Safe Sleeptime for Babies

HALO Innovations is a unique resource for parents, offering solutions to help baby sleep more safely.

A trusted name in safe sleep for baby for more than 15 years, the company has introduced a new nursery set that enables parents to easily create an attractive and safe sleep environment for baby which supports a new recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Newer crib standards…have obviated the need for crib bumpers. Because of the potential for suffocation, entrapment and strangulation and lack of evidence to support that bumper pads or similar products that attach to crib slats or sides prevent injury in young infants, the AAP does not recommend their use.

The new HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set™ includes five coordinating pieces: a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, both in 100% cotton; two coordinating crib sheets in soft cotton jersey; and a matching crib skirt. The new Set is available in six patterns in pink, blue and neutral color tones; baby’s sleepwear features adorable, highly embellished appliqué detailing.

We applaud the AAP for recognizing that bumpers can be a potential threat to a sleeping baby and support their efforts in any way possible. Too often parents ‘overdress’ the crib with a quilt and bumpers, both of which can pose a breathing threat for baby.

–Bill Schmid, a SIDS dad and founder

Minneapolis, MN-based HALO Innovations is dedicated to developing products that set new standards for the safety and improved health of sleeping infants. HALO® branded products are used in hundreds of hospitals nationwide in well baby care, NICU’s and in take home programs to help new parents practice Safe Sleep for Baby at home.

If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Woolly Boo

Woolly Boo essential baby products make life easier for parents and heavenly for baby.

Whether it’s naptime or nighttime, Woolly Boo® Infant Sleep Sacks wrap little ones in luxury. Made with organic wool filler, which is layered with un-dyed natural cotton for breathable, hypoallergenic softness. A single color cotton fabric is sewn inside, followed by an outside fabric -usually a durable, easy-to-maintain damask- and it is finished off with a zipper. All seams are protected so that they do not irritate a child’s skin. Can also act as a wearable blanket.

The best way to maintain the Woolly Boo® Infant Sleep Sack is by exposure to fresh air. Spot clean. Air dry flat.

“We do not recommend washing wool unless it is absolutely necessary, as traditional detergents strip away many of the natural benefits of wool. In extreme cases, soak the product in cold water with a capful of white vinegar or use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for wool. You can also wash it in a machine that has a specialized ‘wool’ or ‘delicate’ cycle.”

Woolly Boo also makes Crib Bumper Pads, Toddler Travel Pillows and Crib Mattress Pads/Toddler Pillow/Comforter Sets, too. All available in cotton Damask, cotton twill and cotton flannel in prints and solid colors.

Safe in the Arms of Love

“The perfect gift for the families of newborns. A timeless classic!”

-DEEPAK CHOPRA, M.D.

For the over four million babies that are born in the United States each year, nothing is more important than creating a strong bond with their parent. Yet with demands of modern life, many of today’s parents are not sure just how to create that bond.

Safe in the Arms of Love combines beautiful, intentionally designed music, heartwarming lyrics and an accompanying book full of essential and easy to understand information on the importance of how healthy attachment builds a secure emotional foundation for a child’s entire life.

Endorsed by leading authorities such as Deepak Chopra, M.D., Christiane Northrup, M.D., Dean Ornish, M.D., Marshall Klaus, M.D. and Phyllis Klaus, MFT, LMSW, the music and book package is the first release from producers Resonant Sounds, LLC, which creates products utilizing Positive Intention Music™ to help parents experience healthy bonding with their baby.

Developed by sound healer and songwriter Lisa Rafel, Emmy-winning composer Gary Malkin and clinical psychologist Dr. David Surrenda, the book and CD are designed to relax both parent and child, allowing them to form the deep heart connection that is the essence of the bonding experience.

“The music is intended for use during pregnancy and after the baby is born, while nursing, putting the baby to sleep, or to create a moment in the day that is just between the parent and the child,” Lisa, who is also founder of Resonant Sounds. “The lyrics were written from a place of deep love and connection, and are meant to evoke those emotions within the parent as she or he interacts with their infant.”

The music in Safe in the Arms of Love was intentionally composed to facilitate bonding using Positive Intention Music™. “By utilizing psychoacoustics and sound healing principles, we are helping to create a peaceful, attentive, heart filled atmosphere where both parent and baby can become emotionally connected,” says Gary Malkin.

FYI – Dr. David Surrenda is also CEO of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health -the largest retreat center in the US- and one of my favorite places for learning and growing.

-Janet Muniz

lollacup

Easy to use & clean, safe and Made in the USA!

Mom Hanna Lim was surprised to see her daughter drinking from a straw at nine months old. Her pediatrician suggested weaning her to a straw instead of a sippy, so she immediately purchased several toddler straw cups, but realized that her daughter could not get a sip out of any of them. “After talking with other mothers, I learned that some of their children find it so difficult to sip from toddler straw cups that they are turned off from using straws altogether,” Hanna says. “That’s when lollacup was born.”

The entire experience inspires Hanna to develop the lollacup, a stylish and functional, BPA- and phthalate-free drinking cup with an innovative patent-pending design. A flexible, valve-free straw with a weighted end allows children to drink effortlessly from it, even when reclined at an angle.

And all parts are manufactured, assembled and packaged in the USA, in an ISO 9001 certified facility that carries an FDA Device Manufacturing License from the California Department of Health Services. CPSIA compliant, too!

-Janet Muniz

Carousel Designs

A unique interactive design tool for expectant parents to design and decorate the nursery.

From its start as a small family business in 1988, Carousel Designs has grown to become an award-winning national online retailer and trusted brand of premium baby bedding, twin bedding and home décor. Jonathan Hartley continues the family tradition of ownership as CEO with his business partner, president Allan Sicat. The two dads of young children are both graduates of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, are U.S. Army veterans- and take special pride that all Carousel Designs baby bedding products are Made in the USA.

In addition to offering custom baby bedding, Carousel Designs offers more than 100 pre-designed crib bedding collections, ranging from classic themes to more modern, sophisticated designs. Mini/portable crib, cradle, toddler, twin and full/queen bedding is also available along with coordinating nursery décor including lighting, furniture, rugs, musical mobiles, pillows, diaper stackers, wall art, draperies, rocking chair pads and valances.

Carousel Designs is the only baby bedding company that allows parents to design their own crib bedding, see it online, and choose other elements of the nursery to preview the room before making a purchase. The company recently launched version 3.0 of its popular Nursery Designer®, a unique interactive design tool offering expectant parents more options than ever before for designing and decorating their nursery. Customers can mix and match fabrics and component styles, change the color of the nursery walls, choose a crib finish and pick flooring to design a virtual nursery. An expanded range of crib colors and flooring options are offered with Nursery Designer® Version 3.0, allowing customers to experience a more accurate visualization of their nursery.

“For more than two decades, Carousel Designs has been committed to providing expectant parents with products that create a stylish and nurturing environment for their babies,” Allan says. “No matter what their style or skill level, Nursery Designer® will give parents endless possibilities to make their dream nursery a reality at an affordable price.”

As they anticipated fatherhood, both Jonathan and Allan were inspired by how their wives enjoyed spending time in the design studio, playing with fabrics and creating custom bedding for their nursery. They knew if they could create the same experience online- not only the ability to design the perfect bedding but also to visualize a nursery before making a purchase -they could offer real value to their customers and more importantly, make sure that every mom gets exactly what she wants. With combined experience in technology, ecommerce, business operations and finance, they set out to make sure that Carousel Designs provided expectant moms with the absolute best experience in decorating baby’s first room.

-Janet Muniz

Geometric Prints to Fascinate Baby

Megan Kelleher is founder of Tutortogs, the first line of stylish apparel and accessories designed to stimulate an infant’s vision.

“I’m a mother of three,” she tells HCRSourceBook. “I come from a large family and we spend a lot of time together. One day while feeding the babies, we noticed our infants were fascinated by a patterned t-shirt I was wearing. Their little eyes followed me everywhere, which was such a great feeling! We all saw the possibility in that moment: a line of clothing specially designed for new baby eyes: high contrast patterns that they can easily see.”

The company launched last summer with a collection of women’s tops for new moms and others who care for baby, like grandmothers, aunts and nannies. Now the Nursery Cool collection of infant wear – rompers, infant gowns and matching baby caps topped with pom poms – sport the Tutortogs signature black and white geometric prints to fascinate baby.

-Janet Muniz

Reading is Fun-To-HUDSON’S

We think “Reading is Fundamental,” and it’s also Fun-To-HUDSON’S!

With a holiday season full of early morning door buster sales, the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the flurry of activity. A visit from one of Santa’s plush Elf Magic™ Elves is a great way to bring wonder, magic and meaning back into Christmas. Elf Magic Elves, sent by Santa to visit children during the Christmas season for over 50 years, truly become a child’s best friend and a part of the family in a way that is simply magic! The brand-new Elf Magic, The Story of a Timeless Christmas Tradition is a 51-page book that’s easy to read and features gorgeous watercolor illustrations. The story transports readers to the North Pole, where Santa gathers his Elves for the annual reading of his story about a timeless Christmas tradition. Readers also learn important details about the Elves through the enchanting story, including what they like to eat and the significance of the embroidered snowflake on each Elf’s chest.

In her first-ever children’s book, celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich welcomes you into her home and kitchen during this holiday season. In Nonna Tell Me A Story: Lidia’s Christmas Kitchen published By Running Press Kids, Lidia shares one of her fondest childhood memories-decorating her very own edible Christmas tree. With a mix of storytelling, cooking instruction, and imaginative animation, this Christmas book showcases special family moments created around memorable food. Featuring 16 delicious easy-to-cook recipes, this book is sure to bring your family together in the kitchen. Yum!

Bestselling novelist Andrew Klavan has written the scariest Homelanders book yet, number three in the four-part series of his young adult thrillers slated for feature films by Summit Entertainment. The Truth of Matter is published by Thomas Nelson and joins The Last Thing I Remember and The Long Way Home which chronicle the story of Charlie West. For this holiday season Andrew and Thomas Nelson offered 2010 Christmas/Hanukah/Holiday Giveaways to the children of U.S. Armed Forces through media outlets or organizations who serve the families of active-duty, wounded, fallen or retired servicemen and servicewomen. TheHomelanders.com.

Writer and illustrator Debby Carman is donating copies of her hardcover dog and cat picture book series to the national organization, Reach out and Read and make their way into the hands of doctors, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals and become a part of wellness check-up programs, starting in California. Titles in clue I’m Gronk and I’m Green, Cha Cha the Dancing Dog, I’m Maximum Cat, That’s a Fact, Chewdalootie Doing My Duty and Purrlonia’s Lullaby.

Why not create a series of books that allows a parent or another special someone – even a beloved child – to record their own voice reading the story? Author Cristine Hoskin’s Recordable Storybooks series does just that with the début title, I Am Loved. Super simple recording process. The book contains simple word structures and short sentences. Cristine also authors the Comfort Me Bear Mission.

-Janet Muniz

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Wett Giggles

What’s the definition of soapy fun? Wett Giggles.

Encouraging good hygiene at a young age begins with a fun strategy. “Incorporating toys, suds and laughs is a sure-fire way to teach hand-washing and good hygiene,” Karen St. Clair tells HCRSourceBook. “Young children often enjoy playing in water and washing their hands.” Karen developed her playful approach to teaching soap strategy through her company, Wett Giggles, a brand of handmade, natural glycerin soaps. Nine different 3D-shaped soaps are shaped like children’s favorite animals – ducks, puppies and frogs. Featuring Shakespearean-themed names, Karen designs her soaps in the brightest colors and the fruitiest scents, like watermelon, blackberry and coconut. Yum!

Wett Giggles soaps come with nail brushes so that kids can have fun washing their hands and get them squeaky clean. Very cute!

-Janet Muniz

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Got a boo-boo? Here’s a blankie!

Determined to soothe her baby son’s pain following a minor operation, mom Krissy McCoy added a pocket to his favorite security blanket to hold – and hide – an ice pack. As soon as she saw her baby happy and healing, Krissy wanted to use her ingenious Boo-Boo Blankies® design to help other parents in the same situation. These Made in the USA fleece blankets are personalized with monograms and appliqués, and equipped with a reusable hot/cold pack.

“Krissy McCoy is building a very special business by creating a product that helps ease the suffering of children and their families,” says MaryLenore Arsenault of BopStar-PR Inc., a company known for BopStar Baby celebrity baby baskets. “With loving care as its foundation, a Boo-Boo Blankie® is truly ‘the blanket that makes it all better.'”

Krissy has added matching burp cloths, doll-sized blankies, bracelets and keychains to her product line, all handmade to order at the small Alabama home-based business. Her products have been featured on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly among others. And that’s not all.

Krissy launched a charitable division of her company the very say day she opened for business. Her Close to My Heart Charity Projects donates $1.00 from every blankie sold to a Child of the Month, selected from Boo-Boo Blankies® customer nominations. “My heart goes out to those families who spend more time at the hospital than at home,” Krissy tells HCRSourceBook. “I am amazed at the bravery these young children possess and admire their strength. I see this blanket business as a way for me to be able to help other families with children suffering from serious illness or rare disorders.”

Boo-Boo Blankies™ is also a corporate sponsor for AMCSI, an organization that supports families suffering with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a rare neuromuscular disorder.

-Janet Muniz

Babies & Bundles

Babies & Bundles is a newly launched e-store featuring gift-ready, handpicked bundles of must-have baby products. Each gender-neutral bundle is based on a special theme, including new baby, organic, bath time, food, and toys, and is carefully edited to feature only useful, quality and baby-approved items ranging from cuddly blankets to bottle brushes.

Courtney Johnson

“I was frustrated and overwhelmed searching for the right products for my daughter,” Los Angeles mom and creator Courtney Johnson tells HCRSourceBook. “I was working full-time during the day, and then spending several hours each night doing research. It was so overwhelming.”

Wanting to provide parents with the best of the best in baby products and take out the guesswork, Courtney handpicks each bundle item, featuring kid-tested, mom-approved products such as Munchkin bath toys, Baby Silk skincare products, BornFree sippy cups, Oballs and more. Items are beautifully bundled together for a gift-ready presentation.

Perfect for baby showers, holidays, group gifts and more, Babies & Bundles is able to customize bundles as well. Customers may request gender-specific items in their bundles or order unique bundles based on budget and special theme. Hand-delivery in the Los Angeles, CA area is also available for last-minute showers and corporate gift-giving.