York Region Parent - Reviews

Looking for our reviews??

2008-10-23T12:57:00.002-04:00

Find them at out new and imporved home! Visit us today at York Region Parent.

Boogie Wipes

2008-09-18T07:31:00.000-04:00

When my daughter was an infant, she constantly had a runny nose that would dry above her lip. I am a bit of a perfectionist and therefore, I was constantly wiping her nose and using wet cloths to clean the dried mucous. As well, if it sat on her skin for too long, it would begin to irritate her skin.

I am so thankful to have found Boogie Wipes for my next child. Boogie Wipes are a moist wipe product for busy moms, dads & kids. They are a wipe With added saline, that offer quick, gentle, effective relief of stuck on Boogies (mucous).

Boogie Wipes are:

* Hypoallergenic
* Alcohol Free
* a Unique Formula
* Moisturizes with added Chamomile, Vitamin E and Aloe
* Gentle Enough for all Ages
* Lightly Scented

Canadian orders are accepted by emailing dean at boogiewipes dot com. I highly recommend you order some for your family!

All Betters

2008-09-15T07:29:00.000-04:00

Kids and boo boos are like carrots and peas--they come together!

Some boo boos are serious and many are not. Often, all that is needed is a little attention, some love and a bit of distraction.

All Betters are the PERFECT distraction for little ones with a boo boo!

All Betters are quick-frozen cold packs that are decorative, colourful, glittery and filled with nontoxic liquid. They are the perfect size for little hands. The great part about All Betters is that they don't make a mess like dripping ice cubes do. All Betters are soft which make them comfortable for holding and for putting on boo boos. They also include alphabet stickers for personalizing!

My three year old daughter loves her All Better! She asks for it whenever she gets a little bump, scrape or boo boo and it instantly takes the "pain" away for her (and she stops talking about it too).

I have to say that the cold pack doesn't stay cold for too long due to its size, but when you are using it as a distraction rather than for actual cold therapy, this isn't an issue.

The other comment that I have is that the purple gel that is inside our All Better has started to take on the colours of the rainbow confetti inside. Again, this doesn't bother my daughter in the least. She continues to love her All Better and I am so glad that we have it.

Cap Trappers™

2008-09-12T07:37:00.000-04:00

As a former Kindergarten teacher, one of my biggest pet peeves were dried out markers! I swore to myself that I would teach my own chilren how to "snap" a marker lid on so that the markers don't dry off. My daughter usually does a pretty good job of remembering, but occasionally I will find a lid or a lidless marker somewhere and I honestly am not too happy about it. I used to keep a ziplock bag full of extra marker lids for those times when we would lose one.

Well, after the discovery of Cap Trappers™, I no longer have to worry about missing marker lids or markers drying out. Cap Trappers™ versatile material allows it to fit any cap size from skinny to fat.

Using Cap Trappers™ allows you to keep your markers organized and as long as the marker is pushed in all of the way, you will no longer find surprise dried up markers.

Admittedly, it does take a bit of wrestling to get the markers in the Cap Trappers™ (we have the thick Crayola ones, so they may be more difficult), but once they are in, they are in to stay! No more lost lids. No more dried out markers and hello to organization!

Green Peas Photography

2008-09-09T08:08:00.002-04:00

Whether you are considering maternity, newborn, child or family professional photos, Tiffany at Green Peas Photography is a perfect person to contact!

I recently had an outdoor maternity photo shoot done by Tiffany. She met me at a local park and along with my husband and my daughter, we spent a couple of hours walking around the park, having fun and of course, getting our pictures taken.

Right from the start, Tiffany was prompt with responding to my emails and she called to touch base prior to our photo shoot as well. She offered her ideas as well as asking for mine. Throughout the photo shoot itself, she also asked me if there were any other poses that I wanted, ensuring that I would be happy with the large variety of shots that she took.

Tiffany's warm and welcoming personality put us all at ease from the moment we met up with her. She was calm and relaxed which really helped set the positive tone for the entire experience.

Her most creative idea was to have my daughter finger paint my belly. It was a really fun and memorable experience that we will never forget. She even came prepared with many wet cloths and towels for a perfect clean up.

We are very happy with the outcome and have enjoyed viewing and sharing our photos online as well as on our cd that she gave us. Now, the hardest part is choosing which ones we want to have printed!

Next time you are considering getting photos done, do consider giving Tiffany at Green Peas Photography a call! I truly believe that you will be happy with your experience as well as the outcome.

The Essential Pregnancy Organizer: 40 weeks +

2008-09-06T07:35:00.001-04:00

Every mom-to-be has so many things to keep track of! There are appointment dates, lists of things to do and buy, preparing for childbirth and baby, it can be very overwhelming.

Essential Organizers has come with a perfect solution: The Essential Pregnancy Organizer 40 weeks+.

This spiral bound, high quality book covers everything and has plenty of space for Moms to keep organized.

There are tabs so that each section is easy to find and it is a journal size so that it fits nicely into your purse.

The organizer includes: Detailed timeline and pregnancy calendar * Interview questions for obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, nannies, and day care centers * Questions to formulate a birth plan * Prenatal check-up pages * Practical baby shopping list for parents * Gift tracker * Tips on saving time around the house Coach’s preparations and contact lists * Feeding and diapering records * Helpful resources *Pocket for paperwork or keepsakes * and much more.

The Essential Pregnancy Organizer would make a perfect gift for a Mom-to-be! What a relief it would be to be able to stay organized all in one place.

WeeGo Glass Baby Bottle: A safe feeding solution

2008-09-04T07:23:00.000-04:00

Due to the large focus on BPA (Bisephnol A) in the news, many parents are considering different options for baby bottles. One of the more common BPA free options is the glass bottle.

Babylife has come up with the Weego Bottle. The Weego bottle is a glass bottle that is surrounded by a stylish silicone sleeve.

The silicone sleeve is 100% non toxic and all of the bottle parts are bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free.

What I like best about the Weego bottle is the silicone sleeve because it makes the bottle more practical for carrying around in a diaper bag (less worry about breakage) as well as for babies who are keen to hold onto their own bottle. It provides for a good grip on the bottle as well as an eye appealing and tactile experience for the baby.

The Weego bottles are available in six fashionable colours; pink, raspberry, orange, yellow, sky and ocean and are available online and in various baby boutiques and retail locations.

Snack & Play Travel Tray: A great solution to car travel with kids

2008-09-02T07:19:00.001-04:00

Our family travels by car quite frequently. Entertaining and keeping children happy in the car is a challenge that many parents face. Car seats are not conducive to many activities, especially when children are young. This is why the Snack and Play Travel Tray is the perfect solution for us!

When we first got ours, my daughter told me how excited she was that she would finally be able to colour in the car. Losing markers and crayons in the car was a frequent occurrence in our vehicle up until we started using the Snack and Play Travel Tray.

The Snack & Play Travel Tray has mesh side pockets and a 2 inch wall to stop items from falling off the tray. The wall is the feature that I am most impressed with!

The tray fits most car and booster seats. It comes with a belt and buckle that can be fastened and unfastened on either side. This belt keeps the tray in place and from falling off a child's lap.

tot-to-go stylish baby sling

2008-08-26T22:21:00.005-04:00

Babywearing is a big buzz word in the parenting scene these days. There are many different types of baby carriers and slings out there. tot-to-go stylish slings are definitely a great option! Celebrities like Courtney Thorne-Smith have thoroughly enjoyed their Tot-to-go slings and you can too.

Until August 31st, tot-to-go has a 40% off sale on some of their slings. You can't beat that price.

Tot-to-go slings are made with top quality fabric that washes beautifully. They are a comfortable fit and can be used for infants and toddlers.

The tot-to-go Spa Damask Baby Sling is the tot-to-go top selling sling online and at retail locations. I can definitely see why, as it is an eye catching pattern (robin egg blue and chocolate brown) and can be used for either a boy or a girl. There are also many other eye catching styles available.

As a York Region Parent reader, you can also receive an additional 15% off any purchase over $75.00 or more. Please use coupon code: yorkregion.

Tooth Tissues: A new way to healthy teeth and gums

2008-08-24T21:30:00.001-04:00

Tooth tissues were developed by two parents, who are also dentists, who wanted to create a safe and easy method for cleaning their baby's teeth. Brushing baby teeth and gums with a toothbrush can be very challenging at the best of times. Tooth Tissues were developed in order to make cleaning infant and toddler teeth easier.

I am guilty to not cleaning my daughter's teeth as much as we should have when she was younger as it was such a challenge. If I had known about Tooth Tissues, I truly believe that it would have been much easier. By using your finger in the cloth, you have more control and can confidently get the job done. The Tooth Tissues are so convenient too, as they are made to be portable and can be stored in your diaper bag.

I will admit also that after trying the Tooth Tissues on my own teeth, I will be pulling them out after meals out to use on me! They leave your teeth feeling smooth and shiny!

Tooth tissues are 99% natural, paraben free, fluoride free and sugar free. They are made with a textured cloth in order to provide for more plaque removal. They are easy to use and are very effective! Tooth tissues are also tasteless.

Tooth Tissues can be ordered online. They are sold in single packets (great for the diaper bag) and in resealable pouches.

Back-to-School Hair

2008-08-21T09:37:00.000-04:00

I took my daughter to get her hair cut at Beaner’s and it was a total package experience! Beaner’s is a great place for kids of all ages to get their haircut and have fun doing it. I didn’t have to worry about the hairdresser getting upset if my daughter squirmed in the chair or the fact that she was whooping it up in the play area they have available. It is a place where kids can feel at ease while getting a cut, something some kids find intimidating. There are tv’s set up to play their favourite cartoons while they sit and the caring and friendly staff make parents and kids feel very welcome and comfortable. Not only are do they cut children’s hair but they are a full service hair salon for adults as well. If time is tight you can get your hair done while the kids are playing a few feet away.

The prices are right with a package deal starting at $10.95. This includes shampoo, cut and braids for girls, and boys have their choice of coloured gel for a funky style finish. The adult cuts are the same price with a styling option of $4.00 and up. The services also include ear piercing, highlites and colour, themed birthday parties, dance recital up-dos and manicure and pedicures.
My daughter loved the pampering experience and loved the choice of which car to sit in while having her own little salon outing. I will definitely be taking her back to Beaners!

Ringley Natural Teething Toys

2008-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

So much has changed in three years since I had my daughter. One of the things that parents have become much more knowledgeable and aware of is safety with regards to baby products.

My daughter was (and still is) very orally fixated. We had teethers of all kinds for her. I never liked the way most of them smelled or the fact that they could puncture once she got teeth. We actually did have one puncture and it was very scary, even though it was supposedly filled with purified water.

I am so excited to have found RiNGLEY for my second child! RiNGLEY is an all natural teether made from untreated Canadian Maple and 100% organic cotton terrycloth. The fact that it is 100% handmade in Toronto can provide parents with the comfort to know where it is from.

RiNGLEY has two textures for babies to chew on, which is very important in their tactile awareness. Touching items and putting things in their mouths plays a huge part in how babies learn. The fact that the RiNGLEY teether has no chemicals or dyes and is natural and organic is great!

The RiNGLEY teether would make an excellent gift for a new baby!

There are two styles to choose from and they can be purchased online and at various retailers across Canada.

Booda Bellie: Unique organic fashions

2008-08-18T20:24:00.000-04:00

Booda Bellie is a new PTPA approved Canadian company that makes certified organic cotton and bamboo onesies, tees and receiving blankets for young babies and children. Their products are Canadian made; knit, finished, dyed and sewn in Canada.

Parents will be happy to learn that Booda Bellie products are all eco-friendly, made with low viscosity ink, are non-toxic, lead-free and latex-free.

They have two collections:

the Earth collection (100% cotton)

and

the Comfy collection (70% bamboo blended with 30% organic cotton)

My daughter has fallen in love with her tee from Booda Bellie. The shirt is either being warn or in the laundry, I have yet to find it sitting in her closet.

The Booda Bellie designs are eye catching and appealing and they wash beautifully! I feel good knowing that the clothing is organic and comes from a trusted source!

Currently, Booda Bellie products are available online and at various trade shows.

Pippalily Slings

2008-08-12T22:13:00.005-04:00

With my first child (who is now 3 years old), I did not own a sling, in fact, I didn't even know of their existance. I did own another type of carrier and it was good, but only during certain situations and when her mood allowed it. It wasn't great for her when she was a newborn and once she got to be a few months old, it was no longer comfortable for me. Unfortunately, I discovered the wonderful invention of a sling much too late!

This time around, I'm very excited to be able to use a Pippalily Sling.

First of all, Pippalily Slings are handmade in Canada, which is something that has become more and more important to me when I consider making a purchase. They are quality made and are machine washable, which makes them practical for use with an infant, especially when they are a spit up baby like my daughter was!

Pippalily provides an online instructional video for parents who need to learn how to use a sling. The video is very informative and covers topics including getting the right fit, putting the sling on, and various carrying positions (infant pouch position, peek-a-boo position, front carry position and hip carry position). The video also covers safety notes with regards to using slings.

I think one of the features of the Pippalily Sling that makes it very appealing is the large variety of materials and colours. There are four collections:

Peony Collection:

Dragon Collection:

Cottons Collection:

Dragonfly Collection:

Pippalily slings are available online and at various baby boutiques across Canada and the United States.

Ladybugs & Lullabies

2008-08-05T11:35:00.005-04:00

I really can't tell you how much I love everything about Ladybugs & Lullabies, makers of amazingly unqiue hair clips and accessories for babies & toddlers. As my little one's hair is starting to get longer I have really gotten in this accessorizing clips with outfits. I did infact just place another order including Strawberry Fields (too cute)as well as some ladybug clips.

This Canadian mom-run company excels at providing excellent customer service for their handmade products. My favourite clips are the alligator clips, that stay in my 9 months hair all-day. (I mean all day!) I do also like the fact that no matter how much hair your baby has, even if it's peach fuzz the clip will stay in.

These hair clips aren't just hair clips - they are works of art!

Save 25% of your order when you enter "YRP25" when checking out!

Peanut Shell Nursing Cover

2008-07-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Along Came Baby is an online Baby Store Boutique based out of Markham, Ontario. They have a very user friendly and attractive website.

One of Along Came Baby's many amazing products for sale is the Peanut Shell Nursing Cover.

This wonderful 100% and therefore breathable nursing cover is a nursing Mom's dream come true. It has flexible boning in the neck in order to provide Mom with a view of her baby and to allow for greater air circulation.

I certainly wish that I had this type of a nursing cover when I nursed my first child. I remember feeling so hot when nursing in public and I really didn't care for the fact that I couldn't see what was going on under the cover. This is a wonderful invention so that the infants can look up at their Mom too. This nursing cover may just last a little longer in the nursing process. With my first child, she kept pulling off the cover so that she could see me!

Be sure to check out Along Came Baby next time you are looking for a gift or a unique and quality product for your baby.

Huddy Buddy

2008-07-16T20:24:00.000-04:00

I love to see unique clothing for children. Huddy Buddy sells a clothing line that is just that! They sell a large variety of onesies, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts and pants for infants, toddlers and children.

Some of the sayings available on these good quality shirts are absolutely hilarious. I would love for my daughter to literally own one of each. The "Chatterbox" line is filled with adorable sayings that would definitely catch some attention your child's way.

As an added bonus, I love the fact that a percentage of every sale goes straight to the Sick Kids Foundation!

These shirts would make excellent gifts for the little ones in your life!

The Parking Pal Magnet

2008-07-09T09:07:00.003-04:00

The Parking lot at the grocery store or mall can be a dangerous place for toddlers, preschoolers and even school age children. And a simple invention, created by a mom can help make parking lots a not-so-dangerous place!

After we had our second baby 8 months ago, the whole dilemma of going out with a 3 year old and an 8 month old for errand running or groceries seemed really daunting. But now we have a process down which includes the Parking Pal. The Parking Pal is a magnet that attaches to the outside of your car and your child is meant to put their hand on the car while you are busy putting your other child in the car or whatever else you may need to do.

Here is how it works...

Place the Parking Pal on the side of your vehicle, where it will remain safely attached at all times. It was specifically designed with bright colors, playful illustrations, and a small palm children love to place their hands on. After a couple learning sessions, your child will discover that the Parking Pal is their safe spot, and they will know where to go the second they are outside the car. It also helps teach them that parking lots are no place to play.

I was talking to a friend about this the other day -- and she said what about how hot it is. Doesn't the magnet get hot? I have decided to keep the magnet in my purse and not on the car at all times. I simply place the magnet where is needed and my preschooler places his hand on it and waits.

Although we love this invention and it has worked wonders for us -- it doesn't replace proper supervision, so alwatys be aware!

Baby Chaleco Performance Wear

2008-07-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Baby Chaleco performance wear is top notch quality!

You can literally spill an entire cup of liquid on these bibs and not one drop will leak through. The outer layer is made from extremely soft material that is not only soft and cozy for baby, but also absorbs some of the spills so that they don't roll right off of the bib, something that happens with many waterproof bibs on the market.

Baby Chaleco makes very stylish options for boys and girls.

They use high quality materials and have thought of every loop hole imaginable! They use snaps rather than velcro so that they don't stick to other items in the laundry, nor can baby rip them off too easily. Their sizing is very generous and go from newborn up through the toddler years.

True Waterproof bibs are hard to find. Good quality and child safe ones are even more difficult to find. These days there are safety concerns with so many products that are made for babies and children. Baby Chaleco products have no pthalates, PVCs or lead. Baby Chaleco has also been approved by Safe Start for Kids.

Itzbeen

2008-07-03T21:59:00.003-04:00

If only I had known about the Itzbeen with my first child. It would have made keeping track of changing, feeding and sleeping much easier and neater. We used notebooks, loose sheets of paper and the computer (that I would have boot up everytime I had something new to add) with my first child. None of these methods even begin to compare with the amazing invention of the Itzbeen.

The Itzbeen is a small portable device that runs on batteries in order to help new parents keep track of their babies needs. There is a handy clip on the back so that it can clip to you wherever you go and a backlight so that it can be used conveniently during the night. There are also different alarm options available and a nursing reminder to help a nursing Mom remember which side she last nursed on. A night light is conveniently built into the Itzbeen in order to help you guide your way during those night time feedings.

It is very obvious that this incredible tool was created by a Mom and Dad who knew exactly how to make life easier as a new parent.

The Itzbeen is a must have for all new parents and would make a very practical yet unique gift!

Check out their online store locator right now!

TickleTickle--Just Add Baby

2008-06-17T19:57:00.001-04:00

TickleTickle.com is a Canadian business run by two Moms following their dreams together.

Their online store has everything from diaper bags for Dads to items for Moms, babies and children. They have all bases covered from books to bags to toys to cups and spoons.

The TickleTickle.com website is very user friendly, colourful and funky! Beware, because you could get caught up for quite a while checking out all of their awesome and unique merchandise.

They even offer free shipping on all Canadian orders of over $150.

We had the opportunity to take an in person look at the Babysitter Notepad and the Weekly Menu Pad. Although the Babysitter Pad certainly requires a good sense of humour, both organizers allow sufficient space for entering the required info and the menu pad is magnetic! What great organizing resources for parents!

Here's a great review of the Hooter Hider from Tickle Tickle:

As a new nursing mother I can not tell you how much I love my Hooter Hider. It gave me the confidence to feed my baby anytime, anywhere! Before I used the Hooter Hider, I did purchase an imitation that was made from what I think was a felt fabric, but it was so hot that nursing became frustrating!

Out of all the baby must-have The Hooter Hider is definitely in my top 10 things a new mom needs. They are stylish, practical and the perfect solution for privacy for a nursing mom.

Mabels Labels

2008-06-10T09:42:00.003-04:00

Two of our York Region Parent readers who have signed up as product reviewers were lucky enough to receive free samples of Mabel's Labels and here are their "real mom reviews".

Review #1
I love Mabel's Labels and have used them on all sorts of my daughter's things. They are great for shoes and hats that go to and from school, sippy cups and snack plates too. I used them on a few of her clothes as well as on her backpack. They are durable and last through the washing machine, not to mention the wear and tear of an almost 3 year old! The colours are great and the little pictures are adorable. You can really reflect your child while keeping things that belong to them! I would definitely recommend them to other and will be getting some for our younger daughter once she is older.
Review #2
I am in love with the idea of labelling pretty much everything in our house now, thanks to Mabel's Labels. The shoe labels and the classic stickies were our favourite products. The shoe label made is easy for our little guy to identify his shoes in a big tub of shoes at nursery school.

The classic stickies are great on our new Sigg bottle, which since is so expensive we didn't want to lose! We have used the classic stickies on everything from books, suntan lotion and anything that leaves our house! I can't wait to buy some more Mabel's Labels!

Editor's Note: I want to thank all the gang at Mabel's Labels for recently sending a gift certificate for $45 for a charity event we are helping fund raise for. Thanks to Mabel's Labels we are able to help KC's Cancer Cushion Fund Raise money to help financially help people with
cancer. Yeah for Mabel's Labels!!

Sex and The City: The Movie - Book from Harper Collins

2008-05-31T08:20:00.003-04:00

I think I might have been the only Sex and The City fan who didn't see the movie last night! But, I did get a sneak peek at the divine book "Sex and The City: The Movie".

This beautiful book features mouth-watering bonus features not available anywhere else: behind-the-scenes stories from Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, star and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, writer and director Michael Patrick King, as well as producers and other key cast and crew members.

What a lovely book for SATC fans. With over 300 pages about the movies plot, fashion and SATC's guide to NYC, "Sex and The City: The Movie" is the-must-have book for all you die hard fans.

The pages are filled with every out fit each lady wore, with the designer listed as well -- so you can find that gorgeous Norma Kamali bathing suit Miranda wore or what shoes Carrie is wearing!!

I'm glad I got a sneak peek of the book before I head out to the movies to watch my girls. But, warn you the book does give away the plot -- so if you don't want to know what happens then buy the book after you see the movie.

* Bonus -- win a copy of the "Sex and The City: The Movie" book, autographed by SJP* You can enter here*

Thank you to Harper Collins for our copy of this wonderful book. We are donating the copy to KC's Cancer Cushion Fund's 2nd annual Pub Night to help families with cancer and need a little financial help!

Safetytat--just in case

2008-05-30T06:43:00.002-04:00

With summer quickly approaching and many trips to the zoo, amusement parks and water parks in your future, wouldn't you feel better knowing that if, you found yourself in the unfortunate situation where your child gets distracted and wanders off, there was a way that they could contact you?

Well, Safteytat has the solution. They have come up with temporary tattoos that have a phone number where you can be reached. These tattoos are FDA approved, durable and at the same time, temporary.

Whether your child goes on a field trip or you are taking the family to the zoo together, there is always that possibility that your child could be separated from the group. If your cell phone number were on a tattoo that was placed on your child's arm, they could point that out to someone who could help them.

These tattoos are great for children who are too young to communicate a phone number or who may be extremely intimidated to talk to strangers in such a situation.

The tattoos come in nine different child friendly designs that can be customized with any phone number. They last approximately 2-3 days and help put your mind at ease.

We think that these tattoos are a terrific investment for this upcoming summer!

Just Buzzin' By

2008-05-22T09:16:00.004-04:00

So this morning as I was feeding my daughter breakfast, and by feeding I mean her throwing the spoon on the floor and getting cereal EVERYWHERE I thought, there has to be something to protect my floors.

I went onto the Just Buzzin' By website to check out their gear. I was looking for and found nfant and toddler meal time accessories thatare FUNctional, fashionable, and non-toxic. Their products are free of PVC, Phthalates and lead.

The splat mats are a great size, especialy when your little one is discovering gravity! Celebrity moms that enjoy Just Buzzin' By's products include Halle Berry who sent a thank you note when she recieved a bib from them!

Z'fina: babywearing for mom & dad

2008-05-19T08:07:00.004-04:00

We are such fans of babywearing in our house. The two slings I owned though up until now had been a little too feminine and not sized correctly for my husband. So, when we got to try out the man sling™ from Canadian company, Z'fina we were intrigued.

These baby slings are designed with men in mind and are made with athletic breathable fabrics - perfect for daddy and baby. My husband loved wearing our baby around the house and out and about. It created a closeness and specialness for both him and our baby. He was able to take out our toddler and baby easily (as we all know that can be a challenge!). He said he felt, "confident and cool"babywearing and all the mom commented how amazing it was that he was wearing his little one.

The man sling™ from Z'fina is well made and durable. The fabric wipes down easily so cleaning your sling is quick. Z'fina is carried in many stores in Canada and you can buy online.

~~~

Congratulations to Vicky from Newmarket who won a Z'fina man sling™

Simply Colors

2008-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Simply Colors is a company that creates personalized, colourful clothing for newborns up to 8 year olds. They have 11 trendy colours in t-shirts, onesies, rugby and polo shirts, hoodies, dresses, pants, baby hats, socks and tights. Most of the clothing can be personalized using a selection of 13 different fonts and 14 different font colours.

The Simply Colors website is extremely user friendly, allowing the customer to view their product exactly how it will appear on their final purchase. The products are shipped within 1 to 3 business days of receiving the order.

I would definitely promote using Simply Colors to create meaningful, personalized clothing as gifts for new babies and children. Their service is unique and their products will be proudly worn!

Clippo hair clips from Clippopotamus

2008-05-05T15:58:00.000-04:00

I'm new to this whole little girl thing, with matching outfits, ribbons and bows! At first I wasn't sure about it but I am starting to have fun and accessorize my little one!

I am really excited to have found another amazing mom-run company located in the GTA that is doing great things. Clippo hair clips from Clippopotamus are super-cute hair clips for babies, toddlers and mommies alike.

Like their tagline says, " Like hippos in the wild, Clippos may look cute, but their bite is fierce" And they mean it. I used a teeny clip one my 6 month old and despite having pretty much peach-fizz still the clip stayed in! I can't tell you how many people commented on the cuteness of the clip while out last week.

We love the fact that there is a size and colour for every age and that Clippopotamus is now offering a range of other very stylish accessories.

With prices starting at just over a dollar... that's right a dollar(!) for something handmade Clippos are going to be big news in this wild maket of baby & kids products. They accept custom orders as well -- so if you need a special design just contact them and they'll get back to you fast!

Gorgeously Green

2008-04-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

Green is the new black! Many us don't want to compromise fashion and style, but also want an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. While I've read many other books on green lifestyle, Gorgeously Green, by Sophie Uliano is the best one by far.

The best part about Gorgeously Green is that Sophie points out problems and gives you real world solutions and products that fix the problem! This is above and beyond any other book on the subject!

Case andGorgeously Green point; Sophie points out that the chemicals we are using to clean our house are in fact making us sick and then suggests eco-friendly alternatives to cleaning including brands and names so you can shop with ease. She also includes are recipes to create your own safe cleaning products!

You can still wear make-up and be eco-fabulous. Sophie suggests lines and products that are safe to wear! From foundations, to shampoo, to fair-trade shopping and everything in between

Sophie's book is genius! I mean, if you can get Julia Roberts (touted as a real eco-friendly star!) to write your forward then you must be doing something right. Whether you are Julia Roberts in Hollywood or Julia Smith in Richmond Hill or if you are a newbie in this whole 'green' world or an eco-holic this is a excellent book!

More resources to help you...

* Green Mom Finds

* Gorgeously Green

Canadian Resource - Green Mom

Campaign For Safe Cosmetics

A must-visit site! Skin Deep - The Environmental Working Groups's Database

Type is a product and you can see what chemicals are in it and on a scale of 1-10 of how harmful these chemicals are.(Check out the baby bath products or what about diaper cream)

The EWG's Safety Guide To Children's Personal Care Products

Parent's buying guide

Printable PDF guide

Brand buying guide

Ingredients to avoid

Neat Solutions

2008-04-14T21:13:00.000-04:00

Though we are all trying to be more environmentally friendly, sometimes convenience becomes a necessity as a parent. Neat Solutions is a company with many convenient products for parents on the go.
They sell table toppers, potty toppers and floor toppers, to name a few.

What are toppers, you may ask? They are disposible (we recognize that this is not the best choice for our environment, but at times are a necessity for our childrens' safety) "toppers" that cover a surface to protect your child from harmful germs, for example, restaurant tables and public toilets.

Neat Solutions products are convenient and easy to use. They are practical for the busy, on the go parent. Their products are colourful and durable.

We had the opportunity to test out their disposible bibs, xl changing pads, all-in-one meal kits and table toppers.

The all-in-one meal kits contain everything a parent needs for a meal away from home, including a Sip Cup & No-Drip Spout, a Table Topper® Stick-in-Place Placemat, a Bib with Crumb Catcher, an Elmo Fork and a Big Bird Spoon. What an exciting surprise for your little on when they are eating out!

The table topper has convenient peel and stick lines to secure the placement to the table and is a large size in order to cover a large surface area for spills and food that misses the plate. My daughter loved the fun designs on the placement. This kept her happy until some food came along to distract her.

Neat Solutions bibs are leak proof and have a crumb catcher to contain messes. They are resealable and have colourful designs. We tried ours out on our 2 1/2 year old and it stayed in place beautifully, covering her entire front side. It was perfect when we went out to a restaurant and left our regular bib at home. I keep these in my diaper bag in case of "emergencies".

I am really not one for disposable anything. I try really hard to be conscious of what I am using and buying and why. But, I have made an exception! I have been using disposable change table covers from Neat Solutions when using public change tables. These have come in really hand a few times when I didn't want to put my change mat down on the table. I am able to change my baby quickly, easily and hygienically while out and about. These are a really 'neat solution' for day trips or when you'll be visiting public and unfortunately not-so-clean restrooms.

Storyboards by CANE Innovations

2008-04-09T13:06:00.000-04:00

I love finding up and coming companies to share with York Region Parent readers. An on Sunday I attended the Mompreneur Spring Trade Show in Toronto and found that company! Storyboards by CANE Innovations is an amazing new family run company that creates handmade growth charts with a difference! These are not just any growth charts -- they are Storyboards of your child's life. The Storyboards are 5 feet tall and handpainted, with a place to hold precious keepsakes including

child's first tooth,
lock of hair,
and hospital bracelet.

AS well as a place holder to hold your child's first shoes, a customized tag with their name and 4 picture frames adds a personal touch.

On the back is a growth chart to mark through the years and places to record their milestones, including their first words, birth weight and height, time of birth, age for crawling, walking and talking.

Cogatulations to CANE Innovations! You can visit them this weekend at the Babytime show.

Today's Parent Babytime Show
Fri   April 11,  10am to 6pm
Sat  April 12,  10am to 6pm
                 Sun April 13,  10am to 6pm
International Centre
6900 Airport Road
Booth 520

Hand Picked Pumpkin

2008-03-25T15:11:00.000-04:00

Sometimes shopping online isn't that exciting, but Hand Picked Pumpkin has changed all that. From creating your own customized outfit for your little one to when it arrives it the mail, it truly is a fun experience.

The past month has been an exciting month for the Illinois based company, as their custom made designs ended up being worn by Angela Basset's twins on the Oprah Winfrey show!

Hand Picked Pumpkin is different from all the rest! They create custom designed clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. It is truly a fun an interactive shopping experience.

Everything from burp clothes, onesies, rompers, hoodies, pants and more. You simply choose the pieces you would like made and then choose which fabrics you would like -- everything from hip and cool to cute and girly.

Visit Hand Picked Pumpkin for more information and to order your custom kids clothing.

Zosephine: THE Diaper Bag!

2008-03-19T13:12:00.000-04:00

Finding the right diaper bag for you is essential as a new mom! Don't laugh but it's taken me nearly 3 years to actually find one! I have found the perfect diaper bag. There is no other one for me. This is it! I am in love...

As a busy mom with a newborn and a toddler I have a fair bit to carry for each little one and I also keep some essentials in the bag for me (imagine that!). Zosephine diaper bags based in Chapel Hill North Carolina are the perfect size to fit everything I need without looking like I am carrying the kitchen sink. It's small enough that I don't overload it with tonnes of things and big enough to carry what I need. (Size 14"x12"x5")

The very kind people at Zosephine sent me the St. Paul Diaper Bag to try out. For the past 2 weeks I've been using this very stylish diaper bag and my favourite things about the bag are

There is a little pocket right when you open the flap for your cell phone. So now when mine rings I know where it is and I actually answer it!
The strap! Mine is bright and cheery and making me think of spring, but what is best is that it is adjustable so I can wear over my shoulder or and a purse.
The Inside of the bag is white nylon for easy cleaning, and even better the white lining makes it so easy to see what is in your bag!

I really can't say enough about Zosephine's diaper bags and how stylish and functional these bags are. They sum it up best when they say their bags are "Funky, but not granola; Modern but not sterile and definitely not cutesie pink!"

Daddyo Productions

2008-03-10T13:55:00.000-04:00

You know when you take a perfect picture of your child, but the background is not what you'd like it to be or there is just something a little off? Well, I took a perfect first smile picture of my 2 month old a little while ago and all was perfect, except that I took it on her change table and you can actually ready the safety instructions on the table.

What's a mom to do? You can turn to the experts at Daddyo Productions to help make your picture really perfect. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words -- so I will let the before and after speak for themseleves.

Before

AfterAfter - With White Background

Daddyo Productions provides professional retouching, restoration and enhancements to photographs in original or digital format. It's easy to do. You just send in your photos and let them work their magic!!

They also do fun photo enhancements! They can do anything; put your baby in a flower, or make cool pop art!