Category Archives: Age 1-3

Blankeaze – the kick proof, twist proof, wearable blanket

Blankeaze_moms4life_2 I reviewed 2 Virtues’ Swadleaze swaddling blanket when Madelyn was a tiny baby and absolutely loved it.  I was recently sent a Blankeaze to review and love it even more!

Blankeaze is a wearable, twist proof, kick proof blanket. No more checking to see if the blanket is still covering Madelyn at night. YEAH!  The super soft fleece is flame resistant and makes for a very cozy sleep time. I put Madelyn’s pajama’s on and then her Blankeaze.  I haven’t found her curled up in the corner of her bed since she’s been wearing the Blankeaze at night.

You will notice in the photograph to the left that the legs have elastic ‘cufs’ near the bottom so the Blankeaze won’t ride up on baby while sleeping. I’ve never seen a mark on Madelyn’s legs from the elastic so it’s not too tight but just right.
In this photograph she is wearing the Blankeaze with the zipper in the back. At night though, I like to put the zipper in the front for easy diaper changing access. Yes, it goes both ways!  I wish I had a whole closet full of Blankeaze for Madelyn. They are truly one of those things that I use all of the time and will continue using until she can’t fit in them anymore.

Available in blue and pink, these make a great baby shower gift. The Blankeaze is available in sizes 6 months to 3T.

Where to buy: Moms 4 Life

A Mommy Mention: Ralph Lauren – Create your own

I usually only feature products that I have actually purchased or reviewed ‘in hand’ on The Mommy Insider, but I think this line warrants a mention.

Ralphlaurenpolo_createI’m not one to spend $35 on a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt just for it to end up with sweet potato stains on it. I don’t think Polo’s have much character and I prefer to dress my kids in cute, patterns, textures, and interesting color combinations. Ralph Lauren Polo’s are however, a classic addition to a child’s wardrobe and are great to wear to picnics, visiting the grandparents, or playgroup meetings.

If you are going to buy Ralph Lauren Polo’s for your kids, why not create your own? 
When you visit the Ralph Lauren create your own section, you are able to choose the shirt (or other piece of clothing) color, size, pony color, OR monogram color and letters. You can not have the pony and a monogram. I think that would be super cute. I might even purchase one if I could do that.

You can create your own infant and baby shirts, newborn coveralls, blankets, swimsuits, oxfords, and ballcaps. 

Website  – this is a link to the ‘Create your own’ baby section

PLAYSKOOL Baby care products excluisvely at CVS pharmacy

Playskool2CVS pharmacy has just introduced an exclusive line of PLAYSKOOL Baby Care products
meaning moms can now stock up on all their baby needs while picking up
prescriptions or purchasing other essentials, all in one place. The fun,
colorful line is filled with high-quality, innovative, and affordable items
that moms use everyday.

I LOVE it!   I run to CVS when I need just a few things.  At CVS, I don’t have to tote the kids around a huge store or risk having to park 1/2 a mile away from the entrance of the store.  It’s simply more convenient than the grocery store or ‘super’ store.

With the recent addition of PLAYSKOOL’s exclusive line for CVS, now when I run in to pick up paper towels, or bath wash, I can also grab a new pacifier, sippy cup, bowl with a spoon and other PLAYSKOOL products.. for Madelyn.  The selection is great.  The product selection includes Orthodontic pacifiers, Wide neck bottles,  Easy grip bowl, Cottony cloths (the world’s best baby wipes), Teething keys, Insulated No Spill Cups, Three stage nursers, and more. Playskool1

The PLAYSKOOL products I have are colorful, durable, and best of all.. dishwasher safe.

Madelyn is just now getting her first tooth and LOVES the PLAYSKOOL Teething Keys. The keys are very colorful and each key has a different textured surface so Madelyn can switch from key to key for a new feel on her gums.  The keys are filled with
non-toxic Ice Gel that remains
soft even when placed in the freezer, so it’s gentle on Madelyn’s sore
gums. Ice Gel also stays colder longer than water-filled teethers, and
won’t evaporate over time.

One of my favorite PLAYSKOOL products in this line is the Insulated No Spill Cup.  Coasters just aren’t a reality in our house. The boys toss them around like frisbee’s and Madelyn hides them in places unbeknown to me. I am all about insulated cups these days. The PLAYSKOOL Insulated No Spill Cup is perfect for a new sippy cup user and for your valuable furniture. No more "sweat" rings on your tables!

Put together a package of PLAYSKOOL products for your next baby shower gift and you are sure to be super appreciated!  🙂

I recommend that all parents check out the new PLAYSKOOL line at CVS or visit the PLAYSKOOL section on the CVS website here.

The Bowtique – Hair bows for little girls.

Bowtique3_2
Not many things make me melt as much as seeing Madelyn (left) wearing a super cute hairbow. There are a lot of online hairbow shops but the great thing is that most of them are ‘mom owned’ and every mom has her own style, so all the hairbows are unique in their own way. The Bowtique is no exception. 

Here are a few reasons why I love The Bowtique:
1. The hair bows are just plain cute!
2. Even dad can make your baby girl a beauty with these easy to use, super cute hair bows.
3. The Bowtique has a huge selection of bows including plenty of designs for casual days, dressy days, and Holidays.
4. You can purchase a beautiful bow holder personalized with a Swarovski crystal initial at The Bowtique.

I love Jillain’s style. She has an eye for design and her color combinations are great. After browsing her entire site I feel confident that she has a hair bow to go with any outfit or for any occasion including Hanukkah, Easter, Birthdays, and more.

Most of The Bowtique’s bows are available in several colors and you can even personalize a cupcake clip with a Swarovski crystal number to show off your baby girl’s special day!

With tons of design and color options, you are sure to find bows that fit your baby or little girl’s personality at The Bowtique.

Where to buy: The Bowtique

The Mommy Insider readers get 10% off with coupon code ‘insider’!

Personalized Birthday Hats

PersonalizedbirthdayhatI can’t believe that Madelyn is going to be one in May! The first year goes by so fast and the fun has just begun.

I am in the midst of planning Madelyn’s birthday parties. We have to have at least two because of our extended families so I may be a little stressed in April while trying to figure out who is coming when and how we will celebrate at each party.

One thing that is making the thought of having multiple parties easier for me, is this super cute personalized birthday hat from Darling Designs Boutique. I put it on Madelyn and everything is OK.

This personalized birthday hat is simply too cute for me to put into words how cute it is. There is pink, fluff, polka dots, Madelyn’s name, a big "1".. and it’s all on Madelyn’s cute little head. (You can brag too if you send me pictures! – alicia@themommyinsider.com)

I can’t wait for our families to see Madelyn in her personalized birthday hat.

If you purchase a personalized birthday hat from Darling Designs Boutique or have already, please send me a photograph of your child wearing it and I will post it on The Mommy Insider for your family.. and the world to see!  I don’t do this for many products, but these are just so adorable, that I want to see your kids in them too!

When you order your child’s personalized birthday hat, you are given the opportunity to enter your child’s name, age, and the date you need the personalized birthday hat by.

Darling Designs Boutique offers several other personalized birthday hat designs including an adjustable princess crown party hat, and they don’t leave the boys out. There are designs for the little prince in your family too!

A few things I love about this personalized birthday party hat:
1. The durable construction. The hat itself is very sturdy and not easily squished when a seven year old "accidentally" steps on it.  Sebastian called it part of the review process?!  He’s smarter than I think sometimes.
2. The fonts are adorable.
3. The colors are vibrant.
4. The selection of fabrics and trim make your child’s hat even more personalized.
5. The chin strap keeps the hat on and doesn’t leave a mark on Madelyn’s skin.

Where to buy: Darling Designs Boutique

The Mommy Insider readers get 10% off with code WAHM10!