Diaper Dude Dad Survival Kit: The Perfect Father's Day Gift!

Gone are the days when Dads stand idly by and watch as their spouses raise their baby. Today's modern dads are stepping up and taking an active role in caring for their baby. Given the fact that almost all of the parent products on the market today are geared towards moms, it's no wonder that Dads may be feeling left out! With Father's Day just around the corner, we have kept Dads in mind and have searched high and low for the coolest products for dad this Father's Day.

One thing is for certain; men don't want to schlep around feminine Diaper Bags, period! Sorry ladies but expecting your man to share your floral silk diaper bag is just out of the question. Dads want and deserve a bag just for themselves! Diaper Dude has come to the rescue! Diaper Dude was founded by Chris Pegula, a young, cool hip dad who grew tired of carrying around his diapering essentials in a gym bag and decided to take the initiate to create a line of masculine diaper bags designed with dads in mind.

Dads have their own unique sense of style, and seek out masculine, rugged products which are packed with features and which help to streamline their activities of daily living.

The Dad Survival Kit meets these all of these specifications and consists of a Diaper Dude Bag, a mini waist pouch aka the Mini Dude and a Bottle Holder. These three products are very well designed using high quality materials and components. Diaper Dude delivers and dads everywhere won't be disappointed.



Diaper Dude Bag

The Original Diaper Dude Bag is the sporty messenger bag which started the Diaper Dude phenomenon! Dads will be able to access the contents of their bag without ever having to take it off, which means both hands are free to care for their baby. The ergonomically designed strap adjusts easily for a custom fit. The Over-the-Shoulder design makes it easy to toss on and take off and is very comfortable as it stays in place on the shoulder while reaching for items or catching a wayward child. Attached to the strap is a cellphone pouch which is easy to access and won't leave you fumbling thorough your bag. Taking a closer look at the bag, working your way from front to back, the Diaper Dude Bag boasts 3 generously sized exterior zip-closed pockets which can be easily and quickly accessed and are ideal for storing diapers, wipes, bibs, food and other diapering essentials. The main compartment of the bag is lightly colored so there is no black hole effect. It can accommodate items for baby and dad (a change of clothing for baby, toys, a hat, snacks, additional diapers) and additionally houses the changing pad in its own sub compartment which is great for hygienic reasons. Also included is a key ring clip which will put an end to frantically searching through your bag to locate the car keys, and a bottle holder. The rear of the bag features two large elasticized pouches, which are great for storing a baby blanket, books and perhaps even a mini notebook computer. The rear of the bag (part against your body) is padded, offering even more comfort especially when filled with hard wooden toys, glass baby bottles and other items heavy and solid items. This is a solid bag, clearly designed with Dads in mind who need an easy to use, rugged bag that look like a guys equipment.





Mini Dude

The mini dude resembles a cool tool belt and is a great choice to grab when heading out on a short errand. It can hold a pack of wipes and two diapers. In addition, it can 2 bottles on either side of the main compartment which means that both dad and baby can stay well hydrated when on the go. Aside from wearing it around the waist, dads can also sling it messenger style. This innovative diaper waist pouch is a panel favorite!







Bottle Holder.

The bottle pouch measures 4 inches wide and 8 inches and clips on easily to the Diaper Dude Bag.
It is insulated to ensure that baby's bottle stays cool in the summer heat.





The Diaper Dude Dad Survival Kit will make a wonderful Father's Day Gift and will help dads not only survive fatherhood but thrive. For additional gift ideas, consider one of these eco-friendly products for the Earth Conscious Dads!

For expecting couples, consider registering with the Diaper Dude Gift Registry and you will be assured of receiving cool, practical and high quality products which will help make your transition into parenthood that much easier.

Earth Conscious dads will love the new eco-friendly line from Diaper Dude.

This and many other innovative Diaper Dude products can be purchased directly from the Diaper Dude online store or to locate a store near you, please click here.

For additional information, please visit www.DiaperDude.com

Beating PCOS Naturally

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome and is complex endocrine disorder associated with anovulation (lack of ovulation) and hyperandrogenism (excess male sex hormones). It is estimated that 70% of women with PCOS have elevated androgen levels. Women with PCOS may also have high levels of the following:

Estrogen: Higher levels associated with infertility and may also increase risk of hormone related cancers.

Gonadotropins: Higher levels affect fertility and the menstrual cycle

Insulin: Higher levels of insulin and glucose intolerance which makes losing weight very difficult.

Women with PCOS are at significantly higher risk of developing Type II Diabetes and Heart Disease. Pregnant women who have PCOS, are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension, which can make their pregnancy high risk, requiring very close monitoring. Most women with PCOS have irregular cycles. PCOS is under-recognized and under diagnosed. Since a high percentage of women who have PCOS also suffer from infertility, women will often receive their diagnosis following a consult with a reproductive endocrinologist.

Conventional treatment will often include oral contraceptives to regulate the menstrual cycle and hormone levels, an insulin sensitizer to reduce insulin resistance and a prescription of a low carb diet plus an exercise program. Additional medication may be prescribed on an individual basis. Women who are trying to get pregnant will be given a full work-up may be given a drug to induce regular ovulation, which is carefully monitored.

A member of our parent panel, Sarah, aged 26, was diagnosed with PCOS in 2008. Sarah, unlike most women with PCOS, have regular menstrual cycles. Here is her profile:

Sarah has struggled with her weight since her teen years. She reports having a lack of energy throughout the day and strong cravings for carbs and sweets, particularly during her "PMS week". Sarah has a high stress job which exacerbates her symptoms.

Stats pre-alternative treatment program

Fasting blood glucose: 103 (pre-diabetic)
Weight: 180 lbs (BMI: 27.4 overweight)
Blood pressure: 120/80 (above normal)
Height: 5"8
Hirsutism: moderate

Sarah, is determined to control her PCOS symptoms and obtain a healthy body weight through exploring alternative treatments. What follows is Sarah's plan and not a personalized prescription plan. Please consult with your health care professional prior to starting any new treatments, conventional or alternative.

*Pilates Reformer Machine (resistance training) strength training 3 x per week

*Walking (Aerobic) 30 mins walk in the AM, 30 minutes walk in the PM

*Yoga and meditation 3 x per week to reduce stress and improve endurance and stamina.

*Low GI vegan diet: Sarah has started a low glycemic diet and includes foods in her diet which are classified as either low or medium on the GI scale. Whole grains are emphasized including: quinoa, amaranth, kasha, brown basmati rice, beans and pulses, low starchy vegetables and fresh fruit in moderation. Instead of eating 3 large meals, Sarah began eating 5 or 6 small meals and snacks every 3 hours to help keep her blood sugar stable throughout the day. Adopting a well balanced, vegan diet (consult an Registered Dietician for advice) can be especially beneficial to women with PCOS, since a well balanced, vegan diet is free of dietary cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, legumes and vegetables which can significantly lower your risk of cardiovasular disease.

*Cinnamon: 1 tsp a day which has been shown in studies to reduce insulin resistance. Cinnamon powder can become toxic in higher dosages, so cinnamon sticks boiled may be a healthier alternative.

*Supplement: Chiral Balance D-chiro-inositol (DCI)

In two peer-reviewed, double blind studies, D-chiro-inositol, a member of the B nutrient family, was found to help both lean and obese women with PCOS reduce many of their primary clinical symptoms. Researchers hypothesize that women with PCOS are insulin resistant due to a deficiency of D-chiro-inositol which helps to regulate insulin levels. D-chiro-inositol is found naturally in several foods including buckwheat bran (farinetta), chickpeas, soy lethicin and carob syrup however taking a DCI supplement is an easier way to ensure that you are getting the sufficient quantity for your body weight. Women who are overweight will require higher levels of DCI which is also a consideration.

A high quality DCI supplement on the market is available from a reputable company, Chiral Balance. We sat down with a rep from the company to learn more:

"DCI is made from pinitol, which is a close chemical relative of of DCI. It is made in one step, by demethylation of pinitol and is then purified by HPLC. Every shipment we receive passes through customs and FDA inspection before arriving to us. The pinitol itself is derived primarily from soy husks, but poses not threat to people with soy allergies, because of the numerous purification steps."

The product contains no coatings, binders, fillers, artificial colors or fragrance. It is free of dairy, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, sugar, starch, soy, preservatives ans hydrogenated oil. The capsules are made from cellulose acetate, so they are suitable for vegans and vegetarians, people with various allergies. DCI supplements from a reputable source such as Chiral Balance do not have any documented side-effects.

To purchase DCI supplements from Chiral Balance, please click here.

Stats following a 2 month period of alternative treatments (diet, supplements, exercise):

Fasting blood glucose: 93 (normal)
Weight: 155lb (BMI: 23.6 normal)
Blood pressure: 110/70 (normal)
Hirustism: facial hair reduced as observed by beautician
Increased energy during the day.

Additional resources:

The Soul Cysters Website is a great place to start! Check out the message boards for online support.

MediFocus Guide Polycystic Guide:
An excellent guide which is easy to understand. Readers will develop insight into PCOS and understand this syndrome in greater depth. Information about PCOS throughout the life cycles is presented, including pregnancy and menopause. References to medical literature are cited.

The Savvy Woman's Guide to PCOS: The many faces of a 21st Century Epidemic...And what you can do about it. by Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD. This book is an outstanding guide to PCOS where readers will learn all about the syndrome in great detail and will learn about Dr Vliet's recommendations for diagnosing and treating PCOS. Readers will be empowered to be an active, informed patient when navigating the medical system. Dr Vliet, is clearly an expert on hormonal disorders which is evident by her unique insights on PCOS. What is missing however from this book, is information about exploring complimentary and alternative on alternative and complementary therapies .

The New Glucose Revolution Low GI Vegetarian Cookbook
published by Da Capo Press.

This revolutionary cookbook is the FIRST ever vegetarian and vegan cookbook that is written with the GI index in mind. This cookbook includes 80 delectable vegetarian and vegan recipes to take you from breakfast to dinner and is written by the world's foremost authorities on the Glycemic Index. Jennie Brand-Miller, PhD, is a international authority on the GI approach, heading up the GI-testing center in Sydney, Australia. Along with 2 Registered Dietitians, Kaye Foster-Powell, M. Nutr & Diet and Kate Marsh, RD, CD, the nutrition experts begin by outlining a variety of vegetarian sources of protein, fats and carbohydrates to include for a well balanced diet. The authors explain the GI concept in user friendly terminology which is easy to grasp. Vegetarians in particularly need to be mindful of adopting a well balanced diet to ensure that they take in the necessary vitamins and minerals for good health. The authors touch upon vitamins and minerals which are essential to a vegetarian diet including iron, calcium, vitamin B12 an iodine and list the daily recommendations for men and women and which food sources and or supplements will meet your daily requirements. The authors then move onto the advantages of switching to a Low GI diet and include some information specific to women with PCOS. A useful table is included which offers options for replacing a high GI food item with a low GI one and will help to keep you on track. Suggestions for choosing low GI foods for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts and dinner are discussed to help apply the principles into creating a daily food plan. A 7 day meal plan for both vegetarians and vegans is included, with separate plans for adults, teenagers and children. The meal plans are a very valuable tool to help you adopt a Low GI lifestyle for your family and provide a wonderful framework for your new lifestyle. The remainder of the book presents 80 mouth watering recipes, nearly each of which is accompanied by an exquisite photograph for culinary inspiration. The recipes are easy to make, and are influenced by many cultures including Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and Mexican. Adopting a low GI lifestyle doesn't mean that you need to deprive yourself of delicious tasting meals. Our favorite recipes include: Pancakes with Tofu, Basil and Sun-dried tomato, Red lentil dal with spiced basmatic rice, Falafel rolls with hummus, tabbouleh and spicy tomato sauce, Raspberry swirl cheesecakes and Creamy Quinoa Pudding. You don't need to be a strict vegetarian to benefit from this book. Meat eaters can benefit tremendously from eating a few vegetarian meals per week, which will help to reduce their cholesterol and slash their risk of developing heart disease. Overall, an essential guide for anyone who has insulin resistance and or anyone who wishes to have more energy throughout the day. Purchase this book from these retailers.

Glycemic Index Database
Easily reference GI information about your favorite staples.

Giveaway: aden + anais organic muslin wraps

Muslin wraps are widely used by Australian parents and date back to late 17th century England where they were coveted for their properties of having a light weave, which promotes good air flow. When Claudia Schwartz and Raegan Jones, both Australian natives, relocated to the USA they weren't able to find muslin wraps and decided to make their own and thus aden + anais was born. The wraps are available in beautiful prints and designs, with choices for baby girls, boys as well as neutral designs and make the perfect baby shower gift.

Response from nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, celebrities, industry experts, lactation consultants and other mothers has been overwhelming. aden + anais are recipients of the Creative Child Magazine 2007 Seal of Excellence and several prestigious iParenting media awards.

NEW FOR 2009

Recognizing that what is good for the Earth is also good for the nursery, aden + anais is pleased to announce the addition of certified organic, softly breathable baby swaddles to their award-winning product line. Made of organic cotton that is grown free of toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, aden + anais organic swaddles are as soft and beautiful as they are environmentally conscious. Designed especially for sensitive skin, the fabric’s light, open weave allows air to flow seamlessly through so that a baby’s body temperature can adjust naturally. As a result, babies feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer, helping to ensure safer, more soothing sleep while preventing overheating.

As with all aden + anais products, the durable, stretchy organic swaddles are pre-washed to prevent shrinkage, and become softer and fluffier with every wash. They are available in a wide variety of chic, low eco-impact prints and patterns. To ensure environmentally and socially responsible status, aden + anais organic swaddles proudly display the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label. An internationally recognized initiative, GOTS has worked diligently to successfully create the leading set of criteria that define global standards in the field of organic textile processing. Today, GOTS is quickly becoming the most recognizable consumer symbol of environmentally friendly quality assurance and reliability.

Aden + anais muslin wraps are well sized at 47" X 47", making them ideal for swaddling. In addition to swaddling, the muslin wraps can be used for tummy time, as a burp cloth, as a nursing cover, on the floor for tummy time and even draped over your stroller for additional protection against the elements. The versatility of the muslin wraps sets it apart from many other swaddling products on the market which have limited use beyond swaddling.

Parent panel feedback of the organic muslin wrap was very positive:

"My baby has very sensitive skin and her pediatrician recommend that we purchase organic cotton products. I was thrilled to hear that aden and anais are launching an organic cotton line and I was very eager to test out the organic wrap. The organic muslin is of a very high quality and becomes softer with each wash. I feel at ease knowing that the cotton is grown without any harmful pesticides and that low impact dyes have been used to create the lovely prints and patterns. Muslin wraps are FAR superior to traditional swaddling blankets because the open weave allows air to circulate. My daughter settles faster and stays content far longer with wraps and has shown no sign of skin irritation. I highly recommend the organic muslin wraps to all parents and I am looking forward to seeing the new designs when they become available. Thank you!"

We applaud aden and anais for "going green" and know that their eco-line will be a huge hit. The organic wraps are priced at $34 each. To locate a store in your area, please click here. The Organic Cotton Wraps will be available starting May 15, 2009 on the aden and anais website.

aden and anais offers a full range of beautiful wraps, blankets, hooded towels and washcloths. Visit www.adenandanais.com to learn more.

Congratulations to Lena R, Mike A, Tina N & David G.

Joovy Groove and Kooper 2009 - Mother's Day Picks

Joovy focuses on family gear with advanced performance and exceptional looks at a reasonable price. Joovy offers a line of strollers, playards, toys and accessories.


Today we are highlighting the Joovy Groove and the Joovy Kooper, our picks for Mother's Day Gifts.

Joovy Groove

The Groove is a great lightweight stroller weighing in at just 16 lbs and supports up to 55lbs. It is available in pink, green and blue which are great colors for summer. It boasts a large over sized canopy to shield your baby from the elements. The modern, clean lines and excellent maneuverability make it a great pick for taller moms.

Great Value
The Groove comes with an extra interchangeable canopy and seat (different color) which means that you can wash one set and have the spare set available to use. In a sense it is like having 2 strollers in one! In addition, moms will enjoy mixing and matching the canopy and seat to create a stylish, unique look! A hanging storage bag holds the extra set which will be readily available when need be. Also included is a rain cover and stroller bag which makes this purchase a terrific deal!


Special Features





The large oversized canopy (with extendable sun visor) is wonderful and is rarely seen on umbrella type strollers. The peek-a-boo window allows you to keep tabls on your baby. On the rear of the stroller, there is a compartment for 2 bottles and a zippered compartment for essentials.













The seat reclines via an impressive latch system which can be operated one handed; perfect for moms who are juggling parcels and baby! The 4 position seat reclines 20 degrees shy of flat.

The wheels and good suspension allow moms to navigate the stroller over smooth and some uneven terrain. You can lock the front wheels off for a smoother ride. The stroller turns on a dime and moms will love how easy the stroller negotiates tight spaces. The linked, one-step rear wheel parking brake is easy to operate.






The All-Season Reversible Seat Pad (black) will keep your baby comfortable regardless of the season. On one side is the nylon mesh to keep baby cool in warm weather and on the other is an insulating fleece which helps to maintain warmth in the cold weather.

















Moms will stay hydrated with the built-in mesh bottle holders. Just below is a handy storage compartment for stashing essentials.
















Stroll in style with the Joovy Groove. The Groove folds easily and boast not one but two carry straps. The lateral carry strap is easy to grab when lifting the stroller in and out of your car. On the top of the stroller is a fantastic thick strap, which you can hold and pull the stroller behind you like a piece of luggage which is ideal for travel.











Joovy Kooper


The stylish and eye-catching Kooper is a a cross between a euro-style buggy and a modern umbrella stroller and is great pick for urban mamas. The Kooper is best suited for moms who are on the shorter side (5"6 and below). The Kooper weighs in at approximately 17.9lbs and is able to support a child of up to 50lbs. It is available in yellow, green and black.

The features that we like:



Special Features





The ergonomically designed, foam covered handle bars are very well designed and make pushing the stroller an absolute dream! Don't underestimate the importance of ergonomic handle bars. The fixed height handle bars allow moms to maintain a neutral position at the wrist and avoid discomfort.







The large canopy will shield your baby from the elements and features a roll back peek-a-boo window to keep an eye on your child.



The storage basket is easy to access and can fit a small to medium size diaper bag.













The seat reclines via a strap system and is easy to operate.


The Kooper operates best on smooth and even terrain and will appeal to modern urban mamas. The wheels detach easily for travel.

The linked, one-step rear wheel parking brake is a great feature.
















The reflective stitching on the deluxe 5 point harness and the sides of the canopy are terrific safety features rarely seen on strollers. For moms who enjoy early morning or evening strolls, the reflective stitching adds an extra layer of protection in traffic.














The 2 mesh pockets situated on either side of the inside of the seat are perfect for storing your baby's toys or pacifiers. The elasticized pockets ensure that the contents stay snugly in place. We haven't seen this feature on any other stroller and really applaud the Joovy designed team on this thoughtful feature!











The Kooper Rain Cover

fits easily over the stroller and will protect your baby from downpours! It folds compactly into the storage bag which it is sold in.














The Kooper Travel Bag

will protect your stroller from dust and dirt and will come in handy during the travel season. The Kooper fit snugly in the travel bag which comes complete with clear directions.








The Kooper folds easily and compactly, in fact it is the only stroller to fit in the TINY trunk of the Success Through Play NGV vehicle, a truly remarkable achievement.







PURCHASING
To find a store near you, please click here.

To see the full range of Joovy Family Gear, please visit the Joovy Website.

The Sansa® Fuze™ from SanDisk® - The perfect Mother's Day Gift

The Sansa® Fuze™ is the perfect MP3 player for modern moms who are juggling their fair share of responsibilities. Moms in desperate need of "me time" can grab their Sansa® Fuze™ and escape for a few minutes by listening to their favorite tunes and de-stressing.

Moms-to-be who find themselves in doctors waiting rooms will turn to the Sansa® Fuze™ to keep them entertained with videos, pictures and music. There is even a voice recorder for taking notes. When the big day arrives, turn to the Fuze to keep you centered during labor with a pre-recorded playlist of hypnosis tracks or your favorite meditative and calming songs.

Ergo, lightweight, sturdy
The Sansa® Fuze™ is a sleek looking MP3 player and weighs in at just 2 oz. and measures approximately 3 inches by 2 inches and just over 1/4 inches thick. The device has an ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and feels solid to the touch.

Versatile
The Sansa® Fuze™ is a portable entertainment center and used can view pictures, videos, and listen to music.

Options
The stylish Sansa® Fuze™ is available in a silver, black, red, blue and pink so everyone can find their perfect shade. The unit is available in 3 different storage options: 2GB, 6GB and 8GB to suit your lifestyle. SanDisk® offers a full range of accessories to enhance your experience of using the Sansa® Fuze™.


Operation

The Sansa® Fuze™ is very easy to operate, even if you are not very tech savvy. The unit is controlled via a mechanical navigation wheel which you turn clockwise or anticlockwise and click up and down, left and right. The navigation wheel operates smoothly and effortlessly and is circled by a blue light making navigation in low light situations a breeze. Using the wheel to scroll through the options, you will find options for:

Music

Settings

Voice

FM Radio

Photos

Videos

Transferring music to the unit is achieved by simply dropping and dragging music files. The unit comes subsciption ready (Rhapsody) so you can start downloading tunes instantly. The earbuds which are included with the unit deliver good sound quality, but you may wish to upgrade to a more sophisitated set if you frequently listen to music in noisy areas. That being said, our panel found the sound quality of the music files to be of a very good quality and we think that at this price point, users will be impressed.

The hold button on the side of the Sansa® Fuze™ is very useful if you want to toss the Fuze into your handbag.

Special Features

The 1.9 inch screen is sufficient for viewing your options, watching music videos and podcasts and viewing pictures.

The microSD/microSDHC slot really distinguishes the Fuze, opening up the doorway for additional content expansion.

The unit delivers up to 24 hours for audio playback and 5 hours of video playback with internal rechargeable battery. A USB charger is included with the unit, however for travel purposes, consider purchasing a outlet charger.

The Digital FM radio audio with the 40 preset stations is a great feature and our panel found the audio to be crystal clear and had no difficult picking up stations.

The voice recorder with built-in microphone is a nice touch and will allow the user to keep an audio memo. The voice playback is fantastic and now users won't have to fret if they leave their pen and notepad at home.

The Sansa® Fuze™ will make a terrific gift for the special Mother in your life.

Purchase from the Sansa Store