Every now and again we come across a product that a smart mom or mommas created to make their lives easier, and the lives of their children more fun. The aacua by maamam is one such product. This bath product has many, many uses…it’s an apron, a towel, a swaddler for infants and a bathrobe for toddlers – all in one ($38 each). Don’t believe me? Check out the instructional videos on their website. Plus, they’re kinda cute!

maamam‘s products are original and unique modern creations by mothers for babies, toddlers and older kids.

Loving the Happy Blankie - papasan cushion combo!

A few weeks ago, I won a raffle at an Appel & Frank Babes and Babies Shopping Event. So exciting! I rarely win these kinds of things. I was even more excited when I brought home the raffle prize…a Happy Blankie (size large). Haven’t heard of the Happy Blankie? Well, keep reading…

The brainchild of a 7 year old David Holdridge, the Happy Blankie combines two kiddo faves: a stuffed animal and a blanket. Different from Zoobies, the Happy Blankie definitely leans much more towards the blanket part of the equation…but with a super cute animal face. We won “Tumble the Happy Bear” and have been using it as a (super soft!) play mat. Incidentally, it is a PERFECT fit for the Pier 1 Papasan Cushion we bought for our 4 month old to play on (she outgrew her Boppy Newborn Lounger already!). And she totally digs the set-up. So much so that she took a 2 hour nap on Tumble’s face the first day we set it up.

As an added bonus, if you purchase a Happy Blankie, an identical blanket is given to a child in a hospital, orphanage, or distressed situation around the world (ONE to Love, ONE to Share is the core philosophy of Happy Blankie).  And YOU get to choose where you want the second blanket donated by visiting the Happy Blankie website, entering the ID# that comes with each purchased blanket, and selecting your giving destination. We chose the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, NY.

By the way, what a neat parent-child activity…reading about various giving destinations and choosing one to receive an identical blanket?!?

Gioia giving her eazzwrap all-in-one blanket a thumbs up!

It is so eaz-z to love these All-In-One baby blankets from eazzwraps.

Made from all organic fibers, these fabulous blankets satisfy a number of wants and needs for you and your babe. The larger size (45″ by 45″) makes the blankets perfect for nursing and playtime. The tags on the blanket are fun for your kiddo to play with. They also help the blanket easily attach to your stroller and are a great place to hook a pacifier or favorite toy (and not worry about losing it!).

Eazzwraps All-In-One blankets are made in the USA and are machine washable for easy care. You can purchase the All-In-One blankets for $59.99 each here. My daughter has one in Ari Sateen and gives it a big thumbs up!

Remember when naps were mandatory in pre-school?  Oh, how I wish they were mandatory as you get older.  Alas, not the case.  BUT you can make your young ones midday snooze that much more special with this Tot Cot® from Urban Infant.  My favorite thing about this is that it is made from recycled PET plastic bottles, making it a ‘Save the Planet’ nap product as well.  It saves about 39 plastic bottles from a landfill – cool!  It is at a great price point and super convenient as well.  It features a quilted lining, removable pillow, name tag, attached blanket, quick roll-up system and a handle for toting to and from daycare or preschool.  AND it is recommended by Working  Mother and Parenting Magazine. Recommended for children 2-5 years.  You can buy it here.

As far as I am concerned you can’t have too many blankets for the babe. BUT, that being said, make sure that they are blankets that YOU like – otherwise, you just won’t use them.  That pink fluffy duck blanket you got from a co-worker, well, if you don’t like it you will never use it.  Better to just donate it to your local charity for someone that will love it. read more »

Looking for a unique (but useful) gift for that mom-to-be in your life? Check out these off-the-beaten path baby shower gift picks. Tried and loved by our LuxeMom crew these are sure to be essential conversation pieces.

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