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I've said it before and I'll say it again - a humidifier is really a must in the winter for anyone, but especially a baby! Why, you ask? I'll tell ya why... Winter is dry. Your heaters make it even dryer. When your nasal passages dry out, they become easy targets for all the germs you encounter out there. Beyond that, you might notice dry skin, chapped lips, stuffy nose, nose bleeds, and static electricity galore. To battle this, you should keep your home at about 45% humidity. You can try this with pots of water and wet towels lying about your house, or you can go the higher tech route with a humidifier. Cool mist humidifiers are recommended with kids around, to avoid the risk of burns from boiling warm mist ones. They're also more effective at relieving congestion and breathing difficulties of colds (you know, the ~12 your child will have each year!!) and croup. Relieving congestion is most important for babies who must be able to breathe through their noses in order to feed from the breast or bottle! We just got the Crane Germ Defense Humidifier, which works with cool or warm mist - awesome! The Germ Defense part comes from antimicrobial protection in the water tank that creates a germ free mist. One tank can run up to 72 hours, but I make sure to change the water every 24 hours, after running it through the night and 2 naps.   The thing I love most about this humidifier is the two vents you can move independent of each other!! We have the humidifier in our bedroom, which we share with our baby, so we aim one vent at his crib and one vent at our bed. Perfecto!! It's also really quiet! While it is "germ defense" it will still breed mold if you let it, so they recommend soaking the base in a vinegar-water solution once a week. The only negative is that the power light is bright blue... I guess you can just tape something over it? :P You can get one of these humidifiers from Crane's website (or just about any retailer including Amazon), OR... Enter to win a Crane Drop Humidifier or Adorable Humidifier (as well as 8 other awesome products - $300+ value) in my Great Winter Baby & Toddler Gear Giveaway (ending December 4!) 
  **Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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Babies are supposed to have buttery smooth skin right? That's why we have the saying "smooth as a baby's bottom"!! But let's face it, sometimes they're not silky smooth. Maybe they're dry from the harsh winter climate, or maybe they have eczema or other skin-related issues. You can't just run to Rite Aid and slap any old lotion on your little one! Do you know what kind of chemicals and phthalates and what not are in those?! There are plenty of healthier and greener options to choose from, and I have one really cool one to let you know about. On the Spot by Sweet Knee is a no-mess balm that contains only FOUR ingredients! None of that "how do you say that!?!?" scary stuff! You've got your unrefined raw shea butter, virgin coconut oil, beeswax, and rosemary antioxidant - that's it! And all are certified organic and naturally gluten free. WOW! Because of the simple and natural ingredients, you can put it anywhere - baby's ashy legs, chapped cheeks or lips, drool-irritated chest... And it comes in a really great roll-up stick form (like a giant tube of chapstick) that is easy for adults, fun for older kids to use themselves, and perfect for use while out and about. I gotta say, it does the job, feels nice, and smells pretty good too :)   You can buy On the Spot or you can... Enter to win On the Spot (along with 8 other great prizes in a $300+ value jackpot) in my Great Winter Baby & Toddler Gear Giveaway, ending December 4. On the Spot is sold by The Eczema Company, an online Canadian retailer selling natural products for children and adults with eczema. However most of their products are great for non-eczema sufferers as well! Their Scratch Me Not mittens are perfect for babies and are houdini-proof! They have tons of great lotions, green laundry solutions, healing hazelwood jewelry, you name it! We got their Calendulis Cream for my son's cheek which used to get red and irritated (mild eczema??) and it would heal right up after just one application!! That stuff is magical! **Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
My little baby boy is 11 months old today. And it has hit me. He's almost a year old! He has 6 teeth (#7 and 8 are about to pop through), he's walking (practically running) around the house all by himself, he's talking up a storm (though has no words yet per se), is starting to graduate from baby food to table food... Somehow, without my realizing it, my baby turned into a toddler!! How does this happen so soon!? I'm starting to understand how, "accidents" aside, the pull toward the whole "2 under 2" thing ^_^ But that would mean getting preggo in less than 4 months! o_O whoa whoa whoa... 
We all want our kids to wear clothes as adorable as our kids are, right? Well, have I got the shop for you!! Kozie Kidz has the CUTEST accessories EVER!!! Seriously... no joke! Check the adorable monkey hat and leg warmers we just got from them:  I tried to get my little monkey to pose for a picture, but he had other things on his agenda...   Namely, tearing the hat off his head and eating the buttons! haha!! but I think he'll get used to it?? Or maybe I'll make use of those braids and tie it tight around his chin! :) Anyway, Kozie Kidz is an online store in Canada selling adooooooorable hats and accessories for children ages preemie through 6 years. Whether you're looking for a baby shower gift or just something cute and unique to add to your little one's wardrobe, you've got to check them out! Kozie Kidz is offering my readers a 20% discount on orders over $25 with the code "japanfam" (expires December 13, 2013). And don't miss your chance to win your very own monkey hat and leg warmers from Kozie Kidz, as well as 8 other great prizes (jackpot valued over $300!!!) - enter my Great Winter Baby & Toddler Gear Giveaway today (ends Dec. 4)! **Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
We all know you cannot put a blanket in the crib with your little one, so how to keep them warm throughout the cold winter nights? There are a number of sleep sacks out there on the market, but I just came across one that really stood out as functional and totally adorable - the Badaboum Sleep Sack!  I really love how thick and comfy Badaboum's sleep sack is, and it has plenty of wiggle room in there. My little guy has no problem rolling around, sitting, and even standing in it!  One thing I especially liked about it over another sleep sack that we have is the snaps on the shoulders. This means you don't have to stuff your little one's arm through the tiny arm holes! Much easier!! Also, the zipper goes all the way down the side and around the bottom, so you could potentially do a diaper change without taking the sleep sack off.  It's easy to keep clean too - just throw it in the washer and dryer and poof - it's good to go! They offer two sizes: 0-6 months and 6-24 months, and just the one unisex design (cute little clouds) for now. Enter to win one of these sleep sacks (and 8 other awesome products - $300+ Value Jackpot!) in my Great Winter Baby & Toddler Gear Giveaway (ending December 4!)  **Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
The ability of stem cells to save lives via cord blood banking has proven successful for replacing abnormal or diseased cells, and treating life-threatening blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. In fact, since 1988 stem cell transplants have been used to treat some 80 diseases. Through cord blood banking, you can collect and preserve potentially lifesaving stem cells, and in doing so could one day save the life of your child or a blood relative.  You can bank even more stem cells by collecting them from two usable sources of stem cell-rich blood: the umbilical cord and the placenta. This service is called Placental and Cord Blood Banking, and it's available only from LifebankUSA.  As the only company that offers cord blood, placenta blood and tissue banking -- and the first to release placenta-derived stem cells for a successful transplant -- New Jersey-based LifebankUSA is a technological leader that is pioneering key medical innovations in the field. LifebankUSA is currently holding a giveaway on Facebook. Three lucky winners will each receive one Britax Marathon 70-G3 Car Seat ($260 value)! ENTER HERE for your chance to win!! Giveaway ends December 31, 2013.  Sponsored Post Disclosure: Opinions are my own and not swayed by compensation of any kind. This was a sponsored post, but I limit such posts to companies that meet my moral standards and I feel I can really stand behind (hey, I'm not a sell out!).
With winter fast approaching, and here already in some regions, we are so excited to bring you this awesome giveaway featuring NINE essential products for getting your baby or toddler through the season. Enter through the rafflecoptor box below (US residents 18 and over only please) - one lucky winner will get all 9 products (jackpot valued at over $300)!!! Throughout the two weeks of the giveaway, you can gain extra entry points with daily tweeting, pinning, and facebook sharing. Our hosts will also be posting reviews and product highlights along the way (links will be added below as they go live), so be sure to follow us all to stay in the loop! Before you enter, please take a moment to "meet" our blogging co-hosts and sponsoring companies! Blogger Co-Hosts: A big thanks to my awesome mommy co-hosts: Kristin @ My Strange Family, Elizabeth @ MommieDe Blog, Christine @ Brunch with my Baby, and Stephanie @ Football, Food & Motherhood! Go check out their blogs!      Sponsors & Prizes: Ruum American Kids Wear will be giving away a $100 gift card to shop their site. They carry clothes and accessories for babies through boys and girls' size 14. From sweaters to shoes to ear muffs you can find tons of good stuff at Ruum for your child's winter (or spring, or summer, or fall...) wardrobe! See Kristin's review here!  7 A.M. Enfant has included a pair of their brand new Bee Warmmuffs in our giveaway! This one isn't technically for the baby, but it'll keep the hands of whoever's pushing the little one's stroller around toasty warm!! See Kristin's review here!  Badaboum will be contributing one of their thick, cozy, cute sleep sacks for the winner. A safe alternative to a blanket in the crib, these unisex sleep sacks have plenty of wiggle room and are easy to get on and off - offering snaps on the shoulders and a zipper down the side and around the bottom. Our winner will have a choice between two sizes: 0-6 months and 6-24 months. See my review here!  Kissy Kissy products are well known for their trademark softness using Peruvian Pima cotton. They will be contributing either a Kissy Kissy Romper or Pant Set based upon the winner's child's size and gender. The winner will have a choice between sizes: 0-24 months. See Elizabeth's review here!  Crane has offered our winner their choice of cool-mist humidifier: either a sleek and stylish Drop Humidifier or an Adorable Humidifier (frog, cat, duck, owl, oh my gosh the list goes on!!). Using a cool-mist humidifier is a must for baby and parents alike, especially in the winter. Keeping baby's room the optimal level of humidity will both lower their susceptibility to illness and keep them more comfortable when the unavoidable cold does strike. See my review here!  Kozie Kidz is giving away the most adorable sock monkey hat and leg warmers to our winner! Your little one will be snuggly warm, ridiculously adorable, and the envy of his or her play group! See my review here!  Joan DuRocher Baby (jdbaby) has contributed a pair of her cute handmade fleece slippers to the giveaway. With a non-slip sole, these will keep little one's tootsies warm and make slipper wearing fun! Winner will be able to choose from an assortment of great designs! Read Elizabeth's review here!  The Eczema Company carries various lines of skincare, clothing and accessories for children and adults with eczema and other skin conditions. But the Sweet Knee On the Spot balm in our giveaway is perfect for keeping anyone moisturized through the brutal winter months. In a stick form, it's super portable and great for on-the-go no-mess application. See my review here!  Boogie Wipes offers our winner two 30-count packs of their awesome boogie wipes!! These saline wipes are much gentler on your little one's nose than regular tissues because of their moistness - perfect for tackling those winter cold-crusted button noses! They come in Fresh, Grape, or unscented. See Elizabeth's review here! Pretty awesome giveaway huh?? So, what are you waiting for - ENTER to win NOW!!! ^_^
Feeding my almost 11 month old is a challenge, to say the least. We introduced "solids" at around 6.5 months and he did well with me spoon feeding him for several months. But as he's gotten older, he's getting more independent and this becomes apparent at meal time as well! He fights the spoon unless I keep giving him exciting things to play with to distract him. When I give him real food to pick up and eat with his hands, it just ends up on the floor, which is fine, but we do need some to get in his mouth!! One thing I've found that's been working have been those food pouches, but unfortunately the pre-packaged ones are super expensive. So, I've found a great solution!! BooginHead Squeez'Ems are reusable food pouches that you fill yourself! You can fill them with your homemade or store bought baby food, yogurt, oatmeal, whatever! If your little one can manage without making a mess, just hand the pouch over and watch the food get sucked down the hatchet in record time. If they're not yet capable, you can hold the pouch for them, or you can squeeze into a spoon. These are awesome for mealtime while you're out and about because they eliminate the need for bowls and spoons and for the most part napkins! Here's my little guy demo-ing the Squeez'Ems:  Sometimes he'll suck it out, other times I've got to squeeze it for him.  He's much happier holding it himself, though he isn't eating at that point! BooginHead Squeez'Ems are BPA, PVC & Phthalate free, come in one piece to eliminate lost parts, are freezer, microwave and top rack dishwasher safe, and perfect for lunch boxes and travel! The top part is rather large and super easy to fill. After you're done, rinse it out and hand wash it or throw it in the dishwasher and you're ready to fill again! What are you waiting for? Get a 2 pack here today! :)  **Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
I'll admit it, I miss my clubbing days. The loud music, the lights, the dancing all night, the FUN! Sure, I can dance around with my little guy in the apartment, but it's just not the same. But, I found a solution to my woes... Baby Loves Disco!! What is Baby Loves Disco, you ask? Well, I couldn't say it better myself so let's take a blurb straight from their site: "For the past 8 years, Baby Loves Disco has been transforming the hippest night clubs across the world into child proof discos as toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post naptime, pre-dinner fun. Make no mistake, this is NOT the Mickey Mouse club, and Barney is Banned. Baby loves disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes From the 70s, & 80s with today’s hottest dance tunes…..guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving." (from Baby Loves Disco website) I'd heard about them years ago, long before having kids, and thought it was such a neat idea. Then I saw them on the Shark Tank a few weeks ago and the interest was re-ignited. Checked their schedule and low and behold they were coming to town!! The line down the block told me this was gonna be something (it was a sold out show, with several birthday parties included)...  Their sponsors were lined up in the hallway giving away free samples and brochures, everyone from Happy Family to New York Life Insurance! The bar, which had the booze flowing (for some parents too much perhaps? haha), was also lined with kid-friendly snacks, which were unfortunately not so healthy but definitely kid-pleasers. Pop tarts, pb&j banana sandwiches, cereal, muffins, pita and hummus, chips and salsa, juice pouches from Honest Kids...  The music was a bit loud, and I slightly regretted not having a pair of those baby hearing protector earmuffs that you see little Blue Ivy sporting at her mom and dad's concerts! But it definitely wasn't as loud as a regular club, I know this because my ears were not ringing when we left! haha!! Phew! They had a lot of fun dance games such as "Freeze Dance" (see above video), "Family Dance Off", "Cha Cha Slide", "YMCA" etc! The music was RIGHT up my ally playing top 40 dance music with a few oldies but goodies in there like Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". Here's me and my baby gettin' our grooves on: Baby Loves Disco is for ages 6 months and up, so they have a little designated "crawl zone" for the wee ones! They also had 2 changing tables set up by the bathrooms, with wipes!  It was a full house, but not packed like a regular club night would be. There was definitely plenty of space to jump around and even let my 10 month old toddle around in the bubbles without getting trampled.   US-Japan Fam in the flesh!  Kenzo's bestie Preston and his parents, of Parents and the City blog. So, to recap, Baby Loves Disco is pretty darn awesome. If you aren't a fan of dancing and music, then maybe this won't be on your to-do list. But for me it was a great way to enjoy the fun of clubbing but in a family-friendly way that your kids can enjoy, especially the 3 years and up kiddies - they were all LOVING it!!! And I have to say, it was refreshing to come out of there sober, with no hang over or ringing ears, in the day light - and not the harsh daylight of the next morning! haha! Yay for Baby Loves Disco! ^_^
It was bad, then it was good, and now it's bad again. Ha! I could stop there, but maybe some of you want some more details (crying and sleeping totals are for the 24 hour period from bedtime through next day's 2 naps, also I should add they're totals for the baby, not me, haha): DAY 1 = HORRIFIC!! Total Crying in Crib: 6.5 hours Total Sleep: 11.5 hours DAY 2 = MUCH better! Total Crying in Crib: 1.5 hours Total Sleep: 9 hrs (boycotted 2nd nap) DAY 3 = NOW we're talking!! ^_^ Total Crying in Crib: 40 minutes Total Sleep: 14 hours (not a peep from 8pm-6:30am) DAY 4 = Gooooooood! Total Crying in Crib: 1 hour Total Sleep: 13 hours (slept 8pm-7am with just a couple of peeps) DAY 5 = Back to Exhaustion. Total Crying in Crib: 7 hours Total Sleep: 12 hours DAY 6 = Better... Total Crying in Crib: 2.5 hours Total Sleep: 10 hours DAY 7: Sucky suck mc. suck alot Total Crying in Crib: 5.5 hours Total Sleep: 10.5 hours (boycotted 2nd nap) So, looking at his total time sleeping he is WAAAAAAY sleep deprived. He slept through the night 2 times out of the week. We're not doing so well... He's developed a cold with some pretty major congestion, and 2 bottom teeth are trying to bust through (his 7th and 8th teeth), so I'm hoping once these 2 issues are through he'll be sleeping through the night regularly and getting his much needed cumulative 14-15 hours of sleep. After all this, I'm definitely not going to revert back to letting him pass out at the breast, even when he's not feeling 100%. If he's really miserable I will comfort him in other ways, but not by co-sleeping and not at the breast. We will get through this... soon... fingers crossed!!! @_@  Napping peacefully at the moment! At least he doesn't pass out kneeling against the crib rail anymore! :P
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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