Last Day to Enter the On the Fly Bottle Warmer Giveaway-ends 4/27 (low entries!!!)

Wednesday is the last day to enter this giveaway.  Entries are super low so your chances are super great!  Click here to enter.

~Mommy Bridget

NEW BABY EVENT: Bella Mama's Bella Bundle Review and Giveaway-ends 5/6

NEW BABY EVENT: Bella Mama's Bella New Bundle Gift Set Review and Giveaway-ends 5/6

The final review item for my New Baby Event comes from a company called Bella Mama.  Bella Mama created products to ease the discomfort associated with pregnancy.  As many of us know, pregnancy can be uncomfortable.  The transition our bodies take deserves much care.  What better way to ease that discomfort than to care and pamper your body with the best of products designed especially for you!  

Bella Mama's products are naturally derived.  The ingredients are blended by the care of a master herbalist, aroma therapist and natural skincare specialist.  So, you know that when using these products, the care of your body and mind are in the best of hands.

Bella Mama's products are each uniquely created with the perfect blend of healing herbal extracts and (pregnancy safe) essential oils.  For example, the item reviewed from Bella Mama...the Bella New Bundle Gift Set.  Details below: 
 

This travel size set contains all four of the Bella Mama products:   

• Belly Oil and Belly Butter soothes skin, reduce itchiness and minimize stretch marks. Belly Butter luxurious cream that nurtures the skin, Belly Oil leaves skin silky, satiny smooth.  
• Face and Body Spritzer, instant refreshment and hydration, take to the hospital great between contractions.  
• Foot Salts for tired swollen feet.

The pregnant mama who reviewed Bella Mama's Bella New Bundle gift set for me had a great experience in using the products.  Here is what she had to say about the kit:

Bella Mama knows how to pamper pregnant mamas! Their products soothe the skin and spirit and help ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Both the belly oil and belly butter feel so gentle and smooth on my growing, stretched belly. The foot salts are a perfect way to end a long day on tired feet. I especially loved the face & body spritzer; a quick pick-me-up throughout the day, that helps you feel refreshed and revitalized.
-Mel (mother of 2 with another on its way)

I want to thank Bella Mama for giving me the opportunity to learn more about their wonderful products for beautiful pregnant mothers and for sponsoring a review and giveaway for my New Baby Event.

Buy it:

You can purchase the Bella New Bundle gift set online here for $25. 

Win it:
Bella Mama is giving away your choice of either the Bella New Bundle Gift Set or Starter set for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby Event!!! (see pictures to right)

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me what products, if any, you have used in the past to help ease pregnancy discomfort.  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something else about Bella Mama
• grab my blog button and share (please post link) 
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Bella Mama on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• follow Bella Mama on Twitter
• follow Bella Mama's Blog

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until May 6th at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 

The Pregnancy Starter Kit was provided to me by Bella Mama for review.  All opinions on the products are purely my own.  (please see Disclosure under my Reviews page)

Breastfeeding tied to stronger maternal response to baby's cry

Breastfeeding tied to stronger maternal response to baby's cry

FYI and for all you skeptics: This was published in Science Daily Journal and has full accredited references.

~Mommy Bridget

Teething Bling Review and Giveaway-ends 4/25 (last day to enter!!!)

Don't forget to enter this awesome giveaway for your teething tot!  Click here to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget

NEW BABY EVENT: Envibum's Cloth Diaper Review and Giveaway-ends 5/3

Envibum's Cloth Diaper Review and Giveaway-ends 5/3

The next item for review for my New Baby Event is from a sweet company called Envibum that makes beautiful cloth diapers for your babies.  Envibum is a Christian based group of stay at home moms, dads and grandparents that produce Envibum diapers and of course the children who review their cute cloth diapering system.  Their diapers are all made from high quality fabrics and are sewn with many years of experience and the love of doing so.

Envibum's diapering system is wonderfully considered.  All diapers are one size fits all (8-40 pounds).  The fabrics are extremely soft and gentle to your baby's sensitive skin.  There are many layers of absorbency to help ensure everything is contained and your baby stays dry.  And there are a multitude of different designs and styles to choose from!

The diaper we chose to review is in white, called the "Enviwhite" diaper.  For every Enviwhite diaper purchased, $2 is donated to Homes for Hope in Fiji.  To learn more about this, go here.  (For every Envibum diaper purchased, a donation is made.  I couldn't ask for a better way to support those in need!)

Product Details: 

• all-in-one 
• premium grade velcro for fastening diaper
• 100% unbleached cotton
• plush minkee
• soft belly panel
• newborn size adjuster
• hidden absorbency pocket with flip out pad for extra absorbency
• waterproof
• non-toxic
• PVC free inner layer
• vinyl free inner layer
• everything is adjustable according to the size of your child

I absolutely LOVE the Enviwhite all-in-one cloth diaper.  It fit my little baby's bum perfectly snug.  I felt comfortable with him wearing it knowing that the fabrics were soft yet absorbent enough for his sensitive baby skin.  The diaper worked really well, kept my son dry and comfortable all the while wearing it.  And it cleaned up in the washer perfect!  

The quality of workmanship of the diaper is really great.  You can tell that each diaper is sewn with the best of intentions.  In fact, Envibum is so proud of their products that they stand completely by their 100% money back guarantee should you not be satisfied with your product. 

Don't miss out.  One day only!!!

Special Easter Egg Hunt/Giveaway on www.envibum.com ends 4/22:

I want to thank Envibum for sponsoring one of their precious cloth diapers to my New Baby Event.  This has been a wonderful addition to my event and I love their diapering system and what it stands for dearly.

Buy it:
To purchase an Envibum cloth diaper of your own, go to their online store here or to one of their retailers found here.

Win it:
Envibum is graciously giving away their Envired diaper to one lucky winner for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby Event!!!

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me if you cloth diaper  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something else about Envibum
• grab my blog button and share (please post link) 
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Envibum on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• follow Envibum on Twitter
• follow Envibum's Blog

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until May 3rd at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 

The Envibum diaper was provided to me by Envibum for review.  All opinions on the diaper are purely my own.  (please see Disclosure under my Reviews page)

On the Fly Bottle Warmer Review and Giveaway-ends 4/27

NEW BABY EVENT: On the Fly Bottle Warmer Review and Giveaway-ends 4/28

The next item for review for my New Baby Event is the On the Fly Bottle Warmer, designed for parents "on the go".  As seen in the April 2011 issue of Parenting, the Early Years magazine, this bottle warmer keeps your baby's milk warm for up to 12 hours and is perfect for those who breast or formula feed and are in need of the perfect way to keep milk warm for an extended period of time.

This unique way to keep a bottle warm was designed and developed with convenience for the busy mom and caregiver in mind.  It's super easy to use and can go wherever your bottle goes.  The On the Fly Bottle Warmer is a great portable bottle warmer and is hassle free.  It fits perfectly in your purse or diaper bag and doesn't take up any extra room.  No need for electricity, batteries or boiling water, this bottle warmer contains a bottle cover that fits perfectly for most brand bottles and small packets that keep the bottle warm and the milk fresh and at the correct temperature all day!  So whether you are traveling or out and about all day, this bottle warmer will ensure your baby's milk stays at the perfect temperature for feeding.

I tested it on a night I was out and about with my friends and left my baby home with his father to tend to him.  I pumped before I left the house and stored the milk in a bottle in the bottle warmer.  My husband was able to feed my son 2 hours after I left without the need to reheat my milk to the correct temperature.  The On the Fly Bottle Warmer did work well in keeping my milk warm just the way my son prefers.  

I want to thank Maureen Christy with On the Fly Bottle Warmer for giving me the opportunity to review her bottle warmer product.


Buy it:
To purchase the On the Fly Bottle Warmer, go to their online store here or find it at any of their participating retail locations found here (including Babies-r-us and Toys-r-us).  Click here for a Mother's Day special of $5 off a purchase of $25 or more!

Win it:
On the Fly Bottle Warmer is giving away one of their bottle warmers ($20 value) to one lucky winner for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby Event!

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me your method to warming bottles.  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something else about the On the Fly Bottle Warmer
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like On the Fly Bottle Warmer on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• follow On the Fly Bottle Warmer on Twitter
• follow On the Fly Bottle Warmer's blog 

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until April 27th at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 

The On the Fly Bottle Warmer was provided to me by TresKoi for review.  (Please see my Disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information.)

Last Day to Enter Bathing in Grace's Baby and Me Towel Set-ends 4/19

Don't wait any longer to enter this awesome giveaway ($56 value)!!!  This ends tomorrow at midnight.  Click here to enter.  Open to US residents.

~Mommy Bridget

Utah Mom Speaks for Clean Air Rights

As you may know, a great group of individuals in Utah have been working diligently to stop the threat of an increase of harmful emissions into our air.  Rio Tinto, a large corporation from London, is attempting to expand their copper mine operations in the Salt Lake Valley therefore increasing their environmental footprint.  Not only does this threaten water quality but it will also lead to the release of even more toxins emitted into our already stressed and harmful air.

Last Thursday, environmental groups stood up at a press conference and spoke out against Rio Tinto's operations in Utah.  Below is Ashley Sanders, a representative from Utah Moms for Clean Air speaking:



To view other representative's arguments, click on the links below:

Lynn de Freitas/Friends of Great Salt Lake:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ4J7VT-kMw

Terry Marasco/Utah Clean Air Alliance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p28Om9xHV3I

Ivan Webber/Ex-Kennecott Contract Employee:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_pTGtkIvlI

Marion Klaus/Sierra Club:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiw9iWiIQF0

Michael Milke/Post Carbon Salt Lake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JONc05btoOc

Please support us in our effort to protect our children by watching these links and spread the word!!!

~Mommy Bridget

Weleda Winner

Congratulations Mel C., the winner of the Weleda Calendula Baby Starter Kit Giveaway!!!   Thank you to everyone for entering this great giveaway.  I highly recommend this starter kit for anyone with a baby.  Their products are perfect for new baby's sensitive skin!

~Mommy Bridget

The winner has been notified and has 48 hours to respond.

Teething Bling Review and Giveaway-ends 4/25

NEW BABY EVENT: Teething Bling Review and Giveaway-ends 4/25

The next item I reviewed for the New Baby Event was from a sweet company called SmartMom Jewelry.  This review is for those of you with teething babies or for those of you in preparation for this time in your future.  The period of teething in children can seem to take forever because of the frustration and pain your little one feels.  With so many products out there to help ease that discomfort your teething baby feels, it's difficult to know what product to buy to help with the process.  So SmartMom has just the solution for you, and it's called Teething Bling.

The inspiration behind SmartMom's Teething Bling came from watching children play with their mother's jewelry.  Teething Bling was designed with the curiosity of babies in mind.  Made for children to play with and chew on, babies can utilize this necklace to learn all awhile easing the discomfort of teething. And in doing so, you get to wear a stylish piece of "bling"!

Teething Bling is made with safe materials for your babies.  Detail include:

• silicone based
• phthalate and lead free
• non-toxic
• dishwasher safe
• FDA approved

And they come in many different colors and styles to choose from! In addition to carrying solid and patterned style pendant necklaces, they also offer "bangle" style bracelets, "tween bling" for the teenaged, "babe magnet ties" for men as well as clothing apparel.  With so much to choose from, it was really difficult to decide what to review.  Seeing as a mother and her daughter would be reviewing the teething bling, we went with the donut shaped pendant in bronze. 

To the right is our little model True.  True and her mother reviewed this piece of teething bling.  Her mother said:

True liked to wear the necklace and chew on it while she wore it.  I was surprised to find the soft texture of this piece when I got it.  It seemed like the perfect texture for teething.

True enjoyed playing with the teething bling herself and chew on it while doing so.  And how fun for little baby girls to teeth with this piece since they already like jewelry so much!

I want to thank SmartMom Jewelry for giving us the opportunity to review this unique line of teething products safe for our babies and for creating a product that we can all enjoy.

Buy it:

You can purchase Teething Bling or any of SmartMom's other products online here or at any of their retail partners.

Win it:

SmartMom Jewelry is giving away a Teething Bling necklace of choice to one lucky winner (about a $20 value) for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby Event!

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me what your children (if you have them) used to help during the terrible teething time (if you don't have them, simply say you don't).  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something else about SmartMom's Teething Bling 
• grab my blog button and share (located on top of home page) (post link)
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Teething Bling on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• follow Teething Bling on Twitter

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until April 25th at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 

Teething Bling was provided to me by SmartMom for review.  (Please see my Disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information.)

Last Day to Enter Weleda Calendula Baby Starter Kit- ends 4/15

Click here to enter this great giveaway that ends Friday 4/15th at midnight!!!  Your baby will love it!

~Mommy Bridget

NEW BABY EVENT: Organic Baby Gift Boutique's Under the Nile Organic Set Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway- ends 4/22

Organic Baby Gift Boutique's Under the Nile Baby Set Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway- ends 4/22

I just love Organic Baby Gift Boutique.  You can find anything organic and natural and BEAUTIFUL to meet your baby needs including baby clothes, skincare, gifts and baby gear, so what company better to review than this for my New Baby Event?!!  Organic Baby Gift Boutique supplied a beautiful baby organic top and pant set in sage from Under the Nile for my review, and I simply adore it.  I adore the care made in the product.  I adore my son wearing this product!

Product Details:

Long Sleeve Side Snap Organic Tee 
This favorite side snap organic tee w/ fold over cuffs makes dressing effortless! Everyday and every season comfort in an assortment of soft pastel colors. Great basics made with the finest 100% organic Egyptian cotton.

Under the Nile's organic top and footed pant set is made from 100% organic cotton, which is not only safe for your child but safe for the environment.  This means that the cotton was organically cultivated and made with all natural dye.  The cotton was grown and hand picked in in Egypt and fair traded, which means fair for all people involved in the production of the product.

I love this little baby set for my newborn.  It is super soft and plenty warm but breathable so I don't have to worry about keeping my baby covered with additional blankets at all times.  I also noticed that it runs on the big size so we should get a handful of months use out of it despite the 0-3 month size (you also might want to take note of this if you are in the market to purchase it).  And just to additionally note, my son is not small.  He is not a tiny infant, is definitely long and getting big all over.  I also like that the outfit comes in different colors, including those that can be used for a boy and a girl.  So if you are interested in getting a set that can be passed down to your next child, you have different colors to choose from.  And lastly, I love that it has a footed pant so we don't need to worry about his little feet getting cold or his pants (if the length is too short) exposing his skin.

Organic Baby Gift Boutique's Under the Nile top and footed pant set comes in 5 pastel colors: natural, ice blue, sage, lemon and  blush.  They also carry other Under the Nile clothing items which include: baby mittens, skull baby hats and long sleeve baby onesies all in matching colors and all on sale!

Buy it:

You can purchase Under the Nile's organic top (on sale for $9.80) and footed pant (on sale for $10.50) set or any of Organic Baby Gift Boutique's other fabulous items online here.  They even have a gift registry available for those mommies-to-be!  They have so many beautiful baby items, I've definitely got my eye on some precious little clothes for my sweet son.

Win it:

Organic Baby Gift Boutique is graciously giving away a $25 gift certificate to their lovely store for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby Event!

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me another product from Organic Baby Gift Boutique you wish to have.  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something about OBGB's blog
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Organic Baby Gift Boutique on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• follow Organic Baby Gift Boutique on Twitter

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until April 22nd at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 

Under the Nile's organic top and pant set was provided to me by Organic Baby Gift Boutique for review.  (Please see my Disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information.)

NEW BABY EVENT: Naturepedic Review

Naturepedic Mattress Pad Review

The next review for my New Baby Event is from Naturepedic.  Naturepedic is the "first and only" mattress company to specialize exclusively in children's mattresses and accessories made with all natural and organic materials.  Their products are non-toxic to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your children.  And with their mission to improve the lives of our children, what better company than Naturepedic to learn more about?  Naturepedic designs and manufactures mattresses in many sizes including crib, bassinet, twin and queen.  They also make mattress pads, "toppers" or covers, changing pads, sheets and pillows.

When preparing for a new baby, an important must have is a great mattress pad for your crib.  Naturepedic designed an fitted, waterproof crib mattress pad that not only creates a waterproof barrier between your baby's bedding and mattress but is designed for maximum safety and comfort for your child.  Their waterproof pad also makes for easier clean up after messes, since washing the mattress itself is unnecessary after an accident.  And best of all, it's made from all natural, organic cotton.

We had the wonderful opportunity to review Naturepedic's Mattress Pad with our new baby for the New Baby Event. With the expense involved with a new crib mattress for a baby, it's important to make sure your baby is sleeping comfortably while safely protecting the mattress.  Since we began using the new mattress for our little one, we've already had a handful of accidents and I can't tell you how happy I am that we have Naturepedic's organic cotton, fitted and waterproof crib pad protecting the mattress for future use. 

Details:

• 2 layers of organic cotton flannel
• highly absorptive and extra soft
• ultra thin waterproof membrane in center-features DrySleep technology which effectively blocks liquids from passing through the fabric while still allowing the fabric to "breathe" (all materials non-toxic)
• no vinyl/PVC
• no Pthalates
• no latex (allergy concerned)
• GreenGuard certified
• available in many sizes

Buy it:
You can purchase Naturepedic's fitted, waterproof crib pad or any of their other products here or at a store located near you.
 
I want to thank Naturepedic for the wonderful opportunity to review their environmentally responsible and perfectly designed product for my new baby and his mattress.  Naturepedic proudly designed a safe and effective product that our children will get much use from. 

Bridget James

Naturepedic's organic cotton, waterproof, fitted crib pad was supplied to me by Naturepedic for review.  All opinions of this product are purely my own.  (please see my full Disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information)

 

NEW BABY EVENT: Bathing in Grace's Baby and Me Bath Towel Review and Giveaway- ends 4/19

Bathing in Grace's Baby and Me Bath Towel Set Review and Giveaway-ends 4/19

The next product for the New Baby event I can't wait to tell you about is Bathing in Grace's Baby and Me Towel set.  This first time bath towel is perfectly designed for you and your baby and was recently given the coveted Seal of Approval from Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Media Inc.  After given the opportunity to use this as our towel set for our infant, I cannot imagine using anything else during our bath time!

Created for ease in bathing your infant, Baby and Me Bath Towel set was designed with the best of fabric and design.  The towel is made with 100% organic bamboo terry cloth to ensure the best of comfort for your little one's sensitive skin.  Naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, this towel set creates less worry ensuring your child is more protected.  And the design is AMAZING!  One couldn't ask for a better way to make the transition from warm bath to towel less stressful.  The towel set contains a towel that fits and conforms to your baby's size.  It also has a hood to ensure your child is kept warm.  The next piece to the set is an apron style towel that the one bathing the child wears.  The way it works is you lift your infant out of the tub and can put the baby directly to your chest, where the baby feels the most secure.  Then the baby can be covered with his/her own towel.  Or in another order, you could first cover the baby with his/her own towel then bring the baby to your chest.  There is a button on the towel I wear that fastens to the baby's towel to create a sweet little sling.  I find this perfect to breast feed following bath time which is my son's favorite thing to do!  (See the picture of the mannequin here to view how this works).  And lastly, the set comes with a super soft hand wash towel to use for washing every little delicate part of your wee one.  I also use this to cover any part of my baby's skin that may be exposed to air to ensure he is pleasantly warm in his bath.  It's quite simple yet brilliant!  The child is kept warm throughout the process and feels secure during the transition which can sometimes be overwhelming.

View Bathing in Grace's demo on how to fasten the towels here.  This is VERY important in learning how to secure one another in the towels.

Product Details:
*Certified 100% Organic Bamboo Terry Cloth
*Certified 100% Organic Ribbed Cotton

- Bamboo wicking ability is 35% more than cotton
  (water absorbency)

- Bamboo is naturally antibacterial & antimicrobial
  (preventing skin irritations, allergies and odor)

- Bamboo has natural insulating properties
  (keeps baby cooler when hot & warmer
   when cold)

- Bamboo is naturally antistatic
  (no static cling on baby's delicate skin)

Care Instructions:
Launder in warm water with like colors. Gentle cycle. No bleach. No fabric softener. Tumble dry low.

My son loves his bath time experience, and I know the Baby and Me Towel set plays a big part in this experience for him.  I have to admit, I was a little frightened and hesitant to bathe my little one at home.  I hate to hear my child cry because he is cold or scared or unhappy for any reason.  I never had much luck with past experiences bathing my first child.  But Bathing in Grace definitely made this a pleasant task this time around and for everyone involved.  My infant now loves his bath time.  And I can rest assured knowing that every product I am using for this undertaking is the best!


Buy it:
You can purchase Bathing in Grace's Baby and Me Towel set online here or at any one of their store locations.


Win it:
Bathing in Grace is graciously giving away one of their Baby and Me towel sets (a $56 value) to one lucky winner for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby event!!!

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me what tricks you use or used for an easy transition out of the bath for your infants.  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something about Bathing in Grace
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Bathing in Grace on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• tell me something about Bathing in Grace's YouTube demo

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until April 19th at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget
The Baby and Me Bath Towel set was provided to me by Bathing in Grace for review.  (Please see my Disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information.)

Free Radon Gas Test Kit

When we were in the hospital for the delivery of baby #2, we were given a folder of papers...you know, the typical papers discussing how to get social security cards, important how to care for mom and baby papers and we also received one that advertised for a free radon gas test kit for your homes.  That quickly caught my eye because being a mom makes me CRAZY cautious with regards to safety in my children's environment.  That and because it said it was "free" of course:)

Did you know that radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer?  Cancer from it doesn't necessarily develop immediately after exposure either, it can take many years.  Radon is a radioactive gas that can go undetected because it doesn't smell or taste.  Luckily, radon gas problems in homes can be fixed easily.  So why not make sure your home is safe for your family?!

Now just to clarify, this is offered free in the state of Utah, but you will have to check what your state offers through their Department of Environmental Quality.  To learn more in Utah, go here or call their hotline at 1-800-458-0145.  If you are not living in Utah and want to see what your state offers, click here.  If they don't offer free testing, they often times offer great coupons so you can purchase the test kit for a discounted price.

We are anxious to receive our free kit.  I will let you all know the results...

~Curious Mommy

NEW BABY EVENT: Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit Review and Giveaway-ends 4/15

Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit Review and Giveaway- ends 4/15

On to the next wonderful item for my New Baby Event!  One can't live without a great baby cleanser, diaper cream and moisturizers for a new baby and why should you?  Weleda created the perfect starter kit made specifically with the new baby's sensitive skin in mind.  With a newborn baby, the proper baby wash is VERY important.  Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit has everything you need to care for your new baby's skin.

Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit contains:

• Calendula Baby Cream, 0.34 oz. (10 g)
• Calendula Lotion, 0.34 oz. (10 g)
• Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash, 0.72 oz. (20.4 g)
• Calendula Oil, 0.34 fl. oz. (10 ml)
• Calendula Diaper Care, 0.4 oz. (10.8 g)

Product Details:

The Weleda Baby Starter Kit is a carefully formulated selection of our Weleda Calendula Baby Care products ideal for the care of the delicate skin of your baby, child and your own sensitive adult skin. Biodynamic^® and organic calendula extract inside each product in our Baby Starter Kit renders your baby’s skin soft and smooth, wrapping your child in a layer of warmth and protection, like a loving hug.

Calendula, a natural soothing agent, is the primary ingredient in Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit's skin products.  And it's no wonder why, calendula is wonderful for your little one's sensitive skin.  According to Discovery Health online, the ingredient calendula has a long history of use as a wound-healing and skin-soothing botanical. This lovely marigoldlike flower (although called pot marigold, it is not a true marigold) is considered a vulnerary agent, a substance that promotes healing. Calendula also has anti-inflammatory and weak antimicrobial activity. It is most often used topically for lacerations, abrasions, and skin infections; less commonly, it is used internally to heal inflamed and infected mucous membranes. 

We have used no products other than Weleda's Calendula Baby products on our new baby.  We used it for his very first bath in the hospital, and have continued to do so in our home.  Because we live in an especially dry environment, we want nothing more than to protect our baby's skin by using a mild soap with soothing and extremely moisturizing products to help protect his precious skin and to ensure a pleasant bathing experience.  I love Weleda's calendula baby products...the smell alone is intoxicating!  They leave my son's skin feeling not only clean but very soft but luxuriously moisturized. And as you can see, my little one can agree.  He loves his bath time experience!!!

Buy it:
You can purchase Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit (for only $13) or any of their other fabulous products online or at Target, Whole Foods or any one of their participating health food stores.  

Win it:
Weleda is giving away the Calendula Baby Starter Kit to one lucky winner for The Curious Case of Mommyhood's New Baby Event!

To enter:

***REMEMBER: POST A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY***

***Also, remember to leave your email address with your comments so you can be reached*** 

Subscribe to my blog (located on the left side of my home page) and tell me if your family has tried any of Weleda's products.  This is MANDATORY to enter the giveaway.

You also have the opportunity for additional entries (one each) if you do any of the following:

• follow The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Google Follower
• tell me something about Weleda's products
  
• like The Curious Case of Mommyhood on Facebook
• like Weleda on Facebook
• repost this giveaway on your facebook page and post the link with your entry
• follow The Curious Mommy on Twitter
• follow Weleda on Twitter

Again, please be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

You have until April 15th at midnight to enter.

Good luck to you all,

Mommy Bridget 

Weleda's Calendula Baby Starter Kit was provided to me by Weleda for review.  (Please see my Disclosure under my "Reviews" page for more information.)

 

Epstein Pearls

The day little Jude was born, I noticed when he yawned little white balls or cysts on the roof of his mouth.  A few days later, I was told that they could be a sign of thrush...a not so uncommon ailment in infants.  Shortly after this, I began feeling a burning sensation in my breasts following breastfeeding so I promptly began the treatment of thrush.  I could get into the topic of thrush for a long time here but I will save that for another post.  For now, let's focus on the little white bumps on the roof of baby's mouth.  (Below is not a picture of my baby but that of one found on Wikipedia with the same bumps Jude has:)

So after a few weeks of treating both Jude and I for thrush, I wondered if what I was seeing in his mouth was really a sign of the ailment.  So I decided to do a little online research and immediately found what I was looking for.  Apparently, the little bumps are not a sign of thrush but are something called "Epstein Pearls".  Unlike thrush, these spots are simply tiny filled papules or cysts that are completely harmless and eventually go away on their own.  So I guess once again I worried about nothing...

I am amazed at how much I still have yet to learn about babies even though I am doing this for the second time! 

Hope you are all having a great weekend,

Mommy Bridget

LLLI | The Science of Mother's Milk

I really wanted to share information about the importance of choosing to breastfeed over formula feed your newborn. I am literally dumbfounded that people still argue which is better for babies! Since I am strapped for any extra time to write these days, I knew I needed a good source to find a great wealth of scientific information to support breastfeeding. Who better than La Leche League to find this?!!! (Although, you can find the same information everywhere.) I am going to copy their article and repost it so you can read it here. You can also click on the link below to find much more information:

LLLI | The Science of Mother's Milk

Enjoy!!!

~Mommy Bridget

The Science of Mother's Milk

Ayala Ochert
From New Beginnings, Vol. 28 No. 3, 2009, pp. 28-29

Most mothers are aware that breastfeeding boosts a baby's immune system, but few of us could say how. "It's something to do with antibodies," we might answer vaguely. Now there's a brand of formula on the market claiming to "naturally strengthen your baby's immune system;" it also says it is "inspired by breastmilk" and "supported by science." To understand these claims we need to delve a bit deeper into the real science of breastmilk and find out how it actually supports a baby's developing immune system.

It turns out that there is much more to the story than just antibodies, important though they are. Breastmilk contains literally thousands of different components that support the immune system in some way. Some of these components are very specific, defending against a particular pathogen (bacteria, virus, parasite), while others have a broader function, protecting the baby in many different ways. Often these various components act together, providing even more protection than each would alone.

The brand of formula in question says it contains a "unique patented mix of special prebiotics" -- sugars that are naturally found in milk and which are a source of food for so-called friendly bacteria (probiotics). Having a healthy mix of friendly bacteria in the gut is important for overall health because 80 percent of the immune system is located here, and the "good" bacteria can help to push out the "bad" bacteria that can cause disease.

But prebiotics are more than just food for bacteria. There are hundreds of different types of these special sugars -- properly known as "oligosaccharides" -- and the milk of each animal species contains a distinctive mix. (In fact, the precise mix varies from individual to individual, so each woman has her own unique blend -- though not patented, of course!) After fat and lactose, oligosaccharides form the third largest solid component in human milk (the proportion in colostrum is even higher), but they used to be dismissed by scientists as just a useless indigestible by-product of milk production. Now it is clear that they actually have a very important function.

Human milk has been found to contain 90 different oligosaccharides forming over 900 different chemical structures, each of which can block infection by preventing a particular strain of bacteria from sticking to the gut wall. (I don't know how many oligosaccharides are found in this formula with the "patented mix," but we can safely assume it does not contain 90 different types, in 900 different forms.) Unlike antibodies, they are able to protect a baby from bacteria or viruses that a mother has never been exposed to. What is more, oligosaccharides are just one in a class of human milk components -- there are others called glycoproteins and glycolipids -- that work by blocking the attachment of microbes to the cells of the gut, so preventing infection.

Human milk is relatively low in protein compared to the milk of other species, yet the primary function of two of the major proteins in milk -- antibodies and lactoferrin -- is not nutrition but defense against infection. Most milk antibodies are made of a special form of protein called SIgA, which is particularly resistant to digestion. A mother's milk contains antibodies to pathogens that she's recently been exposed to. Chances are, the baby has been exposed to the same pathogens. These SIgA antibodies stick to microbes and stop them from attaching to and infecting cells in the gut. They also make their way into the nose and mouth, where they can defend against airborne diseases.

While each antibody is specifically designed to target one particular pathogen, the major milk protein lactoferrin acts more broadly. It can directly kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and it also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps reduce the pain, swelling, and high temperature associated with infection. Because lactoferrin is quite resistant to digestion, it passes into the urine relatively unchanged and so helps prevent urinary tract infections. Lactoferrin also helps to encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the infant's gut. Human milk contains particularly high levels of lactoferrin and, significantly, human lactoferrin is distinct from that found in the milk of other species.

In addition to these there are many other components that are known to play a role in supporting the immune system. The list includes alpha-lactalbumin, lysozyme, lipids, milk fat globules, nucleotides, defensins, cytokines, hormones, growth factors, anti-secretory factor, leucocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and more. The more you find out about these remarkable substances, the more apparent it becomes that mother's milk is important for babies. As the research scientist David Newburg puts it: "My thinking on milk has changed totally. I used to think of it as the best source of nutrition. Now, it's looking like milk is really designed to be protective."

A newborn baby's immature immune system relies heavily on this protection. Colostrum, the milk produced in the first days after birth, contains higher concentrations of many of these substances. The infant immune system matures during the first year, and is more mature at age two, but the immune system does not reach full maturity until the child is around six years old.

So it's reasonable to assume that mother's milk gives a useful immune boost for as long as a child is breastfeeding. But what about once they stop? Happily, the effects of breastfeeding on the immune system continue throughout life. This is because breastmilk contains components that direct the development of a child's own immune system. For example, it was found that the thymus -- a central organ of the immune system -- is twice as big in breastfed infants compared with formula-fed infants at four months. The size difference was also seen at ten months. Researchers attribute the growth of the thymus in breastfed infants to two components of human milk, IL-7 (a cytokine) and leptin (a hormone). Since the thymus continues to grow throughout childhood, it seems likely that breastfeeding enhances the growth of the thymus for as long as breastfeeding continues.

The main role of the thymus is in the development of the immune system. It grows steadily in early life and then abruptly stops at puberty and starts to shrink and gradually disappear during adulthood. During those early active years, bone marrow cells enter the thymus and mature into T cells, which then spread to the rest of the body. There are several different types of T cells, all vital to the proper functioning of the immune system -- one sort finds and recognizes pathogens and can kill them directly; other types of T cell can instruct other cells of the immune system to kill. Yet others have the role of directing the production of antibodies. Another vital function of the thymus is to learn to recognize the body's own tissues so that the immune system doesn't attack them, as happens in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Since breastfeeding is the biological norm, and since organs of the immune system like the thymus can only develop to their full potential through breastfeeding, an inevitable conclusion must be that people who were never breastfed (or those who were weaned too early) will have deficient immune systems -- not just in infancy but for the rest of their lives.

From the outside, babies seem to grow well on formula -- they certainly get bigger and longer. But on the inside their vital organs may struggle to grow adequately without support from mother's milk, which has evolved to meet their needs. Perhaps one brand of formula can argue that it is marginally better than another brand, but can it possibly claim to be "inspired by breastmilk" or to "strengthen the immune system"? Those are claims that the real science simply does not support.

Refer to

Hanson, L. A. MD, PhD. Immunobiology of Human Milk: How Breastfeeding Protects Babies. Pharmasoft Publishing, 2004.

New Baby Important Info: Infant CPR

With all things (new baby) considered, I thought it important and appropriate to post directions for giving infant CPR.  I needed to view this once again since it's been some time that I've gone through the instructions myself.  According to First Aid Web,

• According to generally accepted guidelines, Infant CPR is administered to any victim under the age of 12 months.  Infants, just as children, have a much better chance of survival if CPR is performed immediately. If you are alone with the infant, do not dial 9-1-1 until after you have made an attempt to resuscitate the victim. Check the infant for responsiveness by patting his feet and gently tapping his chest or shoulders. If he does not react (stirring, crying, etc.), immediately check his airway.

"A" is for AIRWAY. It is normal for an infant to take shallow and rapid breaths, so carefully look, listen and feel for breathing. If you cannot detect any signs of breathing, the tongue may be obstructing the infant's airway. Although the head tilt/chin lift technique is similar to adults and children, when clearing an infant's airway it's important not to tilt the head too far back. An infant's airway is extremely narrow and overextending the neck may actually close off the air passage.

1. "Sniffer's position

Tilt the head back into what is called the "sniffer's position" - far enough to make the infant look as if he is sniffing (Figure 1). If the victim is still not breathing on his own, you will have to assist him breathing.

• "B" is for BREATHING. Cover the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth creating a seal, and give a quick, gentle puff from your cheeks.

Let the victim exhale on his own - watch his chest and listen and feel for breathing. If he does not breathe on his own, again place your mouth over his mouth and nose and give another small puff (Figure 1).

If the infant remains unresponsive (no crying or moving), immediately check his circulation.

• "C" is for CIRCULATION. An infant's pulse is checked at the brachial artery, which is located inside of the upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder (Figure 1).

Place two fingers on the brachial artery applying slight pressure for 3 to 5 seconds. If you do not feel a pulse within that time, then the infant's heart is not beating, and you will need to perform chest compressions.

An infant's delicate ribcage is especially susceptible to damage if chest compressions are improperly performed, therefore it is important to use caution when rescuing an infant. Place three fingers in the center of the infant's chest with the top finger on an imaginary line between the infant's nipples. Raise the top finger up and compress with the bottom two fingers (Figure 1). The compression should be approximately ½ inch deep - remember, ½ hand (2 fingers), ½ inch.

1. Infant hand placement

Count aloud as you perform five compressions and follow up with one breath. Repeat this cycle 20 times before checking the infant for breathing and pulse.    REMEMBER TO DIAL 9-1-1.   If there is no pulse, continue administering 5 compressions/1 breath until an ambulance arrives. If at any point the infant regains a pulse but still does not breathe on his own, give him one rescue breath every three seconds. ~Curious Mommy