AR Pillow

Recently, I was searching for a way to transition Clara and Anna from sleeping in their carseats to sleeping in their crib. They slept in their carseats for three months due to reflux. Both girls would just scream and scream if placed in their cribs on their backs. Desperate for sleep, Mike and I gave in and let them sleep in their carseats, which was definitely not a good long-term solution...

While researching on the Internet for possible solutions I found AR Pillow. I quickly contacted the company and was thrilled when they agreed to send a pillow for us to review. They also sent along one of their elevated changing pads as well.

Anna says, "Mom, quit taking pictures, I'm trying to sleep!"  Notice the green pillow cover.  The AR Pillow comes with this case to protect the pillow.  You can just remove the case for washing.

We setup the pillow in Anna's crib and she took a nap on it that afternoon. The transition was easy because she was still propped (which is why the carseat was so effective) and didn't have the reflux issues that made her scream. I was thrilled. We ordered another AR Pillow for Clara soon after and she has transitioned easily as well.

The AR Pillow attaches to the crib rails using velcro side pieces. After you place the baby on the wedge, you then velcro them on to the pillow around their tummy and then a harness type feature goes between their legs and velcros to each side. This is for safety reasons to keep the baby from slipping down on the pillow or becoming wedged between the pillow and the crib.

This isn't the best picture of Clara -- she was trying to sleep too!  However, you can see the white band around one of the crib rails.  That is the velcro side piece that secures the pillow to the crib. 

We've had great success with the AR Pillow and I highly recommend it to other parents who are dealing with reflux issues and/or trying to transition their children from sleeping in their carseat to the crib.

AR Pillow has graciously agreed to giveaway a nurser, changing station, AR Infant Pillow, and AR adult/child wedge to four lucky Sticky Feet readers.  All you need to do is click over to the AR Pillow website and select which of the three products you would like to win.  Leave the name of the product in a comment and include a way for me to contact you.  That's it!

Winner will be selected via Random.org on January 31!

Additional Entries: 

Congratulations to TylerPants and Tina who won the Playmobil giveaway!

Playmobil

Bo opens a new Playmobil playset on Christmas morning.

Playmobil sent Bo this amazing Drivers in Tropical Reef playset. We wrapped it up and said it was from Santa. :)

All of Playmobil's toys are perfect for budding imaginations. It's phenomenal to see the thought process and innovative ideas that Bo experiences with these toys. His first thought when he opened this set on Christmas morning, "Nemo fish." And no, I haven't been able to convince him to watch the movie.

I highly recommend all of Playmobil's playsets for your toddler. However, do take caution if you have smaller siblings in the house. Many of the pieces are quite small. I think we'll be putting this set away for a little while as soon as the girls are on the move!

Playmobil is giving away a nautical expedition playset to two lucky Sticky Feet readers! Simply click over to the Playmobil site and select which playset you think your little one would like best and leave the name in the comments, as well as a way for me to contact you.

For Additional Entries:

The winner will be selected via Random.org on January 25!

GumDrop Swap

I recently had the opportunity to test drive a new type of consignment shop for children's clothing - GumDrop Swap. Heaven knows, we're going through clothes like crazy right now at Chez Sticky Feet as the girls seem to grow out of their clothes overnight! I jumped at the chance to trade in some of Bo and the girls' old clothing for new clothing in their current sizes.

GumDrop Swap is an innovative idea that redefines consignment shopping. Becoming a member allows you to send a box of gently used clothing to swap for new-to-you apparel in your child's current size. No hassle. No paying multiple eBay shipping fees. You just send the box and then select what items you would like and receive a another box full of clothing in new sizes.

Overall, I was happy with my first GumDrop Swap and I do plan to participate in the service again. I was able to exchange all of the girls newborn apparel and many of Bo's outfits that he has outgrown and that I don't think the girls will wear for GumDrops. I just printed off the checklist and packed it all in a large box. (Note: it is more economical to swap a large box of clothing at once to save on shipping costs). I sent a very large box and the shipping cost was just over $14. I earned over 200 GumDrops for the items I sent and then selected from the list of items online in larger sizes for my little ones.

Approximately a week later, I received a large box from GumDrop Swap and it felt like Christmas morning all over again as I opened the box and anticipated what surprises were inside. Some of the clothing wasn't to my taste (I'm not big on frills, lace, etc. but you can be more specific if there are items you do not want to receive. I'll do that next time.) but all of the clothing was good quality and in excellent condition. At least ten of the pieces I received were brand new with tags!

Currently, a one month membership to GumDrop Swap is only $4.99. I highly suggest that you give it a try if you have clothing in your house that your children have outgrown and you're not saving for other children. My girls may actually get to wear a few pink sleepers instead of all of the baseball themed and blue clothing that they have been wearing thanks to GumDrop Swap!

Congratulations to Tara who won the FlyDuds Giveaway!