies in mind.

Bamboo for Baby blankets and Bamboo for Baby hooded towels are gifts that will be used for years. Order a gift for the special baby you know that will provide comfort, warmth and the softest fabric against baby’s tender skin.

Did you know that Bamboo Fabric has the following properties:

*Anti-bacterial & Odor Free
Natural anti-bacterial agent makes bamboo fiber apparel odor-resistant

* Safe and Hypoallergenic
Bamboo fabric is not chemically treated preventing skin allergies and irritations

* Breathable & Cool
Bamboo clothing is highly breathable providing a cool, light texture and feel

*Absorbent & Fast Drying
Bamboo fiber micro-holes provide moisture absorption & ventilation

*Soft and Silky
Fabric from bamboo is softer than the softest cotton – similiar to silk or cashmere

*Natural & Eco-Friendly
Bamboo, a natural cellulose fiber is 100% biodegradable & grown without pesticides.

What more could you want for your new baby or the baby you want to welcome into the world? We’ll wrap your gift and include a personalized message.

*Browse our BambooBaby gift set collection here.

The BIG Bamboo Bundle!

The Big Bamboo Bundle is a collection of items from the Bamboosa BambooBaby line.
The bundle of bamboo softness and cozy comfort includes a soft hooded towel, a set of absorbent washcloths, a comfy blanket, a natural and safe crib sheet, a snug beanie and a BambooBaby tee. The Purely Natural set includes Sprout Green embroidery and is made without any fabric dye. The Big Bundle comes in four colors: Purely Natural, Pale Pink, Tahiti Blue and Sprout Green. All of the fabric and products are made here in our S.C, USA sewing plant in the USA.

PURCHASING:

*List of retailers can be found here:

*Shop online at the Bamboosa Store by clicking here

*GIVEAWAY*

BambooBaby Soapbar Gift Set 3

Congratulations Doreen H.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Bamboo fabric makes perfect sense for babies. Take a look at the unique properties of bamboo fabric (listed above) and you will quickly see how compatible it is with babies! Moms and dads will marvel at the fact that bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and the earth’s most sustainable plant; needing no replanting and grows without fertilizers or pesticides. Bamboosa has created the BambooBaby Collection, which is a beautiful, high quality, eco-friendly collection of essential products for baby.

The BIG Bamboo Bundle! arrived beautifully presented and is certain to make a show stopper at the recipients baby shower. This bundle is a wonderful starter kit! We received the the Bamboo Bundle in purely natural which is dye free and a perfect gender neutral gift. The purely natural range features beautiful embroidery, adding a stylish touch.

The washcloths, which are made from 80% Bamboo/20% Recycled Polyester/P.E.T. Terrycloth are fantastic, with a great texture for gently washing baby’s tender skin. The hooded towel is made from 80% Bamboo/20% Recycled Polyester P.E.T. Terrycloth and is magnificent! It is generously sized and very well made. Baby will love to be wrapped and gentle dried off in this hooded towel following baths. The crib sheet is silky and smooth and made from 100% Bamboo Fine Jersey. Best of all, it is odor-resistant! The blanket is made from 70% Bamboo/30% Cotton French Terry and is of a high quality and feels soft to the touch. Ideal for many uses! The beanie, made from 95% Bamboo/ 5% Lycra Rib Knit and the Tee, made from 70% Bamboo/30% Cotton Jersey, are ultra soft and silky and perfect for baby’s skin. BambooBaby products are proudly Made in the USA.

GIFT SETS FOR BABY
*BambooBaby offers a full range of beautiful gift sets which are offered in a range of price points to suit your budget. Click here to view the full collection of baby gift sets.

We have been very impressed with BambooBaby’s stylish and eco-friendly collection and hope to feature additional items from the BambooBaby collection in the future.

For more info, please visit:

www.bamboosa.com

giggle is the one-stop source for today’s new parents, offering a complete checklist of only the best products for a smarter nursery. giggle carefully edits the selection of furniture, gear, clothing, toys, bedding, baby care, and more, making sure to keep it simple, stylish and healthy. giggle helps new parents be new parents, and puts the “giggle” into parenthood.

The giggle criteria:
giggle isn’t just a baby store: it’s a new parent store. When stocking a nursery, there’s a lot to take into account, and the choices can be overwhelming. Our goal is to make your job a whole lot easier — not by offering everything out there, but by offering the best of everything out there. In other words, we’ve done the homework for you. Our collection includes all your must-have baby items, pre-sorted to include only the most stylish, healthy and innovative products available — from fun, bright bedding and furniture to gear, toys, baby care, cleaning products, and more.

Each product is carefully evaluated using the following criteria (represented by an lettered icon) and must meet at least three of them to be considered:

*BABY BASICS

*GOOD VALUE

*HEALTHY

*MULTI-STAGE

*INNOVATIVE

*EASY/SIMPLE

*PORTABLE

*SPACE SAVING/COMPACT

*RESPONSIBLE

*TESTED

To learn more about the giggle criteria, please click here.

GIRAFFE STACKER & BLANKIE GIFT SET

A giggle exclusive! We love this interactive stacking toy not only for the motor skills it helps develop, but for the fact that it’s made out of healthy organic cotton. The giraffe’s long neck serves as a base for stacking the soft, plush rings, and the head attaches with sewn-in magnets to top the whole thing off. It also comes with a coordinating blanket and gift bag, making it perfect for gift giving!

Dimensions:
*giraffe: 10.5″ h x 7.5″ w
*blanket: 13″ x 13″

Material:
*organic cotton

Includes:
*Includes a stacking toy, knitted blankie, and gift bag

Age:
*6 months and up

PURCHASING:

*In store (CA, CT, NY): www.giggle.com

*Online from the giggle store.
or call 800.495.8577

GIFT REGISTRY

Find out more about setting up a gift registry at giggle.com by clicking here.

Success Through Play™ comments:

The Giraffe Stacker & Blankie Gift Set available exclusively from giggle, arrived beautifully presented in tissue paper. Stacking rings promote eye hand coordination, grasping and motor planning skills! What sets this plush gift set apart is that it is made from Organic Cotton making it a safe choice for babies. In addition, the plush giraffe stacker has built-in magnets which helps to build confidence in babies who are just starting to acquire fine motor skills, and preventing the stacker set from toppling over and providing more stability. The giraffe’s head is oh so cute and is sure to capture your little ones heart. The giraffe’s head has a gentle sounding rattle built in an baby will have lots of fun shaking the head to elicit this sound, which will provide auditory feedback. The rings are well padded providing a firm surface for baby to grasp. The colorful stacking rings are well made and come in a shade of pleasing colors. Organic cotton toys in the past have been mono-tone and we appreciate the range of colors in this gift set. The giraffe’s arms and legs make a delightful crinkly sound when touched, providing additional auditory feedback.

The reversible blankie is of superb quality and is buttery soft on one side, with a textured surface on the other, providing wonderful tactile stimulation. A lovely drawstring bag to store both items is included for easy storage. This exceptional eco-friendly organic cotton gift set will delight and engage baby!

GIGGLE GIFT REGISTRY
*Are you expecting? Why not sign up for the gift registry at giggle.com.

GIGGLE WEBSITE:
*giggle.com has one of the most well designed and easy to navigate websites around. giggle has done all the work for you, saving you precious time.

For more info, please visit giggle.com

Blabla started in 2001, when Susan Pritchett and Florence Wetterwald, two long time friends, went to Peru. They stumbled upon entire villages of expert knitters whose talent inspired them to create their own kids line. All Blabla products are made in Peru, hand-knitted or hand-loomed.

Florence Wetterwald, co-founder of Blabla Kids:

“Knitting in Peru is a way of life, they have done it for years so men and women actually knit. In general the men do the the hand-machine knitting because it takes more strength to push the loom back and forth. The women do the hand knitting and the embroidery. The people with whom we work, either work at home or in coops. The coops we collaborate with are catholic coops. A couple of women are responsible for organizing the knitting, ordering the thread and distributing the work amongst a hundred women. So they really appreciate the regular work that we have been provided for them in the last 5 years. Also we can be very proud of our ethics,they fix their prices and most of the time we agree, unless the market just can’t bear it. We pay 50% upfront and our margins are very low, but at least we are sharing …. We also work with a couple of larger companies that basically do the same thing but on a larger scale.”

MOBILES

The charming “Farm” mobile has farm animals including pig, bunny, cow all with angel wings. The whimsical “Catch me” mobile has girl chasing dog chasing cat chasing birdie.

RATTLES

Veggie rattles include carrot, radish, cabbage, tomato, pea. Perfect for little ones to learn what’s good for them to eat…blabla rattles are irresistibly soft and sweet, perfect for little hands. The Orange cat rattle has a fish in hand, the giraffe rattle has a birdie on his back…

PURCHASING:
Blabla Kids
*International shipping is available.

*GIVEAWAY*

Hats and Booties set

*Congratulations Maura K.

To view our current list of giveaways that are open, please click here.


*Thank you BlaBla Kids!

Success Through Play™ comments:

Blabla Kids offers beautifully designed, high quality hand knitted items for babies and children which are bursting with vibrant colors. While most products for babies are still mass produced in China, Blabla Kids products sets an example by employing Peruvian workers to hand knit their gorgeous line of products. These workers are treated fairly and earn a good wage, which enables them to improve their quality of lives. Customers can feel good purchasing products which are empowering the lives of others.

The Blabla Collection includes Rattles, Mobiles, Blankets, Hats and Booties, Finger Puppets, Clothing, Backpacks and Banks and Pillow Chums in beautiful styles for boys and girls. There is something for everyone!

The Farm and Catch Me Mobile are particularly special because the animals face downwards towards baby, giving baby lots to see!

Blabla kids offers an adorable collection of animal, fruit and veggies rattles! The animal rattles will delight your baby with their unique shape, which will allow them to work on their grasping skills.

The Veggies Rattles are adorable and the perfect size for little hands. Also available is a delightful Fruit Rattle Set!

To find the perfect Baby Shower Gift, please browse the online store: www.blablakids.com

We would like to thank Blabla Kids for sending us evaluation samples for this article.

SASSY INTRODUCES TIMELESS WOODEN TOYS INSPIRED BY NATURE

Sassy introduces Earth Brights, a new line of infant development toys offering babies from birth to 24 months the warmth, comfort and pleasure of wooden toys with brightly colored and textured fabrics to see and touch, soothing scents to smell and soft sounds to hear. The multi-sensory appeal of wood naturally intrigues infants, encouraging them to use all of their senses to explore, wonder, think and discover the world. Sassy Earth Brights offers baby a unique play experience that involves all of her senses.

EARTH BRIGHTS 6 PIECE GIFT SET:

The Sassy Earth Brights six-piece gift set offers your baby a unique play experience. Each toy combines the warmth, comfort and pleasure of wood with brightly colored, textured fabrics to see and touch and soft sounds to hear. All Sassy Earth Bright toys are handcrafted using select hardwoods, brightly colored fabrics and water-based finishes. Because of their unique developmental properties, Sassy Earth Brights wooden toys will remain a special keepsake, long after your baby has grown.

SASSY EARTH BRIGHTS – TOY DESCRIPTIONS

• Wooden Dove (0 + months)

This peaceful little bird has a smooth, flat wooden body with a wing-shaped cutout that makes the toy easy for baby to grasp. Multi-textured fabric tail feathers crinkle to the touch. Colorful, knotted cords offer pleasing plumage for exploration by fingers and mouth. Shiny feet crinkle and tempt teething, too! Weighs approximately 2oz.

• See-Me Star (0 + months)

Twinkle, twinkle little star. Look baby, there you are! This textured fleece star holds a large, shatterproof mirror surrounded by soft yellow fabric. A flourish of ribbons dangles from the star and a bunch of knotty cords encourages exploration and touching. A smooth wooden ring provides the perfect handle. A soft little chime sounds with movement. Weighs approximately 2.7oz

• Mushroom Clutch Rattle (0 + months)

Made from two contrasting rich woods, this smooth mushroom-shaped rattle has a carved button top and a smooth wide stem for clutching. Wooden leaves slide back and forth across the button top and a fabric feature adds extra texture and interest. A soothing vanilla scent inspires baby’s sense of smell. Weights approximately 3.3oz

• Simply Natural Rattle (0 + months)

A softly curved wooden rattle offers a multitude of play features. Brightly colored soft fabric plumes on both ends of the rattle encourage touching and grasping. Some crinkle to the touch, others spring back when pulled. Listen to three vivid wooden beads clack together when the toy is shaken. Weighs approximately 3.1oz

• Wooden Trio (0 + months)

Three rings, three sides each – this is a triple treat for baby! Three
triangles – each painted in a different shade of water-based pigment – are held together by a flexible, twistable, turn-able, pull-able cord. Three leaves slide back and forth on one triangle, a ring spins inside another, while the third holds fabric shapes to explore by touch and sight. Weighs approximately 4.3oz

• Hexagon Rattle (0 + months)

This wooden six-sided rattle offers fun from every angle. The smooth hollowed out ring is easy to grasp and shake. Wooden rings on a center cord slide to make a pleasant clacking sound. Baby can bat at or use a tiny finger to spin the beads and slide them on the bar. A bright-colored fabric strip knotted around the rattle is great for grasping and shaking. The attachable rattle has a loop to keep it in place for on-the-go fun. Weighs approximately 3.1oz

PURCHASING:

Earth Brights from Sassy are available at Babies “R” Us and toy specialty stores. For a store near you, visit us online at www.sassybaby.com or call 1-800-323-6336.

Giveaway: Sassy Earth Brights 6-piece gift set

*Congratulations Christy W.

To view our current list of giveaways that are open, please click here.


Success Through Play™ comments:

The 6-piece Earth Brights gift set from Sassy Baby is an affordable Baby Shower Gift that offers exceptional value! Each toy is presented beautifully on an earth friendly, recycled paperboard. Each toy is designed to inspire a particular skill, for example: “inspires grasping” or “inspired touch.” and you can glance at the top right hand corner of the paperboard, to view the skill for that particular toy. The paperboard has a tree printed on it and the leaves of the tree offer toy highlights such as “shake for clickety-clack sound” thus parents can see the features at a glance. The Sassy Earth Brights Collection is”inspired by nature” and we applaud Sassy baby for creating this beautiful, eco-friendly line of toys which are non-plastic and will inspire creativity.

Play with me!
Each toy comes with a set of suggestions for how parents may want to incorporate that particular toy into play. This will particularly come in hand for new parents! You won’t see any plastic, but in it’s place, beautiful quality hardwoods which are smoothly sanded and delightful to the touch, paired with colorful textured fabrics. The 6-piece gift set includes a variety of toys which will encourage grasping skills, tactile, visual and auditory stimulation. Brightly colored water based finishes will attract and hold baby’s interest. The textured fabrics include smooth satin, fluffy, corduroy stripes, terry cloth, felt which offer baby a variety of tactile stimulation. Some of the toys include crinkly fabrics which will encourage baby to practice grasping skills while receiving auditory feedback. Some toys in this collection have cords which baby can pull on! The full collection offers baby a multi-sensory learning experience and plenty of fun!

At about 6 months of age, when your baby an sit up independently, will he really begin to explore these toys to their fullest. Please note that each toy in this collection ranges in weight from 2.0oz to 4.3oz, so we would suggest saving the heavier toys for when baby can sit up independently and has sufficient strength and coordination to play with them.

Parents tend to throw a bunch of toys in front of baby, which can easily overwhelm him. Introduce one toy at a time, to help your baby to develop attention skills. Try placing baby in a variety of positions when playing with a toy, to encourage gross motor skills. When baby is young, try side-lying when she is awake, which will draw both her arms together, helping her to explore toys. Encourage tummy time by reserving her favorite Earth Brights toy for this special time, so that baby is motivate to play and hold her head up when she is on her tummy. Get down on the floor and encourage baby to explore these toys, while moving his body!

The 6 piece Earth Brights Gift Set will make a fantastic Baby Shower Gift which will last for years to come! A 4-piece gift set is also available. Toys may also be purchased individually.

The award-winning Organic Bunch from The Baby Bunch combines a selection of super-soft, organic cotton garments with recycled paper flowers and leaves and wooden flowers for a spectacular floral presentation. The award winning “bouquet” makes a beautiful, yet practical gift for new parents.

PURCHASING:

Visit www.babybunch.com
The Baby Bunch handles US and Canada orders only.

Also available from:
*Amazon.com

Giveaway:

Congratulations Jessica M.

*To view our current list of giveaways that are open, please click here.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Are you looking for a very special Baby Shower Gift which is not only practical, but beautifully presented? Look no further than The Baby Bunch. A creative husband and wife team designed a bunch of baby clothes. It looks like a stunning floral arrangement, but this arrangement won’t wilt, because it actually consists of baby clothes rolled up to resemble flowers and presented with paper flowers and leaves!!! This gift is not only beautiful, but super functional. It’s no wonder that this “bouquet” has one an award. One of the co-founders made a recent appearance on the Martha Stewart Show.

Words can’t adequately describe how gorgeous The Baby Bunch looks in person, but trust us, this gift will be the center of attention at the Baby Shower! We applaud The Baby Bunch for offering an organic cotton option to eco-friendly moms-to-be. Organic Cotton clothing is perfect for baby’s sensitive skin and great for the environment. We challenge you to find a more modern, stylish, eco-friendly baby shower gift on the market.

We sent 2 members of our parent panel an organic baby bunch each, courtesy of The Baby Bunch. The recipients told us that The Baby Bunch was the standout gift of the day at their Baby Shower and it this gift drew all the attention!!!!

“Not only is the floral arrangement simply stunning, but I can enjoy it for weeks before I take it apart to make use of the baby clothing. I hate having to throw flowers away when they wilt, but I won’t have this problem this time! The organic clothing clothes are super-soft and luxurious and I can’t wait to put them on my baby once he’s here. I know that every pregnant woman will LOVE this baby shower gift.”

“When I opened the box, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was in awe at the beautiful Baby Bunch. What a brilliant idea!!!!! It is certainly my favorite gift that I received at my Baby Shower.”

Non organic Baby Bunches are available as well from the Baby Bunch and are packaged in your choice of a box or a bucket, for the modern mom-to-be. These bunches come in a variety of sizes and are affordably priced.

Also available are bunches for the Kitchen, Garden and Spa, so no-one is left out.

To see the full collection, please visit:
www.babybunch.com

DwellStudio™ offers products for baby, kids, and home furnishings in modern prints and patterns. DwellStudio™ has a built a solid reputation with their high quality, modern products which are well designed and visually appealing.

DwellStudio Changing Pad

*20″ X 14″
*Folds in compact size with snap closure
*PVC-Free
*PU Coated, printed nylon
*Easy to clean: Wipe with a damp cloth.
*Available in 5 prints: Gio Aqua, Gio Lemon, Transportation, Charlotte and Dots.

PURCHASING:

*DwellStudio™ products are available internationally. Click here to find a retailer in your country.
*You can also shop directly from DwellStudio™ by visiting the DwellStudio.com.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Are you looking for the perfect baby shower gift for the modern mom, who hates to be ordinary? Take a look at the changing pads from DwellStudio™.

The changing pads are well designed and are of a very high quality. Pick from 5 gorgeous prints. We love that they are PVC free, which makes them a safer choice for your baby!

They fold up beautifully, snap closed and will fit in any size diaper bag. Perfect for home use or on the go travel. These changing pads will allow mom or dad to change baby in style! They are affordably priced and will make a super Baby Shower Gift!

We distributed 2 Changing Pads, courtesy of DwellStudio™, to members of our parent panel. We received very positive feedback from both moms, who were thrilled to have found a modern changing pad, to keep up with their modern style!

“The Changing Pad is a perfect size for my newborn! It’s easy to clean and folds up into a compact size. I would recommend it to any modern mom who is looking to break away from boring and traditional changing pads. I received so many compliments and all my friends wanted to know who the designer was!”

“The changing pad that came with my designer diaper bag was made from PVC, so I was determined to find an eco-friendly replacement. I was so pleased to receive the DwellStudio Changing Pad which cleans like a dream and is very easy to maintain. I am the type of mom who doesn’t like to follow the pack and was excited to find this changing pad which has a refreshingly modern pattern. I no longer have to sacrifice my personal style just because I have had a baby! Thank you DwellStudio!”

Made by Angie baby wipe containers are handmade in Chicago using fine materials and lots of attention to detail. Each plastic baby wipe container arrives to the customer with 16 pre-folded Huggies wipes. The container is delicately wrapped with a coordinating colored grosgrain ribbon tied with a Made by Angie tag attached. The cases are padded, then covered with one of 70+ different available fun and funky cotton fabrics and trimmed with a braided edging.

Angie:
“The containers are made in Chicago, by myself and an organization called CARC.
CARC employs developmentally disabled people who excel in different aspects of the production line. It’s a winning arrangement for both of us. I feel great about the work that’s being done and they are dedicated to a project that keeps them employed and happy! For more information about this organization, please visit CARC’s website.”

PURCHASING:
Retailers are both online and brick & mortar stores. Available internationally. Click here to find a store near you.

You can purchase wipes containers directly from the company site by clicking here.
International shipping is available.

*GIVEAWAY*
Congratulations to Becky S.

To view our current list of giveaways that are open, please click here.

Success Through Play™ comments:
We are excited to kick off the Baby Shower Gifts Part I Segment with a fantastic company called “Made by Angie” which produces gorgeous hand made wipes containers that are stylish and functional!

Diaper duty is a messy job! Angie has figured out a way to allow moms to do diaper duty in style while having fun! With the Made by Angie wipes container you will be proud to whip out your Baby Wipe Container in public! We must warn you to be prepared to receive plenty of positive attention! The wipe containers are available in a range of beautiful prints (pick from gender neutrals, boys and girl prints). The choices are endless and there is a print to suit every mom.

You may want to coordinate with your favorite diaper bag or pick a contrasting style, whichever you prefer. Once thing that is certain is that the recipient is sure to love her unique and stylish gift. Each wipes case arrives beautifully packaged with a ribbon and tag and is filled with wipes and ready to use. Each wipes container is hand made and the high quality finishes will impress you. Not heading to any baby showers in the near future, but looking to update your style? Treat yourself to a fresh, new wipes case to complete your look.

We commend Made By Angie for choosing to make their products in the USA and for working together with CARC and embracing supportive employment. We have experienced outstanding customer service from Made by Angie and know that you will be pleased with your purchases.

www.madebyangie.com
…clean up in style