mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

How GameStop Changed My “No Gaming Zone” Rule

By Leave a Comment

Note: I was invited to an event at GameStop to learn about gaming and products. I was given a gift card, but all thoughts here are my own. 


Until about 60 days ago our home was a “No Gaming Zone.”


We didn’t own a DS, PS, Wii, or any of those things. I really didn’t see them as useful or positive for kids or adults alike. 

That was before I stepped into a GameStop at Christmas time to learn a little about gaming. Upon entering, I felt like I was in a whole new world of lingo, battery needs, cords and more. Thankfully I had help with “translation” from a friendly GameStop team member who spent almost an hour helping me learn the basics on personal gaming systems and consoles. Needless to say after my trip, my son was a proud recipient of his own Nintendo 3DS XL – Mario & Luigi Dream Team Bundle.



What was the change of heart? Why did I decide that gaming could be ok?

Let’s start with the stats. From the UK Millennium Cohort Study of 11,000 kids tracked over 10 years: 
  • Kids who watched 3+ hours of TV, specifically between ages 5-7, had increased behavioral problems
  • When video games were introduced to kids as young as 5, there was no effect on the child’s attention, behavior, or emotional health
  • Many studies suggest that video games help improve hand-eye coordination, memory formation, and can even help dyslexic children to read better
  • Basically, games aren’t bad for kids!
And another study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that games are social: 
  • 16% play with parents
  • 40% play with friends
  • 17% play with their spouse or significant other
  • 34% play with other family members
  • Video games are a family activity
  • 40% of parents play video games with their children at least weekly
  • Most video games being sold are not inappropriate for kids
  • 73% of the 245.6 million video games sold in 2011 were rated Everyone (E), Teen (T) or Everyone 10+ (E10+)
  • 91% of games rated by ESRB in 2012 are E, T or E10+
And after an afternoon with GameStop (and a very patient and friendly team member), I learned that it’s even possible to afford games with the PowerUp Program. With both a free and paid version, you can reap real benefits. With a Pro membership at $14.99 annually, you score even more points for purchases and get access to exclusive offers, news and events.  You also get special bonus privileges including a welcome coupon that can score you a free game upon completion of online activation. Plus, 10% discounts on all pre-owned game and accessories purchases and 1 year of Game Informer magazine.



And until Feb. 28, there’s one more benefit you’ll want to ensure you take up on. 

Inspired by the amazing journey portrayed of the new Lightning Returns™: FINAL FANTASY ® XIII (not one of my kid’s games) this month’s Epic Reward Giveaway by GameStop will send one lucky winner and a guest on a trip of a lifetime.

The lucky winner and a friend will take a paid trip (food, travel, lodging and spending money
included) to Las Vegas for a dinner and a show. Then they will head to Paris, France to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower with a pocket full of spending money to splurge and experience some of the world’s best shopping. It doesn’t stop there. Next stop is Cairo, Egypt to visit the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalil Bazaar. Lastly, they will finish up in Costa Rica by riding ATVs and taking a zip line through the jungles and completing the day by relaxing at a luxurious spa.

 PowerUp Rewards members that make transactions at a GameStop store or at www.GameStop.com throughout the month of February will be automatically entered for a chance to win this amazing prize. Eligible transactions include pre-ordering, buying games and accessories or making a trade.

 PowerUp Rewards ProTM members automatically receive two entries with each purchase or
trade*. Members can also use their PowerUp Rewards points to get additional entries.

Now that’s a “game” worth playing! But remember you’ve got only until the end of February to enter. 

For more information on becoming a GameStop PowerUp Rewards member, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com and for more information about the GameStop® Epic Reward GiveawayTM, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com/EpicReward.

And remember if you win and you need a plus one, I can make arrangements. 


Lasagna: The Perfect Recipe for New Moms {Recipe}

By Leave a Comment

Note: I received my own Lasagna kit from Red Gold and you can too, just keep reading to find out more.  

When I gave birth the first go-around, I remember a friend who was kind enough to bring me over a lasagna to help with dinner. I can still remember not only how delicious it was, but how it kept me fed for almost a week – especially late at night when my little one decided he needed to get us both up for a few hours. 


Now it’s my turn to bring a meal to one of my friends who just had a baby. However, it’s not just because lasagna is delicious and as Anelle would say “freezes beautifully,” but that this recips is full of several nutrient-rich foods that are needed for a new mom, especially when she has a little one that she’s feeding, too. 


According to WebMd, there are 12 Super-Foods for New Moms including: 

  1. Leafy greens like Spinach
  2. Low-fat Dairy: Cottage Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese
  3. Whole-Wheat Grains like Pasta
  4. Lean Protein like Turkey 

So my Spinach Lasagna Roll-ups are like the super food for new moms – and all in one dish! And did I mention there was less than 20 minutes required to whip these up?  Which makes it my go-to meal for taking over to friends along with a bag of salad, and a loaf of garlic bread!


SPINACH LASAGNA ROLL-UPS

Ingredients

1 (28 ounce) can Red Gold® Crushed Tomatoes, or 2 (15 ounce) cans
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Red Gold® Diced Tomatoes With Basil, Garlic & Oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
1 (16 ounce) box lasagna noodles, traditional, uncooked
1 (6 ounce) package fresh spinach, washed and patted dry
1 (15 ounce) carton low fat cottage cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions

  • Preheat over to 350o F. 
  • In a large bowl combine water, RED GOLD® CRUSHED TOMATOES, RED GOLD® DICED TOMATOES with BASIL, GARLIC & OREGANO and Italian seasoning.
  • Boil the lasagna noodles making sure they don’t stick. Once cooked, lay each noodle on a sheet of wax paper until ready to roll. 
  • Cover the bottom of a 9x13x2 inch baking pan with 1½ cups of sauce mixture. Take one noodle and then add a layer of cottage cheese, parmesan cheese and then a handful of spinach leaves.  Tightly roll up the noodle into a roll and place seem-side down. Continue until the dish is full. Then add the rest of the sauce. Next layer the top with mozzarrella cheese. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours; until noodles are cooked. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  • The recipe makes 12 servings, but you could divide the recipe into two 9×9 inch baking dishes and freeze one! 



Red Gold Premium Tomatoes is having a Lasagna Party Sweepstakes on Facebook – until Wednesday, Feb. 5! You can win some great stuff including gift cards, lasagna kit, and other fun prizes! So check out http://www.facebook.com/RedGold.




Disaster Diaper Diaries: How Huggies Slip-Ons Saved Us + $25 Target Giftcard {Giveaway}

By 31 Comments

Try-it Tuesdays:

 Disclaimer: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Huggies, but all my opinions are my own. #HuggiesSlipOn #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

 It was one of those days that I woke up thinking, it might be a great day. The house was clean, I had a warm shower all by myself and I actually wasn’t dreading anything in the next eight hours. I could hear a little Mary Chapin Carpenter singing, “I Feel Lucky” in my head.  


Then I went upstairs. 

 I had spoken too soon. 

 My daughter had done her business. Then she peeled the tabs off her diaper and ripped it off. 

 And then proceeded to use my carpeted staircase as her personal roll of Quilted Northern. 

 I was devasted. Maybe because I had just gotten the carpets cleaned. Maybe because I had just taken a shower and I didn’t want to get dirty. Or maybe it’s because poop all over my almost-white carpet is just gross. 

While cleaning it all up was my next step, I had to figure out what I was going to do to make sure this wasn’t going to happen again. NEVER. EVER. AGAIN.


Then like a little Diaper Fairy Godmother, Huggies Slip-On diapers came in to my life. 

What’s so different about Huggies Slip-Ons? 

This diaper has a perfectly snug fit for my busy little kiddo with stetchy sides and Stopping Guards to keep her adorable chunky thighs comfortable all while keeping all the other stuff IN her diaper. Best of all, since they are easy on and off whip these on/off easily without fighting to make her stop to change her diaper (which is helpful since she isn’t stopping and runs faster than me.)  And we’ll even be able to use them as a transition for potty training – our next messy step in toddlerhood. Lucky me. 

Then just like that — mama was able to redeem her day…for the most part. I prevented another snail trail incident from happening all over my carpet all thanks for the Huggies Slip-Ons. 

 Now I just need to work on getting the Mr. Clean Fairy to show up to help me with the carpet. 

 Are you ready to make your diaper diasters turn into diaper dreams? 

*****************************************************************
COUPON ALERT: 
You and your little one can try Huggies Slip On Diapers too 
with this special coupon from Target for $2 off! 
*****************************************************************

Now consider this your special Fairy Godmother with a giveaway for $25 Giftcard from Target so you can try your own Huggies Slip-Ons (and maybe a little something for mama, too!) 

Soothe Baby Eczema with Aveeno Eczema Therapy Kit {Giveaway}

By 12 Comments

Want-it Tuesdays:

I received product for the purpose of this review. However, all the information and comments are my own.

A few months ago my beautiful little girl’s perfectly peach and unmarked skin became red, whelped and dry all over her poor little, chubby legs. Since she didn’t complain and thinking she just had a reaction to being out in a field of bluebonnets (a spring Texas requirement), I let it go for more than a week without doing much than amp up her lotion use. It was only after her school became scared the condition may be contagious and it wasn’t going away, I realized it might be eczema.  But just in case, I needed to take her to the pediatrician. 



Comfirmed by her pediatrician, we decided it was time to take her for a dip in an oatmeal bath and slather on the lotion. Why oatmeal?  As a skin protectant active ingredient, oatmeal can help restore skin’s normal pH and aid in the maintenance of skin’s moisture barrier to prevent and protect dry skin. 


Of course, that meant only one brand would do – Aveeno. Since both my husband and I had our own issues with eczema, we already were big fans of their products. But for our little girl we wondered if the treatments might be too intense for her tender skin. 

The Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Care Kit is a two-step regimen formulated with colloidal oatmeal to help soothe eczema-prone skin. Eczema Therapy Bath Treatment gently cleanses and relieves irritation due to eczema. The convenient kit helps to improve the four symptoms of eczema—itchiness, dryness, irritation and rough skin. When dispersed in water, the hypoallergenic powder forms a tear-free milky bath that soothes as it naturally cleanses without soap. After bathing, baby’s skin is softer and smoother, and dry, irritated, sensitive skin is relieved.


 While I loved that there was a kit including the lotion and treatment, I still needed a wash to clean her body when we didn’t have time for a bath. Thankfully there was a solution for that too…the Aveeno Baby Cleansing Theraphy Moisturizing Wash. awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Best of all everything we needed was purchased at our local grocery store, didn’t need a prescription and didn’t break the bank. 

 And neither will you with this special giveaway from Aveeno! 

 Are you looking for a nighttime ritual to From AVEENO®, the leader in ACTIVE NATURALS® ingredients and recommended by Pediatricians for over 60 years, comes the AVEENO® Baby Bathtime Solutions Gift Set, which includes products to nurture baby’s skin and pamper mom!


One lucky reader will win the AVEENO® BABY BATHTIME SOLUTIONS GIFT SET (great gift for you or a great baby shower gift) with:

  • Baby Wash & Shampoo: blends natural oat extract into a rich, lathering, soap-free cleanser that cleans without drying
  • Baby Daily Moisture Lotion: non-greasy formula contains natural colloidal oatmeal to help soothe baby’s delicate, dry skin
  • Baby Calming Comfort Bath: tear-free, soap free cleanser contains soothing scents of lavender and relaxing vanilla
  • Stress Relief Body Wash: formulated with natural colloidal oatmeal to clean and moisturize skin, and scented with lavender, essential chamomile and ylang-ylang oils to help calm and relax you in the shower
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Giveaway is now closed! 



Family Movie Night Happens With Netflix

By 5 Comments

Try-it Tuesdays:

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX. However, all the comments here are my own.

When I was a kid I waited all week long until Saturday mornings so I could get my cartoon fix.

Now fast forward to today: my kids never have to wait for cartoons to come on one day away because NETFLIX gives them the accessibility to watch what they want, when they want. All mama has to do is turn them on whatever device makes sense like my iPad, computer and of course, the TV. Gotta love streaming video, right? All I have to do is hit up the dedicated kids section (designed by Common Sense Media for kids ages 2- 12) on NETFLIX and press play.



Happy kids means a happy mama.

In the mornings to get the kids ready for school they request always ask for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally. When they get home and we have snack time, it’s always a little Jake and the Never Land Pirates for both of little sweeties. The four-year-old boy dominates the watching choices for both of them – at least until the 20-month girl can talk. And then it’s all over! Until then she seems to enjoy Cars Toons: Mater’s Tall Takes although her brother “lets her watch” Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue – even though I know he secretly likes it, too!

But the favorite show of both of them is without a doubt Thomas & Friends: Go Go Thomas. We are definitely a “Thomas” family since everything from my son’s room, all his toys, even his lunch box are all Thomas. So no doubt we treat Thomas like a special occasion everytime we watch it. His presence on the screen is like Friday night at the movies. And until my kids get a little older, Netflix makes it possible to have Family Movie Night without paying an arm and a leg. And of course, begin the movie at 6 pm so we can still make bedtime AND bathroom breaks WITHOUT missing the movie! 

 What are you watching on TV with your family? Netflix has family favorites from Disney, Disney Jr., Hasbro, Cartoon Network and Dreamworks that are available to stream anytime, anywhere.


 And streaming is easier than you think! Download the free app on your iPad, click on the Netflix app on any gaming device, go to the website on your computer – and you’re in business. Check it out here!

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX.

This article also posted on Star-Telegram.com/Moms.

5 Reasons Why You Should Try White Cloud Diapers

By 7 Comments

Try-it Tuesdays:

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud Diapers. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When you have your second child, everything is different. You don’t feel compelled to read the baby books, ask every friend their recommendation or stalk the Internet trying to find the best choices for your child. Your first one was your “practice” and you’ve already spent the time, so you normally just go with whatever you did with the first one. I know when I had my second, there was no question of what brand I was going to use for her diapers.  Not necessarily because it was the best choice, but it’s just what we were familiar with. 

 So when I had the opportunity to try out a new brand of diapers called and then discuss the brand with some other moms, I thought it might be time to consider something different and it was way past time for a playdate. 


Taking advantage of the spring weather (and unfortunately a good bit of wind), we met at the park so we could keep the kids entertained while we did some diaper talk.  We fed the kids some snacks and did a little oohing and ahhing at how cute all our babies were and then got to business. 

The “business” included a few games (think baby shower fun) to get us all familiar with each other and White Cloud Diapers. I know I was reminded at how hard a baby has to work to take down a baby bottle in a little mom vs. mom contest. (I’d share that photo, but it just wasn’t a cute shot at all!) Then I had the chance to meet some new ladies who had driven more than three hours to be there for a our playdate. (That’s committment!) 

But admist all the fun, we also spent some time doing our “doodie” of checking out White Cloud Diapers. And since I’m all about sharing my “try-it out” on Tuesdays, I wanted to let you know what I learned!

5 Reasons Why You Should Try White Cloud Diapers: 

1. My daughter has sensitive skin, so I love that White Cloud Diapers are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

2. White Cloud diapers have a special ultra-absorbent inner core that wicks away moisture to help keep babies dry and comfortable and the stretchy sides have secure fit so no accidental leakage. (And no special wet surprise when you put your little one on your side!)

3. While my daughter is past the stage, I would have loved when she was in her early stage diapers to have a wetness indicator that changes color to let me know when the baby needs to be changed.


4. Don’t you get tired of Winnie the Pooh? I love that there are fun animal prints on the diaper so my daughter can point out the names of them as she learns them! 

5. Budget friendly is my favorite word and White Cloud Diapers are available around 30 percent cheaper than brand name diapers. (See for yourself!)

Diapering can be one of the biggest expenses in a family’s weekly budget and a great performing diaper is a must-have for parents. In order to make this affordable,  has reintroduced their premium line of White Cloud Diapers to address the needs of today’s busy parents.

White Cloud Diapers provide your baby the highest quality diaper with superior leakage protection, exceptional softness and great fit. White Cloud Diapers are available exclusively at Walmart, where you can find low prices everyday on all your family’s needs.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of #WhiteCloudDiapers.

Announce Your Sweetest Day with Minted

By Leave a Comment

SponsoredPostDisclaimer
On Valentine’s Day I took a trip down my memory lane by looking at my wedding pictures. While I loved everything about my Mexican nuptials from start to finish, I realized that my destination wedding didn’t give me the chance to experience some of the basics of the whole wedding experience like cake tastings, wedding invitations and even a “real wedding dress.” 

This wedding invite says it all and that the couple’s fun side. (All photos courtesy of minted.com.)

But nowadays with the invent of Pinterest, the concept of a “traditional wedding” is totally out the door for more creative, personal and inventive ideas, especially when it comes to wedding invitations and guest favors. 

We’ll move over birds, bells, and big books of samples, brides-to-be are looking to stand out with unique invites that make an impression and on their own time. Minted, an online store for independent graphic artists to showcase their artistic invitation and announcement designs. While there are several classic selections, there are many options to portray the personalities of the brides and grooms.

Since I’m a dork for beautiful paper and designs, I had to take a peek at what  “invitation” I would have chosen now if I had more of a typical wedding format then. (But let’s be honest, there’s nothing typical about my wedding.)

Since we had a destination wedding, I loved this Destination Wedding “luggage tag” with the map.

 

Love, love, love Faraway Destination one with the postcard stamp!
 
Of course, I’d like this Mexican folk art design that already had
“Puerto Vallarta” on the sample. 

 

There’s something about this twine design that just captured
our personalities with a sophisticated retro look. 

Best of all, you can choose the design, paper choice, coordinating RSVP cards, envelopes, thank you notes and more and at reasonable prices. And when the wedding is all over with and you’re ready to start planning for the birth of your first child and then later their  birthday, minted is ready to help you make the choice that is perfect for you and your special day.  

 
 

Going Topless at My Wedding

By 1 Comment

If you look at past posts, I’m all about talking about my kiddos – but I don’t always talk about my husband. I guess I feel that part of my life is personal, so while I blog about some pretty embarrassing things on mamachallenge.com, stories about our relationship has been off-limits…until now.

I have planned some pretty awesome events at some really cool places like AT&T Pebble Beach, The Academy Awards and the Miss USA Pageant. So when it came to planning my own wedding, I either wanted to go royal wedding or very intimate. Money helped me make the choice, so seven of our family/friends flew to Puerto Vallarta for a vacation/wedding. 


It was the perfect choice for us.  We did everything we ever wanted to do for our family;  from massages on the beach, golf by the ocean (with the alligators), tequila tour and of course, our very no-nonsense wedding ceremony (at least it was supposed to be.) 

 

Taking place around sunset on the beach, facing the ocean, barefoot in the sand and sunglasses on the face. With our wedding party standing behind us, the preacher started the vows to becoming man and wife. It was the incredible moment where you look at each other and realize the intensity of what you are about to do and how your life will change in just a few minutes. 


About 10 minutes into the ceremony…somewhere between “Will You…Yes,” I saw my betrowed (and the rest of our family) all turn their heads to something on the beach behind the preacher. 

O.M.G. 
A woman, who of course wasn’t so ugly [read: hot], dared to walk right by my wedding ceremony – TOPLESS! Yes, she did. Even the photographer turned his head AND took a photo, although it somehow didn’t end up in the wedding shots! 

(No, I don’t have a photo of this so don’t ask.)

I was a little upset to say the least at the time since the ceremony itself was only about 20 minutes long and she took up about a minute of it, but now, seven years later, it IS pretty funny. Only that would happen to me!

Humor is what made me fall in love with my husband, so this little moment was only fitting. While there are MANY days I’m not laughing, it’s moments like these that remind me that laughing is the best medicine to dealing with the hard challenges we face everyday (especially if it’s paired with bubbly!) 

On this Valentine’s Day, I hope you have great stories to remember and make your smile. I’d love to hear them if you want to share! 

The Cake Mamas Would Rather Wear Than Eat

By Leave a Comment

Want-it Wednesdays:

When you’re pregnant, the words “mint,” “toffee,” “chocolate” and “torte” immediately give you tasty visions of sugar plums (and probably create a little craving, too.) On the other hand, the idea of bras and undies when you’re pregnant certainly doesn’t conjure up any sweet thoughts, but rather ugly images of “boulder holders.”  

And that’s where the expectant and nursing moms’ lingerie line Cake cut in.
Taking one of the biggest complaints of moms and moms-to-be, the company gave itself a name that was sure to ignite the want in every mama! And just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cake’s sweet line offers the much-needed style and polish for new and expecting moms that can make you look beautiful when you don’t always feel that way (pregnancy certainly does a number on you.) 

Here’s a little sampler of the Cake line: 

(Hint to dads and hubbies: this is a great present for Valentine’s Day gift for your baby’s mama!)

Mint Toffee Bra and Boy Shorts
Toffee is a confection made by caramelizing sugar or molasses and adding butter and occasionally flour. The mixture is decadently sweet and so is Cake’s Mint Toffee.  Gorgeous green color and sleek styling, it is ULTRA HIP looking and sophisticated.



Shortbread Bra and French Knickers
Shortbread is a classic Scottish dessert made with flour, sugar, and butter. For centuries shortbread was expensive and reserved as a luxury for special occasions such as Christmas.  Shortbread from Cake pairs FUN COLORS of orchid and green on a smart tartan frame and then adds cream-colored lace! Sure to wow a young mama and make her feel like a goddess.

Cotton Candy T-Back Bra and Briefs
Remember watching spellbound as the cotton candy maker at the fair spins a confection that looks like pillows of wool but melts in your mouth like a snowflake? Light pink, soft and pretty and considered one of “The Most Comfortable Maternity Bras,: the bra has a feminine, sporty design. Uniquely constructed with a silky soft knit and intelligently placed support panels, Cotton Candy will expand and change with the woman who wears it.



Cake lingerie and sleep wear (so comfortable and beautiful) is sold in more than 30 countries and 350 stores worldwide including Nordstrom’s in Dallas as well as online. 

At least if you’re breastfeeding or sitting there with swollen feet your bra looks good, right? 
DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


Five Baby Safety Products You (and Baby) Shouldn’t Live Without (updated 1.13.13)

By 5 Comments

After you’ve left the hospital and get to take your new darling home, there’s a wholenew world of acclimation for both you and baby to get into a routine. I basically compare it to when the honeymoon phase is over when you get married,but it’s now time for you and baby to figure out: “How are we gonna do this?”

Whenmy first child was born I sometimes had to wait all day before my husband got home just so I could take a shower. Then I was given a Bumbo and the whole world became a new place including one where I no longer smelled of baby poo and milk. Although Bumbos recently were recalled, at the time,it was the one item in the world I couldn’t live without. Thankfully, several companies have continued to improve technology by developing new products to solve some of the biggest new baby (and even beyond) issues in efforts to help families live more normal and safer lives.
“My Baby Won’t Sleep Flat” 
If you think you are the first parent to attempt to stack up pillows, blankets, or even stuffed animals just the right way to try to getyour baby to sleep like they do in their car seat, then here’s your wake-up call – join the long lines of parents who’ve done the same thing and not succeeded. Thankfully, one mom developed a safer option and called it the Nap Nanny® Chill. 

Nap Nanny® Chill
This soft, portable recliner was designed to increase comfortand improve infant sleep. The Nap Nanny® mimics the contours of a car seat and the comfort of a baby blanket and features maximum stability, allowing your baby to rest peacefully. The cover has a waterproof liner protecting the foam for greater longevity, while the safety harness keeps baby secure. Weighing onlythree pounds, the Nap Nanny® travels and stores easily, so you can take this to grandma’s house without bringing a trailer to fit all the baby stuff. I’m surethat this one is soon to replace many bassinets and pack and plays for newborns.
NapNanny.com or Amazon.com,$129

NOTE: NapNanny has been closed due to a recall, but many parents and retailers stand by this is an amazing product. For more info, follow their Facebook. 
“I Spent all this Money on a Crib Set and I Can’t Even Use It”
I will never admit how much I spent on my crib bedding foreither of my kids, but I will divulge that I spent less time deciding whatcollege to go and what car to buy than the countless number of hours online finding the perfect crib set. The irony was, while it was cute, once I took all the parts out that aren’t safe for a baby (the big blanket, the bumper and even pillows), I was left with a sheet and a bed skirt. Then I had to go and buy additional swaddle thingies so my baby could be warm, but not suffocate themselves. So basically,what was the point, right?
Halo SafeSleep Crib Set

While a little late for me, you finally have the perfect safe solution for baby bedding. The all-in-one Halo SafeSleep Crib Set is contains everything your baby needs to sleep safe and sound from the start: a coordinating HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two soft 100% cotton jersey fitted crib sheets and matching decorative skirt. And for theType A moms like me, it all matches, so you still can have a cute set while keeping your baby safe, so now you can sleep at night rather than think about what matches what and if your baby is breathing. Best of all, at around $100 and available in several colors and designs, it’s also a new pick for my Roundup of Perfect Baby Shower Gifts!
“I’m Scared I’ll Forget My Baby in the Car”
No one ever thinks they’re going to be “that” parent who forgets their child in a hot car, but sadly it happens every year, especially when the weather is at its hottest. Sleep deprived new parents are especially susceptible as the routine of taking care of baby is so new. The childminder® SMART Clip SYSTEMis an alarm that goes off 8 seconds after the parent or caregiver has moved more than 15 feet from the child in his/hersafety seat.  The ChildMinder system installation takes less than three minutes. Simply replace the baby’s safety seat chest clip with the ChildMinder system’s smartclip and place the key ring alarm unit on your automotive key ring…itrings when you walk too far from the car seat with your baby locked inside.(Wish you had thought of that, right?)

childminder® SMART Clip SYSTEM
“It’s Too Much Work to Transfer my Car Seat”
Since I’m normally am the official chauffeur of the Reo children, I don’t have to trade out the chairs very often. However, when Ido, it takes everything I have to transfer them to the next vehicle and worst off, return it back to my car. Not only is it inconvenient, but fiddling with buckles and the finding the Latch hooks to connect everything still has me sweating and tired. Thankfully Baby Trend has figured out safety and efficiency can actually work together.

trendZ Fastback 3-in-1 Car Seat
The trendZ Fastback 3-in-1 CarSeat changes smoothly as your child grows from 22 lbs. up to 120 lbs. In less than a minute, the carseat can be installed using the latch anchors points in the car.  It is a forward-facing car seat with a built-in harness up to 70 lbs., a high-back booster seat up to 100 lbs. and a backless booster seat up to 120 lbs. The FastBack features a structural steel frame withwhat they call a “innovative Rigid Energy Management System (REMS), the easiest,most secure and reliable attachment method available. “Designed to exceed all governmental safety standards and reduce the movement of the car seat in acrash.”  

While I don’t know what the REMSis, I can testify I feel like my kid is secure and it took literally 2 minutesto install with a little bit of strength to click-it-in to place.  And even better it has a built in cup holder and even a spot for toys or gaming device (for when she is a little older.) I do think we have found our solution to the one car seat that does it all and goes with us as she grows up!
BabiesRUs.com, $199.95
“My Kiddo Doesn’t Need a Booster, but Do You have a Phonebook?”
While your baby won’t need help sitting at the kitchen table right off the bat, there will be a time that your bundle of joy will not need to be in the high chair, but still need a little help to reach the top. Thank goodness for you, you don’t have to tote around one of those giant phone books anymore, now there’s LUV CHICKEN!  

Luv ChickenBooster Cushion


Described on their website, “Your Little Chicken will love the boost they get at the dinner table with the Luv ChickenBooster Cushion,” it’s your solution for the movie theater, restaurants, and the ball game! What I loved about the Luv Chicken was that it was washable, had a handle and you don’t have to worry about the cushion slipping off the chair since it’s got a non-slip bottom. I got one that was green too, so then both boys and girls can use it. This is just one of those things that is good to keep around even after your kids don’t need a little boost.


Looking for more baby love?
It’s always baby around here, but this month, it’s really about them with the best products and things you need to get ready for baby.

Disclaimer: I received these items for purposes of this review, but the comments here are all my own.


Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Follow Along!