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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60449521235008512802018-10-20T01:38:31.455-07:00Success Through Play™ MagazineSuccess Through Play™ is an international family magazine. Our focus is on Healthy Lifestyles. We review the most innovative products on the market to support health and wellness. We emphasize eco-friendly products for the entire family and the home. From tech reviews to fashion reviews, from healthy foods to toys, we cover a full range of products. Please note our new location at www.SuccessThroughPlay.com All material in this website copyrighted © 2007 Success Through Play™ Magazine.Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-23248487447185874152011-10-06T02:02:00.000-07:002011-10-17T09:17:46.405-07:00Success Through Play Magazine has moved!

Thank you for stopping by. Please note that we have moved to www.SuccessThroughPlay.com Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/10/success-through-play-magazine-has-moved.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-32342637838139807602011-08-25T15:20:00.000-07:002011-08-24T11:23:48.895-07:00Dunstan Baby Language - Giveaway

Success Through Play™ is excited to introduce our international readers to the Dunstan Baby Language System.

The story begins with Priscilla Dunstan , an Australian mother, who was born with a unique gift for sound. By the time she was five years old Priscilla could listen to a Mozart concerto only once and play it back, note for note. It was apparent that Priscilla had a photographic memory for audio patterns - and she was able to make connections between sounds which would appear random to other people. However, it was when Priscilla gave birth to her son that the further significance of her gift emerged. Priscilla discovered that babies use specific sounds to communicate their basic needs. This is regardless of the language their parents speak and is part of nature's plan - that babies can tell you what they need from the very beginning. It was eight years of research involving over 1000 babies that revealed this system of sounds - a language that is shared by all babies.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Parenting a newborn no longer has to be a guessing game. What was once thought of as crying is now known to be a universal language shared by all newborns. Dunstan Baby Language teaches parents to identify the specific sounds within their baby's cries that signal their everyday needs - hunger, tiredness, need to burp, lower wind pain and discomfort.

Parents report:

A more contented baby who cries less and settles more easily

More unbroken sleep for baby and for parents

Both moms and dads feeling less stress and greater confidence in their ability to care for their newborn

The product includes:

2 concise lessons (2 DVD set)

24 page reference Booklet

Quick reference Wall Chart

Suitable for newborns from birth to three months

You will also hear from parents as they share their own tips using the system, as well as suggested settling techniques and advice.

Success Through Play™ was interested in learning about the studies that have been done with this system:

Dunstan Baby: The initial years of research were undertaken by Priscilla, recruiting mothers and babies and applying different methodologies to help validate her discovery. In 2006/2007 independent research studies undertaken in 3 countries have confirmed this amazing discovery and its profound benefits -with 90% of mothers saying they would recommend the System to other mothers.

In brief:

2000

Observation research was undertaken with over 400 babies of over 30 nationalities.

2000

Classification research was undertaken to begin classifying the 5 sounds and validating them by applying specific settling techniques.

2001

Intervention research applying the hypothesis of the 5 sounds and corresponding settling techniques.

2002

Two trials of consumer testing with mothers with positive results

2004

US academics from Brown University come to Australia and review the research to date. They guide Priscilla's methodology and become her mentors. A third consumer trial is undertaken with their help.

2006

Independent Consumer Research firm The Leading Edge conduct a longitudinal study in Sydney and Chicago, involving over 300 mothers of newborns; proving 9 of 10 mums found the System to be beneficial, and that they would recommend it to another mother.

2007

A third Independent study is conducted in the UK by Research firm 2CV, involving another 168 mothers of newborns. The results are consistent with the two previous Independent studies.

What are the advantages to learning how to interpret your baby's sounds and what are the wider implications of this?

Dunstan Baby: Since 1998, the Dunstan Baby Language has been comprehensively researched,
involving observation of over a thousand babies. Independent studies conducted in Australia, the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom demonstrated consistent results:

 WORKS UNIVERSALLY
* 90% of all mothers found the Dunstan Baby Language very beneficial, and 100% of first time mothers reported the System highly valuable.

 GREATER SETTLING AND UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP
* 70% reported their baby settled faster.
* 50% reported an increase in uninterrupted sleep for both their baby and
themselves*.

 GREATER CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY AS A PARENT
* 70% of parents experienced greater self-esteem and a reduction in stress.
They felt more confident, relaxed and in control.
* 50% of mothers felt a greater bond with their baby*.
* 50% experienced better feeding results*.

 HOW FATHERS BENEFIT
* 2 of 3 Fathers reported reduced levels of stress, and more positive marital relationships as an immediate result of greater paternal involvement.
International research in Sydney Australia and Chicago USA was conducted by The Leading Edge. UK study conducted by 2CV, England.

*Specific to Australia and the USA

Dunstan Baby: We are extremely excited about the broader implications of the Dunstan System for improving the health and wellbeing of parents and their babies. The increases in maternal self esteem, reductions in parenting stress and ability to empower newborn families reported in our research hold potential for the Dunstan System to have a positive impact on factors that contribute to Baby Blues, Post Natal Depression and Shaken Baby Syndrome. Further research and exploration is planned to explore these areas.

PURCHASING:

Dunstan Baby Language is available from the official website www.dunstanbaby.com

Shipment is available to US/Canada/UK/Rest of Europe/Australia/New Zealand.

South African readers can email: firstname.lastname@example.com for purchasing details.

The product is delivered in English with French and Spanish subtitles. A new formatted product will be launched in the UK/Europe with French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Hebrew, Finnish, and Portuguese subtitles.

Success Through Play™ Comments:

The Dunstan Baby System is truly a revolutionary breakthrough in infant communication. Priscilla has been featured on the Oprah show where she introduced her system to the American Public. To see some highlights please click here:

The DVD begins with a beautiful and heart warming introduction by Tomas (Priscilla's son) wh introduces his "mum" to the world. The 2 sets of DVD's then proceed to slowly introduce you to the 5 different sounds that baby's make and the meaning behind each.

We are shown fantastic examples of babies who are making these sounds, which really help a parent to become familiar with the sound and teaches them what to listen out for in their own infant. We introduced this system to 3 parents on our panel, all first time parents. 2 of the 3 parents carry their baby in a soft carrier and they clearly had the advantage over the parents that did not. Carrying your baby in a soft carrier allows you to be more in tune with your infant and enables you to hear your infants sounds from the start! The 2 baby wearing parents were able to integrate the Dunstan Baby Language system very easily and were astounded with their ability to understand and meet the needs of their infant. The 3rd set of parents experienced a greater learning curve, but with encouragement they were able to apply the system to their infant and were equally amazed when they were able to interpret their baby's sounds.

All 3 sets of parents felt empowered and confident in their ability to understand, respond and meet the needs of their baby. "What an incredible breakthrough", exclaimed one set of parents. "Every parent needs to be taught this system before they are discharged from the hospital/birthing center". Wearing your baby and keeping your baby close to you will enable you to hear your baby's sounds at their earliest. Most parents keep their baby far away from them throughout the day and night and thus do not get the opportunity to hear these pre-cry sounds. What most parents hear is their baby's escalated cries which are the LAST way that a baby communicates with mom and dad.

The Dunstan Baby website is a useful resource for new parents/soon-to-be parents who are interested in learning about infant communication. Browse the FAQ section to get started. The Dunstan Baby Language has been researched since 1998.

VIDEO:

To watch an exert from the DVD, and to hear babies making the "neh" sound (hungry), please click here:

We feel that Priscilla has "unlocked the secret language of babies" and that this system has enormous potential to help every parents the world over. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world, Priscilla. To find out more about this system, please visit

GIVEAWAY:

Courtesy of Dunstan Baby and in honor of our 4th Year Anniversary, five lucky readers will win their very own Dunstan Baby Language System which includes a 2-DVD set, a handy wall reference chart and a 16-page booklet. To enter, please send an email to info[AT]SuccessThroughPlay[DOT]com with the phrase "Dunstan Baby" in the subject line. Please include your name and your contact information. One entry per household. International entries welcome. One winner be selected at random. We never sell your information and all details will be kept strictly confidential. Please enter by the 25th of September, 2011, midnight PST. Good luck!

www.dunstanbaby.comSuccess Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2007/08/dunstan-baby-language.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-90516236565277064882011-08-15T02:25:00.000-07:002011-08-15T02:56:03.777-07:00Bumbleride Natural Edition Preview

Bumbleride introduces the Natural Edition Collection.

The Natural Edition features a durable recycled exterior fabric and an ultra soft bamboo fiber blend interior. Stroller options for the Natural Edition line include the Indie, Indie Twin and the newest addition in the Bumbleride line, the Flite.

Stay tuned for the full review!
Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/08/bumbleride-natural-edition-preview.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-61706765543529618512011-08-14T02:59:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:46:31.273-07:00Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping BustierBusy moms understand the value of multi-tasking, especially when it comes to pumping breast milk. With the Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bustier, moms can now have their hands free to play with their baby, get in some computer time, housework and other tasks all while pumping.

Many Ways to Wear

The Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bustier has been designed with elastic reinforcement at the top for a secure fit, ensuring no slipping.

For additional security the versatile Bustier comes with two straps which can be worn in halter, tank or racer-back style. The Bustier can be worn on it's own or slipped over your nursing bra with the flaps pulled down.

The Bustier is expertly designed to accommodate a wide range of sizes and well suited to your post-partum body. As you re-gain your pre-pregnancy body, the Bustier will adjust so there is no need to purchase a smaller size.

Straight from the parent panel:

"I was in a pumping rut and began to dread pumping my milk at home. I was a prisoner to my pump and really couldn't move or be mobile. If my baby cried or I needed to attend to something in the house, I had to stop pumping, and these frequent interruption really hurt my supply and wasted my precious time. With the hands free pumping bustier, I am FREE. I can now play with my baby, catch up on some work or perform a household chore all while pumping. The Hands Free Pumping Bustier has allowed me free up some more time to get essential tasks done as well as spend precious time with my baby. It will change your life!"

PURCHASING

Shop the Simple Wishes boutique or click here to locate a store near you.

To learn more, please visit www.SimpleWishes.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Simple Wishes provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/08/simple-wishes-hands-free-pumping.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-27674899988018558592011-08-07T09:43:00.001-07:002011-09-03T02:53:35.165-07:00The Milk-Saver from Milkies GiveawayFirst time mom's may not know that when your milk "lets down" it flows from both breasts. Thus when you are nursing your baby on one breast, milk will still flow from your non-nursing breast. This is the reason that moms will use nursing pads and towels to soak up the milk from the non-nursing side. Moms may not realise how much milk is actually being wasted.

Enter the Milkies Milk-Saver. A unique breastfeeding accessory developed by a Registered Nurse which helps mom collect precious breast milk for their babies.

1. Slide the Milk-Saver into your bra cup or tank on the non-nursing side. The nipple opening allows for gentle, precise placement.

2. Breastfeed your baby. The Milk-Collection reservoir holds 2+ ounces of leaked breast milk.

3. Take out the Milk-Saver and stand it upright in it's case.

4. Immediately place milk in fridge or freezer in a new container.

Safety note:
It is very important to chill new milk before adding to previously stored milk. Raising the temperature of previously stores milk can lead to spoilage. Refrigerate or freeze all milk immediately.

The product was designed with 3 goals in mind:

1. To reduce the amount of disposable products that moms are using
2. To help moms stockpile milk for lean times (growth spurts)
3. To help keep moms dry and comfortable.

Use your stored milk for bottle feeding, fortifying cereal and more. The Milk-Saver keeps your milk supply strong by letting breast empty freely. It is especially helpful during the early weeks and months of breastfeeding.

The Milk-Saver is easy to clean. Simply wash in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. Store in the included hard case. The Milk-Saver case acts as a stand when your Milk-Saver is full and and a travel case for easy transport. The Milk-Saver is made from a FDA approved material which is phthalate-free, bisphenol-a free and has been rigorously tested by a third-party lab to ensure zero chemical leaching. Proudly made in the USA.

The Milkies Milk-Saver is eco-friendly. When you no longer have a need for your Milk-Saver, simply recycle, including it with curb side recyclable plastics.

PURCHASING

Shop online from the Milkies online boutique or find a Retailer in your area.

Straight from the parent panel:

"The idea of the Milk-Saver is really a simple one, it is astounding that no-one thought of it sooner. Up until now, I had been using breast pads and towels to catch the milk on my non-nursing side. On many occasions, I ended up with a large milk-soaked stain on my non-nursing side which meant yet more washing for me. So not only was I wasting my precious milk but I was giving myself additional laundry to wash. The Milk-Saver has been an absolutely miracle. I can save a entire bottle worth of milk during the course of a day using this product. I no longer require breast pads and towels during nursing and I have yet to have a milk-soaked stain. One thing that I would change about the Milk-Saver is to add a lid to it. If you bend over while wearing the Milk-Saver the collected milk will spill everywhere and you will end up with a soaked shirt! Other than that, I love it! I tell all of our friends about this products."

GIVEAWAY:

Courtesy of Milkies and in honor of World Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2011, one lucky reader will win their very own Milk-Saver. Congratulations to Megan W.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Milkies provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/08/milk-saver-from-milkies-giveaway.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-60400855832655603852011-08-07T02:16:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:48:03.981-07:00Warm Milk Baby Hobo Convertible Diaper Bag - Nursing Pillow
Your new baby is finally here and you persevered with breastfeeding, despite your obstacles. You have mastered the perfect latch after weeks of practice and trial with the assistance of your nursing pillow - your new best friend. Now it is time to brave the outside world and meet your next goal - nursing while out and about. In honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2011, we have selected a brilliantly designed product to meet your needs for nursing will on the go.

Warm Milk introduces the Baby Hobo Convertible Diaper Bag - Nursing Pillow. A fully functioning diaper bag which converts into a nursing pillow.

Patricia Peters came up with the idea for the bag while she was sitting in the waiting room of her pediatricians office. Her daughter was hungry and needed to be fed, so she creatively reached for her diaper bag and tossed a blanket over it for the instant "pillow on the go". This action was the inspiration behind the Warm Milk Baby Hobo a fully functional diaper bag which converts into a nursing bag for-on-the-go nursing.

In the regular diaper bag mode:

The attractive, unisex style diaper bag features a top quality, adjustable, padded and non-slip shoulder strap for your comfort. There are 2 exterior pockets on the non-pillow side, both of which have magnetic closures. One of the front pockets feature hook and loop and zip closures which are ideal for storing your keys, wallet and cellular phone. The pillow side features a large exterior pocket with a zip pocket for other essentials that you need to have in arms reach.

The main compact has 4 elasticised pockets and 2 insulated bottle pockets for storing bottles. The interior compartment also houses the matching changing pad (included). The changing pad has an elastic band closure to ensure that the pad doesn't unfold in your bag - a nice touch. Due the presence of the pillow, the interior is somewhat cramped particularly for a diaper bag of this size, however the ample number of pockets elsewhere on the bag make up for it.
The bag has stroller attachment rings which you can attach to your stroller (use your own attachments) easily. Always use good judgement when doing so, as there is always a risk of the stroller tipping.

In the nursing mode:

The Baby Hobo bag is perfectly shaped for nursing, contouring and hugging mom's body when in the horizontal position. Simply unfasten the buckle and place it around your waist to keep the bag in place while nursing. You have a choice of 2 buckles which accommodate moms are various sizes, adapt to your shrinking belly postpartum. Unfasten the hook and loop closures of the large side flap and then unzip the flap to expose the nursing pillow. Re-position the nursing pillow so that it rests on top of the small flap. You are now ready to nurse. The underside of the large flap has 2 elasticised mesh pockets for storing essentials within arms reach while nursing. The pillow case is removable and washable to ensure a clean surface for nursing baby. This dual-function product will make a wonderful baby shower gift!

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION
See it in action here

Straight from the parent panel:

"With the Baby Hobo Convertible Diaper bag, I now have the freedom and the confidence to nurse in public. Before I received the pillow, I battled nursing when I was not in my home environment. Nursing without my trusty nursing pillow was very difficult so I would try to avoid it whenever possible. With this ingenious diaper bag, I can now the essentials for baby and myself and when he gets hungry, I can simply sit down practically anywhere and nurse him comfortably and easy thanks to the built-in nursing pillow. I love the design - it is clearly well thought out. The bag converts so easily into a nursing pillow thanks to the well thought out design. I can't tell you how many other moms stopped by to ask me all about my new bag. My husband thinks that it is the coolest bag ever! I have to agree and I won't leave home without it!"

Coming soon - Matching nursing shawls (to be fastened directly to bag)

PURCHASING

Shop baby hobo on-line or find a store in your area

To learn more, please visit the Warm Milk website.

All images copyrighted Warm Milk

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Warm Milk provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/08/warm-milk-baby-hobo-convertible-diaper.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-24206922331253165982011-08-02T07:38:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:48:56.881-07:00Medela Freestyle Breast Pump and Calma Feeding DeviceBreastfeeding is natural but not necessarily easy. Women can become empowered by educating themselves about breastfeeding before baby
comes. Organizations such as La Leche League International offer support groups for breastfeeding moms and advocacy for breastfeeding and the law. Visit a group in your area before your baby arrives so that you will know where to turn when you need help. Excellent nutrition during pregnancy and when breastfeeding is key. Drinking plenty of healthy fluids during breastfeeding, regular skin to skin contact with your baby and babywearing will go along way to ensure breastfeeding success. Challenges during breastfeeding may present themselves at any stage, and having a strong support system in place ahead of time is key to working through and solving any issues. A Certified Lactation Consultation is your best friend, and a consultation soon after birth to ensure that your baby is latching on correctly and to provide guidance. A good latch is critical to breastfeeding success, in conjunction with emptying the breast completely and frequently. Seek help early when you are experiencing a problem; don't wait.

A high quality breast pump can be highly beneficial to all nursing moms, regardless if they are working outside of the home or not. Breastfeeding is a demand and supply operation, meaning that you need to empty the breast fully in order to signal to your body to produce more milk. A breast pump can be used to empty your breast when your baby is unable to do so if he is sleepy, ill, or has a preference for one side. Engorgement can occur not only during the initial few days after birth, but at any stage of breastfeeding and using a breast pump to relieve the pressure can make it easier for your baby to latch on correctly to feed and empty your breasts. Many first time moms are surprised that when their milk lets down, it lets down occurs from both breasts, so if your baby is nursing on your right side, when the milk let down occurs, it occurs on the non-nursing side as well. Moms can place a nursing pad on the non-nursing breast, however, instead of allowing the milk to go to waste, moms can use a breast pump to empty the breast instead. Having extra milk available in the refrigerator or freezer can allow mom a much needed break and allow dad extra time to bond with baby. So as you can see, a breast pump can be used in so many ways, and can be of great benefit to stay at home moms in addition to working moms.

Medela's Breastfeeding Division has been supporting nursing moms around the world through their commitment to quality products.

Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, "from breast to belly," of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela's primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.

"Medela's Breastfeeding Division exists to enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk."

Medela's Breastfeeding Division offers a wide range of breast pumps and accessories. The Medela Breastfeeding website is well designed and easy to navigate. It is a wonderful resource for pregnant and nursing moms. Consult the product selector guide for suggestions for selecting a breast pump.

Medela Freestyle Breast pump

One of the smallest double electric breastpumps in the world helps mothers save precious time and offers freedom of movement whilst pumping. Freestyle is ideal for daily and regular use.

 Efficient: simultaneous expression in combination with the 2-Phase Expression Technology increases the amount of milk.

 Innovative: small, lightweight and quiet, to make daily expression as comfortable and natural as possible.

 Comfortable: individually adjustable vacuum settings, as well as memory function offers the highest degree of comfort.

 Complete control: a display shows all the relevant information.

 Support of milk supply: double pumping can help to increase and sustain milk supply.

The Freestyle has 2-Phase Expression, the only research based breast pump technology to mimic a baby's natural nursing rhythm.

Stimulation: Fast pumping rhythm to start your milk flowing.

Expression: Slower pumping rhythm to express your milk gently and efficiently.

Proven to feel most like your baby and to reduce your pumping time.

Straight from the mommy panel:

"I exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of my son's life. I was looking for a lightweight breast pump for when I was to return to work part-time. I volunteered to try the Medela Freestyle Breast pump and the Calma Feeding device. This was my first time ever using a breast pump and after reading the manual, I felt pretty confident about set-up and usage. Sure enough, it was easy to assemble and I was really surprised about how lightweight (weighing just under 13 ounces) and compact the unit was. I also had the support of my local LLL group to assist me as needed. They had informed me that I needed to make sure that the breast shields that were included in the kit were the right size for me - a crucial factor in ensuring success. Luckily for me they were, but if not, consult Medela's website about determining the right size for you. The pump itself is ergonomic, fitting into the palm of my hand. It is very portable allowing me to take it anywhere - I can discreetly clip it onto the waistband. I love being able to take it with me to my part-time job and having the freedom to pump while at work and then store the milk in the handy cooler bag, included with the kit. A double electric pump clearly saves you time when you need it most. Also included is a hands-free kit, but I preferred to use my own hands free bustier as it was faster to set up. Look into Medela's line of nursing wear for other options. There is also a stylish tote bag which is another bonus. No-one would suspect that I was carrying around a breast tpump, which I love. The Freestyle pump has allowed me to continue to breastfeed my baby, even though I am away from him for a few hours a week. For this I am very grateful for and I would recommend this pump to other moms in my situation. I feel wonderful knowing that my baby is continuing to receive the best food in the world while I am balancing being a part-time worker and full-time mom."

 Pump and Save

Pre-sterilised

Small and convenient

Direct pumping into bag prevents milk loss.

BPA-free

The newly designed Pump and Save bags now allow moms to pump directly into the bag, saving you time and preventing milk loss. This innovative feature is a big draw for moms, thanks to the self stick tape. The perfect time saving solution for the busy mom. When full, the bag stands independently so it is easy to mark and date the bag for the future reference. The bags take up very little room in the refrigerator or freezer and a wonderful addition to your storage options.

Calma Breast milk bottle with teat (teat also sold separately).

Your baby will always prefer and benefit from breastfeeding However if you are separated from baby, Calma provides an excellent alternative that stands to minimize any interference with the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. Breastfeeding needs to be well established before introducing Calma. Calma is recommended for breastfed babies and not those who are currently bottle fed as they may find it difficult to feed

Medela has pioneered innovative products which help to enhance babies' health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk. With Calma you can trust in a product that has been developed on a well-established research foundation. This research has shown that you baby is able to maintain with Calma the same learned feeding behaviour that your baby exhibits in breastfeeding.

Calma consists of 3 parts which are easy to assemble and clean.

Calma's unique design makes baby work- Similar to breastfeeding, the milk only flows when baby creates a vacuum. This ensures that the feeding is controlled by baby and his own individual rhythm.

One size is sufficient - The eat comes in one size which is sufficient for the entire duration of breastfeeding, thereby saving you money.

To see the Calma in action, please click here to view the video.

The Calma Feeding Device it is aimed at babies who are breastfeeding and not at babies who have been bottle fed with regular bottles from birth. This is an important distinction to make. The Calma Feeding Device is truly revolutionary and unlike any other teat/bottle system on the market. Baby needs to have a well established latch and good oral motor skills to use the Calma effectively. If you baby has achieved success breastfeeding, he is a good candidate for the Calma Feeding Device.

Straight from the mommy panel:

"I used the Freestyle breast pump in conjunction with the Calma Feeding Device and I feel that this is a great pairing of 2 very innovative products. For the first 6 months of my son's life, he was exclusively breastfeed. When it was time to return to work part-time, I began looking into breast pumps and bottles and had a hard time deciding which ones to select. Luckily I was contacted by Success Through Play Magazine who asked me if I was interested in reviewing the Freestyle along with the Calm Feeding Device and I jumped at the opportunity. When I was briefed about the Calma Feeding Device I was amazed at the innovative and I was very anxious to try it, because my number one concern was that once I returned to work and had to introduce the bottle, my baby would refuse my breast. Thankfully, this didn't occur and I strongly believe that it was due to my electing to use only the Calma Feeding Device and no other bottles. My son was indeed the perfect tester, because he had been exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and was a pro at obtaining a good latch and had developed a very good pattern of feeding from the breast. I can see first hand how the Calma Feeding Device mimics my son feeding from the breast and it is truly remarkable in its design. I was so worried about the effects of introducing a bottle but the Calma Feeding Device has made the transition effortless. My son moves from breast to Calma Feeding Device smoothly and easily and I am so thankful for this."

RESOURCES

The Medela Website is well designed and easy to navigate. Check out the Resource section for education articles which will help to enrich your breastfeeding experience.

PURCHASING
To find out where to purchase Medela products in your country, please click here.

For additional information about the products in this article and to see the full product line from Medela, please visit www.Medela.com

All images copyrighted Medela.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Medela provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/08/medela-freestyle-breast-pump-and-calma.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-69247186526840249672011-08-02T07:25:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:11:37.188-07:00World Breastfeeding Week 1-7 August, 2011
We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week at Success Through Play Magazine by highlighting some innovative breastfeeding products and accessories.

Medela

The Baby Hobo Convertible Diaper Bag

The Milk-Saver

Hands Free Pumping Bustier

Stay tuned for the reviews and a giveaway.Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/08/world-breastfeeding-week-1-7-august.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-51919234016419051962011-07-24T01:20:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:49:54.817-07:00okiedog Nature inspired Sassy Diaper Bag and Clipex System
okiedog® is a German, independent company and was founded in 2006. okiedog® stands for innovation, creativity, quality and functionality. Their fun-loving spirit of innovation is reflected in their user-focused design philosophy. Their goal is to make families' lives more fun, and convenient in a truly original way. They are also aware of the special responsibility that comes with making products for children and are committed to making the best and safest products possible. All okiedog products are PVC-, Phthalate-, AZO- and BPA- free.

Introducing The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag from okiedog. Inspired by nature's beauty, designed for beautiful mums and babies. Fashion at nature's best. The okiedog Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag is a medium sized diaper bag and measures 20" x 13" x 6". The nature Sassy Diaper Bag features beautiful nature inspired embroidery including butterflies, leaves, trees and birds, and is visually stunning to look out. This bag is expertly designed with organisation in mind.

FEATURES:

The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag from okiedog features two side pockets for bottles located on either side of diaper bag. One is insulated and the second has a removable insulated bottle holder which is clipix compatible and comes with the clipix base clip set to attach to your stroller so you will always have a bottle within easy reach. The front of the bag features 2 exterior pockets (with hook and loop closures). One of exterior pockets has a compartment where you can securely stash your mobile phone as well as carabiner (key clip) so you will never lose your keys again! The bag features two loops on either side of the bag which will attach effortlessly to your stroller via the clipix hook system (included). The bag boasts a reflective strip (located between 2 front pockets) for additional safety at night. To the rear of the bag will find a removable changing pad with antibacterial treatment, which is very easy to wipe down after each diaper change. Looking at the interior of the bag, you will immediately see the bright inner lining which makes it a snap to locate and retrieve important items immediately. The interior of the bag features 2 inner side pockets and a 3rd which holds an accessory bag. We love the 2 quick pick loops which are located on either side of the bag which can hold anything from a pacifier to a toy. You will never again have difficulty locating your baby's pacifier or toy and will become an expert at soothing him/her when out and about, reducing everyone's stress.

The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper bag from okiedog is the perfect lightweight bag for the warmer months. Moms will have everything that they need within easy reach thanks to the innovative design and many unique features which will help to streamline and simplify their day.

 Clipix Accessories

Have you noticed that many strollers, even the high end ones, do not come with a line of accessories included with the stroller. They are typically available for purchase separately and often at a great cost. If you have more than one stroller, you will often have to re-purchase your line of accessories for each stroller as they are more often than not, not universally compatible.

Enter a line of innovative accessories for your stroller called "Clipix". Clipix is the new, universal, flexible, removable stroller accessory system from okiedog, designed for parents and kids who love the outdoors. With a simple "Click" various accessories can be attached to the stroller and keep it at a comfortable level for you. This system was nominated with a Kind and Jugend Award in 2010.

The clipix accessory line is compatible with virtually every stroller on the market, thanks to the 2 rubber adapters which are inserted in the clip base. If have more than one stroller, simply purchase an extra base clip, one for each of your strollers. Simply install a base clip set on each stroller and with one "click" it is possible to remove and install all the clipix accessory on multiple strollers. The base clip does not have to be removed when folding the stroller. The following products are currently available in the clipix line:

Hooks with base clip - Perfect for hanging your diaper bag from your stroller. For demonstration purposes, we have illustrated this with a lightweight umbrella stroller, but to ensure safety of your baby, please select a stable full size stroller to hang your diaper bag from and always test for stability.)

Insulated Bottle Holder - Soothe baby instantly when he cries to be fed. Whether it is breastmilk or formula, you will have it at immediately available at the optimal temperature. No searching through your bag.

Cup Holder - Busy parents on the go often forget to stay hydrated. Whether it is a warm beverage to stay toasty in the winter or an ice cold drink to refresh you in the summer, you will always have a place to store your drink.

Mobile Phone/Camera Holder - You are expecting an important call however when your phone rings, it takes you some time to locate your phone and retrieve it, only to see that you have missed the call! That will never happen again with the mobile phone holder. Mounted on your stroller, you will have it available immediately when you need it most. This holder can alternatively accommodate a compact camera. You can surely related to the situation where you forgot your camera at home or are searching through your bag to find it only to realise that the moment has long passed. With this holder, you will be able to capture your baby's precious moments to be cherished for a lifetime.

base clip (for your extra stroller) The clipix base clip includes adapters for various strollers, including square and oval tubes.

The clipix line of products will ensure that you always have a bottle for baby on hand, a refreshing beverage for mom or dad available within easy reach, a cell phone available within arms reach so that you never miss any calls and or a compact camera immediately available for you to capture those precious moments. The much anticipated Clipix Safety light will be available soon. Stay tuned for the review. We applaud okiedog for developing this truly innovative line.

PURCHASING:

okiedog products are sold in more than 30 countries worldwide. Click here to find a store locator. For further information and to see the full product line, please visit www.okiedog.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. okidog provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/07/okiedog-nature-inspired-sassy-diaper.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-39880066849810382262011-07-11T03:26:00.000-07:002011-07-11T03:38:20.770-07:00Celebrating our 4th year Anniversary - Giveaways GaloreSuccess Through Play Magazine will be celebrating its 4th Year Anniversay this month. Come and celebrate with us.

Stay tuned for some amazing giveaways.Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/07/celebrating-our-4th-year-anniversary.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-25394348529362853492011-05-20T01:05:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:51:05.969-07:00Boob Design Summer 2011 Top Picks and GiveawayBoob Design is the designer line of Maternity and Nursing Apparel from Sweden that will change the way that you think of maternity and nursing clothing forever. Gone are the bulky, uncomfortable and frumpish maternity and nursing outfits that hide the bump (maternity) and are difficult to access and scream to the world that you are nursing. Boob Design® boasts a gorgeous line of designer apparel that just happen to be maternity and nursing wear!

Commitment to the environment:

"We keep all of our production in Europe, in factories where we know that the employees are treated well and are decently paid. Keeping production in Europe is also a way of guaranteeing that the product in Europe is as environmentally sound as possible. All our jersey is certified with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This certification is a guarantee for clothes that are completely free of toxins that can be harmful to you. Clothes that are kind to your skin as well as nature. Our goal is to you materials that are environmentally optimal."

Boob Design's® Maternity line is cut to accent and flatter your new curvy figure. The gorgeous eco-fabrics, the fresh simplicity and the playful details make the trademark of Boob® . The soft and comfortable fabrics will fit like a dream - all the way from bump to big belly!

Boob® Nursing tops and dresses are brilliantly designed and 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.

We love the gorgeous summer dresses on offer from Boob Design. The Singoalla Nursing Dress (pictured right) is a great investment because it is designed to be worn for both pregnancy and during nursing. The smocked neckline, frilled bottom and tie-able waistband add a romantic feel to the dress. The dress is made from an innovative fabric, lyocell, which is a natural fiber that has a flattering drape, is breathable and naturally wrinkle resistant. Nursing in this dress couldn't be any simpler, with the signature boob design double layer nursing design. We applaud Boob Design for exploring natural fabrics in their Summer 2011 Collection. The Singoalla dress is very versatile - pair it with flats for a casual look or heels for a more dressy occasion.

Nursing singlet

Nursing singlet with that little extra length.
An essential basic garment in a nursing mother's wardrobe. Soft knitted stretch fabric in 92% organic cotton and 8% elastane.

The nursing singlet from Boob Design is available in 17 colors, including stripes and solids. The versatile singlet is sure to become a staple in your summer wardrobe and is perfect for layering for the rest of the year. The thicker shoulder straps are ideal for covering up your nursing bra and the longer length creates a flattering effect. The material is soft and gentle against your skin. When the temperature outside soars, reach for your nursing singlet, to beat the summer heat, while still looking fabulous.

PURCHASING INFORMATION

To find a store near you, please click here.

Shop the online store here. Bargain hunters will love the outlet section.

GIVEAWAY
Congratulations to Amanda G and Lori S.

Thank you to Boob Design for sponsoring this giveaway. To learn more and to see the full range, please visit www.BoobDesign.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Boob Design provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/05/boob-design-summer-2011-fashion-spread.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-64136094206880206272011-05-02T00:38:00.001-07:002011-08-29T02:52:19.391-07:00Biddy Belly - Making Tummy Time Fun!The Back to Sleep Campaign was extremely successful in reducing the number of SIDS cases, however, it has had an unintended side effect: many parents now never put their babies on their tummy to play. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs. The keywords here are "BACK TO SLEEP" and "TUMMY AWAKE", meaning place baby on his back to sleep but during his awake hours, ensure that he gets plenty of supervised Tummy Time throughout the day. Ensuring that baby spends minimal time in a container (stroller, swing, bouncer etc), plus the addition of supervised Tummy Time on the Biddy Belly when baby is AWAKE will reduce a baby's chances of developing plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), which is clearly on the rise. In addition, regular supervised Tummy Time will help baby to develop strength and muscle coordination and will enhance his motor development. When baby is lying on his tummy and begins to push up on his hands, this weight bearing activity helps to develop the arches of his hand, which is very important for handwriting. Tummy Time allows baby an opportunity to practice skills that are precursors to crawling, such as reaching, pivoting and scooting.

Introducing the Biddy Belly, an innovative tummy time toy which is designed to promote optimal positioning during tummy time. Designed by a Physical Therapist and mom of three, Robin Tacchetti. All 3 of her children would resist tummy time, and as a result of limited tummy time, all three babies developed flat spots (plagiocephaly). With Robin's background as PT, she fully understood the importance of tummy time and knew that their had to be a better way to get babies to love tummy time. Together with consults from pediatricians, Robin designed a product which was not only optimally designed but also would make tummy time fun.

"The unique design of the Biddy Belly is what makes it functional from a physical therapy point of view. When I was creating it, I was trying to envision something that propped the baby up from a prone position, but yet put them in the same anatomical position they would be in if they weren't propped up."

Robin explained that the current toys on the market for 'tummy time' prop babies up, but they are not in a position to push themselves up further.

"For example, most of these products are half-moon shape props which raises the babies chest and puts their arms out in front of their heads. In this position they are raised up, but not in a position to lift themselves any higher or work any muscles. They are simply propped up, but aren't in a good position to utilize their arms muscles to extend up further."

Robin's goal was to design a product which raised the baby's chest but also allowed their arms to be in the same position they would be if they weren't propped up.

"The placement of the babies arms on the Biddy Belly allows them to extend their elbows working the muscles required to lift up. The Biddy Belly's slight incline under their chest and head allows for an easier lift up because they are already raised a bit, so they don't have to work quite as hard lifting their body weight against gravity. They simply need to use their arm muscles to extend themselves further up. "

The Biddy Belly offers a unique tummy time solution to babies who have been resisting tummy time. As Robin has explained above, the Biddy Belly has many innovative features which set is apart from the other tummy time products on the market. The Biddy Belly is in the form of a super cute giraffe, which will capture baby's attention. It is visually stimulating to entice little ones to explore further. The giraffe features a contrasting pattern throughout, which resembles the spots of a giraffe. The hoofs of the giraffe are bright and colorful, each in a different color. The giraffe's ears and are neck feature bright, bold colors to attract baby's attention. The neck of the giraffe features a reflective mirror for baby to gaze at himself. The Biddy Biddy provides baby with auditory stimulation, with its sqeak horn, rattle horn, and "crinkle nose" material. In addition, the giraffe has 2 removable toys attached to either side of its neck - a ring rattle and a set of toy keys, offering an opportunity to explore fine motor skills. Parents can simply switch out the toys on a regular basis, to provide baby with new opportunities to explore a variety of toys. The Biddy Belly is very lightweight, weighing in at under 1lb, making it very easy to transport from room to room.

The Biddy Belly features removable side bolsters to prevent baby from rolling off. As baby develops grows and developments more strength and control, the side bolsters can be removed to provide baby with additional room. The Biddy Belly is free of phthalates and passes the CPSCIA. The cover of the Biddy Belly is removable and washable, enabling parents to keep the Biddy Belly in tip top shape.

We distributed the Biddy Belly to a variety of babies in varying ages from a few weeks in age to 3 months of age. We specifically identified babies who resisted tummy time, to see how they would react to the Biddy Belly. All 3 babies in the play panel, were DELIGHTED when the Biddy Belly was brought into the room and when placed on the Biddy Belly, they were able to sustain the prone position for a record amount of time. The babies were captivated with the face of the giraffe and immediately began exploring the giraffe's face! Each set of parents were amazed, as they were very certain that their baby would cry after just a minute. The Biddy Belly was a success in our play panel and we know that your baby will love tummy time with the help of the Biddy Belly.

Tummy Time Tips

Begin tummy time soon after your baby is born. Start with a few minutes, working up to an hour a day (in split short sessions) by 3 months. In the early weeks, lay baby on your chest (parent laying down on a bed or couch, propped up), tummy to tummy, for skin to skin contact and to facilitate bonding. This will serve as a gentle introduction to tummy time, so that baby becomes used to being on his tummy from the beginning.

Link tummy time with activities of daily living (diapering, bathing, playing) e.g after every diaper change, place baby on his tummy for a few minutes. When tummy time is part of a routine, baby is more likely to enjoy it.

Make Tummy Time Fun Time! Get down onto baby's level and introduce toys to capture and sustain his attention. Use a mirror - babies love to look at themselves in a mirror.

Carrying position. When carrying baby around the house, carry him securely in a tummy down position instead of upright.

For further information about the Biddy Belly and for purchasing information, please visit www.BiddyBelly.com

Images copyrighted Biddy Belly.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Biddy Belly provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/05/biddy-belly-making-tummy-time-fun.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-23087205951074901962011-04-23T13:19:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:54:26.445-07:00I-Qube®BABY SMART START - HOME OF THE I-QUBE®.

Product Description (provided by Baby Smart Start).

The I-Qube® is lightweight cardboard printed and creased to fold into a sturdy 3 1/2" square block when assembled. It can be unfolded and stored for later use, then refolded. It is intended to be used for the relatively short period of time (0-6 months) when your infant is most likely to gain from the stimulation provided by using it. The I-Qube® was developed and copyrighted in 1983 by a public health nurse who worked extensively with babies from prenatal to postnatal care, well-baby and infant development clinics. It is the pioneer product of this sort. The designs on each side have been carefully created based on scientific studies to attract the attention of infants from the time they can open their eyes until they are ready to advance to more complex colors and shapes.

PURCHASING

Baby Smart Start strongly recommends that parents buy at least a couple I-Qubes® for their baby. One for the infants travel bag, one for the nursery or where you spend your time with your infant, and a spare.

International Readers, please click here
UK readers, please click here

How to use the I-Qube® (provided by Baby Smart Start):

The I-Qube® has six sides - no one side preferred though infants usually respond first to the 'female face,' next to the 'male face,' then typically to all of the rest.

The I-Qube® should be shown to your infant from the very first time they open their eyes until they graduate to more advance designs and color schemes - about 4-6 months. The best time to use the I-Qube® is any time your infant is alert and receptive to attention and until your infant ignores the stimulation - this may be from moments to minutes. There are two outstanding features the I-Qube® has over most similar products we have seen, including a mobile that has similar designs. They are the bonding experience that comes with the one-on-one attention as a result of the interaction between the parent and infant, and the focus that the infant achieves with the I-Qube®. The mobile and like items, impersonal and at a fixed distance, may not even be visible to the infant if it is out of their range of focus. If an item moves at all, the movement may be indiscernible by the infant; there is no feedback that the infant recognizes the motion. The I-Qube® focal range is interactively adjusted between the parent and infant.

I-Qube is not simply a toy and needs to be used in conjunction with the caregiver, in order for it to be effective. It seems that there is a 2-fold reason for the caregiver to hold the baby when using the I-Qube. Firstly, for practical reasons: the caregiver will need to interact with the baby in order to facilitate a tracking response of the baby to track and lock onto the I-Qube. The caregiver will need to adjust and re-adjust the distance and interchange the sides of the cube to maintain baby's interest. It is also vital for the caregiver to monitor the baby's arousal level and not overstimulate the baby. Secondly, holding the baby provides the baby with deep proprioceptive input which is calming. Touch is also crucial for learning.

Just as physical exercise advances the range of motion for the body, interactive use of the I-Qube® advances hand-to-eye coordination and visual stimulation. Also, with exercise of the eyes and development of coordination, synapse connections are made within the brain. This same principle applies for visual stimulation and rehabilitation for all ages when the I-Qube® is used by professionals in the optometric or psychology environment.

I-Qube® is eco-friendly!

By the time baby has 'graduated' from the I-Qube® it is usually a little worn, a little torn and about due for replacement. They are very affordable, economical and expendable for that reason - use them until they're used up, then recycle them.

Success Through Play™ comments:

We have been most impressed with the professionalism of Baby Smart Start and it has been our great pleasure to work with them on this article. We would like to thank Baby Smart Start for sending us several samples of the I-Qube® for our test panel. The parent panel found the I-Qube® to be very easy to assemble and they commented on how they liked the fact that it is so lightweight and can be easily transported when they are on the go.

Each parent was briefed about the concept of the I-Qube® and how to use it with their baby and were then sent home with their "assignments." The group met a few weeks later to report about their baby's experience with the I-Qube®. Each parent commented that they would "highly recommend the I-Qube® to their friends." The group as a whole was impressed that their baby was so interested in looking at the shapes and patters on the I-Qube® and the parents reported that they enjoyed spending time bonding with their infant!

The I-Qube® educational toy is research-correct. This means it was developed in accordance with studies about what works and what doesn't in the enhancement of early infant development. To read some very interesting articles about infant development and the environment, please click here.

Baby Smart Start Emphasizes: "Holding your baby while using the I-Qube® increases the human bonding that your baby needs for best development. Think of this as prime one-on-one time at a crucial point in their development. Wall hangings, crib mobiles, changing table covers and such don't offer this human bonding advantage." We agree with statement and in addition will add that learning should always be a fun experience for your baby. Parents must learn to recognize which state of consciousness their baby is in, and only introduce an object/developmental tool when their baby is in an calm state and eager to take in the world around her. When baby signals that he has had sufficient stimulation, parents must read his cues and stop the activity. Research is showing us that holding your baby enhances bonding. Touch continues to be important as your child grows and a recent study showed that children learn more efficiently when a parent gently places their hand on his/her shoulder.

We applaud Baby Smart Start for offering a reasonably priced infant developmental product that can engage your baby and promote bonding between parent and baby. The I-Qube® will make an ideal Baby Gift!

To learn more, please visit:

www.BabySmartStart.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Baby Smart Start provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2007/10/i-qube.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-12107990532610368072011-04-13T02:24:00.000-07:002011-08-29T02:55:27.967-07:00Templar Publishing - Books for BabyTemplar Publishing, based in Dorking, Surrey, is a leading UK children's publisher. Founded in 1978, Templar has become one of the world's most respected publishers and packagers of illustrated children's fiction, novelty and picture books. In 2008 Templar was recognised by the Independent Publisher's Guild as UK Children's Publisher of the Year and Independent Publisher of the Year.

They have an extensive backlist built over 30 years and sell their products in over 25 languages in more than 50 countries. They have a reputation for innovation and creativity, both in publishing ourselves and in producing books for other companies.
Templar is part of the Bonnier Group and was acquired by Bonnier in September 2008

 Cased Novelty Board Books
A brand new format using a popular trim size, but adding sturdy cased covers – perfectly robust for baby's hands! Textures, mirrors and die-cut pages provide lots of hands-on fun.

I love you!
illustrated by Emma Dodd, with photography by David Ellwand

This new edition of the award-winning I Love You (winner of the Booktrust Early Years Award) is the perfect gift for new parents. Babies will be drawn to the large, expressive photos of other babies, and the gentle rhyming text is ideal for sharing together. The final page includes a photo frame for parents to add a picture of their own amazing baby.

Babies love to look at other faces and are intrigued and fascinated with the human face. This delightful photo board book features expressive, black and white images of babies, set against colourful and contrasting backgrounds which are visually stimulating and designed to capture baby's attention. Short, simple phrases accompany the pictures to add further interest. This book is certain to become a favourite in your baby's collection.

 Animal Babies

This touch-and-feel book showcases a lovable bunch of baby animals. Stroke the fluffy lion cub, pat the wrinkly zebra and have some hands-on fun!

It is time to meet the baby animals! This touch-and-feel board book offers baby an opportunity for tactile exploration. Baby will squeal with delight when he explores the various textures of the animals, from the soft hair of the zebra to the rough skin of the crocodiles - each touch is a new learning experience. Each of the animals are set against colourful and contrasting backgrounds, to further capture baby's interest and attention. This book will grow with your baby as there are prompts to count the animals, so even toddlers will be able to enjoy the interaction.

Art for Baby

Twelve images by famous artists, from Henri Matiise to Keith Harring to Julian Opie, jump off the pages of this funky, chunky board book. Babies respond most to high contrast black and white images, therefore the artwork has been specially chosen for maximum visual stimulation. Each of the images are unique, but equally captivating. From simple bold shapes to the more intricate, baby will be fascinated with the artwork. Work with your baby to see which images he is most captivated by and then gradually move onto more intricate images as visual and concentration skills improve. Parents may choose to incorporate baby's favourite images into tummy time.

Tucked away in the back of the book, you will find the wall frieze which consists of 3 separate wall friezes, each featuring 4 images from the artists. The wall frieze is the perfect decoration for the nursery of any budding artist. All of the images have been donated to the NSPCC (in association with OUTSET, the contemporary art foundation) for use in this board book, with all profits going to the NSPCC. Truly an exceptional book which will be treasured by both baby and parents alike.

Artists:

Keith Haring, Radiant Baby 1994
Paul Morrison, Cryptophyte 2005
Takashi Murakami, Ohana 1999
Julian Opie, Natasha 2000
Julian Opie, Raphael, 2000
Bridget Riley, Fragment 3 1965
Kazimir Malevich, Black Cross c. 1920
Damien Hirst, HyppovasePrazosin Hydrochloride 1992
Patrick Caulfield, Duck 1994
Josef Albers, Together 1933
Gary Hume, Pear 1996
David Shrigley, Untitled 2005

Each of these books can be purchased online from Templar Publishing. For further information please visit Templar Publishing.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Templar Publishing provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/templar-publishing-books-for-baby.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-12313919091462109352011-04-02T02:26:00.000-07:002011-04-02T02:52:43.427-07:00BabyBond Nursing offer - April 7, 2011 don't miss out
Slurp & Burp LLC will be offering a FREE* BabyBond to everyone who buys a BabyBond online from Babies R Us or buybuyBABY!!! Limited time offer.

*Buy one BabyBond online from Babies R Us or buybuyBABY of your choice (Original, Flex or Couture) from Slurp & Burp LLC on Thursday, April 7th, 2011 with only paying $10 shipping/handling.

Email receipt from Babies R Us or buybuyBABY to firstname.lastname@example.com along with your choice of BabyBond. Slurp and Burp LLC will invoice $10 via PayPal for shipping/handling and ship your FREE BabyBond once shipping/handling fees are paid. Receipt must be dated for April 7th, 2011.

Don't miss out on this great limited offer!

To learn more about the BabyBond Nursing Cover, please visit www.BabyBondNursing.comSuccess Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/04/babybond-nursing-offer-april-7-2011.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-80803884182844579262011-02-26T03:47:00.000-08:002011-08-29T02:56:19.455-07:00Boba organic soft structured carrierThere are many benefits to carrying your baby in a carrier. Studies indicate that babies who are carried in a carrier CRY LESS compared to those that aren't. In our modern society of expensive and trendy strollers and other "containers", it is a pity that many parents are unaware of the concept of carrying your baby in a carrier, which costs a fraction of the cost of most strollers and offers many more benefits. Lets examine some of the sensory and motor experiences of babywearing and contrast them with the same baby in a stroller. A baby in a stroller is physically away from mom/dad's body, and usually can't see his parents or smell them or even hear their voices. He lies passively on his back in his stroller, and may be confused and even disoriented, with no human touch to soothe or reassure him. A baby positioned correctly in a carrier is worn close to mom/dad's body. He can feel their heartbeat, see their faces, hear them talk, smell them and is reassured by their touch. Bonding occurs without any hassles and successful breastfeeding is more likely with baby being carried against mom's body. The baby in the carrier is not lying flat on his back, but rather in a range of positions which will place less pressure on his skull, reducing his risk of developing plagiocephaly. He moves with mom/dad and in turn receives vestibular stimulation. He is actively engaging his muscles as he shifts to maintain his balance as mom/dad move. He is working on developing his head control and strengthening his muscles, unlike the baby in the stroller, who remains passively on his back. The baby in the carrier is receiving what is essentially a swaddling like effect in the carrier which calms him via proprioceptive input to his joints. Mom/dad are more in tune with his needs, as they are very close to him. He can look up and see their faces.

For the newborn phase, we recommend a sling or a wrap, where baby can be positioned in the horizontal newborn cradle hold and gradually move to a more upright position as baby attains good head control and sitting balance. According to some physical therapists, it is developmentally advantageous to keep your infant in a horizontal position as much as possible during the first few months of his life.

By the time a baby reaches approximately 5-6 months (around 15lbs) he can sit upright independently and is now ready for a soft structured carrier. Enter the Boba Organic Soft Structured Carrier, from NAP Inc, a true Green Company .

The Boba organic soft structured carrier will support both baby and mom/dad in an ergonomic position. It is lightweight and was designed with safety in mind. Correctly worn, the Boba will support baby in an ergonomic position by placing baby in a seated position with abduction of the hips (knees apart) with the weight off the spine with hip flexion greater than 90 degrees (baby's bottom is lower than knees). This position looks similar to a "squatting position" which toddlers assume throughout the day. For the adult, the well padded wide shoulder straps and the supportive waist band (to be worn on the hip for shorter people) help to distribute baby's weight evenly, thus minimizing shoulder and back pain. Even the most well designed and constructed carrier must be worn correctly to reap the benefits. Our veteran engineer commented that the Boba Carrier is well designed and constructed, is streamlined in design and offers quality finishes and components. The back position requires some practice to hoist baby onto your back, but can be easily mastered by having someone spot you, with the bed and mirror close by for the initial few times.

Boba is a Soft Structured baby carrier (SSC) that is intended for children between 15 to 45 lbs. Two wearing positions are available: front carry and back carry (with child facing in towards the wearer for both positions).

UNIQUE FEATURES

Left: Boba is designed with a few extra inches of height to keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your little one's back.
This in turn reduces shoulder strap pressure and helps you maintain a good posture
In addition, your child has the option to put their arms in or out of the carrier.

Above Right: The innovative sleeping hood supports baby's neck in a neutral position during nap times and shields him from the elements. It removes easily for versatility.

What makes the Boba very unique is that it features foot straps (attached to the waist belt) for the child's feet to be placed in, thereby enabling a healthy sitting position for the child. Obtaining the 90-90 posture (approximate joint angles at hip and knee) is favored by many pediatric experts when referencing ergonomic seating positions. The footstraps not only give little tired legs a rest, but support the legs in a flexed abducted (froglike) position. In addition, the foot straps may have a calming effect on fussy babies due to the proprioceptive input to the feet.

 Boba is made with GOTS and OE100 certified organic cotton lined with 100% organic Texas cotton manufactured by mountaineering professionals in Boulder, CO. It is made proudly in the USA and we commend NAP Inc. for supporting local workers and not outsourcing. The fabric is lightweight yet strong and super soft against both the baby and the wearers skin. It is important to select products with organic fabrics whenever possible, as the skin is our largest organ and it readily absorbs chemicals. Conventional cotton is grown with many pesticides and herbicides which can be directly absorbed into the skin when wearing clothing. Organic cotton on the other hand is produced with no chemicals and is a healthier alternative, particularly for baby's sensitive skin. From an environmental point of view, we only have one earth and we need to do everything that we can to protect it for future generations. Pesticides and chemicals reak havoc with the earth's fragile ecosystem and the toxic chemicals end up in our water supply and food chain, which can have disastrous consequences.

Our test panel reported that the carrier felt extremely comfortable to wear throughout their day and made grocery shopping a breeze. One parent reported that when wearing baby in the back position, they noticed an improvement in their own posture! In addition, baby fell asleep immediately and when it was time to set her down, they were able to transition her from carrier to crib without her waking. Careful thought, skill and planning has gone into creating this very unique design.

We have reviewed many, many carriers over the years, but this one is very special. Most structured carriers are very heavy and hard to wear in the summer months, but the Boba is well designed for year round use. Its' many additional unique features and organic cotton fabric are wonderful bonuses.

PURCHASING

Buy directly from the online boutique local and international shipping available or find a store in your area.

For additional information, please visit the Boba Carrier Website.

All pictures copyright NAP Inc.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. NAP Inc provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

 Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/boba-organic-soft-structured-carrier.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-74276558528756528132011-02-20T11:57:00.000-08:002011-03-04T08:39:07.484-08:00UdderMama Maternity TeesGone are the days when pregnant women hid their pregnant belly in tent like creations and fathers had little to do with caring for their baby. These days, pregnant mamas-to-be are embracing their new curves and flaunting their growing bumps in stylish tees. UdderMama Maternity offers fun, flirty, organic cotton maternity tees which are designed for stylish comfort and are cut longer for full belly coverage. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and feels wonderful against the skin. The prints are fun and cheeky and embrace the modern mom-to-be. A must have in your maternity wardrobe.

"Our maternity tees are designed to show off and flatter the bump while you're pregnant, and cleverly "shrink with you" as you shed pounds postpartum. A lean silhouette and extra-long length ensure complete "bump" coverage while showing off your sexy curves. Made of ultra-stretchy, lightweight organic cotton. We've put our fabric through an extensive wash process to produce a very soft, vintage-y t-shirt. Each has its own distinctive color and surface variations. We hope you enjoy making each shirt uniquely your own!"

The skin is our largest organ and it readily absorbs chemicals, including during pregnancy. Conventional cotton is grown with many pesticides and herbicides which can be directly absorbed into the skin when wearing clothing. Organic cotton on the other hand is produced with no chemicals and is a healthier alternative, especially for pregnant women. Organic cotton maternity tees are especially difficult to find, so we were delighted to have discovered the UdderMama range of organic cotton maternity tees which are made from organic cotton (some styles have an organic cotton/poly blend) and water-based non-toxic inks and dyes. Proudly made in the USA.

PURCHASING

Shop the online boutique where tees are 30% off. We suggest sizing up, as the line runs a size small.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of UdderMama Maternity, one lucky reader will win the following prize:

Busy Mama Organic Tee Size Large (pictured left)

Congratulations to Lana G.

To view the full collection, please visit the UdderMama Website.Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/uddermama-maternity-tees.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-77913785206268456602011-02-20T02:27:00.000-08:002011-03-04T08:40:00.564-08:00Enell Lite Sports Bra - Performance Apparel for Well Endowed WomenExercising is wonderful for the body, mind and soul. In order to reap the full benefits of exercise, appropriate gear is needed: shoes, underwear and workout clothing. For women who are well endowed, finding a suitable sports bra can often prove to be very challenging and frustrating. Wearing the incorrect bra during exercise may increase your risk of developing neck, shoulder and back discomfort. In addition, since breasts are made of fat, glands and connective tissue, with no muscle, wearing a supportive bra is essential to prevent tissue injury.

Enell was founded by Renelle Braaten, an avid volleyball player, who was frustrated with the lack of suitable sports bras on the market. Renelle resorted to doubling up and wearing two bras, which still didn't do the trick, leaving her with achy shoulders and the "breast bounce" during sporting activities. Renelle took matters into her own hands and with the assistance of her mother, who is a talented seamstress, she created The Enell Sports Bran, an innovative sports bra for women who are well endowed. Enell Bras are designed for superior support and comfort.

Enell currently offers 2 styles:

Enell Sport: For running and high impact sports.

Enell Lite: For low to medium impact activities

We will be highlighting the Enell Lite Sports Bra today.

What makes the Enell Lite Sports Bra so special?

The unique power mesh design provides a unique blend of encapsulation and compression for a more flattering shape, while helping to reduce the dread "breast bounce' during low to medium impact activities.

The wide, non stretch straps, help to evenly distribute the weight of the breasts, minimizing breast bounce, shoulder fatigue and discomfort.

The fuller back and unique cross-straps at the rear of the bra help to support an upright posture, which will go a long way in preventing, neck, shoulder and back discomfort during exercises.

The fabric is treated with NATUREXX, which transfers moisture away from the body, keeping you more comfortable while you are exercising.

GIVING BACK

Enell will donate 10% of the sales of the HOPE Pink Enell Sports Bra and the HOPE Pink Enell Lite bra to FORCE, an organization which is dedicated towards improving the lives of those affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

User Experience:

"The Enell Lite Sports Bra has now become an essential component of my workout gear. There is a learning curve to putting on the bra correctly and getting used to the snug fit. You will need to put each arm through the openings like you would put on a jacket. In order to fasten the bra, you start from the bottom and work your way up, adjusting yourself as you go. The workmanship is top notch and I have full confidence that this bra will last a long time. At first, the bra felt very snug and I was concerned that I had ordered the incorrect size bra - I hadn't. I headed outdoors on my daily walk and the first thing that I noticed was how my posture had immediately improved and I felt taller and lighter as my bust was correctly supported. I hadn't felt this level of support before and it really empowered me to walk taller and prouder! After the 3rd day of exercising using the bra, I noticed that the bra had become comfortable as I had adjusted to this new level of support. Bottom up using hook fasteners." See video for instructions.

PURCHASING

Fitting and measuring info is available here.

The Enell Lite Sports Bra is available in a range of sizes and three colors: White, Black and Pink. Custom sizes are also available. Please click here to learn more.

Buy directly from Enell or from an online retailer in your area.

Find a retailer in your area here.

GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to Phillipa M.

For more information, please visit the Enell Website.Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/enell-lite-sports-bra-performance.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-59710790959370683362011-02-16T02:00:00.000-08:002011-02-27T23:57:23.488-08:00Holy Lamb Organics "Bo Peep" Organic Nursing Pillow
The secret to successful breastfeeding lies in obtaining a good latch, nursing frequently and emptying the breast fully. In order to help baby obtain a good latch, both mom and baby need to be positioned correctly. A good nursing pillow will assist mom in maintaining an ergonomic posture and help prevent achy neck, shoulder and back muscles. The key advantage of a good nursing pillow is its ability to raise the baby to the optimal height and position for achieving a good latch, while at the same time, supporting moms upper body, keeping moms joints in alignment and preventing poor posture.

Introducing the "Bo Peep" Nursing Pillow from Holy Lamb Organics. This top quality multi-functional organic pillow is beautifully designed and will appeal to both mom and baby alike! While most nursing pillows on the market are made from synthetic materials, this special nursing pillow is filled with Premium Eco-Wool batting and covered with an organic cotton fabric. Wool has a natural resistance to mildew, has the ability to regulate body temperature, and is mostly non-allergenic. A baby will spend hours upon hours in close contact with a nursing pillow, so it is very important to select a natural, non-toxic pillow. Also available is a matching organic cotton zippered cover, which will help to protect and prolong the life of your pillow. The zippered cover will help to keep the pillow clean and fresh. Proudly handmade in the USA.

The "Bo Peep" Organic Nursing Pillow is very versatile and can help to facilitate tummy time in an older baby. When baby is awake, lay him over the pillow, with his arms over the "U" of the pillow. The pillow will provide him with additional upper body support for play in the prone position. Baby will be strengthening his neck and back muscles, which are vital for later development. When baby is learning to sit independently, place him in a seated position in the middle of the pillow, which will provide him with bilateral support. Makes an ideal gift! Gift Registry available for Weddings, Baby Showers and other special occasions.

PURCHASING

To find a retailer near you, please click here. Alternatively, you can order from the online boutique.

Holy Lamb Organic Mission:
To promote health, well-being and to strengthen an economy based on ecology through manufacturing a line of high quality, all-natural, bedding products produced using sustainable and ecological practices. Holy Lamb Organics specializes in using only organic cotton fabrics and local Premium Eco-Wool from the U.S. Western Regions. They are proud to be a zero waste company (reusing/recycling all of our production by-products) and are committed to providing exceptional customer service and quality products.

To view the full range of eco-products, please visit: www.HolyLambOrganics.comSuccess Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/01/holy-lamb-organics-bo-peep-organic.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-10091373102630614312011-02-15T23:41:00.000-08:002011-02-16T12:25:35.453-08:00Bumbleride Movement Edition Preview

Bumbleride is an innovative lifestyle company that creates baby mobility products for today's modern family. Founded in 2004 by Matthew and Emily Reichardt, new parents at the time, they were met with disappointment while shopping for a stroller for their daughter. This noticeable gap in the stroller market led the Reichardt's to do what most would not: they set out to design and manufacture their own line of high-quality, modern strollers with eye-catching colors and innovative features.

Bumbleride is an eco-minded company, sponsoring recycling programs and offering employee carpooling incentives. Bumbleride strollers are innovative, ergonomic, stylish, colorful and fun, keeping modern parents in mind.

Bumbleride is releasing a new edition this spring called "Movement Edition" which features water-resistant sport fabrics, SPF 45 sun canopies and striking color combinations. This collection was inspired by and designed for the active, action/sports lifestyle and has a very unique and sophisticated look when compared to other strollers in the industry.

Available from April and featured in two colors- Jet, a sleek black; and Fog, a warm grey. It will be fitted on their Indie (all-terrain model), Indie Twin (double all-terrain model) and Flite (lightweight/umbrella model).

With Bumbleride's deep roots in Southern California, the Movement Edition was a natural extension to Bumbleride's passions, staying active via action sports and the outdoors. The founders and many employees are avid action sports enthusiasts and when the surfs up, like to catch a few waves or two. This Edition is the first of its kind to be offered to action sports parents. Inspired by Southern California's surf and skate culture, Movement Edition strives to offer what action sports parents have long been waiting for- cool functional products suited to their lifestyle that make their lives easier with baby.

To learn more, please visit the Bumbleride Website.Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/bumbleride-movement-edition-preview.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-13614810530712443742011-02-14T12:46:00.000-08:002011-03-03T12:28:28.015-08:00The Natural Vegan Kitchen PreviewBook Publishing Company is a community owned, independent press dedicated to publishing books that promote a healthful and sustainable lifestyle. They are located on The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee and have been in business since 1974.

BPC titles focus on plant-based nutrition and cooking and feature not only some of the pioneers of soyfoods cookery and raw foods but new generations of chefs that are redefining the look and taste of plant-based cuisine.

Their vegetarian/vegan cookbooks include ethnic favorites and cover a number of dietary concerns (food sensitivities, diabetes, weight management, etc.). Their Healthy Living imprint offers titles that help people reach optimal health through better nutrition, nontoxic personal and home care, and natural therapies for illnesses. Their Native Voices imprint features books on Native American history, spirituality, and culture.

They are a member of The Green Press Initiative and have a commitment to print a growing number of our titles on paper that is postconsumer recycled and processed chlorine free.

 The Natural Vegan Kitchen

The Natural Vegan Kitchen - Recipes from the Natural Kitchen Cooking School

ISBN#: 9781570672453
Christine Waltermyer

Exciting news for everyone interested in preparing vegan meals. THE NATURAL VEGAN KITCHEN by Christine Waltermyer blends the principles of macrobiotics seamlessly with recipes that taste too indulgent to be good for you.

Readers are encouraged to:
• eat in harmony with their surroundings
• maintain balance in their life and diet
• savor mealtimes
• enjoy a natural lifestyle

Wholesome meals that offer both more nutritional bang for your buck and deliver a deeply satisfying experience meet these guidelines. These recipes will encourage America to fall in love with healthy cooking. When food tastes delicious, is good for your heart and your waistline, and gentle on the planet, it is easy to embrace.

Taste-tested by hundreds of students and clients, these recipes are fun to make. Sections include What's For Breakfast, Appetizers, Nourishing Soups and Stews, Ballads for Salads, Radiant Grains, Spectacular Salad Dressings and Sauces, Savory Beans, The Main Dish and Casserole City, Delectable Vegetables and last but not least Have Your Cake and Eat It Too. And many of the recipes are gluten-free.

Christine Waltermyer has over a decade of experience in the field of natural cooking and is the founder and director of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, with training programs in Manhattan, New York and Princeton, New Jersey. Christine is a masterful chef and teacher specializing in macrobiotic and vegan cuisines, and has co-taught with legendary natural foods leader Michio Kushi.

Purchase your copy here.

Enter the current giveaway here.

To see more titles, please visit The Book Publishing Company.

Books to Education...Inspire....Empower.Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/natural-vegan-kitchen-preview.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-90699329238360631502011-02-14T00:18:00.000-08:002011-02-14T12:08:26.050-08:00Brooks Women's ArielWith the New Year comes "New Years' Resolutions". Most peoples New Years' Resolutions include Getting Back into Shape and signing up with a gym. With winter nearly over, we are here to tell you that you don't need to sign up with a gym in order to get back into shape. Spring is just the around the corner and the perfect time to take advantage of the outdoors. Before embarking on a new fitness regime, get the okay from your health care professional . For those who are looking for a wonderful fitness challenge, consider the Couch to 5k Program. In just 9 weeks, you will slowly condition your body to learn how to jog and by the 9th week, you will be able to run for 3 miles or 30 minutes. Whether you are walking or running, you will need a good pair of shoes.

Selecting the right type of shoe.
Most people select athletic shoes based on the price and color of the shoe. Each walker/runner has specific needs based on his/her unique anatomy, body type, weight, height etc. What kind of arch do you have? What kind of gait pattern do you present with? What degree of supination or pronation do you have? These and other questions will help you determine the appropriate shoe for you and will assist you in
achieving a comfortable fit and a successful run. Learn more here.

 "Brooks® Sports, Inc. is your go-to company for anything and everything related to the run. As a leading running company that designs and markets high-performance men's and women' running shoes, apparel and accessories in more than 40 countries worldwide, we are dedicated to inspiring people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, faster and happier."

Brooks Goes Green
Brooks has won many Green Awards and we applaud them for their efforts. Here are 2 eco-components which are found in many of their shoes:

BioMoGo

Brooks has produced the first-ever biodegradable running shoe midsole: the BioMoGO. Learn more here.
Brooks' eco-friendlier Compression Molded Preform (CMP) midsole manufacturing process reduces waste by 50 percent as compared to traditional midsole manufacturing methods.

Recyclable Packaging
Each Brooks Shoe is packaged in an eco cardboard box made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. In addition, water-based inks and adhesives are used.

Womens Ariel

"Ariel® and its brother shoe The Beast® are running's leading Control shoes because they deliver the perfect mix of stability and comfort, pampering runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. This triumph of technology has been taken to new heights in this update. Now empowered with brand-new, patent pending full-length Brooks DNA, the Ariel provides heel-to-toe protection for your foot while dynamically serving up an individually customized ride with optimal cushioning. Weight 12.3 oz."

The Women's Ariel is an outstanding running shoes with many innovative features for the runner. It is the ideal running shoe for those who need ample support and stability in a shoe and is designed for those with flat or low arches and excessive pronation. It features Brooks DNA Cushioning Technology your personal cushioning system. Brooks DNA is a First-of-Its-Kind Running Shoe Cushioning System which adapts to each runners biomechanical needs. This innovative system instantaneously adjusts to provide the perfect balance between cushioning and stability for each foot strike. Man or women, fast or slow, small or large. The shoe is very lightweight (only 12.3oz) which means that you will tire less easily; perfect for the new runner. More experienced runners will appreciate the lightweight shoe when jogging uphill. The upper mesh component of the shoe provides breathability and ensures that your feet stay a comfortable temperature during your run. Our tester provided us with very positive feedback about the Ariel model. She commented that typically, it takes her a few runs before a show becomes comfortable, but with the Ariel, this happened within a few minutes of wearing it for the first time. The Women's Ariel is available in Normal, Wide and Extra Wide Width, which is terrific news for those ladies who have wider feet. As an extra bonus, the design and color is very modern and stylish and is perfect for Spring/Summer 2011. The Ariel is also a good choice for walking.

Finding the Perfect Shoe for You.

If the Ariel isn't a good fit for you, consider additional styles from Brooks. Check out the Shoe Advisor on the Brooks Website. This helpful tool will aid you in selecting the appropriate shoe. Even better, find a Brooks Fitting Expert here for a personalized service.

PURCHASING

Click here for a retailer in your area. To learn more, please visit the Brooks Running Website.

Brooks, the Perfect Ride for Every Stride.Success Through Playhttp://email@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/brooks-womens-ariel.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-17881803175640030832011-01-15T04:32:00.000-08:002011-02-20T11:24:49.035-08:00The Happy Magpie Maternity Tee GiveawayGone are the days when pregnant women hid their pregnant belly in tent like creations and fathers had little to do with caring for their baby. These days, pregnant mamas-to-be are embracing their new curves and flaunting their growing bumps in stylish tees. The Happy Magpie offers gorgeous organic cotton maternity tees which are designed for stylish comfort and are cut longer for full belly coverage. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and feels wonderful against the skin. The hint of spandex makes for a very flattering fit and will expand with you as your belly grows larger. There are styles for the modern romantic, the edgy mama and the sporty mama - guaranteed to make any mom-to-be feel very special.

The skin is our largest organ and it readily absorbs chemicals, including during pregnancy. Conventional cotton is grown with many pesticides and herbicides which can be directly absorbed into the skin when wearing clothing. Organic cotton on the other hand is produced with no chemicals and is a healthier alternative, especially for pregnant women. Organic cotton maternity tees are especially difficult to find, so we were delighted to have discovered The Happy Magpie's range of organic cotton maternity tees which are made from organic cotton with a hint of spandex and non-toxic inks and dyes. The Happy Magpie has embraced sustainable business practices so customers can feel great buying their products.

We commend The Happy Magpie for their eco-friendly organic cotton collection which is proudly made in the USA and look forward to seeing it continue to expand. We would also like to acknowledge that The Happy Magpie contributes a portion of sales to various charitable organizations and we applaud them for giving back to the community.

PURCHASING

Shop the online boutique or find a retailer in your area.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of The Happy Magpie, one lucky reader will win the following prize:
 Branch Hip Healthy Happy With Rouching, Natural Size Large

"Keep it simple and natural, and oh so pretty, in this 'Hip, Happy, Healthy' cherry blossom branch tee. In Asian cultures, the cherry blossom symbolizes love, feminine beauty and principle – all traits that ring especially true of a glowing mom-to-be. This tee is left un-dyed and is the creamy color of natural organic cotton."

Congratulations to Tessa W.

To view the full collection, please visit:

The Happy Magpie Website

In Chinese and Korean folklore the magpie is called the "bird of joy" and "happy magpie" and is considered a symbol of happiness and good fortune. It is believed that chattering magpies deliver good news and foretell the arrival of cherished guests.

All images copyrighted The Happy Magpie.Success Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-magpie-maternity-tee-giveaway.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-77583775928594907202011-01-13T04:04:00.000-08:002011-02-03T00:38:15.000-08:00Mama Jewels Nursing Necklace GiveawayBreastfeeding is natural but not necessarily ease. This month, we are highlighting innovative products on the market which assist moms in achieving breastfeeding success. Just when you think that you have breastfeeding down, your baby may present you with another challenge! As your baby begins to discover the world around him and develop fine motor coordination, he may become very distracted during breastfeeding and display some negative behaviour while breastfeeding. It is not uncommon for older babies to pinch and pull at moms hair and/or jewellery, hit and sometimes bite mom while breastfeeding. This is clearly and unpleasant experience for mom and results in baby feeding less and taking longer to feed.

Introducing the Nursing Necklace from Mama Jewels UK. Mama Jewels offers a beautiful line of necklaces which are are designed to support breastfeeding. This gorgeous necklace is an essential item for any mom who has a baby who displays the above behaviour during nursing. When a baby is given something safe and stimulating to play with while breastfeeding the negative patterns will disappear, leaving mom and baby able to enjoy breastfeeding once again - without the struggle. The colourful necklaces are visually attractive to babies who enjoys exploring them with their eyes and hands. In the process, they will develop fine motor skills which is an added benefit.

The Nursing Necklaces are of a very high quality and each one is hand made in the UK. Mama Jewels UK offers a wide range of styles and colours to accent your wardrobe. Their range will appeal to both nursing moms and non-nursing moms alike, because their designs are so sophisticated and modern. Each nursing necklace arrives in a high quality gift box, making it the ideal gift for a new mom. Many moms report feeling like "milk machines" and having something special and pretty to wear that is also functional can really boost a moms self-esteem.

You may be wondering why you can't use your regular jewellery to achieve the same effect. The Jewellery in your closet is not typically designed to withstand rough handling from a baby and may very well be toxic and a serious safety hazard. The Nursing Necklaces from Mama Jewels on the other hand are non toxic and strength tested to UK standards, so mums can feel confident wearing them. That being said, please keep in mind that the Nursing Necklaces from Mama Jewels are adult jewellery and are to be worn by adults only.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of Mama Jewels UK, one lucky reader will win the following prize:

Mama Jewels Nursing Necklace Square Pendant - Bronze, perfect or Spring 2011. This longer length necklace is simply stunning and will coordinate with your Spring Wardrobe. Simply slip it over your neck; no fastening is required.

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Anne M.

All images copyright Mama Jewels UKSuccess Through Playhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://successthroughplay.blogspot.com/2011/01/mama-jewels-nursing-necklace-giveaway.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044952123500851280.post-59958546843670403872011-01-10T02:14:00.000-08:002011-02-03T02:35:17.675-08:00Boob Design Spring/Summer 2011 Preview AND GiveawayBoob Design is the designer line of Maternity and Nursing Apparel from Sweden that will change the way that you think of maternity and nursing clothing forever. Gone are the bulky, uncomfortable and frumpish maternity and nursing outfits that hide the bump (maternity) and are difficult to access and scream to the world that you are nursing. Boob Design® boasts a gorgeous line of designer apparel that just happen to be maternity and nursing wear!

Commitment to the environment:

"We keep all of our production in Europe, in factories where we know that the employees are treated well and are decently paid. Keeping production in Europe is also a way of guaranteeing that the product in Europe is as environmentally sound as possible. All our jersey is certified with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This certification is a guarantee for clothes that are completely free of toxins that can be harmful to you. Clothes that are kind to your skin as well as nature. Our goal is to you materials that are environmentally optimal."

Boob Design's® Maternity line is cut to accent and flatter your new curvy figure. The gorgeous eco-fabrics, the fresh simplicity and the playful details make the trademark of Boob® . The soft and comfortable fabrics will fit like a dream - all the way from bump to big belly!

Boob® Nursing tops are brilliantly designed and 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.

Boob Design doesn't disappoint with their colourful Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.

New for 2011: The Fast Food Swimsuit

One of the safest forms of exercise during pregnancy is swimming. This low-impact form of exercise is ideal for all 3 trimesters and will become more appealing as your belly grows larger and your buoyancy in the water supports and cradles your baby. Swimming provides cardio-vascular benefits, helps mom to gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy, maintains muscle tone, improves endurance and circulation as well as promote restful sleep. Introducing the Fast Food Swimsuit from Boob Design. This innovative swimsuit offers terrific value as it is expertly designed for both pregnancy AND nursing. The adjustable pullstrings at both sides provides room for the growing belly and will provide a flattering fit post-pregnancy. The innovative nursing function allows for discreet and comfortable nursing, whether at the beach, pool or soaking up some sunshine. Available end of February 2011.

A newborn nurses very frequently, including throughout the night! Investing in a set of nursing pyjamas can make night time nursing more comfortable and convenient. Boob Design offer a lovely night and leisure range. We love the Peggy Nursing Pyjama Top (Left) which is very figure flattering. Perfect for Spring/Summer nights. There are no clasps or hooks, simply lift up the upper portion of the top and push down the lower half of the top for instant nursing. The organic cotton fabric feels terrific against your skin.

After a hard day looking after your baby, there is nothing like slipping into comfy pyjama pants or shorts, depending on the season. The Boob Design range of pyjama bottoms are fantastic. We love the Lauren Pyjama Pants (Above Left) and the Ginger Pyjama Shorts (Right). Both feature a super comfy wide panel with drawstrings for adjustability. The pants and shorts can be worn throughout pregnancy and nursing making them a good investment. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and feels wonderful against your skin.

Left: Audrey Terry Wrap

Forget frumpy and shapeless nightgowns! The Audrey Terry Wrap from Boob Design will keep you warm and toasty without sacrificing your style! This cozy night wrap style dressing gown is stylish, comfortable and feminine! It will take you from pregnancy through nursing and beyond, providing a flatter fit. When unexpected guests arrive at your house and you are still in your pj's simply throw on the Audrey Terry Wrap for a chic, pulled together look. It pairs beautifully with the tops, shorts and pants pictures above, as well as the other styles in the night and leisure range.

Breastfeeding is natural but not necessarily easy. There are several products on the market which can help make nursing your baby less challenging and more comfortable, especially when you are in public. Nursing bras are designed with cups that open to allow easy access to the breast.

Introducing the Fast Food Bra from Boob Design. The Fast Food Bra combines the comfort of a seamless bra with a flattering and feminine design. The addition of the lace is really pretty and will make any new mom feel very special. This bra is packed with innovative design features. First and foremost, the bra is VERY comfortable, which is of utmost importance when it comes to selecting a nursing bra. The wide band beneath the cups offer support and maximum comfort. The bra is easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand - a very important feature. It is very hard to find a high quality nursing bra that offer a drop cup with full circle sling, but the Fast Food Bra doesn't disappoint. This design offers far more comfort, support as well as discretion while nursing. The soft stretchy fabric of the bra will accommodate breast size fluctuation during the day. The fabric is Oeko-Tex Certified, so moms will be great wearing the bra, and are assured that it is free of harmful chemicals and toxins. Each Fast Food Bra comes with a complimentary hook and eye ribbon which will add additional inches around the rib cage, to support you while pregnant. This eliminate the need to buy additional bras when your bras feel snug at the band. Matching slimming brief with built-in support available. Both are available in 3 colors: Black, Almost Nude and Purple. View the full underwear line here.

The Seamless Belly Tube is an essential part of any pregnancy wardrobe. It is so versatile and can be used in so many ways. During pregnancy, you can continue to wear your favourite pre-pregnancy jeans, pants, shorts and skirts, by wearing the Belly Tube over the zipper area. This will extend the life of your pre-pregnancy pants and help to keep your budget in check. As your pregnancy progresses, you will start to notice that your belly starts to peek out from under your tops. The Belly Tube is the simple solution to this and will allow your to wear those shorter tees, while still remaining modest. In addition, if you require some belly support, perhaps while working out, try folding down the Belly Tube, under your bump for some instant support.

Post pregnancy, it can be worn as a base layer to ward off the cold as well as providing additional belly coverage when nursing with a non nursing shirt.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of Boob Design, one lucky reader will win the following prizes:

Seamless Belly Tube Size L/XL
Fast Food Bra Size XL

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Helen D.

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