Advice for new parents (and a giveaway: enter to win a Pampers gift pack with $150 Babies-R-Us gift card!)

Giveaway: enter to win a $150 Babies R Us gift card!

Don't you wish babies came with instruction manuals?  Despite all the advice you get from your friends, parenthood is definitely a learn-on-the-job kind of experience.  But that doesn't mean you can't prepare yourself and heed the advice of people who have been in the trenches and done it before. Below are five pieces of advice for new parents that I had to learn the hard way.  I wish someone had told me about these, so I'm sharing them in the hopes that a bleary-eyed new mom or dad will read it and take note.  These tips will make your first year of parenthood go so much smoother!

1) Accept offers of help from friends or family.  Babies are tiring, and you can't do everything. Even a little help goes a long way.  We didn't have family living nearby, so we splurged on a weekly housekeeper, and it was the best money we ever spent.  I got more rest.  I was much happier, less cranky.  I stopped snapping at Alfie and nagging at him to help.

2) Don't stress about giving your child a pacifier.  It's not going to ruin their teeth.  They will give it up eventually.   You AND your baby will be much, much happier.

3) Use a sleep sack instead of a blanket.  We discovered sleep sacks when the boys were 18 months and it was like a Godsend.  They would constantly kick their blankets off while sleeping, and wake up cold and cranky, but with a sleepsack, you can zip your baby into it without worrying that they will kick it off, or fear that they will suffocate under the blanket.

4) Find a dependable diaper and change it often.  Don't wait until it's sagging down to your child's knees!  On one memorable occasion, we went on a road trip with Alfie's parents and forgot to change the twins' diapers for the whole 4-hour drive.  When we got to our destination, we left Alfie's dad in charge of one baby and went to reserve a table at a restaurant.  Alfie's dad joined us at the table -- with a smiling baby and a burst diaper!  Oh the embarrassment (not to mention the mess)!

One diaper brand that parents everywhere rely on is Pampers.  To cover your baby's bottom, you’ll want to pick up Swaddlers, Pampers softest diaper and the #1 choice among hospitals.

· With up to 12 hours of overnight protection, Swaddlers help you make your baby as comfortable as possible
· Swaddlers color-changing wetness indicator makes it easy for you to tell when your baby might be ready for a change
· Swaddlers give your baby comfort and protection they’ll love for even longer
· Swaddlers Super Economy Pack and Economy Plus Pack are now available (online only)
 · Available up to size 5 at Babies “R”Us, their knowledgeable experts can help you choose the perfect fit for your little one.



5) Savor and celebrate those milestones.  Babyhood, toddlerhood, and childhood pass by in the blink of an eye.  Really.  I can barely believe how quickly time has flown.  So take those 1,000 photos and 20-minute videos of your baby rolling over, sitting up, smashing bananas into his mouth, taking his first steps.  Even the little things are cause for a celebration.  I wish I had more photos of my kids looking adorable in their diapers, or splashing around in the tub!

Join the #MilestoneMoments Twitter Party

Pampers will be hosting a #Milestone Moments Twitter Party on Thursday, June 26 at 9pm ET. Everyone is invited to participate and chat about the milestones in their child's life!  Naturally there will be prizes....

Win a Pampers Swaddlers Babies”R”Us Prize Pack

One lucky Bonggamom Reader will receive a special prize pack that includes:
· $150 Babies “R” Us gift card (You will receive a $250 gift card, the giveaway will contain a $150 gift card)
· Pampers Wipes (64 count)


Required Entry

Leave a comment on this post and share a milestone moment in your baby's life.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow bonggamom on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on any of your Pinterest boards (1 entry, please make sure you include the #MilestoneMoments hashtag on your pin -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry, please make sure you include the hashtag #MilestoneMoments):
I entered the #MilestoneMoments giveaway for a $150 Babies R Us gift card!  Giveaway ends 7/12 at http://ow.ly/yiPZ3

6) Tweet this before 9PM EST June 26 (1 entry, please make sure you include the hashtag #MilestoneMoments)

Join the #MilestoneMoments Twitter party with @Pampers and @MomItForward on June 26, 9-10PM EST! http://ow.ly/yiPZ3

6) Tweet this once per day (1 entry per day, please make sure you include the hashtag #MilestoneMoments)

Enter to win a #MilestonesMoments gift pack fr @Pampers w/ $150 BabiesRUs GC ! Giveaway on @bonggafinds ends 7/12 http://ow.ly/yiPZ3

7) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you join)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on July 12,  2014; I will draw a winner at random, on July 13 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.






Disclosure: . Product information (in italics) is provided by Procter & Gamble. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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House of Botori Diaper Bags - review and giveaway

New moms are so lucky these days!  When my kids were babies, the only diaper bags available were boring black bags or quilted baby-printed totes, both of which screamed to the world that your life as an independent, stylish woman were over.  Fortunately, the fashion industry rose to the occasion, and now there are more great options for diaper bags than ever.

The House of Botori, makers of contemporary diaper bags and accessories, sent me one of their chic totes, and it almost makes me want to have another baby just so I can parade around with it on my arm!  Almost. Who wouldn't want to pack baby's essentials in the Ginika Tote?  It comes in a bright, cheerful Tangerine Twirl print inspired by the rich art and cultures of Africa. It's bold and fashion-forward and it definitely tells the world that you're a modern mom.

The bag is as practical as it is pretty.  It's lightweight (you've got enough baby gear to carry without the added weight of a heavy bag!) and roomy, with lots of zippers and pockets so you can organize everything the way you want.

The bag even comes with a changing pad, two drawstring bags for clean or dirty clothes, and two zippered mini-totes for bottles, snack cups, pacifiers, or anything else you need to keep separate.  What's more, everything is made with eco-friendly and PVC-free materials.  They've thought of everything!

This bag is so cute, moms can use it even after baby outgrows the diaper bag.  No one would ever know it was a diaper bag.  It's the perfect size for overnight trips, airplane carry-on bags, or road trips!  I'm totally using this bag on my next overseas trip!

And don't forget Father's Day for new dads -- some of the House of Botori styles are totally bro-friendly, especially the messenger bags!

Win an Eneehi Nursing Clutch

The House of Botori will send one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader an Eneehi nursing clutch in a randomly selected color! The Eneehi nursing clutch lets mamas nurse discretely and fashionably, with fun patterned fabrics and adjustable neck straps.  When baby is done, it all zips up into a handy zippered clutch!

Required Entry

Leave a comment on this post and tell me which House of Botori diaper bag style is your favorite.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow bonggamom on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on any of your Pinterest boards (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the House of Botori giveaway! Giveaway ends 6/15 at http://ow.ly/xuXEH

6) Tweet this once per day (1 entry per day)

Enter to win an Eneehi Nursing Clutch from @houseofbotori ! Giveaway on @bonggafinds ends 6/15 http://ow.ly/xuXEH

7) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you join)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 15,  2014; I will draw a winner at random, on June 16 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: Thanks to the House of Botori for providing a review sample and giveaway prize. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Give baby sweet dreams with Jammies long johns

Anyone well-versed in the art of gift-giving knows that presentation counts. There's a reason it's called a present!  Creative and visually appealing gift packaging shows the recipient that you've spent time and effort to give him or her a treat, from the moment you put it into their hands.

Over the years I've reviewed many baby shower presents in creative packaging:  baby onesies or socks or towels or blankets arranged to look like flowers, or cupcakes, or lollipops, or sushi.  Here's a sweet new idea: what about a jar or jelly?  Jammies by Helene Laure are packagd so creatively, they're sure to stand out at the next baby shower!

Jammies come in a reusable jam jar with a spring lid, just like the jars your grandmother uses for her homemade preserves.

Inside, you'll find a pair of onesie long john-style pajamas rolled up and tied with a ribbon.

The Jammies I received to review came in a whimsical strawberry print with adorable baby animals snoozing alongside the berries.  It also has a ruffled button-down front.  The boys; version has the same print, minus the ruffles.  The cotton is extremely soft and lightweight (note: it's also quite thin, so save these for summer nights) and gentle against baby's skin.  They come in sizes 0 through 9 months

The long johns are as adorable as the packaging.  What a great gift idea for the holidays or for baby showers at any time of the year!

JAMMIES BY HELENE LAURE-These sweet pajamas are a must-have for baby. Sizing goes from 0 to 9 months and also includes an "Up to 7lbs" size so moms can dress their smallest bundle of joy with well-fitted and attractive pajamas. These super-soft jammies come in an adorable recyclable jam jar tied with a bow. Order in a beautiful gift box for a treasured gift for a friend, daughter, neighbor, or for your baby on the way! Ten percent of profit from Jammies is donated to Postpartum Progress, an organization dedicated to helping mothers and babies who struggle with Postpartum Depression. www.jammiesforbabies.com Starting at $30


Disclosure:I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information (in italics) is provided by the featured company/product. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Carry Your Baby in Affordable Carriers from Evenflo {Giveaway}

This is the very first photo I have babywearing The Pea.  She was just under 1 month old, and as you can see from the photo, I still hadn't quite gotten the hang of it (she's riding too low and too far away from my chest -- the straps need to be tightened!), but I could already see what a great idea this newfangled infant carrier was.  Not only could I carry The Pea around with me, hold her close to me, I  could do it and still have my arms free!  The Pea, of course was on board (literally!) from day 1:  I doubt there's a baby alive who doesn't love snuggling close to her mama, feeling her warmth and smell, being rocked to sleep by her mama's motion and the beating of her heart.

Twelve years later, the babywearing movement is still going strong.  Infant carriers are more ergonomic than ever and more comfortable than ever.  They're easier to use and easier to care for.  They come in different styles to suit every kind of baby and every kind of lifestyle.  They come in the cutest colors, patterns and designs. Even better, they are now much, much more affordable, so parents with any kind of budget can experience the closeness that comes with wearing their baby!  Check out these soft infant carriers from Evenflo, all under $30 at Walmart.  Each one is safe and comfy and stylish, so parents can get out and about with their babies:

Evenflo - Soft Infant Carrier, Bright Lime – SRP: $15.00

SecureLock buckles and side-entry clips keep the Evenflo Infant Carrier safe and secure. With patented Auto-Fit back straps, the Evenflo Infant Carrier is comfortable for parents and babies will benefit from the added padding in the head rest and shoulder straps. Unexpected spit-ups and spills are no problem, since this soft baby carrier is constructed in machine washable fabrics.

· For infants 7-25 lbs.
· Baby backpack has 2 carrying positions: baby can face in or face out
· Added padding in the head rest and shoulder straps
· SecureLock buckles keep baby safe
· The padded back straps adjust automatically for complete comfort
· The side-entry buckle "clicks" to help keep baby secured

Evenflo - Breathable Soft Infant Carrier, Marianna – SRP: $20

The Breathable Carrier is easy and safe to use with the single side-entry buckle and patented, adjustable back straps.

· For children 7-25 lbs
· This carrier is versatile with 2 carrying positions, baby can face in or
face out
· Breathable mesh panels to help you and baby keep cool
· Removable bid
· Added padding in the head rest and shoulder straps where it counts
· SecureLock buckles baby safe
· Padded back straps adjust automatically for complete comfort
· Side entry buckle "clicks" to help keep baby secured
· Easy to clean fabrics are machine washable

Evenflo - Active Soft Carrier, Paisley – SRP: $29.88

This Evenflo Carrier has three carrying positions that offer versatility for you and your growing baby. It's easy and safe to use with the single side-entry buckle and patented, adjustable back straps.

· For children 7-32 lbs.
· 3 carrying positions
· Comfortable seat that adjusts
· Lumbar support
· Removable bib
· Added padding in the head rest and shoulder straps
· Secure lock buckles
· Padded back straps adjust for optimal comfort
· Side-entry buckle "clicks" to help keep baby secured
· Easy-clean fabric is machine washable

Evenflo - Active Soft Carrier - Stealth - SRP $29.88

Ready to take your baby out into the world with you? The Evenflo soft carrier has three carrying positions and an adjustable seat that offer versatility for you and your growing baby. This comfortable baby carrier has a padded headrest and removable bib. Plus, the Evenflo baby carrier is easy and safe to use with a single side-entry buckle that clicks to help keep baby secured. This Evenflo soft carrier also has patented, automatically adjustable back straps and lumbar support so you stay comfortable whether you're going on a nature hike or a stroll around the block. The Evenflo baby carrier is made for children 7 to 32 lbs. The easy-clean fabric is machine washable.

The Evenflo soft carrier
· For children 7-32 lbs.
· 3 carrying positions
· Comfortable seat that adjusts
· Lumbar support
· Removable bib
· Added padding in the head rest and shoulder straps
· Secure lock buckles
· Padded back straps adjust for optimal comfort
· Side-entry buckle "clicks" to help keep baby secured
· Easy-clean fabric is machine washable

Two soft infant carriers, three babies and twelve years after the first time I "wore" my baby, whenever I see a parent wearing his or her baby, I get a rush of fond memories and a pang of longing to carry my own babies -- not enough to rush out and have more babies, but just enough to want to borrow a baby and a baby carrier for a moment or two!


Win an Evenflo soft infant carrier
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive an Evenflo Marianna Soft Infant Carrier

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which of the four Evenflo infant carriers listed above would best suit your family's lifestyle.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow bonggamom on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the Evenflo giveaway!

6) Tweet this (1 entry)
You could win an Evenflo Marianna soft baby carrier from Evenflo!  Giveaway ends Feb. 12, enter on @bonggafinds at http://ow.ly/hcfoa

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Feb. 12, 2013; I will draw a winner at random on Feb. 13 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.






Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post.Thanks to Evenflo for providing the giveaway prize.  Product information (in italics) is provided by Evenflo. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Psychobaby Custom Shop for the Holidays

Sometimes it feels like all the kids' clothes at the mall are made in the exact same clothing factory.  No matter which store you go to, you'll probably find ruffles sequins and flowers and fruit and candy and kittens for the girls.  You'll find trains and dinosaurs and guitars and denim and khaki and blue-and-green plaid for the boys.

If you want to break out of the cookie cutter clothing mold, look no further than Psychobaby, a line of edgy, cool babies' and children's clothing.  They carry clothing and accessories that are a little bit irreverent, a little bit funny and a whole lot of fun.  Think sushi-print bibs, Pop Art placemats, bulldog undies, Mexican Lucha Libre wrestler beanies (complete with mask!), and little black dresses for girls.  Talk about street cred!

As if the clothing they stock isn't original already, Psychobaby also has a line of personalized kids' clothing that takes the world unique to a whole new level.  You can customize onesies, shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, hats, and so much more by adding a name or selecting your child's favorite color, to create a truly one-of-a-kind item.  Here are five of my favorite personalized products from the Psychobaby Custom Shop:

It's never too early to become a football fan!  The Football Gift Set will have your MVB (Most Valuable Baby) eating, sleeping and living football from his very first coo.

Kids can rock themselves to sleep after they lay their heads on this cute personalized pillowcase, available in pink or red.

Would-be superheros can don this Hero Tee and save the world.  It has a red cape already printed on the back of the shirt, so he won't have to steal your new pillowcases.

Older kids will love this personalized skull hoodie. Check out the cool red flames on the sleeves!

My favorite for little girls:  the Beastly Babe tee!  It's the perfect combination of sweet and sassy.  It's girly, with attitude.  And since each letter is a different monster, each shirt is as unique and special as the little girl who wears it.  Psychobaby was kind enough to personalize a pair of the Beastly Babe tees for my nieces.  I've decided to give them to the girls as holiday presents -- yes, Psychobaby Custom Shop items make wonderful holiday presents!   I can't wait to see the smiles on their faces -- and the smile on my brother's face as he sees his little girls wearing them.





Win a PsychoBaby Personalized Tee
I'm giving away a PsychoBaby Tee on my Holiday Gift Guide for Babies and Toddlers! That's right, one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a personalized PsychoBaby Beastly Babe (for girls) or Beastly Boy (for boys) Monster Tee in their choice of size.  Click here to enter the giveaway!

Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Babies and Toddlers

It has been a while since we've had a baby or toddler in the house, so I don't review too many items for that age group any more.  Once in a while, though, I get an invitation to take a look at a product that just bowls me over with cuteness, and I just have to share it. Here are five of the best for the holidays:

	Thousands of parents look to Cool Mom Picks for, well, cool picks (disclosure: I also work for them), so if Liz and her team of editors say they are in love with Psychobaby, they are definitely worth checking out -- but you only have to browse for a minute to fall in love with their hip, edgy baby & kids clothing.   Their burger tees and bibs are so adorable, but if you simply must have cutesy blue or pink, check out their monster tees in my latest review! ** Update: Giveaway has been extended to December 10! ** Giveaway Alert:  Enter to win a PsychoBaby tee below!
	We had a ton of brightly colored plastic balls when the boys were babies, because they just could not get enough.  We especially loved toys that sent these balls rolling around for the kids to find them.  They would have loved the Leapfrog Peek-a-Shoe Octopus ($29.99) -- toddlers can drop balls into the octopus' top arms and guess which shoe the ball has landed under. As they lift each colored and numbered shoe, the octopus actually tells them which color or number shoe they are lifting!
	When they were toddlers, my kids absolutely loved their electronic Elmo cellphone. But I doubt if any baby would recognize that clamshell phone design today -- so until toy makers can come up with a play touchscreen phone for babies, parents will have to let their 1-year-olds play on their iPods or MP3 players-- or give them Cookie Monster's MP3 Player ($9.99). So cute!
	The Halo Sleep Sack ($39) was one of the best baby-era purchases we ever made.  Zipping our twins up into the Sleep Sack prevented them from ever kicking off their blankets while they slept, and forever eliminated cold feet (which meant more peaceful nights for them, and for me). Back then, Sleep Sacks only came in pink, yellow and blue, so it's nice to see they now come in adorable designs and patterns at Pottery Barn Kids.
	A couple of weeks ago I was browsing through the One Step Ahead Holiday Toy Shop, searching for something to give away for the holidays, when I found and fell in love with this adorable Soft Owl Toy ($17.95). It's a great developmental toy for babies:  both owl feet are teethers, one wing has a mirror, and there are a variety of textures for baby to enjoy.  But it's the design that really gets me.  Maybe I'm being sentimental, but the sight of the mama owl with her wings wrapped protectively around her baby, all warm and cozily snuggled across her chest,  made my insides turn to mush.

Win a PsychoBaby tee
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a personalized PsychoBaby Beastly Babe (for girls) or Beastly Boy (for boys) Monster Tee in their choice of size.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which Psychobaby product you would most like to give as a present this holiday season.

Bonus Entries

1) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

2) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

3) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

4) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and tell me which item on my Babies and Toddlers gift guide you would most like to give/receive (1 entry)

5) "Like" Psychobaby on Facebook and write this on their Facebook page wall (1 entry):

I entered to win a personalized Psychobaby Monster Tee on Bonggamom Finds! http://bit.ly/ZCJO7L

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
RT @bonggafinds Check out the Bonggamom Finds Holiday Gift Guide for 2012: gifts for all ages & stages (plus giveaways!)   http://ow.ly/fezLR

7) Follow @shop_psychobaby on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):

RT @bonggafinds Enter to win a cute, hip personalized Monster Tee from @shop_psychobaby!  Giveaway ends 12/10 at http://bit.ly/ZCJO7L  #giveaways

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on *Dec 10, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on Dec 11 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US  residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

*Update: giveaway has been extended to December 10!

Disclosure: I have reviewed select items in this gift guide in the past.  Inclusion in this guide was based solely on my personal preferences; no review samples or compensation were received for this gift guide post. Giveaway prize is provided by PsychoBaby.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.


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Lucky Puppy Organic Onesies

I love companies that put philanthropy a part of their business model and put their money where their mouth is when they talk about supporting a worthy cause. One such company is Lucky Puppy clothing; they donate 15% of their online sales to Animal Haven, a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area. And their new line of organic onesies and beanies go one step further by looking out for Mother Nature as well as our four-legged friends. I was recently invited to review the Lucky Puppy organic line; keep reading below to see what I think:

The Basics
When long time friends Sandi Hochman and Jonathan Cathey joined forces to create products for fellow dog enthusiasts, an innovative lifestyle brand with a focus on children’s fashion was founded. Sandi’s adoration for all things dog related merged with Jonathan’s creativity is the basis behind Lucky Puppy. Admittedly so adorable, the only tagline deemed appropriate was “Nothing But Cute”. While Lucky Puppy is cute and adorable, the real heart of the brand is what makes it irresistible. Created with the idea of giving back, each online purchase of Lucky Puppy helps to rescue a homeless dog. Lucky Puppy is dedicated to matching strays with loving families and they succeed by partnering with various animal foundations on a local and national level.




The Bongga
These onesies are adorable! For starters, the puppy logo on the shirt is almost as cute as the baby you're going to put the shirt on; other designs feature a pawprint or two puppies flying through the air in a dog dish. The one I received to review was made of nice, soft cotton, and I was happy to note that it didn't have that acrid, nose-wrinkling smell that too often accompanies new clothes with screen printed designs. I love the bold, deep purple colorI also love that Lucky Puppy goes beyond the traditional pink-and-blue; the organic onesies are available in sophisticated colors like teal, black, persimmon, heather, putty and asphalt.

The Blah
Cute as they are, I was disappointed to see the remnants of a shirt tag that had been cut off the neckline, and I noticed several whitish spots around the front and back of the onesie. They may yet wash off, but no one wants to see that on a new garment.



The Bottom Line
With both Earth Month and Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month coming up in April, an organic onesie from Lucky Puppy is the perfect way to dress your baby in cute clothing and show how much you care about the earth and our animal friends!

Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Playskool Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center Giveaway

It has been quite a while since my boys looked like this:
But I still remember how much they loved rolling balls down tracks. The movement, the anticipation, finding the ball, everything about it fascinated them. If only Playskool had come up with their Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center a few years sooner! I received this toy from Litzky PR to review, and I'm positive they would have loved the combination of rolling balls, spinning gears and music. Playskool is one of my favorite toy brands for little kids, and I can't think any stage in my kids' lives that did not have a myriad of Playskool toys involved.


The Basics
Here's a brief description of the Playskool Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center:
Whirling, twirling, musical fun is on the way with this exciting MUSICAL GEAR CENTER set! Your little one can push this button to activate the music and motion that will keep both his eyes and ears engaged. As he drops the ball onto the track, he'll watch with delight as it falls down the tube and then spins at the bottom. He'll love spinning the gears on the side to turn the friendly face around and around -- and when he gets older, you can remove the gears so he can stack them and take his fun to "new heights"! The active play, twirling fun and happy music just goes on and on! Set includes activity center base, ball arch, two balls, five gears and instructions.


The Bongga
Here's what I like best about this toy:
* The balls and gears that come with the toy fit other EXPLORE N’ GROW Toys, so it's not a catastrophe if you have other toys from the series and lose a ball.

* The parts are chunky enough for little hands, and they don't pose a choking hazard.

* Most important of all, babies really love this toy! I gave it to a friend with an 11-month old, and he starts bouncing up and down whenever the music plays. I swear, if he grows up to become a hip-hop star, I'm taking all the credit.


The Blah
I can't think of anything I don't like -- they even thought of providing a place to nestle the two balls in!

The Bottom Line
Your baby and toddler will love playing with this toy, and you will love watching him!


Win a Playskool Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win this adorable activity toy!

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your baby's (or granchild's or godchild's or friend's baby's) favorite toy. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Playskool Explore N Grow giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Playskool Explore n Grow Musical Gear Center on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 27, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 28 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Thanks to Litzky PR for providing the giveaway prize. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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BornFree CoolFlow Pacifier Giveaway

Silent Night, Holy Night.

All is calm, all is bright.

WAAAAAAAAH!!!

Yeah, right.

It's the week before Christmas, and all through the malls, all the babies are screaming on the laps of Santa Claus. And in strollers. And in restaurants. And at parades and parties and every place in between. Boy do I remember those days, when after long sleepless nights, the best present anyone could give you was a baby that would.......

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Oh yes, baby, let's keep that binky firmly plugged in so we can all enjoy a happy holidays!

To help with the Heavenly Peace part, BornFree is offering THREE lucky Bonggamom Finds readers the chance to win two CoolFlow Pacifiers!


About the prize:
The CoolFlow pacifiers have extra large air holes and a raised rim which helps increase air circulation around the mouth area as well as an ergonomic design which provides an optimum fit between baby’s nose and chin. Best of all, the CoolFlow is 100% free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC so it’s the smart and safe way to bring even more joy to baby’s and parent’s world alike.


Required entry:
Leave a comment on this post and tell me where and when you would need a BornFree CoolFlow pacifier! This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment on this post for each extra entry, with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, blog comment link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook wall (1 entry):

I entered the BornFree pacifier giveaway! 3 winners get 2 CoolFlow pacifiers (and a peaceful holidays) http://ow.ly/3r1dW

6) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Help baby sleep in heavenly peace, give yourself a silent night! Enter to win 2 BornFree CoolFlow pacifiers @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/3r1dW

7) Join any of my other open giveaways (leave a comment with the name of the giveaway you joined, 1 entry per giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at midnight PST on December 21, 2011; I will draw 3 winners at random on December 22. I will post the winners' names as soon as they confirm acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by BornFree and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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