During the month of January 2008, we highlighted products that make our lives easier. Here is a re-cap with links, to the articles that we published.

*The Laptop Lunch System

*Walking Wings

*Giveaway: Boob® Designer Nursing Apparel

*Clean Air Odor-Free™ Diaper Disposal by The First Years

*Babeebrite™

*Wahmies™ Bamboo Breast Pads

*NasalClear®

*Heartstrings CD

*Baby 411 & Toddler 411

*MORNINGWELL™: Sound Relief for the Symptoms of Morning Sickness

*6WayDress from Fertile Mind

What can you look forward to next month? During the month of February 2008, we will bring you “Baby Shower Gift Ideas Part I.” We have something for every budget and taste that is sure to wow the recipient at the Baby Shower. Look out for giveaways throughout February 2008.

MorningWell™ is a unique audio program proven to deal with the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It has been created using a blend of music and other audio signals placed on a CD for portability and convenience. When used in accordance with the enclosed simple instruction set, the program produces results that nothing else has matched. The great thing about MorningWell is that it can be used at any time, in any place, and because there is no need to lie down whilst using the program, prospective mothers can enjoy their pregnancy and go about their everyday activities too. MorningWell™ is Safe – 100% drug free. MorningWell™ is not a hypnosis or relaxation product, neither does it contain subliminal messages.

In research run by the National Health Service their own statistics revealed that using the program to combat symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) over 90% of those who used the product derived a benefit from it’s use in either reduction or cessation of symptoms. The results in full are online at www.morningwell.co.uk. The program has also been clinically trialled by the MRC Spatial Disorientation Group, Imperial College School of Medicine, London. There findings were so conclusive their published paper which is listed with the national library of medicines (USA) quotes the product as providing significant protection against motion sickness. It is sold in the branded format of nevasic (www.nevasic.com)-but it is the same program. The program is listed as a class 1 medical device in the UK and the USA. Please note that this is NOT a hypnosis product and it does NOT contain subliminal messages.

PURCHASING:

USA:

*www.morningsicknesshelp.com

*www.nausea-relief.com

*www.morningsicknessrelief.com

Australia:

*www.morningwell.com.au

Japan:

*www.tsuwari.com

UK:

*www.nctms.co.uk

*www.mothersbliss.co.uk

*www.mumstheword.com

Europe and other:

*www.morningwell.co.uk

*www.nevasic.com

Success Through Play™ comments:

We have experienced outstanding customer service from DAVAL Ltd who have demonstrated the utmost professionalism throughout our contact with them. Morning sickness affects many pregnant women and in fact can occur at any time during the day or night. A recent study has demonstrated that women who experience morning sickness may in fact have some protection against breast cancer later in life. Click here to read the report. That being said, morning sickness disrupts your daily schedule and can leave you drained, exhausted and feeling very down. Everyone has a suggestion for how to reduce morning sickness but how many are based on scientific studies?

MORNINGWELL™ is a revolutionary audio program which research studies have shown to ease or stop Morning Sickness. This program is 100% drug free! Instructions for using MORNINGWELL™ can be found in the leaflet which is enclosed within the front cover of the CD.

Please take a few minutes to review the instructions carefully. Headphones MUST be worn when listening to the audio program.

1. “Wearing headphones is the best way to get the program to the individual who needs it without too much outside interference detracting from the program own ability to have an effect. If you appreciate how this programme works you will understand it is working through the medium of sound on two of what we believe are very strong emetic receptor/emitters (the ears) and producing the desired effect on the symptoms of nausea and or vomiting the user is suffering.”

2. “When played through normal “ambient” speakers there will frequently be other individuals in the vicinity who are not suffering symptoms of nausea or vomiting who will be receiving the same anti emetic signals that go to work on the process of nausea and vomiting in the same way as the user requiring the program to combat symptoms.”

Bottom Line: Wear your headphones!

How can an audio program be so effective in reducing Morning Sickness?

The following paragraph was taken from this published report.

“The MorningWell™ Audio Program was developed over a number of years, working on the physiology of emesis; there is a recognized correlation between the brain, the vestibular system, and the gut. The audio tape was devised to react on the vestibular system in such a way that it interrupted the emesis signals to the gut and stopped the sickness. The frequencies and pulses are bordering on our recognizable audio spectrum, but still have a profound effect on the ear. The music overlaying the sounds just makes for more pleasurable listening. It has to be used with a personal stereo.”

We were impressed with the research behind this product and eager to send the CD’s off to 2 pregnant women in our panel who were in their first trimester and experiencing the dreaded morning sickness.

“I have tried everything! Crackers, eating small meals, sniffing lemons but the morning sickness continues and let me tell you, it can occur at any time during the day or night. I have a senior position at a law firm and my morning sickness is definitely affecting my job. HELP!”

The 2nd mom to be told us:

” I have a very active 2 year old toddler to run after. I am exhausted!! Morning Sickness is making it difficult for me to be an energetic and sensitive mom. I hardly experienced any morning sickness with my first, but this second pregnancy is very different.”

The 2 moms in our panel were under close prenatal care and were not suffering from HG (please see below). We reviewed the MORNINGWELL™ instructions with them, to ensure that they followed the guidelines outlined in the leaflet. Both women wore a headset whenever they listened to the program.

We checked back with the moms a few weeks later and here are some of their comments.

“I will be honest and tell you that I didn’t think that this audio CD would work. I was a skeptic. Let me tell you that IT WORKED FOR ME. I want to hug the inventor!!! I used the MORNINGWELL™ PROGRAM as directed and almost immediately started noticing a dramatic reduction in my nausea and vomiting. It’s is amazing considering it’s drug free. I can’t begin to describe how awful morning sickness is. I thought that it would never end and that I would always feel this way. Thank you for helping to virtually eliminate my morning sickness. I am in awe. Thank you.”

“My doctor had suggested that I consider taking anti-nausea drugs, but I wanted to try an alternative option. I am so pleased that I held out because the MORNINGWELL™ PROGRAM did not disappoint. It helped to reduce my morning sickness considerably and now I only experience very mild nausea occasionally. I would highly recommend this drug-free to product to moms-to-be. It’s fantastic!!!!

We applaud DAVAL for supporting the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) with a 50p donation raised from the purchase of every MORNINGWELL™ PROGRAM. We would like to thank DAVAL for sending us 2 Evaluation Samples of the MORNINGWELL™ PROGRAM for this review.

CAUTION:
Extreme Morning Sickness is called Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and can be very dangerous. It is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and warrants immediately medical attention and often hospitalization. If morning sickness persists please consult your health care provider immediately. To read more about HG, please click here.

AUTHORS:

Denise Fields is a well known consumer advocate. Together with her husband, Alan Fields, she has written a number of critically acclaimed best-selling titles for consumers including: Bridal Bargains, Your New House, Baby Bargains and Toddler Bargains. She is a seasoned media veteran who has been widely quoted in the New Year Times and Wall Street Journal. Denise earned a BA from the University of Colorado. She is a mother of 2 children, and lives with them and her husband in Boulder, Colorado.

Ari Brown, M.D., FAAP, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in child development. After receiving her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, she completed her pediatric residency at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital. She performed additional fellowship training in developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Brown is Board Certified and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She entered private practice in 1995 and is a partner at Capital Pediatric Group in Austin, Texas. Dr. Brown is a child health advocate and actively participates in local and national medical organizations. She has received several awards, including “Outstanding Young Professional” by her university’s alumni association and the “Profiles in Power Award” by the Austin Business Journal for her professional excellence and community service. In 2004, Dr. Brown was voted Austin’s favorite pediatrician. Dr. Brown is an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Texas Medical Association. She has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, and is a frequent contributor to numerous parenting magazines. Dr. Brown is married and is the mother of two children and one Jack Russell Terrier. She lives in Austin, Texas.

BABY 411 Description:

You are having a baby! Congratulations! Now, the reality hits you—what the heck am I doing? What if you could bottle the wisdom of all those parents who’ve come before you . . . and combine it with solid medical advice from an award-winning pediatrician? Baby 411 is the answer! Think of it as the ultimate FAQ for new parents.

Inside you’ll learn:

• How to pick a pediatrician with detailed questions to ask and insider tips.

• The latest scoop on hot topics like cord blood banking, optional newborn screening, the vaccine/autism debate and more!

• The truth about “old wives tales” and Internet rumors—how to separate medical fact from fiction online!

• Detailed nutrition info with a step-by-step guide for successful breastfeeding, introducing solid food and the “new and improved” formulas.

• Sleep. The best way to get your baby to sleep through the night.

• The top web sites to find the most reliable medical info for your baby

TODDLER 411 Description:

You’ve made it! Your baby is has turned one! Now the real fun begins. From temper tantrums to toilet training, raising a toddler brings its own set of challenges and questions — and Toddler 411 has the answers. Following on the heels of the best-seller Baby 411, Toddler 411 bottles the wisdom of parents who’ve “been there, done that” . . . and combines it with the solid medical advice from an award-winning pediatrician. Inside, you’ll learn:

• The truth about the The Terrible Twos—and how to raise a well-behaved child without going insane.

• Picky Eaters—learn how to cope . . . and convince your child to eat something besides Goldfish crackers.

• Toilet train your toddler in just one day. No, that’s not a typo—learn the Zen of Toilet Training, when to start and how to make it work.

• What’s normal—and what’s not when it comes to your toddler’s growth and development.

• Simple steps and smart advice to avoid environmental hazards.

• The most up-to-date, evidence-based health info for you and your toddler.

PURCHASING:
Click here.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Denise Fields and Ari Brown, M.D. have teamed up to write 2 outstanding books: Baby 411 and Toddler 411, weighing in at over 1.7 pounds EACH. It’s seldom when we state that any product is a must have, but in this case, we have to say that these 2 books are must haves!!!!!! Ari Brown, M.D. has a strong background in developmental and behavioral pediatrics and completed her pediatric residency at the renowned Children’s Hospital in Boston, under the auspices of legendary pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton. Both books feature a series of 8 fun icons throughout which represent:

*Helpful Hint

*Reality Check

*Bottom Line (Summarizes the Key Facts)

*Red Flags (Signs/symptoms that need immediate medical attention)

*Feedback from the Real World (experienced parents tell it like it is)

*Old Wives Tale (Put common myths to rest and learn the truth)

*Insider Secrets

*New Parent 411

These icons will help sleep deprived parents scan through the information with ease. The authors have a unique way of making the reader feel like he/she is receiving advice from a trusted friend. We had a difficult time putting the book down. You will be amazed at the amount of valuable information that is shared between the pages and clearly in awe of the authors who have successfully managed to write a book which is easy to understand, clearly written and covers the full gamut of topics that any parent will want to learn more about when caring for their baby during the first year of his life and from one year and up. These are the books that you will turn to first, so keep them close by.

Baby 411

Baby 411 will equip you with skills which will empower you as parents and help you make educated and informed decisions about caring for your baby during the first year of life. This comprehensive book consists of 15 Chapters which are packed with essential information and can be easily referenced via the outstanding Table of Contents and Index. Baby 411 covers topics which begin with how to prepare for your baby and spans over the first year of your baby’s life.

We highly recommend that you purchase this book during your second trimester to allow adequate times to get through the book. Did you know that the best time to select a medical provider for your baby is when you are pregnant? The authors will give you advice about how to select a medical provider for your baby and weigh in on hot topics such as circumcision and blood cord banking. Well baby and sick baby visits will be discussed at length and parents will receive a primer in newborn screenings and tests once baby is born.

Page 66 (Chapter 3) has a super Feeding and Elimination Table where parents can simply circle feeding times and elimination patterns, and have a record to show their pediatrician. Goals are provided so that parents know what to expect. Baby 411 is very pro-breastfeeding and we applaud the authors for encouraging moms to give breastfeeding a try. Moms will learn insider tips that will go a long way towards motivating them to continue to persevere as along as possible.

Chapter 8 addresses “The other end” and parents will learn all about poop, urine, and the importance of fiber. Information about introducing solids and an overview of nutrition are covered and parents will appreciate the easy to follow tables and charts which will help parents to “digest” the information. Chapter 10 addresses development and we were most impressed with the content of this chapter. Ari Brown, M.D. gives an excellent overview of development, discusses ways to stimulate your baby’s development and how you can keep track of it.

Baby 411 hasn’t left anything out! Parents will learn all about the important topic of sleep, where you will learn how many hours of sleep your baby needs at various stages throughout his first year and the best way to get him to sleep through the night. Common infections, diseases and first aid are addressed in the final 3 chapters.

Toddler 411.
Toddler 411 continues where Baby 411 left off! Now that your toddler is on the move and interacting with others little tikes, he will surely be catching all the common bugs that the other kids have and this will no doubt give rise to many questions. Learn about the common types of illnesses that toddlers catch and what you can do when they catch them. Parents will learn how to make nutritious foods fun and appealing to toddlers. The topic of tantrums and discipline is addressed and if you follow this advice and are consistent, the odds are that you won’t be calling Super Nanny in a few years time! Suggestions and advice for potty training your toddler are given which will help your toddler to master this important milestone. This book will provide you with the tools to tackle the Toddler Years head on and come out shining.

Baby 411 and Toddler 411 are precious treasures that are worth their weight in gold and we commend the authors for producing this outstanding series. Together with regular well baby and sick visits, Baby 411 and Toddler 411 will enable you to care for your baby and toddler and ensure that they thrive.

Editions:

We strongly advise you to buy the latest edition of each book, in order to equip yourself with the most current medical advise and recommendations. In addition, consult Dr. Brown’s latest Baby 411 blog to keep up to date with the latest news in infant health.

To view the full range of books available from Windsor Press Peak, please click here

Sound Beginning, LLC provides prenatal music therapy and music therapy-assisted childbirth services in the metro Phoenix area. Along with providing personalized prenatal music programs and doula services for clients, our mission also includes developing products to motivate and encourage positive and healthy families. About 5 years ago, we recognized the need for pregnancy support beyond typical medical care. Our clients believed our programs of music and visualizations enhanced their pregnancy and birth preparation.

Sally Niles, MT-BC has 25 years experience working as a Board Certified Music Therapist in the Phoenix area. She has worked with children, adults, and families providing music therapy / education and wellness programs. Sally is qualified in Pre- and Perinatal Music Therapy-Assisted Childbirth, in addition to being a Birth Doula. She has been a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University since 1995. Sally and her husband have been married for over 23 years and have three children.

Stephanie Bianchi, MT-BC is a teacher, composer, and Board-Certified Music Therapist. She has worked with a variety of clientele in Phoenix for over 10 years. Her extensive background in music and radio includes composing music for television, film, and video projects, and providing voice over talent for local and national commercials, children’s educational programs, and two radio shows. Stephanie resides in Scottsdale.

HEARTSTRINGS: VISUALIZATIONS FOR PREGNANCY CD.

Heartstrings: Visualizations for Pregnancy contains a series of guided visualizations set to music as well as non-musical positive affirmations. Based on researched and proven music therapy methods, the CD can help mothers

*Develop first connections of love and trust with unborn baby
*Relax and reduce stress during pregnancy
*Align and strengthen the mind-body connection
*Build courage, confidence, and strength
*Change reaction to pain during labor and delivery

PURCHASING:

Heartstrings: Visualizations for Pregnancy can be purchased at:
Amazon.com

For wholesale orders, please contact Sally or Stephanie directly at SoundBeginning.com.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life-filled with joy, happiness and excitement. Along with joy will inevitably come some anxiety about pregnancy and birth and this is where Heartstrings: Visualizations for Pregnancy can help. This special CD features soothing background music to relax your body and mind. Visualizations and affirmations guide you into a calm state where you can feel free of anxiety and worry. The mom-to-be can strengthen her bond with her baby and create positive thoughts by listening to the CD on a regular basis.

We sent this CD out to several pregnant women around the world for feedback.

“I am 32 weeks along and am starting to get anxious thinking about the birth. I was eager to try the Heartstrings CD and am so thankful that I did. I set aside a few minutes in the morning, when I wake up and a few minutes in the evening, before I fall asleep to listen to the CD. This CD helps me to have a positive attitude throughout the day and fall asleep quickly at night. I really like the soothing background music and powerful affirmations which I repeat to myself throughout the day. I am feeling empowered and am now excited about the birth. Thank you!”

“I am 12 weeks along and have many concerns about this pregnancy, especially since it’s my first. I have never tried visualizations before and was interested to begin. The instructor has a wonderful tone of voice; I am able to follow the visualizations with ease and I am amazed and how relaxed my entire body feels after completing them. I am starting to really bond with my baby as a result of hearing the beautiful affirmations in the CD. I will recommend this CD to all of my friends.”

“I listened to the Heartstrings CD during the last few weeks of my pregnancy and throughout my labor. I was able to labor and give birth without any medication and I believe that the Heartstrings CD played a part in this. I also credit my birth ball and my waterbirth! I listened to the CD diligently throughout labor and I was able to relax my body, just like I did during the last few weeks of pregnancy. I would recommend this CD to all pregnant women.”

Success Through Play™ would like to thank Sound Beginning, LLC for sending us several CD’s for this review.

BébéSounds® is a division of Unisar Inc., a manufacturer and importer of consumer electronics founded in 1991. The BébéSounds® division was created in 1997 and is dedicated to juvenile products and identifying and creating unique and innovative products for you as a mother-to-be or a new mother.

NasalClear® Aspirator

*Clear stuffy noses FAST!
*Battery operation lets you control the suction-you maintain the suction or release it as needed
*Helps baby breathe more easily
*Soft flexible, silicone tips make it gentle, comfortable, and safe enough for even a newborn
*Two different shaped silicone tips accommodate different nostril shapes and types of congestion
*Clear plastic collection cup helps you evaluate your baby’s level of congestion *Plays 12 children’s tunes to help distract your baby
*Comes apart for easy and thorough cleaning (dishwasher safe)

PURCHASING:

Use the drop down menu to locate in your area.

Success Through Play™ comments:

A baby is unable to blow his nose when he has a cold or is congested. There are times when mom and dad may need to help clear mucous from his nose and thus the bulb syringe was invented. BebeSounds® has invented a high tech, modern day automatic Nasal Aspirator called the NasalClear®, which boasts several innovative features that many parents feel offer an improvement over the traditional bulb syringe. The NasalClear® Nasal Aspirator includes 2 different shaped silicone tips, 1 aspirator based, a storage bag and an instruction manual. It requires 2 AA Alkaline Batteries. When your baby has a cold or has nasal congestion, gently and safely removing the mucous can help your baby to breathe, sleep and feed more easily. Your baby’s doctor may recommend using saline drops prior to using this or any other device for removing nasal mucous, which can help to loosen the mucous and make suctioning more effective.

The NasalClear® Nasal Aspirator is different from a traditional bulb syringe in 2 ways. First it’s battery operated and all a parent needs to do it position the device correctly, hit a button and the mucous is gently extracted from your baby’s nose. Secondly, you have the option to play music, which serves to distract your baby from the task at hand. This product may be particularly useful for caregivers who have arthritis, multiple sclerosis or have reduced dexterity, because it simply involves holding the device (built up handle) and pushing a button vs a traditional bulb syringe which involves a more complicated series of coordinated motions.

We sent the NasalClear® Nasal Aspirator to Jennifer, a 2nd time mom of a 8 week old baby, Roman. Roman had caught a cold from his older sister who had joined a new playgroup and mom and dad wanted to help baby Roman to feel more comfortable. Up until now, Jennifer and her husband had been using a standard bulb syringe to remove mucous from Roman’s nose, as needed.

“Roman puts up a huge fight when we do use the Bulb Syringe. He seems very fearful of it. Now that my older daughter has joined a playgroup, she is inevitably picking up colds from the other kids. Thus, I was eager to try something different. I was impressed with the appearance of the NasalClear® and very excited to read in the manual that the device can play 12 tunes to distract your baby. As it turned out, Roman was very congested the week that I received the sample. My husband and I placed Saline Drops (per our doc’s recommendation) prior to using the device. We then activated the music and Roman started smiling as he listened to the tunes. We positioned him correctly and gently inserted the silicone tip and hit a button and in an instant, his mucous was gone! We couldn’t believe how simple it was. Roman was so focused on the lovely music, that he didn’t seem to notice the device and didn’t resist at all. This is great product to have and for the first time I can honestly say that I won’t be dreading the inevitable colds that are certain to fall upon Roman, because I will be armed with the NasalClear® should he need it. Thank you BebeSounds®!”

Please be cautious when using this or any other device with your baby. Read the instructional manual carefully and use as directed. If you baby’s cold/congestion does not clear up and if she presents with other symptoms including a fever, please consult a doctor immediately.

WAHMies™ stands for Work at Home Moms (Mommies). We carry a variety of products made for Moms by Moms that would like to stay home with their children. These Mom made products are made with the goal of making the cloth diapering journey easy and super fun for all different types of families.

Wahmies™ offers many other products for all different types of families. The Wahmies™ Bamboo Mama Pads are well liked by Moms once their system starts returning to a normal cycle after baby and offer the same great features and benefits as the Bamboo Breastpads. Wahmies™ fun prints wetbags are a wonderfully stylish addition to any diaperbag, purse or pocket and can be used for many things including diapers and wet swim suits. The pail liners are amazing for those soiled diapers keeping the stinkies contained. Wahmies has created a one size microfiber insert which fits most cloth diapers and coming very soon, a new and exciting Wahmies™ One Size Pocket Diaper!

BAMBOO BREAST PADS:

Made from one layer of super absorbent soft Bamboo terry and one layer of luxurious feeling Bamboo velour, the Wahmies™ Bamboo Breast Pads are perfect for even the most delicate skin! They are completely REVERSIBLE – you choose what side you want against your body and they come in natural undyed bamboo fabric. Five inches in diameter is perfect to cover most bra cup sizes.

Why does Wahmies™ choose to use Bamboo?:

– Bamboo has been praised as the natural green, eco-friendly textile material of the 21st Century”.
– Bamboo thrives naturally without the use of pesticides.
– It is a natural cellulose fibre which is converted into yarns without the addition of chemicals, and is 100% biodegradable in soil by micro-organism and sunshine, causing no pollution to the environment.
– The unique make-up of the ‘Bamboo’ fibre, whose cross section is filled with various micro-gaps and micro-holes gives it a moisture absorption rate three times that of Cotton.
– Bamboo fibre is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti static.
– Its natural antibiosis function keeps bacterium away so that it won’t produce bad odors.
– The Bamboo towels have an ultra-soft feel on sensitive skin, yet own a high abrasion-proof capacity, making them extremely durable and hard wearing
– Bamboo fabric is made from moso bamboo, not the species of bamboo eaten by pandas!

Bamboo fabric absorbs 60% more than similar weight cotton fabrics and it is naturally antibacterial. It’s more hygienic and healthier for your skin! For sensitive and allergy prone skin bamboo is a wonderful choice. Bamboo’s natural breathability keeps your skin comfortable and feeling dry longer. The fabric even feels cool to the touch. Bamboo thrives naturally without using any pesticides and fertilizers and is 100% biodegradable.

Caring for your Bamboo Breast Pads

The bamboo pads come to you straight from the Loom and it is essential that they are laundered before use, as they have not been subjected to any wet processes such as scouring, bleaching or dyeing after weaving. Careful handling needs to be taken with your *new* Bamboo pads to prevent snagging of the loops (broken finger nails, rings, zips etc.) prior to its first laundering, when the slight amount of shrinkage that takes place binds the loops more firmly into the cloth, making them ready for service. There are a few simple steps to follow:

1. Place the bamboo pads in a washing bag prior to its first laundering.
2. Launder the pads in lukewarm water on delicate wash with like colors and thoroughly rinse.
3. Tumble dry no or low to medium heat setting.
4. We do not recommend the use of fabric softeners as they tend to block the micro-gaps in the fibers leading to reduced absorbency.

How many pairs should I buy?

This is a difficult question to answer as each mother has different needs. Some mothers experience leaking before their baby is born and need to use breast pads then. Some leak ounces of milk at a time and some don’t leak at all. To be prepared, we would suggest 5 or 6 pair to start. This should be enough for a Mom that leaks an average amount when her milk comes in. She may need to add to her collection as her body gets used to the beautiful baby or she may be just fine with these starters.

PURCHASING:

USA and international readers please click here to locate a store in your area.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Wahmies™ products are made by moms for moms and we applaud Wahmies™ for empowering stay at home moms to be able to earn a living while staying home to take care of their children; the most important job on earth! Bamboo Breast/Nursing Pads make perfect sense! Bamboo, with it’s unique properties including offering superior absorbability, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and its ability to keep your body at a comfortable temperature, make it the ideal choice for breast pads. Washable breast pads will save both your bank account and the environment.

We were delighted to distribute the Wahmies™ Bamboo Breast Pads to nursing moms in our panel.

“Up until now, I had been using disposable breast pads. It never occurred to me to give washable pads a try, let alone bamboo fabric, which I have never heard of before. The bamboo breast pads from Wahmies™ are really soft and feel great against my tender skin. I am so impressed with the bamboo material and am now hooked on bamboo fabric! These breast pads are much more comfortable compared to disposable and I would recommend them to all nursing moms. I am never going back to disposable! The bamboo breast pads are machine washable (in a separate wash bag) and I thrilled to be saving money and easing the strain on the environment.”

Additional comments:

“We have bamboo flooring throughout our house but I will admit that I had no idea that bamboo fabric existed. I was surprised at how soft the fabric is and how wonderful it feels against my skin. The Bamboo Breast Pads from Wahmies™ are the most luxurious breast pads that I have tried and I can attest to how absorbable they are. Invest in several pairs which will carry you through the initial months when leaking is most common. Thank you Wahmies™.”

Success Through Play™ would like to thank Wahmies™ for sending us a box of evaluation samples for this review. To view the full range of products that Wahmies™ offers, please visit:

www.Wahmies.com

Rachel Quittner from Mommy Be Happy:

“The babeebrite™ was invented by my husband while working as a police officer. As he wrote someone a ticket one night with a flashlight beneath one arm, he dropped the light, which broke, leaving him in an awkward position. Thus quiqlite was born! This light is mainly used in the pockets of military, police & EMTs, giving them a “hands-free light source” so they can do their jobs more safely. I found myself always “borrowing” his light to take care of our three boys (as babies & toddlers). I quickly realized the multiple uses and the benefit to parents and developed Babeebrite™.

FEATURES:

Babeebrite™ is an absolute necessity to help assist with all nighttime duties. This ultimate light source is designed to ease everything that requires the use of both hands!

Babeebrite™ not only clips onto your shirt or shirt pocket, it also clips onto any surface up to 1 inch thick such as cribs, mobiles, rocking chairs and diaper bags. Babeebrite™ is also an excellent tool for timing breastfeeding, with its automatic on/off 7-minute timer (this also helps preserve the battery life for sleep-deprived moms!) This innovative light source also features an adjustable 90-degree arm and most importantly, Babeebrite™ does not affect yours or the baby’s night vision.

Here are just a few of the many ways Mommies and Daddies put Babeebrite™ to use:

* Diaper changes
* Administering medicine
* Making formula
* Bottle and Breastfeeding
* Searching for a pacifier

Additional Uses:
This light is also a super reading light for children & adults. With its built in 7 minute timer, it falls asleep with the child who is reading…preserving the battery life! Batteries are included and they last approx 60hrs….LED will never burn out (over 1,000,000 hours).

PURCHASING

Please click here.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Winner of an iParenting Media Award, the Babeebrite™ is an innovative, highly versatile product that will make your life easier! Many experts in the field of child development agree that establishing a day and night routine as soon as possible can help your newborn thrive. The simplest way to accomplish this is to keep the lights off during the night and to use minimum light during nighttime feedings and diaper changes so that your baby begins to distinguish between day and night.

Baby will soon learn that during the night, things are quiet, calm and dimly lit and that this is the not the time to play! The Babeebrite™ is ideally suited for establishing a night routine, because when tending to babies needs, mom or dad can simply clip on the babeebrite instead of turning on bright lights and the light source can be directed towards the task, with the innovative adjustable arm, without lighting up the entire room. The clip on feature allows you to have both hands free which every sleep deprived new parent will greatly appreciate. The babeebrite™ is very lightweight and will fit in your pocket which makes traveling with it a breeze.

We distributed babeebrites™ to members of our parents panel who had all recently welcomed a baby into their lives.

“The light is great! It’s easy to clip onto things. It’s easy to travel with. It’s easy to turn off and on, and it provides just enough light without being disruptive at night. It’s great for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, and it also makes a great reading light.”

“I use the babeebrite™ at night when I am nursing my daughter. I have a stash of magazines that I flip through, and can quickly move the adjustable arm to check on my daughter within seconds. I wish that the babeebrite™ had been available with my first 2 babies! What a brilliant idea.”

“The babeebrite™ is awesome! It clips onto any surface up to 1 inch and I have used it to search for something in my diaper bag at night, check on my baby in his crib and even for night time reading, all while avoiding having to turn on the main lights. The babeebrite™ has a lovely soft glow that is bright enough to allow your to clearly do your task without being blinding! As a first time mum, I tend to be anxious about things and makes notes and check my watch as many times as possible! Since the Babeebrite™ turns off automatically after 7 mins, I use this guide when I am breastfeeding. I usually feed him for 15 minutes on each side and instead of having to rely on my watch, I am sit back and relax because I have the babeebrite™ to keep track for me.

“We have been fighting over the babeebrite at our house! My husband has found so many uses for it, I find it invaluable during night time feedings and diaper changes and my 6 your old daughter loves it for reading before bed. We will need to buy several of these because they are so useful.”

Success Through Play™ would like to thank Mommy Be Happy for sending us several Evaluation Samples of the Babeebrite™ for this article.

To learn more, please visit:

www.mommybeehappy.com

The First Years understands what matters most to parents is keeping their children healthy, happy and safe. We listen to parents to help us develop innovative products for every stage of their child’s development.

The Clean Air Odor-Free™ Diaper Disposal is the most advanced diaper disposal system available to parents. Don’t settle for just trapping odors –Clean Air is engineered to eliminate them!

Product Demo
Click here.

Key Features:
*Unique carbon filter/fan system traps and neutralizes odors

*Uses standard kitchen trash bags

*Auto-cycle fan is ultra quiet

*Holds up to 40 diapers (newborn)

*First filter included; Requires 4 D-cell batteries, not included (filter and battery life approx. 90
days)

PURCHASING:
Click here and enter zip code for Where to Buy

Success Through Play™ comments:

The Clean Air Odor-Free™ Diaper Disposal from The First Years is an innovative Diaper Disposal which features a carbon filter/fan system which neutralizes odors and will keep your nursery smelling poop free! The fan cycles every 10 minutes and when you open and close the lid and is constantly working hard to trap odors AND eliminate them. Each carbon filter will need to be changed approximately every 90 days and uses 4-D cell batteries.

The Diaper Disposal accepts Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, so there is no need to buy expensive bags with this diaper disposal. No pushing or plunging of a dirty diaper is necessary with the Diaper Disposal which will appeal to all parents (see demo for details!).

The Clean Air Odor-Free™ Diaper Disposal arrives with a detailed instruction manual complete with diagrams, which includes an excellent troubleshooting guide.

Several months ago, we distributed 2 Clean Air Odor Free™ Diaper Disposal to local families in our area who were dissatisfied with other well known Diaper Pails which had failed to do their job.

Parents reported that they were able to assemble the Diaper Disposal with the aid of the instruction manual and they especially appreciated the outstanding “Troubleshooting Guide” which addressed their concerns.

“The Clean Air Odor-Free™ Diaper Disposal has a small learning curve, but after the initial few days we were able to use it with ease. This is our 4th baby and we can tell you from experience that we have tried every other diaper pail on the market and the Clean Air Odor-Free™ Diaper Disposal wins the award for being Odor-Free! We are both very sensitive to smells, particularly poop smells and this Diaper Pail has been a godsend. I was dreading having to deal with diapers, yet again, but this Diaper Pail has genuinely made it a pleasure. A fairly loud noise is generated when you close the lid, but since the system eliminates Diaper Odors, we feel that it’s a small sacrifice for having the best smelling nursery in the USA!”

The 2nd family had equally positive remarks:

“I really love how this Diaper Disposal uses regular Tall Kitchen bags, which means that we save moneyh and always have bags readily available. Family and friends walk into our nursery and are amazed at how the nursery doesn’t smell! We couldn’t be happier. Yes this Diaper Disposal requires batteries and filters, but it really is worth it in the end. To have our home smelling clean and poop free is fantastic.”

Success Through Play™ would like to thank Learning Curve for sending us Evaluation Samples for this review.

To learn more, please visit:

www.learningcurve.com

Boob® Maternity & Nursing Wear from Sweden features innovative designs and stylish silhouettes for moms and moms-to-be. The garments are made with soft, comfortable fabrics with a hint of Lycra to allow for a perfect fit. With an exceptional fit and stylish design, Boob® Maternity & Nursing Wear will take you from a small bump to a big belly, and back again!

All Boob® Nursing tops and dresses feature a double layer of fabric over the bust so that an overlapping opening is formed. The opening is simply pushed aside with one hand, making nursing comfortable and discreet.

From the current line of Boob® Nursing Apparel:

Nursing Top long sleeve – this best-selling top is made of cotton and a touch of Lycra for a smooth fit. It is a great basic that goes perfectly with jeans, chinos, or layered under a blazer or cardigan.

Nursing Top short sleeve – another great-seller, this top will go with everything in your closet, and comes in several colors.

B Warmer – this long sleeve top is designed to keep the breasts warm. The outer layer has a lining of warming fleece.

Nursing Tunic V Neck – With a flattering v-neck and slight rouching detail at the shoulders this pretty top will keep you in style while still being able to nurse your baby.

PURCHASING

Please visit www.boobdesign.com and click on Store Locator.

Give-Away
Enter to win fabulous nursing wear from Boobs® Summer 2008 line. Click here for details.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Boob is the new designer line of Nursing Apparel from Sweden that will change the way that you think of nursing clothing forever. Gone are the bulky, uncomfortable and frumpish nursing outfits that are difficult to access and scream to the world that you are nursing. Boob® boasts a gorgeous line of designer apparel that just happen to be nursing wear!

The biggest draw is that the Boob® Nursing wear features a patented design which is unlike any other breastfeeding line that we have seen before. The unique design allows moms to simply push apart the overlapping fabric for discreet nursing, without having to bare their tummy or any other body part to the harsh elements or the world! In fact, Boob® was created by Mia Seipel, after witnessing her sister nurse in a park in Stockholm on a freezing cold day, while having to bare her tummy to the cold.

Mia Seipel, founder of Boob.

The Boob® Nursing line is designed to fit snug; to skim the body. We sent several different styles of the current Boob® Nursing Line to our international parent panel.

Diana, a nursing mom in South Africa, fell in the love with the short sleeve nursing tops immediately. “Here, it’s summer now and I have battled to find summer T’s that can accommodate nursing. We are so limited here in South Africa with nursing wear: most of the brands are frumpy and several decades behind. Boob® apparel are stunning! I am so pleased that I don’t have to sacrifice my sense of fashion, just because I am nursing. My friends couldn’t believe that my short sleeve T’s were nursing T’s. They are slim and fitting and not at all bulky. They are a cinch to nurse in, trendy and well cut and I am in love with them. Thank you, Boob®.”

Next we heard from Lara in the UK. Lara was braving the harsh winter and tested out the B Warmer Long Sleeved Top. Up until now, Lara admitted that she hadn’t attempted to nurse in public- she didn’t feel confident enough. When Lara saw the patented Boob® nursing flap, she was impressed. “The B Warmer Nursing Top gave me so much confidence. It doesn’t look like a nursing top and looks great on me. I nursed my baby discreetly and no-one was the wiser. I loved how I stayed warm while nursing. Thank you Boob for giving me the confidence to get out of the house again.”

Our parent panel in the USA were equally enthusiastic.

Megan in California, tested the Nursing Tunic V-Neck and wore it to a friend’s son’s birthday party. “The Tunic is modern, and very elegant and paired with jeans and accessories, makes a great outfit. I received compliments on the tunic and everyone was shocked to find out that it was indeed a nursing top! I was able to nurse my baby with ease, during the party and felt beautiful in my designer nursing top. Boob has certainly added style to my nursing wardrobe.”

A second tester in the USA hails from Michigan and is an experienced nursing mom. This mom tested the Long Sleeve Nursing Top and offered these insightful comments:

Success Through Play™ Parent Panel Participant wearing a Long Sleeve Nursing Top by Boob®. This nursing mom is wearing a gorgeous Mommy and Me Necklace.

“The biggest benefit is definitely how their Boob® design creates less bulk when nursing. Almost all nursing shirts I have are like wearing two shirts. Then when you go to nurse, you have this huge clump of shirt under your armpit. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can actually lead to clogged milk ducts. That is why I tend to shy away from bulky nursing wear now. The material of the Boob® top is nice- soft and stretchy. It is definitely comfortable. Since the boob line is very slim fitting and has a high lycra content, your nursing pads may show through. Some advice I would give to mamas who need to wear nursing pads is to use a slightly padded nursing bra with your pads underneath. I found the quality of the Boob® top to be great and it washes well. This is the best nursing top I personally have ever worn!”

To learn more, please visit:

www.boobdesign.com

Teresa “Dede” Woodman co-founder of Upspring™ has a background as an operations executive with over 15 years of experience in technical implementation and deployment project management, customer education, and business process development. She has been a small business owner since 1992 managing consulting projects for Fortune 100 companies, government agencies and small businesses. Dede also has international consulting experience. Dede’s son Mac was going through the learning to walk phase and was frustrated when Dede held on to his hands. If she didn’t hold on to his hands Mac would take some nasty falls. Also, Dede’s husband had back issues and bending over teaching Mac to walk was literally back breaking.

Lisa Raper Williamson co-founder of Upspring™ Lisa has over 17 years in Marketing, Sales, Finance and Accounting. Lisa was most recently the VP of Marketing for American Achievement Corporation, a $300 million consumer products company focused on scholastic and jewelry products. Lisa tells us, “My son, Drake had a very bad fall when he was first learning to walk. He lost his confidence and didn’t try again for a few months; walking wings changed that.”

FEATURES:

AWARDS:

iParenting 2007 Media Award

PURCHASING:

If you have a child with special needs, please confirm that the store has the latest version (up until 4 years) before placing your order.

USA: Click here

Store locator can be accessed here.

Canada: Click here.

Europe: Click here.

Australia: Click here.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Walking Wings is an innovative product that can help in preventing adult back pain.

Most parents write to us concerned that their 1 year old baby isn’t walking. Please note that only 50-60% of babies are walking independently by their 1st birthday. It is imperative to let you baby master each developmental phase without rushing them, because each phase builds on the other. If you don’t lay an excellent foundation when building a house what can happen? That being said, if your baby is not walking by 16 months, start investigating why. Ask your doctor for a referral to a Developmental Pediatrician and in addition to a qualified, Pediatric Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist). Each baby is unique and each case must be evaluated independently. You are the best advocate for your baby, so speak up whenever you are concerned. Should you find out that your baby has a developmental delay, Early Intervention (as needed, may include an occupational therapist, physical therapist and speech pathologist) can make a significant difference in the outcome of your baby’s future.

Please use the Walking Wings responsively. Only once your baby is showing clear signs that he or she is ready to practice walking should you bring out the Walking Wings. Your baby will let you know-follow her lead! If you use this product before your child has the necessary postural and control, balance, coordination and gross motor skills, you may do her more hard than good. Generally speaking, if you baby has good balance, can weight bear unassisted and is clearly motivated AND interested in walking, he/she may be a good candidate for the Walking Wings. This could be as early as 10/11 months of age.

Basic back care for all adults include bending at the knees, whilst keeping your back straight and NOT BENDING at the waist. The act of assisting your baby to walk, by holding his hands violates this basic back principle, with painful consequences.Walking Wings eliminates a parent having to bend down to assist their baby in walking. Bending at the waist for extended periods of time can result in muscular back, neck and shoulder pain. Walking Wings provides trunk support for babies who are learning to master walking and thus eliminates the need for parents to have to pull at their baby’s arms. Walking Wings may be particularly useful for parents who have children with developmental delays. Due to parent feedback, Upspring™ recently modified their original design (expanded the vest size) so that older children with developmental delays would be able to use the Walking Wings (approx up until 4 years). There may still be a few of the older versions (up until 2 years) available in the stores, so please confirm before ordering.

We had no difficulty finding parents to test out the Walking Wings. Common complaints prior to using the Walking Wings were “my back is killing me after just several days of bending over to holding my son’s hand while he refines his walking – HELP!!!”. A dad who is over 6 foot tall told us “With my height, I am having to bend down really far and within minutes the pain in my back is noticeable. I want to be able to motivate and encourage my daughter to walk independently, but the pain is getting in the way.”

We initially evaluated the 2 babies to ensure that they were suitable candidates for using the Walking Wings. Each baby (11 months and 12 months) was walking fairly well with a 2 arm assist and were motivated to improve their walking skills. We instructed the parents how to use the Walking Wings and waited for feedback. The emails begin flooding in. “What a brilliant invention. I no longer have to bend over at the waist and suffer back pain. My son used to fall a lot and get many boo boos, but not anymore.”

Additional comments: “My baby is well supported in the Walking Wings and she is developing confidence in her walking skills. I can stand up straight and move more effectively compared with hunching down on the ground. This product is a must have.

“Walking Wings is a miracle. My parents (baby’s grandparents) will no longer have to abstain from helping our daughter to walk, so everyone benefits.”

To learn more, please visit:

www.WalkingWings.com