Summer Favourite - Kooleez

I recently found a company, Kidzikoo, that sold the cutest neoprene covers for your child's sippy cup.  The Kidzikoo keeps your child's drink cold and the cup free of condensation.  They come in a variety of prints and I liked them so much that I purchased one for each of the kids who came to Ps 1st birthday party last week.

Just today I see that they have a new product out and I have already pre-ordered mine! Kooleez are neoprene wraps for freezies and such.  Already this season, I have had to many times wrap my little guy's treat in a washcloth as it was too cold for him to hold.  This is the perfect solution.  Kooleez sell 2 for $5.50 and they will be arriving mid-July, but you can pre-order yours now (just like I did!)  They come in a variety of colours and combinations and you can check them out at www.mykidzikoo.com/Kooleez.html

Kidzikoo also makes water bottle covers for adults, Koverz!  I may see one of those in my near future as well!  :)

Just Gabbing - SnuggyBaby Wet Bags

Those wet bags by SnuggyBaby that I wrote about a few posts ago are on sale today on www.babyhalfoff.com for half price $14.50 instead of $29. Just picked up two more - I like them so much. I used ours this week on our trip as a toiletry bag - just in case there were any spills or breakages during our flight!

There are 10 fabrics to choose from and they all look great!

Hurry to get one quick before the day is done (there is also a chance they will go up on their archives site, if so I will let you know!)

Favourite Updates - Buggy Bubble

I had posted awhile back about this contraption that I had found that protects your little one in their car seat from wind, sun, rain and bugs. What appealed to me most about it was that it had a hard frame so it bubbled away from the car seat instead of laying flat in front of their face. This gives more room for your little one who is lying inside to breath and move around.

Today I used mine at the zoo for P and I LOVED it!!!! The girls I was with were like, "Wow, that is so cool!" It kept the bugs off of her and when we were in the sun I pulled over the UV protective sun shield to protect her. I also enjoyed how it folds flat so it stored easily in the bottom of my stroller.

I feel that this product is a must if you intend to be outdoors a lot and want to keep the bugs and sun off of your infant. I see myself using it quite often for walks and especially during our trip up north this upcoming week.

Check out their site at www.buggybubble.com

**They are also Canadian, another plus**

Summer Favourites - Wet Bags

Yesterday I met my girlfriends down at the waterfront so the kids could play in the Splashpad. As I was packing my bag, I remembered (for once) to throw in Hs wet bag that I had picked him up awhile ago. This made me think that I should post about how useful it is and why you all should pick one up.

A wet bag is basically a bag with a waterproof lining that you put your wet clothes in to keep the rest of the stuff in your beach/swim bag dry. They are also great for dirty clothes and supposedly a "must" for cloth diapers. What I really like about them is that the rest of your stuff in your bag (e.g., cellphone, keys, other clothes, etc.) stay totally dry. They are also nice as they are reusable and machine washable (instead of using plastic grocery bags).

I purchased mine online (of course) from one of my discount websites from an etsy company named SnuggyBaby. I am happy with its quality and durability. I have also seen more expensive ones sold on other websites like Itzy Ritzy. The large wet bags from SnuggyBaby sell for about $28 CAN while the large ones from Itzy Ritzy sell for $22 USD. Both large bags measure 14" x 17" and can hold 6-8 cloth diapers (or Hs swimsuit, water shoes, hat and beach towel).

I personally like the Snuggy ones better as they have a larger variety of fabrics (30 choices compared to 4) and they also come with a snap handle so that you can hang the bag.

Check out both companies at:

www.itzyritzy.com/zippered-wet-bag/

www.etsy.com/shop/SnuggyBaby?section_id=6864843

Looks Good - Bugslock Bands

I saw these on one of the local websites that I frequent often, Charlotte Monkey Creations, they peeked my interest, so I decided to do some research and check them out.

Bugslock Bands are these adjustable wristbands that are made from 100% natural materials that repel mosquitoes. You can wear them on your wrists, ankles, even put them on your stroller to help keep the bugs away. They give off an aroma which supposedly the insect does not like. It is safe and can be used on infants as it is non-toxic and deet free. They come in a variety of colours and each band lasts about 240 hrs if you put it back in its bag when you are not using it. (That's 10 days!)

I have ordered a few to give them a try and will hopefully be taking them with me when I head up north in just over a week. I will post more about them once I have had a chance to try them out!

You can read more about Buglock Bands at www.bugslockthailand.com or you can purchase some from Charlotte Monkey Creations by visiting her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/#!/CharlotteMonkeyCreations

Looks Good - RoSK Organic UPF 30 Sun Cover

Here again is another product that I have seen being sold on one of my discount sites. RoSK Organic UPF 30 Sun Cover. (Rain or Shine Kids)

This is a lightweight blanket made from breathable organic cotton. It is UPF 30+ that keeps baby safe from harmful UV rays. It is ideal for babies, 0-6 months old, who are not supposed to wear sunblock. It can tie to strollers, car seats, and carriers to provide all day sun protection.

The blankets are white but come with different coloured trims: pink, blue, orange or brown. They sell online on their website for $30, but are often up on those discount sites for half price.

RoSK also sells items like rain gear, burp pads and bibs.

Check out their products at www.rainorshinekids.com

I don't have one of these yet, as I have the Buggy Bubble for my new arrival, but I am considering getting one of these as well!

Summer Favourites - Rash Guards

I don't know about you, but we are outside all day now that the warmer weather is here - and for those days when you are in and out of the water and need to dry off quickly I just love rash guards for my little guy!

They are light and dry quickly and also help protect him from the sun. I have found two sites that sell rash guards that state that they are UPF 50+. I especially like the SwimZip ones as they have a front zipper that makes putting them on and taking them off much easier. So far, this is the only company that I have been able to find that sells them with the zipper.

I have not yet purchased any from either site, but I have used ones last year from Old Navy and Bonnie Togs. Just make sure that they are UPF and not just a t-shirt.

Check out the rash guards at the following four stores:

BabyBands - http://www.banzworld.com/products/category/swimwear

SwimZip - http://shop.swimzip.com

iPlay - http://iplaybabywear.com/index.php/iplay/swim-sun.html

Old Navy - http://oldnavy.gapcanada.ca/browse/category.do?cid=50121

Summer Favourites - Sunveil Prampopper

Alison shares a summer favourite of hers:

"I bought a sun screen for the stroller and it is great! It wraps all the way around and is a UPF 40 that wont wipe off! Especially for when we are out and my little guy needs a sleep, I just tip his stroller back and put the screen over, even with the sun on him, he is fine (and the bright sun forces him to close his eyes and then he falls asleep). I have even used it inside in a museum and it sort of blocks out the stimuli and lets them drift off. It is called: Sunveil Prampopper by Sun Savant. I got it at Serenity Birth Studios in Barrie. It is really great for when they are younger than 6 months and should not have sunscreen lotion on them too. It can also go over a pack and play, a backpack carrier that has a top cover. If you get the larger one, it is more versatile. It is machine washable too. You can see it on the Serenity website too."

Thanks Al for sharing, sorry it took me so long to post it! With the nice weather that we had yesterday and are having today this sounds ideal!

I found the Prampopper on many Canadian sites online and it sells for about $40. It comes in white only but it is hand or machine washable. Its large size also makes it perfect for any situation!

Summer Favourites - Sunscreen

Hopefully this nice sunny weather is here to stay!

With this comes the constant application of sunscreen. Last year I had posted a few blogs about sites with information on safe sunscreen and also a site where you could check how safe the sunscreen you use is.

As a reminder or refresher here are those links:

http://mommiesfavourites.blogspot.com/2010/05/safety-favourites-sunscreen.html

http://mommiesfavourites.blogspot.com/2010/06/favourite-website-skin-deep.html

http://mommiesfavourites.blogspot.com/2010/06/sunscreen-information.html


From all of this research I ended up picking up some Badger sunscreen for H last summer and will be using the same stuff again this summer!

Check the links out as you may be surprised about the sunscreen you are currently using!

Summer Favourites - Kinderville Silicone Popsicle Set

I am so excited! My new Kinderville Popsicle set arrived today in the mail. I had purchased these for half price off of one of my baby sites and have been anxiously awaiting their arrival. The nicer weather that arrived today is definitely getting me thinking about cool summer treats!

These silicone popsicle molds are BPA, PVC and Phthalate Free. They are tapered to make pushing them up easier, stickless and are dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer and microwave safe (although I wonder why you would put them in a microwave??) They come in a set of four and each popsicle mold has its own lid. They came with some instructions and when I looked at them briefly this evening, there are fill lines that you need to pay attention to and what not.

Kinderville also sells other similar items like storage jars, bowls, cups, freezer trays and divided plates - all silicone.

The popsicle molds sell for $24.99 (which is a bit pricey) but all of the reviews say that they are totally worth it. (I paid half price for mine!!)

They are available at a bunch of online stores, but you can first check out all of their items at www.kinder-ville.com.

I am hoping to give them a try this weekend and will post more of my thoughts very soon!

Bring on the SUMMER!

Summer Favourite - Puddle Jumpers

As we were talking about closing the pool for the year today, I came across my friend's Puddle Jumpers for her kids and it made me think that these should be a summer favourite. I know that summer is almost over, but perhaps they will go on sale for the end of the season so I thought you might want to hear about them now.

A Puddle Jumper is a floatation device that goes in front of the child and over their arms like water wings. The idea is that the front part will help keep your child's head out of the water. They are for a child within 30-50 lbs and come in a variety of cool colours and prints.

Our friends just love theirs and it gives their children a lot of confidence in the water. I have not picked one up for H yet as he was not ready this year to swim on his own, but I will be watching the flyers the next few weeks to see if they are on sale. They can be purchased from Canadian Tire for $29.99.

Why not stock up early for next summer? Wishful thinking!

Summer Favourites - Outdoor Research Kids' Hats

At one of the outdoor stores in Thunder Bay I purchased H a sun hat that we really like made by Outdoor Research it is called a Boys' Solstice Bucket Hat. I had gone in to get one of those Kid Banz ones, but the sales lady convinced me to get this one and I am happy that we did. It is made out of a 30+ UPF fabric that is thinner so it dries quickly if it gets wet and it has a moisture wicking headband that helps keep your little one cooler as well. It comes in two colour combinations: red and grey or blue and grey (the girls colours are cute too!) and it costs about $24. One thing that I was worried about is that it does not come with a chin strap but is has attachments so that you can add one. This hasn't been a problem so far as H hasn't tried to take it off - so it must be comfy.

I checked out their website at www.outdoorresearch.com and they have a ton of cool outdoor clothing for all ages. I really like some of their other hats for kids as well.

I got mine in Thunder Bay at Take a Hike, but I also see that you can purchase them from Sojourn here in Barrie. If you go online you can find out if a store near you sells their products or you can buy their products online as well.

Summer Favourites - Little Tikes Bike Trailer

Jillian shares:

"A must have again! We have used this bike trailer now for 2.5 years and have had great quality family time. We can easily fit two children in the trailer and it has a decent storage space at the back. I have also used this trailer as a stroller and was amazed at how easily it went through snow and over snow banks."

Thanks Jillian! We recently picked one up too and H loves to go for rides in his. Our is another brand - InStep - but it sounds very comparable.

Summer Favourite - Kids Pool

While at a Canada Day BBQ yesterday I was discussing with a friend how I wanted to pick H up a kids pool so that he could sit in the water and it would be a bit warmer for him than our above ground pool. She mentioned a great feature that I should look for, so I decided to share it with all of you. She suggested getting a plastic pool that had the edge that went right down to the ground (see picture #1). Speaking from experience she said that her children had cut themselves on the somewhat sharp edge of a previous pool (like picture #2) where the edge only curved down a bit. After looking at pics of both types, I totally understand what she is saying. So, while perusing the Internet this morning, I discovered that ToysRUs has the exact pool that I am looking for on sale this week for just $19.99 - YEAH!

Guess where I am heading this afternoon after H wakes up from his nap?

Thanks Jillian for the great advice yesterday!

Summer Favourites - Seasons UV Clothing

As I was reading through my Today's Parent the other night, during my ten minutes of free time, I came across an article/advertisement for UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing. I am always looking for ways to protect H from the sun as a) he is very fair skinned like his mama b) he loves to be outside for most of the day and c) we have a pool. So far, I have picked him up a few shirts that are sun protective from Bonnie Togs and Zehrs (Joe Fresh). (Just so you know, the rash guard shirts from Old Navy are not UVA or UVB protective.)

The article in TP states that their clothing, "...blocks harmful UV rays and has designs that darken as the sun strengthens, reminding parents to reapply sunscreen..." They make hats, swimsuits, shorts, shirts and more - which come in fun colours and designs. (I especially like the Superman line for boys pictured above)

Now that I have had a chance to check out their website, I also realize that I have seen their products before - on one of my mommy deals websites. So if you are interested in getting one of these items, you can either check out their website at http://www.seasons-uv.com or wait patiently for them to go on half price again on one of those websites.

I cannot say that this is one of my faves, but it is definitely a great idea!

Summer Favourite - Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Srinkler

Thanks Kim for being the first to reply to my request for summer favourites!

She shares that her little A just loves this sprinkler.

I went directly to the Melissa and Doug website and was amazed by all the new toys they have! There is a whole line for Sunny Patch Outdoor Toys - with their bright colours and designs they would attract any little one. When you click on an actual toy you not only get a description and price, but there is also a rating from other buyers (I love when stores have this feature). This particular sprinkler gets a 5 star rating!

The Melissa and Doug site is currently offering free shipping on orders over $75 and they are also hosting a contest where you can win $50 worth of Sunny Patch items http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/2010/05/25/giveaway-win-a-50-sunny-patch-gift-pack/comment-page-1/#comment-17919

Check out their website at www.melissaanddoug.com.

I also checked out the ToyRUs site, but I could not find the sprinkler on it, but sometimes not everything that they offer in the store is on their website.

Thanks again, Kim!

Summer Favourite - Frozen Yogurt Tubes

With the arrival of the hot weather comes ways to help us cool off. My daycare provider gave me this idea as she does it with her little ones - frozen yogurt tubes. I have yet to try it, but I bet H loves it as he is a yogurt freak! He loves popsicles, so I am sure he must love these! Try it out and let me know what your little ones think!