Win It: A Few of My Favorite Things
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This contest is now over. Congratulations, Adrienne, you win!
I love telling people about all the new things I find. But, it’s even better when I get to share some of it with you. To celebrate the launch of The Average Parent website, I’ll be giving away some of my favorite products. What’s REALLY cool about this contest is that I will also be working with The Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House to give these same prizes to a local mom in need. A special thanks goes out to all the companies who agreed to participate!
Now…on to the particulars. The contest will run for four (4) weeks, ending on Thursday, Dec. 10, at which time the winner will be chosen at random. In most cases, the prizes will be shipped directly from the company (a few will be shipped from my office). Must ship to an actual address in the US (no P.O. boxes).
To win, you must: Visit at least one of the company websites, come back here and tell me something interesting you learned. You’ll get an entry for each website you visit…so it pays to visit them all.
Additional Entries:
- Follow The Average Parent on facebook.
- Share this on your Facebook wall: “Hoping to win the great prizes from @Average Parent’s site launch celebration. Have you entered? www.AverageParent.com”
(make sure to tag us by typing the “@” symbol before you type “Average Parent”) - Follow The Average Parent on Twitter.
- Tweet this: “Hoping to win the great prizes from @Average Parent’s site launch celebration. Have you entered? www.AverageParent.com”
The Prizes
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Faces – it’s a new product and I like the fact that it was tested in the “real world” not just in a lab.
Naturally Nora cake mixes – What was interesting??? I never knew they even existed! The whole concept to me is interesting and I’m going to actively look for them to try.
I just learned there are two distinct phases of how babies breastfeed, the Stimulation Phase is fast and light sucking to start milk flowing followed by the Expression Phase, slow and stronger sucking to deliver more milk faster.
I’m pregnant and expecting my baby #2, due date Feb. 2010. It’s a girl. We’re very excited.
I learned that the Halo sleep sack comes in bigger sizes than I thought! Good idea, for the kids who don’t like blankets!
Adrienne, I didn’t know about the bigger sizes till recently. I now use the wearable blanket for my 2yo…it’s been a Godsend. He finally sleeps through the night!
Well, I just learned that the sleepsacks come in way larger sizes than I thought.
I have been using the sleepsack with my daughter and I just Love it! I used to swaddle her, and then transferred to the sleepsack. Best baby product =)
Playtex gets it right again! Little ones love hide-n-seek … the eat and discover food dishes will bring a little fun to meal time.
I didn’t know these even existed. Thank you Playtex!
I’ve seen the halo sack before but I didn’t realize that it helped reduce SIDS. I have a friend that lost her 2 month old to SIDS last year so I’m trying to stay more aware of products that reduces SIDS.
I just learned the Blink has a 55 pound weight limit. I did not know it went that high
WOW Mad Gabs has a shelf life of min 2 years
I as well just learned the 2 stages of breastfeeding. I had no idea.
Medela- I didn’t know the names of the two phases of breastfeeding!
Baby Bjorn bib- Dishwasher safe!
Britax Blink: The canopy of the stroller offers UV protection!
Coppertone Water Babies is tear-free. Not true of the one I use…
Playtex offers straw cups in 9 and 12 oz. sizes!
Mad Gab’s is made in Maine!
Playtex Baby Einstein products are ergonomically designed.
Banana Boat Ultra Defenses is Oil-Free.
The classic Baby Bjorn can be used for babies 8-25 pounds.
Sippigrip can attach to a stroller, car seat or high chair.
The Halo SleepSack is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Naturally Nora’s Nora grew up in Michigan!
The Rookie Moms are Heather and Whitney.
Baby bjorn products use, and have used pedatricians since 1961 when baby bjorn was founded to make sure the products are designed for the development and safety of our little ones.
Britax started in europe, and now is here and has offered car seats and strollers making them safe and high qualty.
Coppertone is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand
The playtex website has everything for new moms… info on products and even a solutions guide w/ product demos and product manuals
Gab first made this lip balm in 1991 when she was failing math class at umass amherst and gave it away to friends who told her it was worth selling, so she gave it a try and it was a huge sucess!
Banana boat hs 10 dif types of sunsreen for kids/babies!
This sippigrip is awesome! A mom invented this and it works with any sippy cup brand and style!
“The American Academy of Pediatrics, leading SIDS organizations and health professionals suggest the use of wearable blankets to provide a safe sleep environment for infants. A percentage of our sales go to First Candle/SIDS Alliance and the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths to support SIDS research and education.”
This in itself is great to know, I am pegnant and plan on buying one of these for the neswest addition to my family.
Unlike most food companies, Naturally Nora products are created only in a kitchen.
This book has 250 activities, organized by babys age! fun!
I’ve been keeping my eye on the blink as it is comparable to other more expensive strollers. The weight limit of 55lbs allows 5 lbs more than its closest competitor. I’ve owned a Maclaren and a P3 and found them to be difficult to steer with a heavier child. I would love to try one of these out to compare the 3. The colors are far more eye catching than the others I’ve seen. Does it come with a cup holder for both a child and a parent? If not, that would be an added bonus.
I cannot believe that the Blink stroller has a 55lb capacity — that’s great, considering I have a 47lb 6 year old that gets tired of walking…but no other stroller really holds up to her weight!!
I’m all for buying the sippigrip — I had no idea that Target or even BRU sold these. I’m definately going to find one — my son LOVES to throw his bottles & sippies!!
I had a BabyBjörn when my daughter was born and used it all the time. It’s great for when you have one of those babies that just willnot let you put them down for a second, to just sweep a room real fast. I gave it away shortly after she was done using it and I got a Graco one for my baby shower with my son and I hate it. It’s so uncomfortable — nothing near the BabyBjörn.
The BabyBjörn bib is fascinating to me — I’ve never seen a bib with a neck tie like that…the beaded necklace like tie. How creative. I love that it’s dishwasher safe too!
Coppertone SPF 50 is amazing!! Used it this year for my son’s first trip to the ocean (he was 8 months old). It’s great that it’s hypoallergenic too!
Strawcups with the flip lid, are genius for those of us with kids that set their drinks down just about anywhere!
I’ve never heard of Mad Gab’s before – But I would be interested in trying their Butt Balm. Especially since it should help with sensitive skin.
I breastfed my 2nd child and was told to get the Medela breastpump — best buy I could’ve ever gotten. It really came in handy and I can’t wait to use it again if/when we decide to have another baby. I tell everyone I know that is pregnant and planning on nursing to get a Medela. It’s great because it can really imitate the suction of your newborn.
What a fascinating thing for a child, the Eat & Discover from Baby Einstein is!! My son is at a very curious stage — I’m all for getting this as well!! ((This site is going to get me in trouble LOL))
Banana Boat Hydration SPF — I love how it hydrates and cools the skin. Definately a must have in the summer!
I had no idea that the Sleep Sack went up to that size (early walker). I could’ve used this when my daughter was a toddler — she hates blankets. Good to know.
I’ve never heard of the Naturally Nora items — I’d love to try them out. I’d just have to find a place that sells them. I’ve never seen them before anyhwere. I like that they’re made from the kitchen. That’s a plus.
I’ve seen something similar to the Rookies Mom activity agenda book at Borders. It’s a great way to keep your child busy without causing them boredom from repetitiveness of the same thing over and over again.
Will definately need to get the Rookie Mom’s handbook. My 8 month old daughter is into everything and wants to try to do everything. She will love it!
I’ve seen the halo sack before but I didn’t realize that it helped reduce SIDS.
Mad Gabs products are naturally made. The packaging is really cute too and reasonably priced!
Naturally nora’s desserts are made with all natural ingredients and look sooooo yummy!
baby bjorn bib- dishwasher safe
Blink stroller- Portable Carry Strap enables you to carry the stroller while keeping two hands free.
waterbabies- It’s UVA AND UVB protection
Playtex Straw cups are for ages 2 and up.
Medela pump- All parts that come into contact with breastmilk are BPA-free–Very Important!
Mad Gabs- Made store displays out of salvaged coffin wood!
Playtex Baby Einstien Products- Was created with a feeding specialist, and is ergonomically designed to help ease the transition to solid food.
Banana Boat sunscreen – Cools Skin!
Halo Sleep Sack- Good info–DO NOT let anyone smoke around your baby or be in a room where someone has recently smoked.
SippiGrip- designed to custom fit any brand or size sippy cup or bottle!
Baby Bjorn-Can all be machine-washed
Naturally Nora- Has a Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturally-Nora/94566724435
Rookie Mom Handbook- has 250 Activities to do with (and without!) your baby
Medela-I never knew there are two phases in breast feeding. It is great that the Medela pump mimics these two phases. Sounds like the mercedes of breast pumps.
I like that the baby bjorn bib can adjust to fit your baby just right.
The Blink stroller has a fold release mechanism that allows the stroller to fold up w/ out messing up your shoes and it has a one foot break that locks both wheels.
I like playtex’s eat and discover meal time tray. It helps teach colors and keeps food sperate for those picky eaters like I have.
I love that Mad Gab’s ovvers natural body care and was started up by a determined and hard working person!
I love medela’s pump that mimics a baby’s natural nursing pattern! My old one is…well..getting old!!
the babybjorn bib is wonderful for encouraging independent eating without the mess
it’s a great “catch all” for toddlers! we use these types of bibs at the daycare center i worked at and let me just say… what a blessing! yogurt for the first time on their own…HAVE AT IT!
mad gabs makes travel soy candles… lead free wicks and premium soy for safe, clean burning.
the activities in the rookie mom’s handbook are categorized by stages… makes it easy.
the insulator sport straw cup keeps liquids cooler twice as long as a regular cup.
I like the fact the Medela has adjustable settings to let mom choose a comfortable setting.
I find it interesting that the Einstein line had help from a feeding specialist. Never heard this before. To help from stage to stage eating I would use this product.
I love these bibs that fact that they are adjustable and catch the food. This will help keep stains of clothes. I’ll be buying some of these.
Bjorn Bib – it’s dishwasher safe…that’s so cool. What an easy way to clean up the mess.
Britax Blink Stroller – it has a portable carry strap. That must be so convenient!
Coppertone Sun Babies lotion- it’s “tear free”. I never knew that suntan lotions for kids were gentle on the eyes.
Playtex cups – I never realized that all the playtex lids were interchangable with all their cups. Interesting.
Mad Gabs – Awesome backstory to how a normal person’s invention became a huge success.
Medela Breastpump – all parts that come in contact w/ you are BPA free and this is a single user pump.
Baby Einstein – love how they incorporate learning with eating. It helps keeps fussy eaters focused on mealtime.
Banana Boat – products are tested in the sun, not just in a lab.
Baby Bjorn carrier – I never realized that you could use the carrier as a front facing carrier once the baby was older. I thought it was mostly used for little babies and only chest-to-chest.
HALO – love how a portion of all of their proceeds go to a SIDS research group. I also was never aware that they made sleepsacks for toddlers also.
SippiGrip – the mom who invented this is genius! I love how they can attach to pretty much anything…stroller, carseat, high chair, etc.
Britax strollers can hold up to 55 pounds.
Naturally Nora – I am astounded by the number of artificial ingredients in other cake mixes compared to naturally nora. wow.
Rookie handbook – I love this idea. Even when you are a busy, on-the-go Mom…you can always use new ideas/activities to do with (and without) your child.
I have always loved the Britax brands. What a great lightweight stroller. I love the carrying strap, great idea!
I can’t believe the comparison of 18 to 8 ingredients, I never knew this brand existed. I love the baking tips, especially the substitutions section.
What a great idea- I get so tired of having to catch the sippy cups when we go out for dinner. Now it won’t be a game anymore- very clever!
I took the “What baby carrier is right for you?” and was told it’s the Baby Carrier Active. I didn’t know there were major differences between the models.
The BabyBjorn Soft Bib is dishwasher safe. I heart ANYTHING I don’t have to hand-wash.
I didn’t even know Britax made strollers. I love that it holds kids up to 55 lbs.
It said the sunscreen was “photostable,” but didn’t explain what that meant, so I actually had to Google it to learn that it just means it “contains sun filtering agents that retain their stability upon exposure to sunlight.”
Straw cups – awesome! I have known that my 2 year old has outgrown sippy cups (took the stoppers out), but not quite ready for a real cup and wasn’t sure where to go next.
Mad Gab’s mission is to create and market all natural products that are unique in appearance, effectiveness and quality.
Medela has “2-Phase Expression technology that mimics a baby’s natural nursing pattern” – who comes up with this stuff?
It wasn’t clear from the picture above what that was- looked like a Baby Einstein toy, but it’s actually a separated plate/bowl with lids on each part. How cute!
It looks like this Ultra Defense is sunscreen you can use everyday, like you should, because it has Aloe which helps moisturize.
Sippi Grip is one of those things that could only be invented by a frustrated mom. Brilliant – I like that the straps are adjustable and washable.
I heart Halo Sleep Sacks so much and used them with both kids. I like that they have Coolmax-material baby clothes now, too.
I see you talk about Naturally Nora all the time and really need to try these soon. I love that you click on a product on the website and it takes you right to the ingredient list and nutritional label.
I am adding this book to my shopping list for my pregnant cousin who will be moving to Colorado where she has no family and a husband in the Army. This looks like it may give her ideas to stay sane with a newborn.
I learned that Playtex has a “create your own” cup! My girls would LOVE this!!! What a great idea! And even better…it’s supposed to keep drinks cooler for twice as long as regular cups!!! LOVE IT!
I just read about the Partner Program that Medela has with accounts who grow their businesses with the support of the Medela brand. Medela recognizes these partnerships with the title Certified Nursing Center, a one-stop-shopping experience for your breastfeeding needs. I will be searching out a Certified Nursing Center in my area !
BabyBjorn bibs have deep pockets that look like they will be great for catching all the stuff my independent eater is dropping!
The Britax Blink has a weight capacity up to 55lbs and a good sized storage space below
Coopertone – I love that it’s waterproof and tear free!
Playtex – the insulated straw cups will be great for keeping drinks cool, especially in the summer
Halo Sleep Sacks not only come in bigger sized that will fit my 14 mo. old, but they also have ones w/ with foot holes in the bottom so he can still get up and walk around in his crib while wearing one! I was JUST wondering if sleep sack made something like this today!!!
The Baby Bjorn bib is dishwasher safe!
Britax Blink has a portable handle/strap for easy toting!
Waterbabies Pure and Simple is TEAR FREE!
Playtex straw cups are great for babies like mine who don’t like drinking from a sippy cup w/ a valve/spout.
Mad Gabs has lots of natural products for your face, feet, belly, and even your baby.
The Medela Pump in Style Advanced can be used with an optional 9V vehicle lighter adapter by moms who are “on the go”.
Platex is the only manufacturer that offers Baby Einstein themed mealtime essentials.
I really like the Rookie Mom website. I like the different ideas they share.
Naturally Nora cake mixes sound great! Visiting their website I found out that no store carries them here in Rhode Island. Good to know that I can get them from Amazon though!
Loved the platex site… I liked how you could hit the age you are looking for and all the products that are available. Platex sippy cups and straw cups are the best, no leaks!
BabyBjörn is a great product, I bought two of the over the toilet seats and am thinking about buying the stand alone potty.
I like how Coppertone® Water BABIES® Pure & Simple SPF 50 is tear free, hypo allergenic and water proof. I like the sun and skin section of the website.
I never really heard of BooginHead, but what a great invention for the sippy cups… I’ve bought the pacifier holders, how can you live without them!
And the sleep blankets are heaven sent, I used them up until a year old. I knew they made them for older ones, but my kids always hated it, so I just put footed pj’s on them, and they seem fine.
Entered on FB and Twitter also… would love to win!
I’ve been looking for a pocket bib…didn’t realize the BABYBJÖRN Soft bib was adjustable!
Blink has a 55# weight capacity! Awesome!
Coppertone Waterbabies is Hypoallergenic, but it still caused my lil’ princess to get a blotchy. However we still use it faithfully! And she is not bothered by it!
Playtex® invented the first truly spill-proof cup.
Baby Moose Balm…who knew…I’ll have to try this one. Delicately formulated with chamomile and calendula to help soothe babies’ bottoms, cradle cap and dry spots
All parts that come into contact with breastmilk are BPA-free. I hoped this about my breast pump, but I never knew for sure until now!
Non-slip ring on bottom of bowl keeps it in place…eat & discover bowl…yup…need one!
Banana Boat…”tested in the sun, not just in the lab”…love that!
Didn’t know there was a cover for the BABYBJORN…would have been very helpful with a Jan. baby!
The SippiGrip was invented by a Mom…of course it was!!!!!
Didn’t know the Halo Sleep sack was designed by a parent who lost an infant to SIDS.
Naturally Nora is available at Meijer…excellent!
Never even heard of the Rookie Mom…I sure could use some of her tips!
I love the medela breast pump. No other pump is like it. And I love the shoulder bag one on their website. I had the big blue case! It was fun carrying that into work every day.
I love Halo! Both my kids (2 and 4) wear them (and have since birth). I tell all of my new parent friends about them. My kids wont even travel without them. Cute!
I just found all natural pre made cookie dough so now I see I can find cake mix too! I love the help of these products and appreciate that they are free of all of the “stuff” that we dont want or need. All products should be that way! I will print out a retailer request form and ask my local supermarket to stock this brand!
I follow on Facebook.
I went to the Sippigrip site and learned that I can get it at Target. I’ve never seen one of these there! I’m going to take a look next time.
I loved the info for the homemade Foofa costume on the Rookie Mom’s web site. My daughter will love dressing up as Foofa!
My infant wears a Halo sleepsack every night, but I’m intrigued by their new CoolMax line. I’m going to check it out for when she gets a bit more mobile and starts tripping over her sleepsack when she stands up.
On the Playtex site, I learned that their Hip Hammock is good for kids up to 35 lbs. I’ve been looking for something like this since my infant is getting a bit big and is sure to outgrow her front carrier soon.
The MadGabs site was so cute. I loved all their delicious flavors! I’d bet it will be pretty easy to get my toddler to put some lip balm on her chapped lips with flavors like blueberry, sugar cooke, and hot cocoa. Yum!
I learned that the halo sleep sack comes in a toddler size. My little one cant stand a blanket so this will be great. !! I see longer nights sleep ahead!! Yay!
I Love all the cute patterns offered for the sipi grips !!! Going to see if I can find them at my Target this weekend !
I am so excited to see Naturally Nora mixes ! My son has a corn allergy and I was trying to find a corn starch / sypup free vaiety with noluck…until now ! Thanks !
THe neck of the Baby Bjorn Bib is designed like a bead necklace with continuous fastening, so it can be individually adjusted to fit your child.
Britax Strollers are appropriate from 6 months up to 55 lbs.
I follow on FB & Twitter.
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and together with UVB rays contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Our exposure to UVA is more constant than UVB – we encounter UVA rays no matter what the season or time of day so protect your babiues skin with Coppertone Water Babies.
The Ortho-Pro® pacifier was designed by dentists to allow for proper oral development.
Moose Belly and Baby Balm is delicately formulated with chamomile and calendula to help soothe babies’ bottoms, cradle cap and dry spots.
I’m also following you on Twitter! @chirpandtweet
I follow on the average parent on facebook
And I’m a FB fan!
Medela’s unique wipes allow easy & convenient cleaning without soap & water.
Refills have a multi-layer film for the ultimate protection against odor. Each refill can seal up to 180 diapers and are only intended to be used with the Diaper Genie II Elite™ and Diaper Genie® II systems. These refills are unscented and can be used for babies of all ages.
Choose a sunscreen with advanced protection which provides you with powerful protection. both skin-aging UVA and skin-burning UVB rays. Banana Boat® products with AvoTriplex™ Technology are highly photostable, meaning the ingredients won’t break down under the sun.
The BabyBjörn Mobility range gives you and your baby the freedom to move around everyday life with ease and style.
A PaciGrip is a UNIVERSAL pacifier leash that is compatible with all types of pacifiers such as Soothie, Avent, Mam and more!
Place your baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and night time
This web site is inspired by our need to have at least one fun activity per day for our baby’s first year. Now we have over 1000! Please submit comments to give your own spin on any activity here.
I just watched the video for the Britax Blink stroller. This stroller has features that make it so easy and convenient to use . I didn’t know Britax made strollers. I have loved their children’s car seats .
I love the Playtex First Sipster Cups.
Facebook fan (Danielle Parent Garcia)
I posted on my Facebook wall.
The Peppermint Bear Foot Balm looks wonderful at Mad Gab’s.
At Naturally Nora, I would love to try the Cookie Cookie Cake Mix.
SippiGrip is a great germ protection product!