MOM CONFESSIONALS

Recently I was invited to the launch party for Honest Company hosted by MomTrends and got a chance to meet the fabulously gorgeous Jessica Alba, one of the founders of this revolutionary company.  We listened to hear tell the story of her early days as a new parent and it echoed my very own experience.  I became a parent during the early uproar over BPA in bottles and remember the ignited fear within.   I began countless hours of research and at every turn I was more and more horrified.  Not just at the chemicals in everyday products we used but also at the high costs for products that were safer.  “I’ve spent way too many hours researching products and driving around trying to find safer, eco-friendly options for my kids,” exclaimed Jessica Alba, President and founder. “I knew that most people didn’t have that kind of time, nor the means to pay the premium prices. We had to make it easier.”  She teamed up with Christopher Gavigan, former Healthy Child Healthy World CEO; Brian Lee, ShoeDazzle.com founder; and Sean Kane, PriceGrabber.com executive, to launch The Honest Company, an eco-friendly line of family essentials offered through a monthly subscription service at Honest.com.  That’s a pretty amazing team for sure!  Healthy Child Healthy World was my go-to site for the most reliable information and still is.  Meeting Christopher Gavigan was inspiring.  He admits to being asked for product recommendations all the time but it took a LOT of nudging from Jessica Alba to give birth to The Honest Company.  We’re glad he came on board.

Created for parents by parents, The Honest Company founders say they are committed to making safe, sustainable products more convenient, beautiful, and affordable.  While one might be skeptical about signing up for a monthly subscription service, I can barely commit to a magazine subscription, I was pleasantly surprised at the flexibility.  The products are curated into personalized bundles that are automatically shipped every month, and parents can try a FREE Discovery Kit, that includes a sample pack of diapers and wipes, or trial-sized versions of the bath, skin and cleaning products.   If you like the discovery kit, you can continue to receive a customizable kit of FULL size products monthly.  It’s an easy process, and members at Honest.com can purchase a monthly supply of non-toxic stylish diapers competitively priced at less than $20 a week, and can also choose a monthly supply of the body care and home cleaning essentials for under $9 a week.  When it’s put in those numbers, it makes a lot of sense.

I really can embrace the Honest Family Essentials Bundle model where I can select 5 out of 14 currently available products every month.  My needs are always constantly changing, not to mention being a little commitment phobic, having the flexibility to choose the products I need for the next month is awesome!  While I am just transitioning my littlest one out of diapers, I have to say the Honest Diaper Bundle is so gorgeous I even contemplated waiting a bit longer on potty training.  Completely natural & non-toxic – made from chlorine-free, bio-based absorbent, and plant-based materials, these diapers are not only stylish, but also ultra absorbent with a premium fit.

As one of the founders of Trumpeting Media, we love brands that have a charitable arm, doing some Social Good.  I was thrilled to hear that a portion of every dollar Honest Company earns goes to their non-profit partner Baby2Baby. This worthy nonprofit supplies local families in need with essential baby gear and clothing for children up to age four.  We love it!

In these days where BUSY doesn’t even begin to describe a parent’s typical day, convenience and value speaks to us.  We welcome The Honest Company to make every parent’s life a little more manageable.

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Just in time for your holidays, I was honored to co-host with Nancy Johnson Horn (The Mama Maven) and Esti Berkowitz (Primetime Parenting) an exclusive Media preview of LOFT’s inspiring charms benefiting St. Jude, before they officially went on sale last week.

The limited edition necklaces designed by Dogeared, represent the LOVE, JOY and HOPE of the patients at St. Jude.  Everyday I am thankful as St Jude’s motto “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your lives…” and as an RN I am touched by the children whose paths I cross with who are not.  They are some of the most extraordinary kids I have ever met.  These children deserve to live a full life and the research that is done at St. Jude gets us one day closer to that every single day.  If there is even a small contribution, “and give to those who are not.” I can make, I would.  Being able to make a purchase that does good means just as much to me as making a purchase that is good for one’s health, because it’s good for one’s soul.

These small charms are affordable and gorgeous for that special someone in your life, or even for yourself.  Each charm retails for $26 and five dollars from the purchase of every charm will be donated to St. Jude.  The inspiring charms are available for sale starting today, December 5th, in LOFT stores nationwide and on LOFT.com. To learn more about the charms and meet the children they benefit, visit LOFT’s Facebook page.

This marks the fifth year of ANN INC.’s participation in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign – the hospital’s national awareness and fundraising campaign that brings together celebrities, media and corporations to ask shoppers to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.”

Since 2007, the company has raised over $6.7 million for St. Jude through its ANN Cares® charitable initiatives. As part of the ongoing partnership, now through December 31st, customers who shop at LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores will have an opportunity to support St. Jude through an add-on donation during the check out process. Additionally, ANN INC. has committed to donate up to $100,000 from the sale of limited edition products benefiting St. Jude during the Thanks and Giving® campaign, including the three LOFT Cares charm necklaces.

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ONE Moms is a movement of moms everywhere using their extraordinary power to spread awareness for the fight against extreme poverty and something very near and dear to me, preventable diseases.  I am thrilled and honored to be ONE of these moms.  Ava and I recently sat down with some truly amazing moms doing their part and filmed this Call to Action and I hope you’ll join us!  These moms are leading a movement to promote education, engagement and activism on behalf of the world’s poorest.

It only takes ONE mom. That’s what we believe. ONE mom can make a difference; she can tell another mom’s story. She can help a child with homework; she can tweet, blog and use her voice for mothers in the world’s poorest places.  As I said in the video, “It only takes ONE mom to inspire hope.”  Won’t you be that ONE mom?  To learn more about ONE, please visit: http://www.one.org/us/actnow/moms/

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There is nothing I love more than when a brand partners with an organization to do good and create awareness.  This time it is baby staple, Maclaren!

Recently Maclaren was introduced to Tracy Seckler, founder of an organization called Charley’s Fund. Charley’s Fund directs money into the hands of researchers who have the best shot at developing a treatment or cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The organization’s goal is to cure DMD in time to save Charley Seckler’s (the organizations namesake) life and the lives of thousands of boys like him. DMD is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children around the world.  Children with DMD cannot produce dystrophin, a protein necessary for muscle strength and function.  As a result, every skeletal muscle in the body deteriorates.  Although Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children, sadly, there is no cure.

When Maclaren learned of this illness – which is commonly diagnosed when in boys only around the ages of 1 to 3 years – last year, their Chairman wanted to use the Maclaren name to help bring awareness of this disorder AND raise money to find a cure.  They created the Charley’s Fund “I Believe” Triumph buggy. The stroller will retail for $195 (and will include a special “I Believe” Universal Organizer and raincover).  While most companies donate a portion of their sales to a charity, Maclaren has gone above and beyond buy giving ALL proceeds from the sale directly to Charley’s Fund to support research to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Many of us have family and friends who are either suffering from a terminal illness or disease or know of someone who does.  My family right now is dealing with my mother’s cancer diagnosis and in my job I am often meeting new families dealing with their own difficult diagnosis.  It’s through companies like Maclaren, taking the initiative, helping consumers make more thoughtful purchases, that there is hope.  If you’re in the market for a new umbrella stroller, won’t you consider a stroller that will help fund research for a now incurable, but soon to be curable disease?  With time and money, it is possible!

The stroller is available exclusively in Maclaren’s Online Store – http://www.shopmaclarenbaby.com/charleys-fund-i-believe-buggy/

To learn more about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, please visit – http://bit.ly/r1rlLo or follow Charley’s Fund on Twitter (@charleysfund) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/charleysfund).

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Recently I was onhand as Christy Turlington Burns joined to celebrate the launch sale of Hatch by twobirds Collection on Gilt Children where a portion of proceeds will go to Christy’s charity, Every Mother Counts.

I have to admit that I was in attendance at the event because I am passionate about maternal and child health (as a mother-baby nurse by trade) and wholly support Christy’s charity and was excited to meet her in person but I was completely blown away by the Hatch by twobirds Collection, especially the dress that Christy wore that night.   Christy showed an excerpt from her debut documentary, No Woman No Cry followed by a Q&A. Christy’s documentary and discussion were extremely touching and women in the room were soon asking what they could do to help.  I picked up some simple ways to get involved and the first thing I did when I got home was look up how to donate my old cellphone to Hope Phones.  Every Mother Counts is an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase support for maternal and child health. Gilt Children, Hatch and Gilt City are happy to help raise awareness and funds for this campaign.

Gilt Children is exclusively launching the Hatch Collection before it is available anywhere else. The sale kicked off yesterday at 12 PM ET and runs until September 30th. Gilt members will get 20% off and a portion of the proceeds will go to Christy’s charity, Every Mother Counts. You can visit the sale by going to: http://www.gilt.com/sale/children/hatch-maternity-appa . Gilt Children is passionate about offering the best products for moms, babies and kids and this beautiful, innovative collection gave Gilt amazing opportunity to do so while also raising awareness for a global cause. Check it out!

If you don’t have an account, click here for your invitation to join!

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When I first checked out the 2010 Bumbleride Flite I was struck by how sleek it looked.  It was an umbrella stroller by definition but there was something distinctly different about it.  Having the chance to examine it up close and take it for spin was a real treat.

Straight out of the box I let out a groan.  It didn’t look like the umbrella stroller configurations I was use to and I immediately dubbed it difficult to put together.  I was WRONG.  It was a fast and easy set up much to my surprise.  I was very impressed with the quality of material and workmanship.  I had never seen an SPF 45 sun canopy but thought it was brilliant!  A little hard to open initially but hopefully in a few days it will loosen up for us.  Spinning it around my living room, it was smooth through every twist and turn.  Standing them next to our Maclaren Triumph and Mamas and Papas Cruise was where the difference was apparent.  Right away I noticed that the Bumbleride Flite had a center support bar which was missing on the other two.  For me that was a plus as we often, although not recommended, hang bags from the bar.  On the other two, the bag was constantly slipping.  While I’m sure that was not the intention of the center support bar, I can’t complain.  Also notable was the fact that the seat was slightly elevated than the other two,  and the basket was accessible from the front, giving it a more sleeker look.  It seemed that the basket was smaller than the other two but the fact that it is front accessible gives it a slight edge.  Similar to the Mamas and Papas Cruise, there was a handy canopy pocket.  Not a very big one but still a thoughtfully included detail.

When reading the instructions for closure, it seemed different than what I was use to and complicated.  Because of the center support bar, I assumed that there was an additional step to closing the stroller, but it was the same two step process.  Simply release the rear support bars and pull up on the release triggers, pushing forward.  That action collapses the center support bar by itself.  Once locked, I immediately realized what a secure close it was.  Both the Maclaren Triumph and Mamas and Papas Cruise locked on one side only and with my knowledge of physics, seemed to cause strain on the structure.    Opening it back up was just as simple and incredibly smooth.  It didn’t require me to help it open up.  Once the latch was released, it unfolded downwards and I simply had to lock the rear and center support bars.

The real value comes in the fact that it comes with a universal car seat adapter compatible with both some of the popular Graco and Britax car seats.  It also generously includes a rain cover and cup holder.  You know how much I love my accessories!

After trekking around with it for a week on our road trip, we got a real taste for the Bumbleride Flite.  We loved how compact it folded up and fit into our trunk.  It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the bottom of it and when packing for our trip, we knew space was going to be a real commodity.  The canopy opening loosened up nicely.  I loved how easily it popped open.   It had a great center of gravity.  It didn’t tip as easily as other umbrella strollers often do.  The generous recline was a real lifesaver when the infant fell fast asleep after a day in the sun.  As far as looks go, it’s a real looker.  I got lots of compliments on it in use, not to mention many nods to the pretty pink color (vita).

UPDATE: – from Grace – We love the 2011 Bumbleride Flite Movement Edition!  Thanks to Suzanne, who wanted to see a newborn mom’s perspective, we got a chance to take it for a spin.  It is sporty and sleek!  I would highly recommend this stroller for any new mom.  It fits straight from the get-go for a newborn which not many umbrella strollers can say.  Also the fact that is comes with car seat adapters included free of charge is amazing too.   It fit my britax carseat in a snap! Can you see a newborn family trying to run out and get one of those separately?  I’ve taken Dean in it a few times without the carseat, just for the casual walk around the neighborhood and it fits him just fine.  It’s got a secure 5-point harness which holds him nice and snug.  Of course I kept him in the full recline and with the included head protector.  I forgot to mention, it only weighs 13 pounds!  That’s amazingly light and can hold up to 50lbs.  I don’t feel like that crazy disorganized mom trying to maneuver a 50lb stroller while juggling a baby and diaper bag.  I imagine once Dean grows up I will really be able to appreciate the light weight in spades.  Not to be forgotten, the movement fabric is a dream.  With it’s water resistant fabric, it takes spit up and other messed like a champ.  I don’t think I’m allowed to mention what other stroller I had, but it was big and bulky and hard to take places without a car.  Umbrella strollers are the way to go.  You’ll save yourself a lot of money and headache.  You’ll buy the bigger stroller, but you’ll wind up with an umbrella eventually, might as well just accept it.  The Bumbleride Flite Movement Edition is great and you won’t ever regret it.

Note:  While we did not review the Carrycots, the 2011 Bumbleride Flite models are no longer compatible with the 2011 Carrycots.  They have also updated the wheel system for improved maneuvering and redesigned the handle support brace (which requires a new step in the fold to release it vs. the 2010 which auto collapses entirely.)

PROS

• SPF 45 Sun canopy with window (2011 models including Movement Edition)
• secure two-sided locking mechanism
• front accessible basket
• from birth
• carseat adapter included

CONS

• smaller basket, while we loved it’s front access, it wasn’t as much a plus when we couldn’t fit much underneath.
• The brand new PVC rain cover is no longer an included accessory.
• two-step rear wheel locking, which some people might actually consider a pro.

Available as the Classic in 4 colors for approximately $249.99, it also will be available in Bumbleride’s two revolutionary new Movement Edition and Natural Edition later this year for a suggested retail price of $259.99.  The rain cover is now available in a PVC-free version and can be purchased separately.

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Knowledge helps us make our decisions and determine what is best for ourselves. Most women want to breastfeed their babies. Sadly, many women wean months before their original breastfeeding goal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for one year or for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and baby. According to the Center for Disease Control’s 2011 Breastfeeding Report Card, 74.6 percent of U.S. mothers begin breastfeeding at birth. However, more than half of those moms stop before six months and only 23.8 percent continue breastfeeding until baby’s first birthday. A variety of factors can contribute to moms not reaching their breastfeeding goals, including discomfort, lack of support, scheduling or work-related issues.  In order to achieve your six month and one-year milestones, I advise expectant moms to help themselves with the following steps:

Learn the Facts
Understanding how beneficial breastfeeding is for both you and baby is essential to your success. Medical research shows breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from disease early in life. Breastfeeding has been shown to protect against diseases in adulthood such as inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. Babies who are not breastfed have a higher risk of ear infections, eczema, asthma, obesity, type one and two diabetes and childhood leukemia. Beyond the physical benefits of breastfeeding, baby receives emotional stability and a stronger parent-child bond from skin-to-skin contact with mom. In moments when you feel like quitting, remember the positive physical and emotional impact you’re making on both you and your child’s life. Take one day at a time.

Breastfeeding will help you get your little one off to the best possible start and it also has numerous benefits for moms.  Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type two diabetes and may have protection from future cardio-metabolic diseases. Breastfeeding also helps the uterus naturally contract and return to normal size after pregnancy.

Trust the Pros
Plan to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before baby arrives. Breastfeeding classes are great for this. Talking to a Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a great source of information and will help you get personalized tips based on your specific situation. Make a list of questions and have them answered prior to your baby’s birth to reduce anxiety. This will help you start the process confidently and continue successfully. Don’t forget to check with your insurance provider before you make an appointment, as some cover lactation services.

Prepare at the Hospital
Take a tour at the hospital where you will deliver so you feel more comfortable when it is time for baby to arrive. Find out the hospital’s policies regarding skin-to-skin and breastfeeding. Moms who have immediate skin-to-skin contact with their babies through the first feeding increase their ease and comfort with breastfeeding. As soon as you arrive at the hospital, remind the doctors and nurses that you plan to breastfeed. Many times, hospitals are not fully equipped to help you breastfeed. Make your wishes clear and discuss concerns ahead of time to minimize any confusion. If the hospital is equipped to help you and provides a lactation consultant, ask your partner to stay and take notes, so you can learn together.

Secure a Support System
With a new baby, you need a support system. Many women run into obstacles and do not have the encouragement or information to overcome them. Lactation consultants and doctors can offer tips and support. While there is often a fee for a private practice lactation consultant, these services are well worth the expense – considering putting an LC visit on your baby shower wish-list. Invite a friend over who has breast-fed successfully to share experiences with someone who has been there. Also, support organizations such as La Leche League International, the Nursing Mothers’ Council and local hospitals often offer opportunities to meet and compare notes with other local breastfeeding mothers.  Most of all trust yourself to know what is best for you and your baby. Finally, make sure your partner and close family members are educated on the benefits of breastfeeding and are prepared to offer support and encouragement.

Plan for the Future
After you spend the first few weeks postpartum bonding with your baby, returning to work or your normal busy routine may become a distraction to breastfeeding. Some breastfeeding moms find a lack of privacy, inflexible schedules or fatigue can impede their breastfeeding intentions. Think about potential barriers and solutions ahead of time to help you stay on track. Before you return to work, talk to a human resources representative about your plans and understand your company’s policies and history with supporting breastfeeding mothers.  According to Section 4207 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, employers must provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom place for you to express your milk during your workday until your baby is one year old.

Choose the Right Pump
If you choose to pump, having the right equipment is vital. The first decision to make when choosing a pump is whether to buy a double electric pump or a manual pump. If you plan to exclusively breastfeed and need a pump occasionally, a manual pump may be your best choice. If you plan to work outside the home or be away from baby for several hours at a time, a double-electric pump may be better fit, You may decide to purchase both (put these on your baby shower registration).  Be sure to understand the specific features of the pump, and make sure it is right for you. A pump that is comfortable and easy to use will help you continue pumping. As you research pumps, check to see if the company has a warrantee or a guarantee for their product and if they have a track record for good customer service.  Be sure to open the pump you get, read the instructions, and know how to use it prior to your baby’s arrival. Understanding your pump ahead of needing to use it will help you avoid frustration once your baby arrives.

With the proper planning and support you can meet your breastfeeding goals. Years down the road you’ll be glad you persevered, and you will reflect fondly on those quiet moments you and your baby enjoyed as you provided the physical and emotional benefits of breast milk. Remember, you are the final expert on you. Knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding, understanding how breastfeeding works and knowing that it can work for you is your greatest advantage in this adventure.

GIVEAWAY: ONE (1) very lucky readers will win a Simplisse Gia Angled Breastfeeding Pillow and Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover!  To ENTER, from now until September 15th 2011 you MUST subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  For additional entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s Simplisse & Bebe Au Lait #Giveaway! http://wp.me/pLvfH-15w) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends. DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on September 15th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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Try as I did, I so desperately wanted to be a baby-wearing mom.  When we didn’t know of any other choices, Baby Bjorn was it.  Unfortunately my nephew didn’t agree and the Bjorn was… rarely, if ever used.  He just was never comfortable in it and my husband just thought it was too complicated to even learn how to use it.  It sat around our house for years in hopes of being used again when we had our own baby. With my daughter, all I wanted to do was keep her close, so I tried again.  Guess my little A had her own ideas because she just hated it.  Thank God the options has opened up, because she was all about the side sling and we slung her around everywhere. Still I wouldn’t call myself a baby-wearing mom because it was not my first choice of transportation.  Why?  Because my back was killing me!  It wasn’t exactly the most ergonomic of structures — a piece of cloth sewn into a circle.  She was literally slinging around everywhere, I was always so worried about cutting off leg circulation as she got older and more squirmy, not to mention the strain it placed on my neck which was what, most often, was holding the sling in place. At first chance I could put my baby down in a stroller or seat, they were there.  Only out of practicality or necessity did I place them in the Bjorn or Sling.  Despite every effort to be a baby-wearing mom — no room for stroller, fine… carrier or sling it was.  Baby fussing with chores around the house piling up… fine, sling it was.  Carriers and slings were just never comfortable for me… while I thought it was a brilliant hands-free invention, it just wasn’t there yet and I dreamed of one that would be…

One of our favorite go-to brands, Britax just announced their new soft carrier and we were lucky enough to try it first hand!  This is a carrier Mom Confessionals can definitely stand behind.  Always willing try anything… just once, I loved how intuitive this carrier is.  They really thought of everything!  When my son was born, I once again tried with the Bjorn Air, that we received second hand, in hopes that as I chased my toddler around the house, it would make life easier.  Somehow, no matter how I adjusted, I just couldn’t get the back support that I needed, not to mention adjusting required a second set of hands which wasn’t always handy and quite frustrating to say the least.

I loved the Britax soft carrier from the first try, but I didn’t just go by that first impression,  I really took it for a road test in various conditions and for several days.

TEST DAY#1: In our open yard, watching the kids play outside while the baby hung out with mommy in the Britax Soft Carrier facing outward.  This was all about practicality as our open yard was open to the service road of a highway.  Chasing one kid was one thing, but chasing three… not a chance! One in the carrier, two to chase… those were better odds.  (30 Min.)
VERDICT:  He was so happy just to be outside with them, he hardly noticed that 30 minutes had passed as the other two ran wild in our open yard.

TEST DAY #2:  Mall Shopping — alone with the toddler in her stroller and baby in the Britax Soft Carrier. This was all about how fast I could complete my errands before a child had a meltdown.  This was bravery at its best.  This convenience was priceless.  My hands were free to do what I had to do, quickly and easily.  There was no fighting for who got to sit in the stroller or who had to walk — usually the toddler got the raw end of the deal.  Errands were complete, no need to wait for the weekend or an extra set of hands to help.  (2+ Hours)
VERDICT: All errands accomplished and baby facing inward, fell fast asleep somewhere in between.  I felt so accomplished!  A big pat on the back for this mom!

TEST DAY #3:  Queens Mamas Expo with infant facing outward while Mommy checked out the goods. (4+ Hours)
VERDICT:  Mom got to check out some really cool gear for 4+ hours, and other mom’s got to check baby out riding in his Britax Soft Carrier.  Lots of “oooohs and ahhhhs” when he was fast asleep. Me?  My back was just fine!  With two free hands, I was able to really check things out.

TEST DAY #4: On Vacation, checking out Myrtle Beach’s Broadway on the Beach. (Outward facing, 2+ Hours)
VERDICT: With the music pumping, this mom survived 2+ hours of the baby bopping to the beat, and a slew of spectators pointing at the dancing baby, my baby, not the attractions on hand.

FEATURES:

• CarryLong System, with padded waist belt and shoulder straps, distributes weight across shoulders, back and hips for maximum extended wear comfort
• Multiple carry positions, offer parent versatility to face baby inward or outward
• Removable Infant Insert ensures a comfortable, natural sitting position for smaller babies
• One-Handed Buckles and Snaps allow you to get your child in and out of the carrier easily
• Harness Straps adjust from front of carrier for proper customized fit
• Easy-Adjust Waist Belt accommodates 22 inches to 56 inches for the perfect fit
• Excess Belt Storage Bands eliminate loose straps – this is perfect to keep those toddler hands from pulling me!
• Machine Washable for easy cleaning – a MUST feature in our book.
• 100% Cotton Machine Washable Bib (included)
• Adjustable Head Support provides head and neck stability for younger infants
• Leg Loops reduce the size of leg openings for 8-11 pound infants for secure fit
• Secure Harness and Pouch Design ensures that baby will stay securely within the carrier

Although studies have shown there is no effect on the “dangly” area related to front loaded baby carriers, there is uproars abundant!  Britax offers a seat extender that distribute weight more evenly on the baby’s hips and pelvic area.  They do think of everything! This carrier just works for our family.  Not only is it easy to put on, a quick slip over the head, but it’s comfortable on too… and for hours at a time! I love the padded waist belt with its wide-cushioned base making it seem that much sturdier.  Check out this great video below! If those other carriers don’t work for you, give the Britax Soft Carrier a go.  You won’t regret it!

GIVEAWAY: ONE (1) very lucky readers will win the all NEW Britax Soft Carrier, in the fabric of their choice!  To ENTER, from now until July 31st 2011,  you have 3 ways to enter for a total of (3) THREE entries – 1st Option – Subscribe to Mom Confessionals (new subscribers only)  – 2nd Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @Britax #Giveaway! http://wp.me/pLvfH-Xz) – 3rd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends. DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on July 31st 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

{ disclosure:  A sample was provided for review, no compensation was received.  All opinions expressed here are always our own. }

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School of Rock has teamed up with one of my favorite charities, the Ronald McDonald House Charities to bring an inspiring summer concert series to cities nationwide.  When I was working in the NICU, I saw how much Ronald McDonald House helped keep our families together during their time of need. A huge contribution and weight off their shoulders to concentrate on what was really important, their child.

Celebrating 50 years of Rock and Roll, the “ROCK THE HOUSE” tour will kick off on July 9th in San Diego. Headlining the tour are the School of Rock’s “AllStars” which represent the top tier talent coming out of School of Rock’s national music program.

Driven by a purpose “to inspire kids to rock on stage and in life”, The “Rock the House” tour gives our students the chance to make a difference in the lives of families and their children. All net proceeds from the 22-city benefit tour will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities. “We are thrilled to be working with such a wonderful charity,” said Chris Catalano, CEO of School of Rock. “Ronald McDonald House Charities is the perfect partner for our AllStar Tour and our schools, many of which operate in the same communities as local RMHC Chapters. The concept of kids helping kids is, at its very core, an idea worth sharing.” School of Rock students continuously participate in special events and activities year-round to help raise awareness and funding for charitable causes.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, the official non-profit partner for this year’s AllStars summer tour, has spent the past 37 years working to improve the health and well being of children and helping families stay together while facing the weight of a child’s illness. The School of Rock All Stars are extremely proud to be contributing their efforts to bring positive experiences to Ronald McDonald House Charities families. “Proceeds from the School of Rock tour will go to support Ronald McDonald House Charities core programs, like the Ronald McDonald House® which provides families stability and vital resources while their child is recovering at a nearby hospital,” said Marty Coyne, president and CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities. “We are also very thankful for this year’s tour because it will also give Ronald McDonald House Charities families a few hours of cheer to share together during an otherwise difficult time.”

If you’re looking for fun activities this summer, check out the School of Rock Summer AllStars Tour, coming to a town near you!  The tour comes to NYC on July 19th, 2011 at the famous Webster Hall, visit this website to purchase tickets in your town.

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AAA and Dorel Juvenile Group are hosting a free car seat safety check for families to ensure children are safe in the back seat. Did you know 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly and there are new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that children should ride in a booster car seat until they are at least 8 years old. I take car seat safety seriously. Parents attending the event will receive free assistance with installation as well as helpful tips for safe car travel this summer. It’s FREE and it’s one small thing that you can do to ensure your child’s safety.

WHERE:
Access Safety City – a simulated New York city street designed to teach children about traffic safety.
672 W. 158th Street
New York, NY 10032

WHEN:
Thursday June 23, 2011
10AM – 2PM

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