Babywearing Abroad with BobaAir

We recently took a trip to the Philippines and it was quite an adventure. My last trip was years ago, long before I had two kids in tow. Since luggage space was limited, I could only bring a few selected baby gear. One of the best things we brought with us was the BobaAir. This is a wonderful baby carrier for parents who will be travelling.

My Favorite No Fuss Stretchy Wrap For Infants

Next week is International Babywearing week. This time last year, I had written a post briefly explaining the different types of baby carriers. After my disappointing experience with our first baby carrier, I was determined to find a carrier that was better for my body and baby. I decided to try a stretchy wrap after seeing a few of them around. I'm so glad I did.

Lightspeed® Canopy Review (Sun Safety Series 2012)

Keeping cool under shade is one way to reduce sun damage caused by UV rays. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies under 6 months of age should not have prolonged exposure to the sun. However, keeping the baby indoors (and me along with him) is not always possible when I have an active preschooler who loves to be outdoors. I know it's not always easy to find shade at the beach, lake, or park. The solution for me was to bring along my own shade. Last year we discovered awesome outdoor gear to keep us protected from the sun. We toted our Lightspeed® Quick Shelter everywhere: lake, park, local fairs. This year, as our family grew by one, we upgraded to the Canopy. We've taken it out for a test drive and we love it so far.

ABE 2.0 Sponsor: the Peanut Shell®

SPONSOR

The Peanut Shell® creates fashionable products for both baby and mom. Founded by a mom and visionary, she combined style and function to create a new line of baby slings. The Peanut Shell® also includes products for nursing, on-the-go, and labor and delivery. In addition to creating high quality products, The Peanut Shell® prides itself in applying good business practice. Corporate social responsibility is implemented in every product they produce, from beginning to end.

Social Networks

Blog, Facebook, Twitter

About the Peanut Shell® Shopping Cart Covers
The convertible shopping cart cover also doubles as a high chair cover when parents are out and about. It fits most standard shopping cart and comes in a variety of chic designs. Features include a built-in seat belt, padding for comfort, and ability to fold into a small pouch. The shopping cart cover is made of a cotton/spandex blend and is machine washable for convenience.

Photo courtesy of The Peanut Shell®.

Photo courtesy of The Peanut Shell®.

ABE 2.0 EARLY ENTRY

Prize
A Peanut Shell® shopping cart cover of choice.

Rules

1. Open to US residents, 18 years and older.

2. Early entries are optional.

3. You must come back to this blog during A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0 to enter the actual giveaway.

4. If you do early entries but do not enter the actual giveaway, your early entries will not be valid.

Timeframe 

August 8 - 16, 2011.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The company is generously sponsoring this giveaway. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the sponsor to post their trademarked brand/logo on my blog. Facebook is not associated, in any way, with this giveaway.

ABE 2.0 Sponsor: Reisenthel®

SPONSOR

Reisnethel® is a German company dedicated to creating functional and versatile products to meet the needs of an active lifestyle. Their product line includes travel bags, bottle holders, lunch bags, storage boxes, shopping bags, and many more. The designs are simple, elegant, stylish and most importantly, practical. 

Social Networks

Facebook

About Reisenthel® Carrybags
The Carrybag is an updated quintessential wicker basket. Made of polyester and aluminum, the Carrybag is lightweight and durable, and yet has a capacity to carry a load of 30 kg (approximately 66 lbs.). It comes in a variety of chic designs and optional accessories. Best of all, it collapses when not in use. From groceries to toys, to the market or the beach, this basket is perfect for on-the-go and is highly rated by users.

ABE 2.0 EARLY ENTRY

Prize
Reisenthel® Carrybag of choice.

Rules

1. Open to US residents, 18 years and older.

2. Early entries are optional.

3. You must come back to this blog during A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0 to enter the actual giveaway.

4. If you do early entries but do not enter the actual giveaway, your early entries will not be valid.

Timeframe 

August 8 - 16, 2011.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The company is generously sponsoring this giveaway. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the sponsor to post their trademarked brand/logo on my blog. Facebook is not associated, in any way, with this giveaway.

ABE 2.0 Sponsor: ERGObaby©

SPONSOR

ERGObaby© is a company that had its roots when designer and owner Karin Frost created a carrier for her son. Through the years, ERGObaby© has become globally recognized as a leading manufacturer of baby carriers and supporter of babywearing. In addition to baby carriers, ERGObaby© also offers information on attachment parenting, babywearing, parenting resources, and publishes its very own e-magazine. Through constant communication with their consumers, ERGObaby© continues to develop products that meet the needs of active parents.

Social Networks

Facebook, Twitter

About ERGObaby© baby carriers
ERGObaby© baby carriers are beloved by both moms and dads. This highly rated carrier is versatile, allowing parents to wear their baby in four different ways: front, side, and 2 ways in the back. Comfortable, convenient, and well made, these baby carriers have adjustable shoulder and waist straps to fit parents up to 6'5'' (Original carrier). Baby wearing can begin as early as infancy with the use of the infant insert (optional accessory). The carriers are available in a variety of styles and designs, from Sport to Organic. In addition, there are many accessories to supplement the baby carrier that fits any parent's busy lifestyle. With an ergonomic design that allows parents to keep their baby close, it's no wonder that this award winning carrier is acclaimed by parents worldwide. 

Photo courtesy of ERGObaby©.

Photo courtesy of ERGObaby©.

ABE 2.0 EARLY ENTRY

Prize
ERGObaby© baby carrier of your choice (excluding Petunia Pickle Bottom® line)

Rules

1. Open to US residents, 18 years and older.

2. Early entries are optional.

3. You must come back to this blog during A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0 to enter the actual giveaway.

4. If you do early entries but do not enter the actual giveaway, your early entries will not be valid.

Timeframe 

August 8 - 16, 2011.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The company is generously sponsoring this giveaway. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the sponsor to post their trademarked brand/logo on my blog. Facebook is not associated, in any way, with this giveaway.

REVIEW: Sport-Brella

SUN SAFETY SERIES

In continuing with my Sun Safety Series, I review an umbrella which is a great on the go item for parents with active children. It not only provides shade and protection from the sun's damaging UV rays, but also from other elements like rain. Remember, today is "Don't Fry Day," so be safe: use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and accessories, and seek shade when outdoors.

PRODUCT

Manufacturer

SKLZ

Social Networks

Facebook

Products

Sport-Brella

Materials

100% polyester

Made In 

China

Price

$59.99

MY THOUGHTS

Assembly

All products are assembled.

Design 

This umbrella is huge, 8 feet wide. It offers a lot of protection from the sun, thanks to its circumference and the side flaps. The "windows" on the Sportbrella are awesome. Although this umbrella provided shade, when there was no wind, it got hot underneath. We usually opened the "windows" to cool off. I would say that it's more stable on grass, at least the stakes are more secure on grass than on sand. The company does provide bags for sand to stabilize the umbrella. I love that the material is UPF 50+ for sun protection. 

Durability

So far, so good.

Functionality

This has been a useful product for us. My family has used it at the beach and at the park. It was perfect for providing coverage while my son was building sand castles. My aunt actually bought one after she saw us use it at the beach. We have repositioned the Sport-Brella to provide maximum coverage, since the sun moves throughout the day. It's was easy since the whole thing is not too heavy. It was also easy to set up and take down, like most umbrellas.

Price

I bought the Sport-Brella at Costco last year and I don't remember paying $59.99. It is a bit pricey. However, I am guessing that most good quality outdoor equipment doesn't come cheap.

Safety

We have not had any safety issues with this product.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The product in this review was purchased by my family. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

REVIEW: LightSpeed® Quick Shelter

SUN SAFETY SERIES
So far in my Sun Safety Series, I've reviewed products that you wear, mainly sunscreen (TruKid™, Episencial®). Sun protection also involves something very easy, seeking shade. Although shade is not always available, it's nice to know you can bring it with you wherever you are. I purchased the shelter reviewed below just for that reason. It's a convenient product that provides protection from the sun's damaging UV rays, designed for parents on-the-go. 

SPONSOR 

Manufacturer/Company

Social Networks

Facebook

Product

Quick Shelter

Materials 

190T PU 450mm, Silver coating, 115g PE

Made In
China

Price

$35.99 (at the time I purchased it) at Costco (the current online Costco price is $64.99)

MY THOUGHTS

Assembly

All products are assembled.

Design 

I can not speak highly enough of how well this product is designed. It is designed so that it sets up quickly and with minimal effort. Poles are built into the frame and although not a pop-up, it took about a minute to set up. It took about 3 minutes to pack up and stuff in the carrying case. Here is a video link for set up. The shelter is compact and lightweight. I love that the tent material is UPF 50+, it's the same concept as SPF but for fabric. 

Durability

We've owned this for a couple of months and so far, so good. The shelter is definitely well made.

Functionality

We've used this at outdoor events such as festivals and family outings to the park and lake. We've set it up on sand and grass. Indoors, we have used it as a half dome amphitheater for performances, an archeological dig site for dinosaurs, and for indoor camping. The shelter is spacious and can accommodate folding chairs and equipment. The bottom tarp can also be folded up to provide privacy. The windows were very nice; they provided much needed ventilation during warmer days.

Packaging

I like that the shelter comes with a nylon bag for storage and transport. It helped protect the shelter and made it very convenient to carry.

Price

It's a good value for a product that is durable, convenient, lightweight, and most importantly, offers UV protection. I highly recommend this product.

Safety

We have not had any safety issues with this product.


GIVEAWAY - CLOSED
Thanks to LightSpeed® for sponsoring my giveaway.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The product in this review was purchased by my family. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the sponsor to post their trademarked brand/logo on my blog.