Baby Smarts

Baby Smarts: Games for Playing and Learning
Author: Jackie Silberg
128 p, Gryphon House

Did you know?

• A baby’s brain is 250% more active than that of an adult.
• The networking of the brains’ synapses is nearly complete after the first three years.
• You are your baby’s best toy!
  

Drawing on extensive brain research, child development expert and best-selling author Jackie Silberg presents Baby Smarts. Filled with developmental games, Baby Smarts helps you build your baby’s brain power, one activity at a time. Recently awarded two prestigious parenting awards, the iParenting Award and the National Parenting Publications Gold Award, Baby Smarts helps you unlock the power of your baby’s brain with simple activities that do not require expensive toys or props.

Try these fun activities with your baby:

• Floating Feathers (3-6 month olds)
• Lie down on your back with your baby next to you.
• Throw a brightly colored feather in the air and watch it float gently to the ground.
• This is a very relaxing game, and it challenges babies to follow (track) objects with their eyes. (Note: You can find feathers at art supply stores.)
  

Under the Blanket (9-12 month olds)

• This game develops your baby’s observation skills, demonstrates the concept of “under,” and enhances your baby’s ability to follow directions.
• Let your baby watch as you hide a small toy under a pillow.
• After you hide the toy, ask her to find it.
• If she does not understand, ask her again and show her that the toy is under the pillow.
• Tell her that you are now going to hide the toy under the blanket.
• Keep hiding the toy in different places that are “under” something.
  

Author Jackie Silberg, who has an M.S. in child development, is an early childhood advocate and popular keynote speaker. She is the author of 15 books with Gryphon House, including Games to Play with Babies and 125 Brain Games for Babies.

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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StrollAway

Keep your house clutter-free with the StrollAway, an ingenious device that adjusts to hold most stroller models up to 35 lbs. on the back of any door in your home. Constructed of steel, StrollAway slides easily over the top of a door, (no wall or door damage from screws) includes a spacer for a perfect fit, and simply folds flush to door when not in use.

I've found it ideal for both my single stroller as well as my double one. It keeps these cumbersome, no-perfect-place-to-keep-them items out of the way and safely where my active toddler can't get to them. A wonderful device indeed!

Sold At: buy buy Baby, Babies R Us, & select retailers

Retail Price: $39.99 - $49.99

www.metrotots.com

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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The Happiest Baby & The Happiest Toddler

The award-winning Happiest Baby “Super Soothing” Sleep Sounds CD has the world's best calming sounds. It contains two specially engineered sounds that quickly turn on a baby’s “calming reflex”…the virtual “off-switch” for crying that all babies are born with. These unique sounds soothe most fussy babies in minutes…or less. Plus, this CD contains three tracks of super-effective white noise that can quickly boost your baby’s naps and nighttime sleep by 1-3 hours...every night! Like an amazing "teddy bear" of sound, the rhythms on this is CD soothe your baby’s “fussies” - even in the car - and guarantee beautiful sleep both at home and on trips.

With The Happiest Baby on the Block (DVD), watch as Dr. Karp, America’s most read pediatrician, takes one crying baby after another and transports them from screaming to serenity in seconds! Blending modern science and ancient wisdom (with kindness and humor), Dr. Karp explains why our babies are actually born 3 months before they’re fully ready for the world (the missing “4th trimester”). And, he reveals his revolutionary discovery of a treasure sought by new parents for centuries - the "calming reflex." He demostrates how five simple steps (the “5 S’s”) can calm baby after baby.

In The Happiest Toddler on the Block (DVD), Dr. Karp, literally transforms our culture’s understanding of how to talk to young children (8m-5y). Dr. Karp explains that toddlers start off…well, uncivilized. They grunt and point, pee on the rug, and spit and scratch when upset. Our job is to teach young children the rules…in essence to civilize them. It’s a comical image, but comparing toddlers to primitives is no joke. Parents who use complex explanations and treat their toddlers like “little adults” accidently make tantrums longer and louder.

I've personally found The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD enlightening. Dr. Karp's methods are something I'd used with my first child, but which I quickly forgot after he stopped being a baby. I re-discovered their simple effectiveness again with this DVD. Not all the methods worked for me, but some of them do calm my baby down time and time again. It's not a sure-fire guarantee but it's effective in giving new parents a sense of control and a hope for a calm baby and maybe even getting thru the night. Same goes for the CD and the Toddler DVD.

Not everything works as easily as it does for Dr.Karp. But one must keep in mind that it's all a matter of experience and learning what exactly works with your baby. However, these are great tools and do help a lot.

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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Pawparazzi Pets

Pawparazzi are little pets living big lives of glamour, fashion and travel! They are actors, musicians, athletes and other fascinating characters who are adored by their fans and followed by the press. These tiny superstars live their lives in the spotlight, but beneath the glamour Pawparazzi are just cute little pets that want to be loved and cared for by their owners. Kids love to collect, carry, pamper and play with these wonderfully detailed miniature pet celebrities - I know mine do! Or at least my toddler does. As does his Mommy :) They come in a Standard Set and a Celebrity Style Set which includes fun accessories!

Pawparazzi Standard Set includes: custom couture “pet-carrier” handbag, leash, collar, blanket, name charm and magazine. For Ages 4+.

Pawparazzi Celebrity Style Set includes: custom, couture “pet-carrier” handbag, fuzzy blanket for afternoon naps, feeding mat, dish and chew toy, name charm, matching pearl necklace for pet and owner and the latest issue of Pawparazzi Magazine. For Ages 4+.

Kids can visit the Pawparazzi website to play games, view and upload pictures to the ‘Caught On Camera’ photo galleries and join the Pawparazzi Fan Club™ for exclusive access to promotions, contests, newsletters and information on everything Pawparazzi --- all for FREE!

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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Giveaway - 2 luxurious products from Sothys Skincare

For more than 60 years, the prestigious French Skin Care Company, Sothys, has been committed to keeping the value that has established itself as a legend in the beauty industry. Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and the understanding of a customer’s well-being, Sothys is continuing to change the world of beauty. With global distributors in more than 110 countries, Sothys expanded its international scope by offering their signature treatments and skincare solutions to the American consumer.

Utilizing exclusive European methods, Sothys offers unique and specialized treatments combined with high technology formula and a cocktail of active ingredients. Sothys wide product line ranges from Face Care, Body Care, Sun Care, Prestige Care, Make-up and Men’s Skin Care.

Desquacrem

Few products can claim to be an all-in-one necessity like Sothys Desquacrem. Clarifying and astringent active ingredients to help eliminate persistent deep impurities – including sebum trapped in skin follicle - creates a radiant complexion. Price: $30

Aroma-Sothys  Spicey Shower Gel

A cleansing amber gel with spicy hints that leaves the skin soft and delicately scented.
Retail Price: $24.00 for 8oz.

GIVEAWAY

Read the Disclaimer / Rules

The Prize

One winner will each win one of the products listed above. Two winners in all.

To Enter

1. You may enter to win one or both products. Just remember to make it one comment per product.
   
2. For Desquacrem - Leave a comment with your email address inside the comment in the format xyz AT abc DOT com telling me - which product you'd personally recommend for skincare?
3. For Spicey Shower Gel - Leave a comment with your email address inside the comment in the format xyz AT abc DOT com telling me - which product you'd personally recommend for bathing needs?
4. Only comments containing all the info will be considered.
5. Please list your email address within your comment so that you can be notified should you be chosen as a winner.

For Extra Entries

Please leave a NEW comment for each extra entry you do.

1 Extra Entry - Blog this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave a new comment here with the link to your post.

1 Extra Entry - Follow this blog (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.

1 Extra Entry - Subscribe by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me on Twitter (callmeabookworm) and Tweet this giveaway. Leave a new comment here with the link. You can tweet once per day for an extra entry EVERY DAY! Just tweet about my giveaway and come back here and leave me the link to your tweet.


1 Extra Entry- Grab my button and comment here with the link to your site and where I can find it.


Deadline   Midnight CST of May 31st.

Eligibility  US only.

Good luck!

Note : Mommy Reviewed is not responsible for the prizes. And in this case, Mommy Reviewed does NOT make any claim to have personally reviewed these products and categorically refuses to vouch for them in any way. Mommy Reviewed is not responsible for improper use of these prizes or any complications resulting from any use of these items. Mommy Reviewed is not associated with any of the companies/individuals/pr firms donating the prizes.
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Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubbzy's Big Movie

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubbzy's Big Movie

Grab your poppity popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show! Everyone’s favorite resident of Wuzzleburg is ready for his close up in Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie!, the newest Wubbzy DVD release from Anchor Bay Entertainment. Packed with 82 feature-length minutes of laughs and adventures, the new title spotlights seven episodes, stitched together with original footage produced exclusively for Wubbzy’s Big Movie!

In Wubbzy’s Big Movie!, Wubbzy loses his memory and his friends help him to recall who he is by reminding him of all the good times they have had together. Wubbzy’s memory is tweaked thanks to a look back at seven special episodes that aired during the first season of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! on Nick Jr. ® and Noggin.

DVD extras on the new release include:

• Bonus Season Two Music Video
• DVD-Rom Game
• Coloring Pages
• Printable Activities

Extra! From May through December consumers will be able to receive a free Wubbzy Ty Beanie Baby with any purchase of Joy Cone 18 count Color Cups and a Wubbzy DVD or 60 count Kids Cones package and a Wubbzy DVD.

My toddler and I had great fun watching this DVD. Not for nothing is this the No. 1 game for preschoolers on Nick Jr.com! Wubbzy and his pals in this Emmy® Award-winning series that provides essential, wholesome life lessons while keeping the kids laughing.

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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Giveaways - Chicken Soup for the Soul Books

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter: Stories about the Special Bond between Mothers and Daughters

How often have you seen a teenage girl pretend to be perturbed, but secretly smile, when she is told that she acts or looks just like her mother?  Fathers, brothers, and friends sometimes shake their heads in wonder as girls "turn into their mothers."

This new collection from Chicken Soup represents the best 101 stories from Chicken Soup's library on the special bond between mothers and daughters, and the magical, mysterious similarities between them.  Mothers and daughters of all ages will laugh, cry, and find inspiration in these stories that remind them how much they appreciate each other.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms & Sons: Stories by Mothers and Sons, in Appreciation of Each Other

There is a special bond between mothers and their sons and it never goes away.  This new book contains the 101 best stories and poems from Chicken Soup's library honoring that lifelong relationship between mothers and their male offspring.

These heartfelt and loving stories written by mothers, grandmothers, and sons, about each other, span generations and show how the mother-son bond transcends time.  Some of theses stories will make readers laugh and some will make them cry, but they all will warm their hearts and remind them of the things they love about each other.

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In honor of moms everywhere, both titles are now available at Target for a special discounted price until Mother's Day on May 10. Both seek to honor moms, as they offer heartwarming, hilarious tales from moms and their loved ones.

Want a chance to win one? Read on....

GIVEAWAY

Read the Disclaimer / Rules

The Prize

One winner each will win one of the books listed above. That means, two winners in all.

To Enter

Please read and follow all the steps carefully!

1. Leave a comment with your email address inside your comment in the format abc AT xyz DOT com telling me - A memorable Mother's Day present that you received from your daughter or son.
   
2. Also mention in your comment which book you're entering for (the Mother/Daughter or Mother/Son). You may enter for both books. But remember to leave a new comment for each book. Mention a different Mother's day for each book.
   
3. Keep in mind though, prizes will awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
4. Only comments containing all the info will be considered.
5. Please list your email address within your comment so that you can be notified should you be chosen as a lucky winner. And your email address may be shared with the Sponsor so they can notify you when your prize ships.
   

For Extra Entries

Please leave a NEW comment for each extra entry you do.

1 Extra Entry - Blog this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave a new comment here with the link to your post.

1 Extra Entry - Follow this blog (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.

1 Extra Entry - Subscribe by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me on Twitter(callmeabookworm) and Tweet this giveaway. Leave a new comment here with the link.

You can tweet once per day for an extra entry EVERY DAY! Just tweet about my giveaway and come back here and leave me the link to your tweet.

1 Extra Entry- Grab my button and comment here with the link to your site and where I can find it.

Deadline   Midnight CST of May 31, 2009.

Eligibility  US only.

Good luck!

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Bottle Snugglers

If you have a baby or been around one, you know how something urgent comes up just when you're giving the baby her bottle! The baby is hungry and screaming, and you need to answer the phone, change the channel, eat a sandwich or help another child. With both hands occupied, there's nothing to do but wait!

Recently I was offered an opportunity to evaluate an innovative product that offers a unique solution to this. Behold, the Bottle Snuggler!

Bottle Snuggler Feeding Time Helpers are lovable plush animals cleverly designed to support baby's bottle at the same angle as Mom's hand. Which means, they hold the bottle while you hold the baby, leaving one hand free!

A few outstanding features of Bottle Snugglers are:

• Machine wash and dry
• Supports bottle while you hold baby
• Keeps twins and triplets on the same feeding schedule
• Allows you to assist another child while feeding baby
• Adjustable bottle positions
• Works with most bottle types
• Great as a baby shower gift or new baby gift
• Perfect for child care providers
• Made of soft, plush velour
• Allows you to carry baby in the security of two arms while feeding
• Supports the weight of the bottle so baby can learn to hold it
• Durable hook and loop system is made strong to last
• Crinkles and squeaks for interactive play
• Doubles as a cuddly toy for baby to love

Check out their testimonials page for some thoughts from very satisfied customers.

I'm personally very happy with the adorable pink bunny I received for review. It comfortably holds the bottle, leaving me with one hand free to deal with my toddler who always has something for me to do or get when I'm feeding his little sister. Bottle Snugglers come in adorable Cow, Puppy, Pig, Teddy Bear, Pink Bunny and Yellow Bunny styles, and are suitable for boys and girls. Their ears and tails crinkle, and their back leg squeaks, making them great for interactive play during baby’s feeding time.

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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BonnBonn Baby - Review and Giveaway

The Philosophy at BonnBonn Baby is that they believe parents work harder than anyone (well, we do :)! So they've developed a way to help simplify our lives.

BonnBonn Baby is the only baby line to use EcoFresh certified antimicrobial protection with a patented moisture control wicking fabric to keep baby fresh and dry. Their moisture control wicking fabric pulls irritating moisture away from baby’s delicate skin where it quickly dries. The EcoFresh certified antimicrobial technology keeps baby’s clothes fresh between launderings with its long lasting protection and kills virtually all types of odor causing bacteria and fungus. It is environmentally and user friendly. Moreover, their products are made in the USA.

The matching onesie and bib that I was sent for review, were a hit in our home. And timely, what with Summer almost knocking! The clothes are comfy and their moisture control gives me additional peace of mind that my baby will remain dry and fresh whether we're at home or out in the soaring temperatures.

Buy IT! Thanks to BonnBonn Baby I have a 20% off discount code "mommyreviewed" for readers of this blog! Use it before June 30th to buy anything from their range of products which includes : BLANKETS BIBS ONESIES TEES SHEETS CHANGING PAD COVERS

Sold At: www.bonnbonnbaby.com

GIVEAWAY

Read the Disclaimer / Rules
Please read Blog Disclaimer as well

The Prize

A onesie, or a tee ( tee choice of long sleeve or short), winner's choice of color and size. There will be one winner.

To Enter

1. Visit BonnBonn Baby. Come back here and leave a comment with your email address at the end of your comment in the format xyz AT abc DOT com "" telling me which exact product you liked and why.
   
2. Only comments containing all the info will be considered.
3. No email address inside the body of your comment = NO Entry.
   
4. And your email address may be shared with the Sponsor so they can notify you when your prize ships.
   

For Extra Entries

Please leave a NEW comment for each extra entry you do.

1 Extra Entry - Blog this giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave a new comment here with the link to your post.

1 Extra Entry - Follow this blog (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.

1 Extra Entry - Subscribe by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me on Twitter (callmeabookworm) and Tweet this giveaway. Leave a new comment here with the link. You can tweet once per day for an extra entry EVERY DAY! Just tweet about my giveaway and come back here and leave me the link to your tweet.


1 Extra Entry- Grab my button and comment here with the link to your site and where I can find it.


Deadline   Midnight CST of May 31, 2009.

Eligibility  US and Canada.

Good luck!


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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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Piggy Paint

Concerned Mom, Melanie Hurley was worried about her two daughters putting their hands in their mouths after painting their nails with traditional kid polishes that are chock full of chemicals, with that nauseating paint smell. Her quest for safe nail polishes lead to the creation of Piggy Paint.

Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish is the safe nail polish choice for children because it's :

• Non-toxic
• Odorless
• Water-based formula
• Hypoallergenic
• Fun, vibrant colors
• Dries to a hard, durable finish

Piggy Paint™ is specially formulated from God’s natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone. And it's proudly made in the United States of America.

There's also the Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish Remover that works quickly on all polishes, especially Piggy Paint™ Nail Polish. This remover is non-toxic, safe to use, and contains none of the solvents that could offend your nose or harm our atmosphere. Aloe Vera and Vitamin E are added to supplement the natural oils that protect little one’s nails and cuticles.

My little girl's too young to be bothered about nail polishes - yet! But I had the pleasure of trying out this product and I felt like a little girl when I did :) It looked pretty on my nails and was easy to take off as well. Now, I'm all for something safe and natural, and this one seems to fit the bill!

Sold At: www.piggypaint.com or other fine retailers (on-line and brick and mortar stores)
Retail Price: $9.99 polish, $10.50 remover, and $26.50 - $27.50 gift packs

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*** This product was received for review consideration. No other compensation was provided. The information provided here at the Mommy Reviewed blog is for entertainment purposes only and reflect only the personal opinion of this blogger. Readers of this blog reading and/or using any of the information they glean here, do so at their own risk. ***

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