Dans un jardin Produits Pois de Senteur Bébé (mousse de douceur) - En français svp!

Hé oui, Ergo Mama V est bilingue! Je voulais débuter mon blog en anglais, mais il est maintenant temps d'écrire une critique de produit en français!

English will follow.

Les produits pour bébé Pois de senteur de Dans Un Jardin sont sans parabènes ni sulfate et hypoallergéniques. Les savons(Mousse de douceur) ont une "base nettoyante végétale, à l’extrait de racine de guimauve et aux dérivés de produits naturels et ne causent pas de larmes".  Ils peuvent être utilisés pour tout le corps, incluant les cheveux.

Une amie les avait utilisés pour ses enfants et ma mère a aussitôt accourue pour me les acheter lorsque j'étais enceinte.  Contrairement aux produits populaires pour bébé (sans vouloir nommer la grande marque), ceux-ci sont sans parabènes et sulfate, donc je me sens plus à l'aise de les utiliser.  La senteur est bien, mais ayant dans l'idée qu'un bébé devrait sentir la poudre pour bébé, cela me manque parfois!  Ces produits sont effectivement sans larmes.  Je les ai essayés moi-même pour voir et bien que ce n'est pas plaisant d'avoir de l'eau ou du savon dans les yeux, mes yeux n'ont pas chauffés longtemps tel qu'ils l'auraient fait si j'avais utilisé mon shampoing.  Hehehe hé oui, je voulais voir ce que mon p'tit poux ressentirait si maman était malhabile et que le savon lui allait dans les yeux!  Personnellement, j'utilise le savon pour laver le corps et les cheveux de mon petit et je fais aussi ma propre solution nettoyante pour les changements de couches, avec celui-ci.

Ces produits sont aussi un peu plus dispendieux que les marques retrouvées en grande surface, mais ils sont fréquemment en vente à 20-40% du prix original, donc ça vaut la peine!

En conclusion, j'aime bien le savon et il a plusieurs utilités pour nous.  Je manque parfois l'odeur de poudre pour bébé, mais ceci est personnel, alors que certains aiment mieu quelque chose de plus doux comme ce savon, par rapport au parfum de bébé bien popularisé.

ENGLISH

The Pois de senteur baby products from Dans Un Jardin are paraben and sulfate free, as well as hypoallergenic.  The soap (Soft-Care foam) is a "plant-based cleanser with marshmallow root extract and derivatives of natural products that is tearless".  They can be used from head to toe, including baby's gentle hair.

A friend had used these with her kids and my mom then quickly ran to get me those while I was pregnant.  Contrary to that popular baby soap brand (not wanting to name it here), these products are paraben and sulfate free, therefore I feel more comfortable using them.  The scent is nice, but having in mind that a baby should smell like baby powder, I miss it sometimes!  These products are tearless and I've tried them myself.  I can't say I didn't feel a thing, as getting water and soap in your eyes is still no fun, but it didn't sting like it would've with my regular shampoo.  Yes, I did it! I just wanted to know what my little one would feel if I was clumsy and the soap went in his eyes!  Personally, I use the soap to wash my little one's body and hair and I also make my own bum wash (for diaper changes) with this soap.

These products are more expensive then the big popular brand, but they're frequently on sale 20-40%, so it's worth keeping an eye out for it.

In conclusion, I love the soap and for us it has many uses.  I sometimes miss the baby powder scent, but this is of personal taste and a lot of people would rather have this lighter scent, then the popularized generic smell.

Liens / Links:
http://www.dansunjardin.com/fr/product/mousse-de-douceur-pois-de-senteur-bebe-250-ml

Lulujo Muslin cotton security blanket

On my 30th birthday, here's my present to you:

shopping for a security blanket for my little one when he was about 6months, I wanted an Aden and Anais, but couldn't find them at my local retailers.  While searching for it, I came upon Lulujo's security blankets and loved it!  I didn't really know that brand, hence why I wasn't looking for this particular name.  Their security blankets are "made with breathable muslin cotton and a smooth satin edge". Plus they come 2 in a pack! seems unnecessary maybe, when you're looking for one, but if these get used all the time, ev'rywhere, you want a spare, when one's in the wash (which happens often!). Plus if you ever lose it, you're not stuck with no blankie!

Here, we just love it! it's so soft, so cute and the little one needs to have something to occupy his hands.  I bought this so that he would fall asleep on his own more easily, being occupied or focused on something.  He used to play with my hand or hair or Chewbeads necklace to fall asleep before. It didn't quite work out that way, but when he's active in his crib he will drag it around and chew on it.  I know it's not recommended to have blankets in the crib, so I'm not recommending you do the same as us, this works for us and we supervise him with it.





In the end, I'm hoping that as he grows older he gets attached to his blanket, as this hasn't happened yet (too young obviously, I know).  I was also happy to discover this brand as they make muslin wraps (for swaddling) and blankets as well with lovely prints and soft material. I purchased it at a local retailer Lollipops and Gumdrops.


links:
http://www.lollipopsandgumdrops.ca
http://lulujo.com/product/muslin-cotton-security-blankets/

Boon Odd Ducks

These ducks are not your typical bath ducky! they are fun, colorful and ...odd!  Quite comical!

I love these ducks because they are BPA-free, Phthalate-Free and PVC-free and they float perfectly! hehe such a simple basic thing, but I expect a rubber ducky to float!  They have no holes, so don't hold water, making it mold-free as well!  We received a few other types of ducks as gifts and none float quite right, but the odd ducks are balanced and float, however you put them in!  Maybe it's more of a parent thing, as our little one will chew on any of his ducks with no judgement as to how it floats!! hehe  I just imagine, that from a mommy OT and a father P.Eng (Engineer), he's bound to eventually worry about how the duck floats! hehe We have Slim the rubber ducky and it's easy to grab for our little one and easy to chew on (plus it's safe to do so).





Boon offers great products, that are different, mostly chemical free and usually very functional as well.  These ducks are as simple as it gets, but it looks like they were still very thought through! Love bath time with them! I see us expanding our ducky family very soon!!!

This was given as a gift, but I think they sell at a lot of different retailers, like local shops and Sears, for example.

Links:
http://www.booninc.com/products/OddDucks/955

Uppa Baby G-Luxe umbrella stroller

I would call the G-Luxe an expensive fancy umbrella stroller, as the price is kind of scary when you think "umbrella stroller"!  For us, we were looking for a tough stroller that would do anything and go anywhere.  We already have a jogging stroller, that I don't want to carry to the grocery store, so we needed something lightweight and versatile.  I honestly like to scoot around quickly when I go to the store and not waste my time, so I had a hard time seeing myself pushing a stroller, that wouldn't go my speed, per say! hehe My husband and I shopped around quite a bit, and I would see myself curse at those other (less expensive) strollers, already imagining how I would get frustrated if I'd have to fight with them! Flimsy and cheap feeling. Oh, I was sure that if we bought another stroller than the G-Luxe, we'd be back at the store to buy a new one in a few months, 'cause I'd total the first one! We want more than one kid, so we took it as an investment, thinking it would last for a while!

Here are the options on this stroller that called our name: lightweight, stands on it's own, nice strap to carry easily, big shade with the extra UV protection length, easy recline, easy to fold and unfold, adjustable seat (depth with the leg angle) so it grows with baby, removable seat pad to wash, and the stroller is oh so pretty looking!  You even get to pick your colour!!! Looking at it in the store, I felt like I was back at work, shopping for a specialized stroller or wheelchair for a patient: it's got that many functional options about it!  I feel it's easy to position the child correctly in it.  It's got a 5-point harness that grows with the child as well.  A beauty!

ok, it's not perfect, I sometimes fight with the buckles, which I seem to have a hard time aligning at times and I wish my little one could sit up straighter (closer to 90degrees) sometimes.  But overall, we chose this stroller with a lot of expectations in mind and so far, it's met all of them!  The stroller is therefore worth the price! Love it!

These can be purchased online, but we bought ours at a local retailer, Ana Banana.

Thanks for reading!
V

Links:
http://uppababy.com/g-luxe/overview/
http://www.anabananababy.com/products/uppa-gluxe-2013

Melissa & Doug Bug Jug fill and spill

This toy is 4 plush critters, each with a distinctive sound. A soft Jug comes with them to capture the bugs. Too cute!

I like the pretty colours, the softness of the bugs, the little sounds and crinkling and the fact that Melissa and Doug tries to make awesome looking toys, while thinking of the child's development. This toy stimulates fine motor skills and sound recognition. My little one loves to tap 2 bugs together, with one in each hand.  It's also good for eye-hand coordination once the child is a bit older (this toy is recommended for 6months and up) as it practices putting "in" and taking "out", concepts that develop around 9-11 months.  However, the opening of the jug is quite narrow and the toys barely fit sometimes, so no upside down pouring (which kids love and is an important step in the development), a concept that develops around 12 months.  Putting "in" is ok, it's the taking "out" that's harder.    We also bought the aquarium (very similar toy but with fishies!! (haha, just for you SLP friend!)), which is still in the box (too many toys!), but I can't wait to try it and see if we have the same issue.  Plus, again with the squeaking toys, the lady bug has a squeaky thingy in it that, to me, is too hard for a baby to use, so mostly for adults to entertain with! Everything considered, knowing all that this toy stimulates, I still would recommend it.

Overall, I'm still loving the toy and have many other Melissa & Doug toys that I can't wait to review for you.  I just wish the opening was bigger on this one, but we can't have it all!  I personally bought this toy at my local retailer Lollipops and Gumdrops!

Thanks for reading!
V

PS. don't forget to comment any ideas of things you'd like me to write about or toys you'd like me to review! I aim to please! hehe

Links:
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/stuffed-bug-jug-fill-and-spill-set
http://www.lollipopsandgumdrops.ca

Aden + Anais Cozy Sleeping Bags

These sleeping bags are made to keep baby warm when he sleeps without having to use loose sheets (because of risks of suffocation).  

I bought the product as our little one had been in swaddles since birth and now that he had outgrown them (and I felt he needed to be out of them and he wanted to move around) I needed that extra layer of warmth.  Plus, being a real mother hen, I felt he would be cold if he was to sleep the whole night in just his PJ's.  I bought the 4-layer one and larger than what we needed.  The little one moves around freely in it and seems to be very comfortable.  The material is very breathable and the company says that it's warm, but will prevent overheating.  Plus it's soo soft (it's 100% muslim cotton)!  I also love the beautiful colours and designs.






This sleeping bag is very functional and thought through.  The zipper zips down, allowing for diaper changes without taking ev'rything off, and also preventing chaffing or just the unzipping down while baby tosses and turns.  I also know a curious little one that would surely start to unzip it if it was right there next to his chin!

These are one of my favorite things! Aden + Anais have already proven that they make great products.  I have other products of theirs, but this one I use and love ev'ryday!

On a side note, I recently read that it wasn't the best thing to swaddle anymore (we swaddled until our little one was 6 months!) and that this kind of sleeping bag is safer.  I wouldn't be swaddling my 9month old anyway, but it's nice to know!

Thanks for reading!
V

Links:
http://www.adenandanais.com/en-us/productlanding/4620/baby/cozy-sleeping-bags/cozy/sleeping+bag+cozy.aspx

article about swaddling: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/new-guidelines-highlight-risks-of-swaddling-babies/article17170433/?utm_source=Shared+Article+Sent+to+User&utm_medium=E-mail%3A+Newsletters+%2F+E-Blasts+%2F+etc.&utm_campaign=Shared+Web+Article+Links

Lamaze Discovery Shapes, Activity Puzzle & Crib Gallery

We've had this toy since our son was born as I'm a Lamaze Toys fan (love the colors and shapes and different textures).  At first, we would stand it next to him (with B&W side) when he was on his back and then it would help motivate him to lift his head up when he was older and playing on his tummy.  The black and white side is great for young babies and the colourful side more attractive for older babies.  The shapes all have different noises (which I think is not too loud) which attracts attention and then the babies can distinguish the pieces.  The rattles are the best, the squeaky one is not too valuable, as baby can't do that yet.

The toy grows well with the baby as eventually they can put the different shapes in their respective place and learn shapes and puzzle-making.  It's a go to toy in this house.  I like the fact that it's soft, so easy to mouth, but also transitions with the different stages of development that the baby grows into.  We however don't agree in putting it in the crib, as like with any other toy, there are suffocation risks (look up the government of Canada's website about leaving the crib COMPLETELY empty).  We really just knotted the strings or you can cut them off (probably safer).  Besides that, our little one really enjoys it.

Thanks for reading!
V

links:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/sleep-coucher-eng.php
http://tomy.com/discovery-shapes-activity-puzzle-crib-gallery

Chewbeads Necklace

Chewbeads necklaces are silicone (100%) beads necklaces "intended to be worn by adults.  They are not a toy, and are not intended to be worn by children". They are "bpa, phthalates, lead, cadmium, or heavy metals free, with no detachable parts." They have a "breakaway clasp which is not chewable."  I used these as a chew toy (kept around mama's neck of course) or distraction! They are "soft on baby's gums and emerging teeth".

I personally have the Jane and Perry necklaces.  These are so fashionable and go with a mama's outfit, even when she wants to feel pretty and dress up a bit!  Yes, depending on how bad your little one drools, you could end up with a wet shirt in public, so all to you to be the judge.  Ours really didn't drool much, so he would mostly tug, briefly chew or play with it.  Great distraction when you're trying to have an adult conversation with someone and your holding baby or he's sitting on your lap.  He was practicing eye-hand coordination, grasping and discovering the world mouthing objects, all while I was finally having a bit of chat time with my girlfriends: perfect! I found that as our bundle of joy grew older he would also want to play with my hair (very fancy way here of saying he would pull on it as hard as he could!!!) while breastfeeding and his hands would wander and scratch, etc.  This necklace would again keep him occupied and distracted: amazing!  As for care of it, you treat it like a soother, so don't throw it in you jewellery box, which you'll soon realize anyway, since the silicone gathers hair and the smallest little dust, unfortunately.  I wash it when I wash the dishes, so no big deal there.  To me these were and are still, a necessity, as I love to have a long statement necklace with my outfits, but with our little tugger and grabber, no can do with the fancy Lia Sophia Chain ones!





In conclusion, these are a must for me, but you be the judge if it's your style.  I like the chemical-free part, the safe breakaway clasp, the functionality and the look.  So to me, if its something you're looking into I would choose these over other brands. I personally purchased them online before they were available at my local store, but they are now!  Check out Ana Banana's website for info.

Thanks for reading!
V

Links:
http://www.anabananababy.com/products/chewbeads
http://store.chewbeads.com/default.asp

SwaddleMe Swaddles (from Summer Infant)

This is an infant wrap that uses Velcro so that you can very easily, with a lot of adjustability, swaddle baby.  "They keep even wiggly babies swaddled tight and they stay securely fastened, plus you can also readjust as baby grows for a perfect fit."

We used these from maybe our baby's 4th night.  The nurses swaddled in the hospital and we thought that the technique was great! We had received one SwaddleMe at the baby shower, so we quickly washed it has we got home and started using it.  We really loved these as they would usually be our first choice over the others we tried.  You know the ones that you have to wrap from scratch (big blankets).  Call me lazy, but this SwaddleMe would take all the guessing out of swaddling!  Our baby stayed in these swaddles until he was 6 months.  We believe it was a part of our little one's success with overnight sleeping at just a few weeks.  To me this was also a way of getting another layer on baby, preventing him to get cold.  The only down side to these is the washing.  They do have a pad to stick the Velcro to for washing, but we ended up having to wash them with towels because they would still get all caught destroying clothes and ruining expensive bamboo blankets, etc!!

I also read a lot of books on sleeping and they do recommend to swaddle.  Swaddling helps keep babies sleeping safely on their backs while replacing loose blankets in the crib.  It also recreates the snugness of the womb, so babies startle less and stay asleep longer. Yes startling is a big issue and very upsetting when you've worked very hard to get baby asleep and he all of a sudden wakes up!! arrgg!





In conclusion, I would recommend swaddling for sure! The SwaddleMe Swaddles just made it easier for us and I loved using them!  We purchased some at Walmart, some at Toys R Us, but they're everywhere.

thanks for reading!
V

links:
http://www.summerinfant.com/swaddlemecottonsmallmedium?SKUID=798

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Hi Mamas!
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Happy reading!
V