World Breastfeeding Week 1-7 August, 2011

We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week at Success Through Play Magazine by highlighting some innovative breastfeeding products and accessories.

Medela

The Baby Hobo Convertible Diaper Bag

The Milk-Saver

Hands Free Pumping Bustier

Stay tuned for the reviews and a giveaway.

okiedog Nature inspired Sassy Diaper Bag and Clipex System

okiedog® is a German, independent company and was founded in 2006. okiedog® stands for innovation, creativity, quality and functionality. Their fun-loving spirit of innovation is reflected in their user-focused design philosophy. Their goal is to make families' lives more fun, and convenient in a truly original way. They are also aware of the special responsibility that comes with making products for children and are committed to making the best and safest products possible. All okiedog products are PVC-, Phthalate-, AZO- and BPA- free.

Introducing The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag from okiedog. Inspired by nature's beauty, designed for beautiful mums and babies. Fashion at nature's best. The okiedog Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag is a medium sized diaper bag and measures 20" x 13" x 6". The nature Sassy Diaper Bag features beautiful nature inspired embroidery including butterflies, leaves, trees and birds, and is visually stunning to look out. This bag is expertly designed with organisation in mind.


FEATURES:


The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag from okiedog features two side pockets for bottles located on either side of diaper bag. One is insulated and the second has a removable insulated bottle holder which is clipix compatible and comes with the clipix base clip set to attach to your stroller so you will always have a bottle within easy reach. The front of the bag features 2 exterior pockets (with hook and loop closures). One of exterior pockets has a compartment where you can securely stash your mobile phone as well as carabiner (key clip) so you will never lose your keys again! The bag features two loops on either side of the bag which will attach effortlessly to your stroller via the clipix hook system (included). The bag boasts a reflective strip (located between 2 front pockets) for additional safety at night. To the rear of the bag will find a removable changing pad with antibacterial treatment, which is very easy to wipe down after each diaper change. Looking at the interior of the bag, you will immediately see the bright inner lining which makes it a snap to locate and retrieve important items immediately. The interior of the bag features 2 inner side pockets and a 3rd which holds an accessory bag. We love the 2 quick pick loops which are located on either side of the bag which can hold anything from a pacifier to a toy. You will never again have difficulty locating your baby's pacifier or toy and will become an expert at soothing him/her when out and about, reducing everyone's stress.

The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper bag from okiedog is the perfect lightweight bag for the warmer months. Moms will have everything that they need within easy reach thanks to the innovative design and many unique features which will help to streamline and simplify their day.



Clipix Accessories

Have you noticed that many strollers, even the high end ones, do not come with a line of accessories included with the stroller. They are typically available for purchase separately and often at a great cost. If you have more than one stroller, you will often have to re-purchase your line of accessories for each stroller as they are more often than not, not universally compatible.

Enter a line of innovative accessories for your stroller called "Clipix". Clipix is the new, universal, flexible, removable stroller accessory system from okiedog, designed for parents and kids who love the outdoors. With a simple “Click” various accessories can be attached to the stroller and keep it at a comfortable level for you. This system was nominated with a Kind and Jugend Award in 2010.

The clipix accessory line is compatible with virtually every stroller on the market, thanks to the 2 rubber adapters which are inserted in the clip base. If have more than one stroller, simply purchase an extra base clip, one for each of your strollers. Simply install a base clip set on each stroller and with one “click” it is possible to remove and install all the clipix accessory on multiple strollers. The base clip does not have to be removed when folding the stroller. The following products are currently available in the clipix line:


Hooks with base clip - Perfect for hanging your diaper bag from your stroller. For demonstration purposes, we have illustrated this with a lightweight umbrella stroller, but to ensure safety of your baby, please select a stable full size stroller to hang your diaper bag from and always test for stability.)

Insulated Bottle Holder - Soothe baby instantly when he cries to be fed. Whether it is breastmilk or formula, you will have it at immediately available at the optimal temperature. No searching through your bag.

Cup Holder - Busy parents on the go often forget to stay hydrated. Whether it is a warm beverage to stay toasty in the winter or an ice cold drink to refresh you in the summer, you will always have a place to store your drink.

Mobile Phone/Camera Holder - You are expecting an important call however when your phone rings, it takes you some time to locate your phone and retrieve it, only to see that you have missed the call! That will never happen again with the mobile phone holder. Mounted on your stroller, you will have it available immediately when you need it most. This holder can alternatively accommodate a compact camera. You can surely related to the situation where you forgot your camera at home or are searching through your bag to find it only to realise that the moment has long passed. With this holder, you will be able to capture your baby's precious moments to be cherished for a lifetime.

base clip (for your extra stroller) The clipix base clip includes adapters for various strollers, including square and oval tubes.

The clipix line of products will ensure that you always have a bottle for baby on hand, a refreshing beverage for mom or dad available within easy reach, a cell phone available within arms reach so that you never miss any calls and or a compact camera immediately available for you to capture those precious moments. The much anticipated Clipix Safety light will be available soon. Stay tuned for the review. We applaud okiedog for developing this truly innovative line.


PURCHASING:

okiedog products are sold in more than 30 countries worldwide. Click here to find a store locator. For further information and to see the full product line, please visit www.okiedog.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. okidog provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

Celebrating our 4th year Anniversary - Giveaways Galore

Success Through Play Magazine will be celebrating its 4th Year Anniversay this month. Come and celebrate with us.



Stay tuned for some amazing giveaways.

Boob Design Summer 2011 Top Picks and Giveaway

Boob Design is the designer line of Maternity and Nursing Apparel from Sweden that will change the way that you think of maternity and nursing clothing forever. Gone are the bulky, uncomfortable and frumpish maternity and nursing outfits that hide the bump (maternity) and are difficult to access and scream to the world that you are nursing. Boob Design® boasts a gorgeous line of designer apparel that just happen to be maternity and nursing wear!


Commitment to the environment:

"We keep all of our production in Europe, in factories where we know that the employees are treated well and are decently paid. Keeping production in Europe is also a way of guaranteeing that the product in Europe is as environmentally sound as possible. All our jersey is certified with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This certification is a guarantee for clothes that are completely free of toxins that can be harmful to you. Clothes that are kind to your skin as well as nature. Our goal is to you materials that are environmentally optimal."

Boob Design's® Maternity line is cut to accent and flatter your new curvy figure. The gorgeous eco-fabrics, the fresh simplicity and the playful details make the trademark of Boob® . The soft and comfortable fabrics will fit like a dream - all the way from bump to big belly!

Boob® Nursing tops and dresses are brilliantly designed and feature a double layer of fabric over the bust so that an overlapping opening is formed. The opening is simply pushed aside with one hand, making nursing comfortable and discreet.




We love the gorgeous summer dresses on offer from Boob Design. The Singoalla Nursing Dress (pictured right) is a great investment because it is designed to be worn for both pregnancy and during nursing. The smocked neckline, frilled bottom and tie-able waistband add a romantic feel to the dress. The dress is made from an innovative fabric, lyocell, which is a natural fiber that has a flattering drape, is breathable and naturally wrinkle resistant. Nursing in this dress couldn't be any simpler, with the signature boob design double layer nursing design. We applaud Boob Design for exploring natural fabrics in their Summer 2011 Collection. The Singoalla dress is very versatile - pair it with flats for a casual look or heels for a more dressy occasion.


Nursing singlet


Nursing singlet with that little extra length.
An essential basic garment in a nursing mother's wardrobe. Soft knitted stretch fabric in 92% organic cotton and 8% elastane.








The nursing singlet from Boob Design is available in 17 colors, including stripes and solids. The versatile singlet is sure to become a staple in your summer wardrobe and is perfect for layering for the rest of the year. The thicker shoulder straps are ideal for covering up your nursing bra and the longer length creates a flattering effect. The material is soft and gentle against your skin. When the temperature outside soars, reach for your nursing singlet, to beat the summer heat, while still looking fabulous.


PURCHASING INFORMATION

To find a store near you, please click here.

Shop the online store here. Bargain hunters will love the outlet section.


GIVEAWAY
Congratulations to Amanda G and Lori S.

Thank you to Boob Design for sponsoring this giveaway. To learn more and to see the full range, please visit www.BoobDesign.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Boob Design provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Biddy Belly - Making Tummy Time Fun!

The Back to Sleep Campaign was extremely successful in reducing the number of SIDS cases, however, it has had an unintended side effect: many parents now never put their babies on their tummy to play. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs. The keywords here are "BACK TO SLEEP" and "TUMMY AWAKE", meaning place baby on his back to sleep but during his awake hours, ensure that he gets plenty of supervised Tummy Time throughout the day. Ensuring that baby spends minimal time in a container (stroller, swing, bouncer etc), plus the addition of supervised Tummy Time on the Biddy Belly when baby is AWAKE will reduce a baby's chances of developing plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), which is clearly on the rise. In addition, regular supervised Tummy Time will help baby to develop strength and muscle coordination and will enhance his motor development. When baby is lying on his tummy and begins to push up on his hands, this weight bearing activity helps to develop the arches of his hand, which is very important for handwriting. Tummy Time allows baby an opportunity to practice skills that are precursors to crawling, such as reaching, pivoting and scooting.

Introducing the Biddy Belly, an innovative tummy time toy which is designed to promote optimal positioning during tummy time. Designed by a Physical Therapist and mom of three, Robin Tacchetti. All 3 of her children would resist tummy time, and as a result of limited tummy time, all three babies developed flat spots (plagiocephaly). With Robin's background as PT, she fully understood the importance of tummy time and knew that their had to be a better way to get babies to love tummy time. Together with consults from pediatricians, Robin designed a product which was not only optimally designed but also would make tummy time fun.

"The unique design of the Biddy Belly is what makes it functional from a physical therapy point of view. When I was creating it, I was trying to envision something that propped the baby up from a prone position, but yet put them in the same anatomical position they would be in if they weren't propped up."

Robin explained that the current toys on the market for 'tummy time' prop babies up, but they are not in a position to push themselves up further.

"For example, most of these products are half-moon shape props which raises the babies chest and puts their arms out in front of their heads. In this position they are raised up, but not in a position to lift themselves any higher or work any muscles. They are simply propped up, but aren't in a good position to utilize their arms muscles to extend up further."

Robin's goal was to design a product which raised the baby's chest but also allowed their arms to be in the same position they would be if they weren't propped up.

"The placement of the babies arms on the Biddy Belly allows them to extend their elbows working the muscles required to lift up. The Biddy Belly's slight incline under their chest and head allows for an easier lift up because they are already raised a bit, so they don't have to work quite as hard lifting their body weight against gravity. They simply need to use their arm muscles to extend themselves further up. "

The Biddy Belly offers a unique tummy time solution to babies who have been resisting tummy time. As Robin has explained above, the Biddy Belly has many innovative features which set is apart from the other tummy time products on the market. The Biddy Belly is in the form of a super cute giraffe, which will capture baby's attention. It is visually stimulating to entice little ones to explore further. The giraffe features a contrasting pattern throughout, which resembles the spots of a giraffe. The hoofs of the giraffe are bright and colorful, each in a different color. The giraffe's ears and are neck feature bright, bold colors to attract baby's attention. The neck of the giraffe features a reflective mirror for baby to gaze at himself. The Biddy Biddy provides baby with auditory stimulation, with its sqeak horn, rattle horn, and "crinkle nose" material. In addition, the giraffe has 2 removable toys attached to either side of its neck - a ring rattle and a set of toy keys, offering an opportunity to explore fine motor skills. Parents can simply switch out the toys on a regular basis, to provide baby with new opportunities to explore a variety of toys. The Biddy Belly is very lightweight, weighing in at under 1lb, making it very easy to transport from room to room.

The Biddy Belly features removable side bolsters to prevent baby from rolling off. As baby develops grows and developments more strength and control, the side bolsters can be removed to provide baby with additional room. The Biddy Belly is free of phthalates and passes the CPSCIA. The cover of the Biddy Belly is removable and washable, enabling parents to keep the Biddy Belly in tip top shape.

We distributed the Biddy Belly to a variety of babies in varying ages from a few weeks in age to 3 months of age. We specifically identified babies who resisted tummy time, to see how they would react to the Biddy Belly. All 3 babies in the play panel, were DELIGHTED when the Biddy Belly was brought into the room and when placed on the Biddy Belly, they were able to sustain the prone position for a record amount of time. The babies were captivated with the face of the giraffe and immediately began exploring the giraffe's face! Each set of parents were amazed, as they were very certain that their baby would cry after just a minute. The Biddy Belly was a success in our play panel and we know that your baby will love tummy time with the help of the Biddy Belly.


Tummy Time Tips

Begin tummy time soon after your baby is born. Start with a few minutes, working up to an hour a day (in split short sessions) by 3 months. In the early weeks, lay baby on your chest (parent laying down on a bed or couch, propped up), tummy to tummy, for skin to skin contact and to facilitate bonding. This will serve as a gentle introduction to tummy time, so that baby becomes used to being on his tummy from the beginning.

Link tummy time with activities of daily living (diapering, bathing, playing) e.g after every diaper change, place baby on his tummy for a few minutes. When tummy time is part of a routine, baby is more likely to enjoy it.

Make Tummy Time Fun Time! Get down onto baby's level and introduce toys to capture and sustain his attention. Use a mirror - babies love to look at themselves in a mirror.

Carrying position. When carrying baby around the house, carry him securely in a tummy down position instead of upright.


For further information about the Biddy Belly and for purchasing information, please visit www.BiddyBelly.com


Images copyrighted Biddy Belly.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Biddy Belly provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

I-Qube®

BABY SMART START - HOME OF THE I-QUBE®.


Product Description (provided by Baby Smart Start).

The I-Qube® is lightweight cardboard printed and creased to fold into a sturdy 3 1/2" square block when assembled. It can be unfolded and stored for later use, then refolded. It is intended to be used for the relatively short period of time (0-6 months) when your infant is most likely to gain from the stimulation provided by using it. The I-Qube® was developed and copyrighted in 1983 by a public health nurse who worked extensively with babies from prenatal to postnatal care, well-baby and infant development clinics. It is the pioneer product of this sort. The designs on each side have been carefully created based on scientific studies to attract the attention of infants from the time they can open their eyes until they are ready to advance to more complex colors and shapes.



PURCHASING

Baby Smart Start strongly recommends that parents buy at least a couple I-Qubes® for their baby. One for the infants travel bag, one for the nursery or where you spend your time with your infant, and a spare.

International Readers, please click here
UK readers, please click here

How to use the I-Qube® (provided by Baby Smart Start):

The I-Qube® has six sides - no one side preferred though infants usually respond first to the 'female face,' next to the 'male face,' then typically to all of the rest.



The I-Qube® should be shown to your infant from the very first time they open their eyes until they graduate to more advance designs and color schemes - about 4-6 months. The best time to use the I-Qube® is any time your infant is alert and receptive to attention and until your infant ignores the stimulation - this may be from moments to minutes. There are two outstanding features the I-Qube® has over most similar products we have seen, including a mobile that has similar designs. They are the bonding experience that comes with the one-on-one attention as a result of the interaction between the parent and infant, and the focus that the infant achieves with the I-Qube®. The mobile and like items, impersonal and at a fixed distance, may not even be visible to the infant if it is out of their range of focus. If an item moves at all, the movement may be indiscernible by the infant; there is no feedback that the infant recognizes the motion. The I-Qube® focal range is interactively adjusted between the parent and infant.

I-Qube is not simply a toy and needs to be used in conjunction with the caregiver, in order for it to be effective. It seems that there is a 2-fold reason for the caregiver to hold the baby when using the I-Qube. Firstly, for practical reasons: the caregiver will need to interact with the baby in order to facilitate a tracking response of the baby to track and lock onto the I-Qube. The caregiver will need to adjust and re-adjust the distance and interchange the sides of the cube to maintain baby's interest. It is also vital for the caregiver to monitor the baby's arousal level and not overstimulate the baby. Secondly, holding the baby provides the baby with deep proprioceptive input which is calming. Touch is also crucial for learning.

Just as physical exercise advances the range of motion for the body, interactive use of the I-Qube® advances hand-to-eye coordination and visual stimulation. Also, with exercise of the eyes and development of coordination, synapse connections are made within the brain. This same principle applies for visual stimulation and rehabilitation for all ages when the I-Qube® is used by professionals in the optometric or psychology environment.

I-Qube® is eco-friendly!

By the time baby has 'graduated' from the I-Qube® it is usually a little worn, a little torn and about due for replacement. They are very affordable, economical and expendable for that reason - use them until they're used up, then recycle them.




Success Through Play™ comments:

We have been most impressed with the professionalism of Baby Smart Start and it has been our great pleasure to work with them on this article. We would like to thank Baby Smart Start for sending us several samples of the I-Qube® for our test panel. The parent panel found the I-Qube® to be very easy to assemble and they commented on how they liked the fact that it is so lightweight and can be easily transported when they are on the go.



Each parent was briefed about the concept of the I-Qube® and how to use it with their baby and were then sent home with their "assignments." The group met a few weeks later to report about their baby's experience with the I-Qube®. Each parent commented that they would "highly recommend the I-Qube® to their friends." The group as a whole was impressed that their baby was so interested in looking at the shapes and patters on the I-Qube® and the parents reported that they enjoyed spending time bonding with their infant!



The I-Qube® educational toy is research-correct. This means it was developed in accordance with studies about what works and what doesn't in the enhancement of early infant development. To read some very interesting articles about infant development and the environment, please click here.

Baby Smart Start Emphasizes: "Holding your baby while using the I-Qube® increases the human bonding that your baby needs for best development. Think of this as prime one-on-one time at a crucial point in their development. Wall hangings, crib mobiles, changing table covers and such don’t offer this human bonding advantage." We agree with statement and in addition will add that learning should always be a fun experience for your baby. Parents must learn to recognize which state of consciousness their baby is in, and only introduce an object/developmental tool when their baby is in an calm state and eager to take in the world around her. When baby signals that he has had sufficient stimulation, parents must read his cues and stop the activity. Research is showing us that holding your baby enhances bonding. Touch continues to be important as your child grows and a recent study showed that children learn more efficiently when a parent gently places their hand on his/her shoulder.



We applaud Baby Smart Start for offering a reasonably priced infant developmental product that can engage your baby and promote bonding between parent and baby. The I-Qube® will make an ideal Baby Gift!

To learn more, please visit:

www.BabySmartStart.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Baby Smart Start provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Templar Publishing - Books for Baby

Templar Publishing, based in Dorking, Surrey, is a leading UK children's publisher. Founded in 1978, Templar has become one of the world's most respected publishers and packagers of illustrated children's fiction, novelty and picture books. In 2008 Templar was recognised by the Independent Publisher's Guild as UK Children's Publisher of the Year and Independent Publisher of the Year.

They have an extensive backlist built over 30 years and sell their products in over 25 languages in more than 50 countries. They have a reputation for innovation and creativity, both in publishing ourselves and in producing books for other companies.
Templar is part of the Bonnier Group and was acquired by Bonnier in September 2008

Cased Novelty Board Books
A brand new format using a popular trim size, but adding sturdy cased covers – perfectly robust for baby's hands! Textures, mirrors and die-cut pages provide lots of hands-on fun.

I love you!
illustrated by Emma Dodd, with photography by David Ellwand

This new edition of the award-winning I Love You (winner of the Booktrust Early Years Award) is the perfect gift for new parents. Babies will be drawn to the large, expressive photos of other babies, and the gentle rhyming text is ideal for sharing together. The final page includes a photo frame for parents to add a picture of their own amazing baby.

Babies love to look at other faces and are intrigued and fascinated with the human face. This delightful photo board book features expressive, black and white images of babies, set against colourful and contrasting backgrounds which are visually stimulating and designed to capture baby's attention. Short, simple phrases accompany the pictures to add further interest. This book is certain to become a favourite in your baby's collection.


Animal Babies

This touch-and-feel book showcases a lovable bunch of baby animals. Stroke the fluffy lion cub, pat the wrinkly zebra and have some hands-on fun!

It is time to meet the baby animals! This touch-and-feel board book offers baby an opportunity for tactile exploration. Baby will squeal with delight when he explores the various textures of the animals, from the soft hair of the zebra to the rough skin of the crocodiles - each touch is a new learning experience. Each of the animals are set against colourful and contrasting backgrounds, to further capture baby's interest and attention. This book will grow with your baby as there are prompts to count the animals, so even toddlers will be able to enjoy the interaction.

Art for Baby

Twelve images by famous artists, from Henri Matiise to Keith Harring to Julian Opie, jump off the pages of this funky, chunky board book. Babies respond most to high contrast black and white images, therefore the artwork has been specially chosen for maximum visual stimulation. Each of the images are unique, but equally captivating. From simple bold shapes to the more intricate, baby will be fascinated with the artwork. Work with your baby to see which images he is most captivated by and then gradually move onto more intricate images as visual and concentration skills improve. Parents may choose to incorporate baby's favourite images into tummy time.

Tucked away in the back of the book, you will find the wall frieze which consists of 3 separate wall friezes, each featuring 4 images from the artists. The wall frieze is the perfect decoration for the nursery of any budding artist. All of the images have been donated to the NSPCC (in association with OUTSET, the contemporary art foundation) for use in this board book, with all profits going to the NSPCC. Truly an exceptional book which will be treasured by both baby and parents alike.

Artists:

Keith Haring, Radiant Baby 1994
Paul Morrison, Cryptophyte 2005
Takashi Murakami, Ohana 1999
Julian Opie, Natasha 2000
Julian Opie, Raphael, 2000
Bridget Riley, Fragment 3 1965
Kazimir Malevich, Black Cross c. 1920
Damien Hirst, HyppovasePrazosin Hydrochloride 1992
Patrick Caulfield, Duck 1994
Josef Albers, Together 1933
Gary Hume, Pear 1996
David Shrigley, Untitled 2005

Each of these books can be purchased online from Templar Publishing. For further information please visit Templar Publishing.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Templar Publishing provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.