Teach My Toddler

Teach My™ Toddler was created by (Canadian) mom, Christy Cook. When she was looking for items to help her toddler with the alphabet, numbers, colours and shapes she had a hard time finding things, especially pieces that worked together.

So....Teach My™ Toddler was created.

In a portable tote lies everything you need to help your toddler learn basic numbers, letters, colours and shapes. Each of the four sections comes with

• a fully coordinated puzzle
• board book
• teaching chart
  
• and flash cards

We've been using our Teach My™ Toddler kit with my 2 1/2 year old for about 2 weeks, for the recommended 20 minutes a day and we are more than impressed. Before, using the Teach My™ Toddler kit our toddler could identify about 50% of the alphabet and he is now pretty close to 100%. The other day we started using the letters in the puzzle to spell words, like cat, dog and other simple ones. He loves doing the puzzles and reading the books and you can tell the sense of pride and accomplishment he feels when he is playing.

Other than the clear learning advantages Teach My™ Toddler has helped make our toddler feel special. Since we have a new baby in the house, it's easy sometimes to forget that your toddler needs as much attention as the new baby. The 20 minutes a day have become a special time for him with Mommy or Daddy and he asks to play with his Teach My™ Toddler kit. In fact, in the morning it is the first toy he grabs and he insists that we play 'school' and he becomes the teacher -- the imaginative play aspect is a bonus!

I really like the fact that it's an all-in-one solution and that everything colour coordinates, as well I love seeing my little one's eyes light up when he goes "to work with his briefcase!"

Sew Cute: Personalized Baby Clothes & Unqiue Gifts

Review 1: My 2 1/2 year old daughter absolutely ADORES her personalized long sleeved shirt from Sew Cute! She wore it non-stop for the first weekend that she got it, showing it off to everyone she saw.

I am very impressed with the quality of the clothing. It is durable, soft and washes really well. The embroidery compliments the material perfectly and is top quality.
Sew Cutewear would definitely make a perfect, personalized gift for that new little one in your life. I highly recommend it!
~
Review 2: When I choose my daughter's name I knew that she wouldn't be able to get her name on items like pencils or pens or other items. I am so happy that I have found Sew Cute. It's a great Canadian-based mom-owned company that makes personalized clothing and accessories for babies and kids!

I love the monogrammed pink hat , with her initial "M" on it that will fit her from now, about 8 weeks old until she is one. It is great for both the winter, as well as Spring and Fall and it washes really well.

The matching long sleeve t-shirt we purchased for her matched the hat and I really love the colour of the shirt - nice and bright!

Her big brother is so proud to wear his shirt with the words "Big Brother" on it! A really good idea for a present for a new sibling. I would suggest getting the next size up in these as they fit small.

And finally Maeve's pink personalized hooded towel, is perfect for bath time and in the summer will be useful at the beach as well.

I am really excited to have found Sew Cute and will keep them top of mind for all the upcoming baby showers and as my kids grow! It really makes them feel special to have a shirt or hat made especially for them. As well, what a great idea to keep the personalized gear for babies so when they are a little older they can use for dress-up with dolls and to keep as a very special keepsake.

Baby Nika

I can't tell you how much we love our Baby Nika blanket. It goes everywhere we go -- and everywhere we go people comment on how cute the cow print chenille blanket is.

This "Made in Canada" blanket is handcrafted with care and attention and will be with our baby from infancy onwards as she loves to cuddle with it.

The prints available are so hip and cute, from the cow print to giraffe and cheetah! It's a totally different take on the baby blanket and the chenille will keep baby warm and cuddly in this cold winter.

Best of all -- it washes really well and I've been able to get the stains out that come with having a newborn.

Baby Nika doesn't just make fabulous blankets. They also make the coats as well as The Can-Go-Roo™ bunting bag for strollers which is designed for infants to preschoolers and fits variety of strollers including: Bugaboo, Maclaren, Peg-Perego and many others.

Custom Made for Kids: The First Adventures of Incredible You

By simply answering a few questions on the website Custom Made for Kids you can create a totally personalized and absolutely magical story for your child.

The first (we hope of many!) story called The First Adventures of Incredible You is a story that your child will have you read over and over again (and you actually you won't mind!)

The First Adventures of Incredible You takes your child on an adventure that visits local places and people that are special in your life. The illustrations are as bright and cheery as the verses! When reading to our toddler his face lights up at the mention of playing at his favourite park or visiting the Central Park Zoo (which reminds us of our New York City trip this spring).

When reading the story, it feels as if I have written this story for my child and really, that's how I knew that The First Adventures of Incredible You is incredible!

Here are some other reasons to love The First Adventures of Incredible You:

• They ship to Canada (and very quickly!) if you want to get it here for Christmas you'll have to choose expedited delivery.
  
• You can go on a virtual tour of the book.
  
• In the drop downs, the have Canadian choices! (ie, The Toronto Zoo etc)
• The book is good for children whether they are biological or adopted, any race or Nationality from traditional & non-traditional family structures
• York Region Baby readers receive a 10% off discount until December 31, 2007. Please enter "yrbaby10" when checking out.
  

Piddle Pad: Waterproof Seat Liner

This summer when my toddler was 2 1/4 we started toilet training him and we used the Piddle Pad a waterproof seat liner, available at My Precious Kid. for when we were out and about. I am usually really laid back and easy going, but I found being out in the stroller or car stressful during the early toilet training days.

We used the inexpensive ($6.99) Piddle Pad in our car seat and stroller to avoid accidents while out and about. It came in handy a few times and made our lives so much easier and the stress of being the car for a long drive with an-almost-trained toddler dissipate. The fabric is that goes against baby or toddler is soft and quilted so in the summer, it keeps them cool and the winter it keeps them warm.

My Precious Kid is an online store that is dedicated to helping parents keep their children safe. On top of selling the latest products for babies and kids they also produce professional family safety ID products. They educate parents how to keep children safer.

Spa Baby: European style baby tubs

When I first heard of European bath tubs for babies, my oldest was too big for one, but I was intrigued.

Spa Baby tubs created by a Canadian mom is a European style of bathtub that allows babies to let them sit in a natural upright position with warm water to their shoulders.

And what happens is the tub calms the baby by providing an environment much like the one where they spent their very first nine months.

We first used our Spa Baby tub when our little one was 17 days old and were amazed by the results. We had given her baths in the traditonal tub with lots of tears from her and stress on our part.

When we tried the Spa Baby tub for the first time, it was a little akward because we weren't used to bathing her while sitting up -- but now it's second nature and at nearly 5 weeks she is loving bath time, as are we!

I love the fact that the tub comes with a guarantee that your baby will not cry in this tub. If your baby doesn't love this tub, you can return it for a full refund.


Spa Baby bath tubs are available for purchase online, with free shipping in Canada until December 31, 2007 and are also available at Babies R' Us in Vaughan Mills and Newmarket.

* As always, Never leave your baby alone in the tub. Competent adult supervision is required at all times.

Pippalily: A stylish way to get your hand back

I've had my Pippalily sling since the summer, but wanted to wait and post about it until after my second baby arrived.

And since her arrival a few weeks ago I've been wearing her around the house in my Pippalily sling. Having an active toddler and a newborn is challenging to say the least and trying to take care of the needs of my toddler, while keeping my newborn close to me is important.

There are a number of reasons why I really love my Pippalily sling -- including the fact that unlike the other pouch sling I own my Pippalily sling is very stylish and funky. I have the Sea Green Coriander in Cotton (pictured here). The 2 times I have been out of the house while wearing admiring moms have stopped and asked where they can get their own Pippalily sling!

There are lots of colours to choose from, including a fabulous camouflage one as well as Satin Brocade in various patterns and colours.

Pippalily's slings are handmade in Canada with the utmost attention to detail and style and sizing yourself for the sling to purchase is easy! You just order the size you are in a t-shirt (if you are in between sizes order the next size up)

And if you are new to the whole idea of babywearing they have amazing instructional videos on how to wear your baby in different positions. It's makes it easy to see how to wear your little one!

Febe Bebe:Makers of Fine Droolers & Bibs

Ok, I'll admit it. I am jealous of the talent of Sarah Howard. A few years ago I was introduced to her artwork and I knew that I could never (ever) dream of painting anything like what she could! Before York Region Baby in early 2006, my friend and I had started an online store that only sold items made by Canadian moms. We sold her amazing paintings to a number of very happy customers. And oer the past few months I've been eyeing her site as our nursery is being finished for our new little girl, who is set to arrive any day.

What's even more amazing is that on top of her very successful art business, she has 3 small children and has just started another business!

Before starting Mump & Grump Studios, Sarah made these very sophisticated bibs and droolers for a small store in her hometown and decided to start up again after her third child (who the company is named after) came along and was, shall we say very drooly.

Sarah started Febe Bebe as a Canadian answer to the stylish, functional bib that has been lacking in our market. Like all things fashionable the bibs and fabrics are always changing to keep up with the latest styles.

Sarah says "I had been through the cutesy teddy bear stuff, and was looking for something that would stand out! It was also important to have something that would be soft on my baby's skin, and was made with non-toxic materials."

The craft-momship is truly amazing and makes a fabulous new baby gift and what's even better is that the bibs are 100% vinyl free and are individually handmade in Canada.

Bath-a-holic:Bath and Body Products for the Family

I have just finished my latest web site for a local mom-run business called Bath-a-holic.

For the past nearly 2 years Kathleen has been making natural bath and body products for the whole family and I've been lucky enough to have been able to try out nearly the whole product line over the past 2 months, while I've been building this new website for her. I wanted to share my 4 favourite products from this great product line.

Sudsy Soap in Baby Boo -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product so much. I can't say enough about it. I use it for everything from a face cleaner to a body soap and the smell is so fresh and clean. My toddler LOVEs to use it when he showers as he pumps down the bottle and lots of fun suds comes out. The scent reminds me of my childhood -- and I can't quite put my finger on what it is -- but it's a lovely way to get refreshed in the morning.

Super Soothing All Purpose Salve - My little guy started with eczema this summer and this has provided with relief from the itch and pain. I use it on my hands as a nice light cream to keep me moisturized.

Kiddie Sickie Sauce - Other products I've used for any sort of congestion leave a yucky film on your body, hands etc, but Bath-a-holic's Kiddie Sickie Sauce relieves congestion without that.

Honey Bear Snuggly Tub - So I got this one for bath time with my toddler and I ended up using most of it!!

It's an enriched oatmeal bath for baby, who has the extra sensitive skin. It contains, Milk, Oatmeal, Arrowroot and Honey powders to assist in calming itchy skin. There are teddy bear candy pieces to entertain your little one and it's scented with a calming Vanilla essential oil.

Twilight Turtle Plush Constellation Nightlight by Cloud B Available at Mom 4 Life

Product Name:Twilight Turtle Plush Constellation Nightlight by Cloud B available at Mom 4 Life

Description: The Twilight Turtle is the first and only plush constellation nightlight ever created. The Twilight Turtle gently transforms nurseries and bedrooms into a starry night sky that comforts and calms children and adults alike. From within his plastic shell, Twilight Turtle projects a complete starry night sky onto the walls and ceiling of any room. Twilight comes with three soothing color options blue, green, and amber to create magical, tranquil environments that are ideal for helping children of all ages fall asleep easier.

Review: Ok, don't shoot me. For the first 2 years of my little guys life we have rarely had a sleep issue. There was a time though last winter when we tried to switch from a crib to a bed, as we had a little climber that we had some issues, but we dealt with it and it to passed.

Then this summer came, and for some reason he decided that sleeping was not cool and WAS NOT going to sleep. I read a few books on the topic of toddler sleeping, and they gave me some helpful tricks -- but nothing seemed to work. I them found the Twilight Turtle Plush Constellation Nightlight when I was shopping at Mom 4 Life.

Mom 4 Life is a great online place to shop, where everything is either made or invented by moms....

But back to the sleep story... We introduced the Twilight Turtle Plush Constellation Nightlight to our little guy one night and he fell in love and most importantly fell asleep. The soft glow of the lighting allows for comfort when falling asleep and turns of after 45 minutes. The fact that you can choose between 3 colours of glow is great for an independent toddler!! And what impressed me the most was the actual constellations projected onto the wall!

Wet Happened? By MiniMe Baby Gear

Product Name: Wet Happened? Wet Bag from MiniMe BabyGear

Description: A "wet bag" made with thick cotton outer print, then lined with a Polyurethane Laminate, called Baby Dry. The inner material is great for storing used diapers, wet clothing, or bathing suits. Constructed with the two layers sewn separately, the zippered top secures contents to keep smells where they belong.

Review: Until I recieved my Wet Happened? Wet Bag from MiniMe Baby Gear, I was toting around plastic bags in my purse for diapers, spare clothes etc!

I actually received the bag just as we were thinking about potty training our toddler and it turns out this is just the thing we needed!! We have used the Wet Happened? Wet Bag for so many things this summer, including of course carrying our little guys wet clothes while potty training, his potty seat cover and even our wet bathing suits while out and about this summer.

Since he is now fully potty trained, but off to nursery school the bag is conveniently in his school bag, with a change of clothes, just in case. And with baby #2 being here in the next few months, we are sure to get a lot of use out of this handcrafted (amazing!) bag.

They also carry very cute "Rufflebutt" Onesies, Strollers Liners and lots more -- so check it out.

Just Jill: Handmade Love for your Little Ones

Product Name: Blankets, Onesies & Shoes from Just Jill

Description: Handcrafted cozy blankets,cuddly quilts, huggable pillowcases, cute shoes and onesies! Just Jill uses the softest, coziest fabrics. Vibrant modern prints and fun, whimsical fabrics are stylish and eye catching.

Review: Just Jill is an Etsy based store from Oakville, creating truly one of a kind blankets, shoes and onesies for babies. I ordered a pair of super cute cotton shoes in size 0-6 moths, in the ever-so-funky 'sock monkey' fabric and matching onesie. I ordered it for a shower gift -- but loved it so much I kept it for my new baby! The quality of the product is truly outstanding, and I can't wait to put the little cute shoes on our sweet little monkey! Just Jill also makes amazingly hip blankets for little ones, and I fell in love with a great blanket which will be great to use as nursing coverup, stroller or just to snuggle with. It's the perfect size to fit into a diaper bag, with cotton on one side and soft minky on the other.

All of the products have washed really well, and I love how inexpensive the shipping is on these products, and that they arrived within a day or two of ordering, and the fact that by purchasing from a small designer I was supporting a small business! You can view the newly added designs from Just Jill here, as well you can visit Just Jill at The Children's Trunk Show in November to pick up some great gifts for baby.

Tushygear on the Road

Product Name: Tushygear on the Road

Description: Designed by a mother of two, Tushygear includes a convenient way to carry the diaper, wipes and the pad. Tushygear is a tote that is small enough to fit into a diaper bag yet is self contained so it can be used on its own too. Tushygear's high quality fabric is also machine washable.

Review: Keeping my diaper bags and purses organized is a total necessity. I need to know where everything is at all times! And I love the fact that the Tushygear on the Road does just that!

Available in many fantastic patterns, the Tushygear on the Road stands out when inside your bag, and you can simply pull it out of your jammed bag and access a softer-than-soft change pad,your wipes and diapers quickly and easily.

When I am in a rush and for daytrips, I simply stock up the the Tushygear on the Road and know that I have 3 diapers, wipes and somewhere clean and soft to change baby.

The quality of this product is really outstanding, and you know that Emily, mom of 2

has put a lot of effort and time into perfecting what moms need. I can't wait to keep using my the Tushygear on the Road for babies to come!

Check out the Tushygear website for other great baby items like change pad covers and blankets!

Get Organized! Family Medical Journal

Product Name: Get Organized! Family Medical Journal

Description: The Get Organized! Family Medical Journal was created by a GTA mom of three who after she had her twin girls, and her eldest daughter was 3½, suddenly I had a lot of medical

information to remember from doctor's appointments for all three of them, not to mention herself and her husband. Additionally, unfortunately, one of her girls was born with some medical issues

which required specialized treatment, through Sick Kids Hospital.

Jodie would try to write down questions she had in preparation for appointments on a scrap piece of paper that she found in her purse in the waiting room (sound familiar?) and then try to remember all of the information in her head that she was told by the doctors.

So, she created this Canadian focused family medical and health journal, where from birth parents can track appointments, questions for doctors, medications, growth and development and so much more.

Review: People who know me know that I am organized, well at least I think that there is method to my madness!!

But, the Get Organized! Family Medical Journal has taken my organization to the next level. I now have a place to store all of our pertinent and important health information, including immunization records, fingerprints and DNA for the kids. I keep the Get Organized! Family Medical Journal handy in the kitchen, so when I am thinking about any health related question, I can jot if down for the next time we are at the doctors.

I've also been taking the Get Organized! Family Medical Journal to the doctors for the past few visits and it's made the visits less stressful, as having a toddler running around the room, while I am trying to ask questions, or take down information about the appointment can be a challenge!

I really can't say enough about this product and it's creator! Jodie Pappas is up for the Savvy Mom Mompreneur award, and we've already voted for her -- and you can as well.

This journal would make a fabulous gift for a shower for a new mom, who for the first few months of her life seems to spend a lot of time at the doctors with new baby!

Right, now you can buy one get one free, if you buy directly from their website.

Supperworks - Newmarket

Product Name: Supperworks - Newmarket

Review 1: What can I say about Supperworks? The people who invented Superworks are my heroes! I cannot say one negative thing about my experience at Supperworks. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was warm, inviting and most importantly, clean!

Who knew that preparing a healthy, delicious meal could be so much fun, so easy and so fast?! All of the ingredients are set up for you, all you have to do is add and mix. The recipes are easy to follow. The layout is extremely organized and the best part is that you don't have to clean up! You just prepare and go.

Each meal comes with a pre-printed label for cooking instructions and suggestions for serving. Supperworks is definitely the best option for families who have little time to prepare meals and who find themselves eating less healthy alternatives or dining out on a regular basis.

What an amazing experience!

Review 2: I too, am in love. In love, with Supperworks. I've been twice now, and will be booking my third session for next month soon! When I didn't return to work after maternity leave and started working part-time from home. I thought I would have all the time in the world to make yummy and healthy meals for the family.But, it turns out, on top of the million things I have to do, sometimes supper isn't at the top of my list!!

It's hard to sum up what I love about Supperworks, but I'll try!! The staff are amazing -- totally helpful and really fun. I prepared 6 meals in less than an hour and I didn't clean up a thing!! (WOW!) I love that the food is healthy and resonably priced.

And the food is really good. Some of our favourites include, Lemon Chicken or the Cabernet Beef -- check out all the yummy meals you can make!

Baby Bath Gate

Product Name: Baby Bath Gate

Review: The Baby Bath Gate is a wonderful invention for parents of young children. It

is easy to install, fits all standard tubs, dries easily with its mildew-resistant safety screen, has unique grip pads to hold it in place and it rolls up for easy storage and travel.

When bathing two children, it is always difficult to keep the one child safe and away from the faucet. the Baby Bath Gate eliminates this safety hazard all together. It is so simple to

use and doesn't stand out in design, allowing it to become just a fixture of the bathtub, rather than another toy.

The Baby Bath Gate is an award winning product that is a must have for parents who have difficulty keeping their child still in the bath.

Safety Note: Never ever leave babies or children unattended in the bath or near water, not even for a second

dwink - the universal dwink box holder

Product Name:dwink - the universal dwink box holder

Review #1:

The Dwink Box is by far one of the coolest inventions we have come across! It's name is catchy, the colours are not easily missed and most importantly, it prevents those crazy squirt spills that erupt from drink boxes all over the country!

The unique design allows this product to be used with standard and mini drink boxes. The handles on both sides were definitely placed perfectly for young hands. The design is perfect, right down to the non-skid bottom!

Long gone are my nervous feelings when handing my daughter a drink box and the need for cleaning after a drink box has been consumed has disappeared.

Review #2: The mom that invented the dwink universal drink box holder is one smart lady! This handy little invention is a great way to stop squirts from drinking boxes and allow toddlers to grip tightly to their beloved "dwink"!.

What I love is that it is indeed universal and doesn't just hold juice boxes -- I tried all sizes of tetra packs, including soy milk and it fit those in as well

Belly Casting Kit from The Better Baby Company

Product Name: Belly Casting Kit from The Better Baby Company

Review:7:49 – Dinner is over and my toddler is with his grandma. I finally have uninterrupted time to start my belly cast.

Following the directions, I set up a chair and drape it with the plastic sheet provided. It’s Sunday

night and the Amazing Race is about to start so I put the chair near the tv. I get my husband to fill up a bowl of water. We cut the plaster strips according to the instruction sheet – the messiest part about the whole process as plaster dust settled over our coffee table – and we lay everything out like we are doing surgery. My husband is skeptical about the cast but gets into it a little more as he realizes its plaster of Paris. It reminds us of our childhoods and we reminisce about art projects gone wrong!

As I read the instructions, I like the individuality of the casting process – you can do whatever you want and decorate it however you want. I decided to only do my belly but according to the box and the website lots of women choose to do their entire torso, breasts included. I sat in the chair with a towel protecting my pajama pants and my husband started to apply the strips of plaster we had cut. I recommend using an old towel as protection for clothing as the strips do drip a little and it made clean up a breeze. He laid the strips across my belly slowly building up the layers. We chatted and laughed (and watched the tv) and genuinely enjoyed ourselves. Generally when our toddler is at Grandma’s we use the time to catch up on other stuff and don’t spend quality time together. I was a little apprehensive to start the cast because I thought it would take a lot of time and require a lot of clean up. It really didn’t. We were done in less than half an hour and the clean up was about 5 minutes – including vacuuming the plaster dust from our coffee table.

8:19 – I sit back to continue watching the Amazing Race and wait for the cast to harden. I am pleased with how easy it was to do. When we are done my husband says that was kind of fun and I agreed. Now I must wait 48 hours to decorate it and I am trying to decide what method I should use. I’m a scrapbooker so the ideas are flowing. I don’t know that I personally will keep this for life but it was really fun and easy and gave my husband and me something to bond over with the baby-to-be.

Kangaroo Towl from Small Made Simple

Product Name: Kangaroo Towl from Small Made Simple

Description: The Kangaroo Towel from Small Made Simple is a hooded bath towel for mom

or dad to wear. It keeps you dry while bathing, gives you a pouch to put baby into after the

bath.

Review: I can't say enough about the Kangaroo Towel from Small Made Simple!!

This convenient and cute towel is so practical (did we mention cute!). With adjustable should

straps so both mom and dad can use, this very soft towel comes with a hooded towel, so baby

stays warm after their bath. The Kangaroo Towel comes in three yummy colours, blue,

pink and green and as your baby grows the towel grows with baby.

So, no more putting baby on the floor, after the bath it's time for a snuggle, before getting nice and dry and ready for night-night.

The Kangaroo Towel makes a fabulous shower gift for a mommy-to-be or as a welcome home present for baby and is available at many stores in York Region and the GTA.

Petite Diapering Bag from Bubble and Squeak

Product Name:Petite Diapering Bag from Bubble and Squeak

Description: Small Diaper Bag

Review: Believe it or not, but there comes a day when you don't have to leave the house with everything but the kitchen sink.

And for that day, there is a small and versatile diaper bag from Bubble and Squeak, available at Tummy Time. This bag comes with a change pad and the bag wipes done easily for those toddler accidents.

We love the green paisley print, and it also is available in a pink paisley print, which screams, "Hello Spring!"

And for those days when you do need to bring the kitchen sink, just toss the petite diapering bag into your larger bag!