We’re taking the day off tomorrow to enjoy Canada Day with our families. In honour of Canada’s birthday we’re featuring a fantastic Canadian business from which you can acquire the wares of many others. Enjoy, and HAPPY CANADA DAY!

---

You know when you read repeatedly of a shop but don’t take the time to click through and explore? Well, I did that and feel like a moron for not knowing about Apples n’ Oranges sooner.

Owned by Ottawa moms Lara and Vicky, Apples n’ Oranges carries only Canadian brands. I am ashamed to say that I had no idea we Canucks had such amazing style. The selection is fabulous. With 33 brands to choose from, and growing, there’s no need to pay customs fees anymore. My wallet thanks you, ladies!

Apples n’ Oranges is the exclusive online retailer for my newest love, Vancouver based Peekaboo Beans - a functional and fashionable line of playwear that’s perilously close to being too nice to be playwear.

Each piece meets a “no fuss dressing” mission and is easy for children to get on and off when potty training or learning to dress themselves. Every piece mixes, matches and layers with the others and they’re more versatile than any line I’ve seen before - pants become capris, tunics become tanks and skirts become dresses to lengthen their lifespan. They’re also reversible for the inevitable spills while on the go. Made with high quality materials and super comfortable fabrics, there’s extra strength and durability built into the construction and the pieces are pre-washed. The pants feature a wide, flat waistband for comfort and all pieces use flat, seamless stitching for itch free wearing. The shirts are A-shaped and are a longer length than standard to accommodate those adorable kid-bellies. Added safety features are included, such as reflective piping, chin guards, and ironed in personal identification labels.

Peekaboo Beans is everything you want in a kids clothing line - perfect for playdate, playground and playtime…but you’ll want to make time for an impromptu photo shoot before you leave the house. This stuff is just that nice.

Save 20% on your first purchase with the code firsttop.

Win it! Apples n’ Oranges is giving away a Peekaboo Beans top AND bottom of the winner’s choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of outfit should you be the lucky winner. (Be specific. As always, you can’t win if you’re too lazy to click through to this awesome shop. It’s bad karma.) Contest closes at noon MST on July 5/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I am such a blanket snob since having children. I will admit that I’ve given many brand new blankets gifted to us to the local charity simply because there are better ones out there and why should my child snuggle with anything but the best? (I know, I’m horrible.)

My daughter sleeps under one of the great quilted fleece blankets from Designs by Mimi and Lola that was personalized for her and it surpasses even my blanket snob standards.

Made by a mother and daughter team, the non-pilling double layer premium polar fleece is the plushest of plush and the crafts(wo)manship is second to none. You know when you pick up an item and you can’t help but moan a little? A Mimi and Lola blanket just might make you moan twice.

They’re available in three sizes - baby (27″ x 36″), toddler (38″ x 49″) and kids (51″ x 59″) and they range from a very reasonable $43-$98. They’re machine wash & dry and my daughter’s blanket has yet to show even the slightest sign of wear. To order, see their order page. Matching pillows are also available for just $20-$25.

Save 10% on your order simply by mentioning that you’re a reader of The Opinionated Parent!

Win it! We’ve got a baby size blanket up for grabs, personalized with your child’s name and valued at $48. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of either the awesome pre-designed blankets in their collection or the three colours you’d choose from the palette at the bottom of the collection page. Contest closes at noon MST on July 4/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

With all of the toys and clothes out there posing as child-appropriate, [Bratz...ahem], it’s refreshing to find items that are really, truly childish.

If there’s one thing that’s really reserved just for little girls, it’s butt ruffles.

Parentrepreneur Amber Schaub created Rufflebutts to bring back the ruffled diaper cover of her own childhood. They’re fun, they’re frilly, and there’s no way you’d ever see a prostitute wearing one. (What does it say about our society that my criteria for appropriate children’s clothing has become so low?)

In addition to the most adorable diaper cover, Amber has designed an entire clothing line of 100% cotton tops, pants & dresses that are all priced under $50 and are all absolutely to-die-for cute. Just looking at the images of the Rufflebutts creations makes me smile. If you’re buying for my daughter, she’ll have this one because I just don’t think it gets any cuter.

Check out the Rufflebutts Spring 2008 slideshow here.

Win it! A bloomer in the size and colour of the winner’s choice is up for grabs. To enter, leave a comment on this post with the product colour & size you’d like to arrive in the mail if you’re the winner. Contest closes at noon MST on July 3/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Since having children I, like many parents, have drastically reduced my usage of chemicals of all kinds. For me, that includes sunscreen. I do use it on every family member but I prefer to limit the amount of skin it’s on whenever I can and bathe or shower it off as soon as possible once we’re out of the sun’s rays.

Unprotected exposure to the sun in the first 15 years of life more than doubles the chances of getting skin cancer as an adult. Thanks to some fantastic products we’ve been using from Protect-A-Bub, we’ve been able to protect our little people from the risks of sun exposure a lot more naturally this year.

My two year old is perpetually outside (screaming wildly in his “outside boice,” but that’s beside the point) and is often sporting his UPF 50+ swim suit and hat. At less than $30, the Protect-A-Bub suits are comfortable and breathable and have the highest rating available for sun protection products. Available in sizes from 5 months to 5T and in a wide variety of one and two colour designs, there’s something there for everyone. The coordinating hat isn’t just a fashion statement. It looks adorable with the suit and alone and protects the vulnerable skin of the scalp to the same high degree that the suit does.

One often neglected area of little (and big) bodies are the lips. Our usual facial sunscreen applications do nothing for our vulnerable lip skin and non-SPF lip-stuff simply absorbs the sun and makes the problem worse. Now that my son is sporting his SPF 15 Lip Moisturizer we are a little more lenient about the time spent playing with the sun. It comes in three flavours and is only $2.25.

In addition to our enthusiastic un-sun-kissed two year old we’ve also got an amazing little five month old who is never left behind on our outdoor adventures. Being too young to wear any sunscreen at all, she can usually be found under one of the Protect-A-Bub sunshades. We absolutely love the inexpensive compact shade, but rarely use it on our stroller. (Though when we have, it works great as an extension of the canopy that’s already there.) We use the convenient ties to attach it to her bouncy chair on our deck and in our back yard every day. The shade rests on the toy bar and the ties keep it taut - it’s perfect and allows her to join us outside even in the hottest hours of the day.

With the increased awareness of both skin cancer and chemical exposure on the part of (we hope) all parents nowadays, we’re sure that Protect-A-Bub will be a welcome and awesome resource for parents who, you know, want to leave the house this summer.

Win it! Protect-A-Bub is giving away a compact stroller sunshade just like the one we love so much. To enter, visit the Protect-A-Bub site and browse their great selection. Come back and leave a comment on this post mentioning a product you think would be useful in your life before noon MST on July 1/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED - Congrats Lori!

I have one of those babies who is barefoot 90% of the time, both because I love seeing baby feet and because she kicks off anything I put on her feet within minutes.

Or, she did. Until I discovered Buskins™ shoes.

When I am silly enough to cover those gorgeous little toes of hers, her Buskins actually stay on!

Outfitted with a stay-put Velcro closure around the ankle, genuine leather soft-soled Buskins shoes hail from Australia where they are handcrafted. With the strategic placement of the Velcro closure, Buskins are easy to get on and they stay on comfortably without the common rough elastic around the ankles of many shoes that can chafe or be too tight on chubby little ankles. They’re available in six sizes from newborn to 24 months and they retail for $28. There are 40+ styles for both boys and girls, many of which I’d love to add to the collections of my shoe-addicted children. (Oh wait, that’s me isn’t it?)

Buskins President and CEO Winnie Liu (also the owner of Jazzy Toes) took over the company in 2007 and has focused on not only great styles and designs but also on the packaging, which is perfect for gift giving.

Win it! Buskins is giving away a pair of their great shoes to one randomly selected winner. To enter, simply visit the Buskins site to choose your fave and leave a comment on this post letting us know the style and size you’d want if you win. Contest closes at noon MST on Friday, June 27/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

It seems there’s always something out there that is going to hurt the health of our babies. All the additives in foods, BPA in bottles, pesticides in our veggies, and even formula or sweet liquids will cause damage. Baby tooth decay is a common problem that can be prevented, but as a parent I understand how difficult it is to always follow “what’s best.” By that I mean that I don’t always brush my baby’s gums or my son’s teeth after eating or drinking. Why? Well, they don’t particularly like me coming at them with the tooth brush.

Tooth Tissues may very well be the best idea since sliced bread. They’re simply little disposable tissues that you can use to wipe your young one’s teeth or gums to keep them healthy! The simplicity of it makes it easy to carry in your diaper bag, in the vehicle, picnic basket, over night bag, or really anywhere! All you do is wrap the wipe around your finger and rub your baby’s gums or teeth, and if they’ve fallen asleep with a bottle or boob in their mouth it makes it way easier to soak up the left over liquid. Good luck trying to brush in babies’ mouths while they’re sleeping, but with Tooth Tissues there is hope!

Aside from the initial intention for Tooth Tissues, I’m pretty sure they’d be great for adults too! I don’t carry a toothbrush around with me so I can brush after meals while on the go, but I would carry Tooth Tissues. Just wipe and toss. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Created by a couple that are dentists as well as parents, the priorities of both the medical world and the family world were addressed with the invention of Tooth Tissues. The tissues are 99% natural (check out their website to find out why they’re not 100%) and available in stores and online for a very reasonable price. What a great find. Buy yours online for just $6.99/pack or $4.00 for a dozen single packets.

Win it! We’re giving away a package of tooth tissues and a couple of single packets to one randomly selected reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 25/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Although there are many great reasons to have children, I have to admit one reason for me was having the opportunity to decorate a creative childrens’ space! My inner artist looked forward to painting beautiful murals that my children would gaze upon in awe and wonder.

I have moved four times since my not quite four year old was born. No beautiful paintings on the walls, no murals - just the basics that could be easily moved as we traveled the world. Add another kid into the mix and my days of painting murals have long passed - at least for now.

We have seen some cute wall decorations but when I saw WallaBabies, I squealed with delight! The designs are so retro adorable and NOT a licensed character from a television show! Just looking at the designs makes me (oh, and my kids) so happy. My daughter adores the bugs and my one year old keeps pointing at the bees … b…b…b. The designs are totally a hit!

Putting the wall graphics up was a snap, and took no time at all. In fact I did it myself. No need for my husband this time! The website has a great How To, that walks you through each step with no room for error. We have the Secret Garden Pack which consists of five 13″ x 14″ decal sheets. The perfect amount to decorate one wall beautifully or spread a little more sparsely throughout a whole room.

Now as my kids fall to sleep they are surrounded by clouds, flowers, insects and mushrooms and I can feel guilt-free for not painting them a mural! -Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away the same Secret Garden set that Chelle used and loved. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 19/08.

Additional entries available - up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

We’re deep in the midst of a summer cold that’s ravaging it’s way through our house. It came seemingly out of nowhere and quickly spread to every member of our family. I thought we were out of the snotty woods with the end of winter, but I was wrong. I’m thanking my lucky stars I discovered Boogie Wipes before this latest infestation and had some at the ready.

With the snot that abounds, it doesn’t take long before little noses become red and raw and little people become crabby and run from the tissues. Thanks to Boogie Wipes, I’ve now got a two year old that simply shouts “Need a Boogie Wipe - got boogers!”

Perhaps the saddest part of this family cold is our almost-newborn who doesn’t understand why I’m constantly smothering her - or so it seems - in order to rid her precious face of the elevens (a teacher term for the double snots) or why she can’t breathe and breastfeed at the same time. While it doesn’t make it any less sad, I do feel a little less mean because with Boogie Wipes at least I know it doesn’t hurt (they’re alcohol free) and the leftover crusties are super easy to get off. Even in the morning after ten hours of boogeying in bed!

Boogie Wipes contain saline and moisturize while they clean with added chamomile, vitamin E and aloe.

Save 20% on your online order with the code “Boogie Time”

Win it! We’ve got a Boogie Mom’s gift basket to give away! You’ll get several full packs of Boogie Wipes, a ton of individual packets for your pockets and purses and a Boogie Mom tee. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on June 19/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Those darn soothers…either you love them or you hate them.

No matter where you stand, if your kid is a sucky kid you just might be stuck with one.

If you are, there’s no better way to keep it off the floor and easily accessible than with Monkey Tails from mom-run Blue Zoo Boutique.

They start at just $10.95 and are 8-9″ in length 7/8″ wide. They’re just the perfect size for your baby or toddler. Monkey Tails attach to clothing with a silver mitten clip that has a plastic jaw to prevent clothing from tearing.

With all of the soother clips out there, you may be wondering what makes Monkey Tails unique from all the other soother holders on the market? Aside from the high quality construction, it’s the personalization option. Your child’s name (or the saying of your choice up to 8 letters) is added in silver alpha-blocks to a ring sewn right into the ribbon. The pictures on the site don’t do them justice - they are incredibly cute! With three pages of designs to choose from, there’s one for everyone on your new baby gift list.

Win it! We’re giving away a black toile monkey tail personalized with “I (heart) Mommy.” To enter, visit BlueZoo Boutique and leave a comment on this post listing one or more of the 453 products available at Blue Zoo Boutique that you’d love to have. One winner will be drawn at random after closing at noon MST on June 13/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

Check out the new BlueZoo ad in our sidebar!

You could see your ad there too!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Now that my son is solely feeding himself “real” food, we have far less dropped food and a lot more launched food accompanied by the declaration that he’s “Sharing the puppies!” I don’t know that anything but time and patience will solve that issue, but I do know I would have LOVED to have a Wupzey high chair food catcher a year ago. I asked a friend with a newly self-feeding almost-toddler to check one out and let us know what she thought.

Jen says:

Available in ten colours, the Wupzey attaches quickly and easily to my standard high chair. It’s made of 100% Rip-stop Nylon and retails for under $20. I’m here to tell you that’s a small price to pay for the drastic reduction in cheerios that I now clean up! I used to sweep five to eight times a day and that’s been reduced to one good sweep before bed thanks to the Wupzey. This product belongs in the category “things you didn’t know you needed but love” along with many other of my favourite items. Thanks, Johanna, for a great product that reduces my daily workload!

Save 20% on any order from the site with the code TOP

Win it! We’re giving away a Wupzey in your choice of colour. To enter, leave a comment on this post stating which of the ten colours you’d choose if you win. Contest closes at noon MST on June 3, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

When Jeanine Altreche had her baby boy, she developed a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome in her hand - so severe that it was painful even to snap up his cute little jammies. With the sheer volume of diaper changes that are necessary with a baby, Jeanine decided to create her own solution to alleviate the pain, and Stuk On U was born.

Whether you have medical troubles or not, chances are you’ve been frustrated by missed snaps or woken a baby when you’ve had to zip open the entire sleeper and expose their chest just to change a diaper. Jeanine uses a patent-pending design of soft (and nearly silent!) Velcro down the chest and legs so you can open and close just the areas you need. The Velcro is sewn in such a way that it never touches baby, and it completely eliminates the risk of pinching delicate skin in a zipper.

Stuk On U rompers are tagless and the available in sizes 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12 and 18 months. They fit on the small size so order up if in doubt. (9-12 months fit my average size 4 month old perfectly.)

At just $11.99 (cotton) and $18.99 (fleece), a Stuk On U romper is a great alternative to snaps and zippers.

Save 10% with the code Oparent until December 31, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

My little sweetie has the most precious feet. No, seriously, they’re so cute that I could just kiss them all day! That might explain why I usually let her go barefoot and until recently have not put a pair of shoes on her sweet feet.

Well, that changed when I received a pair of Minnies baby shoes. The shoes are almost as cute as her feet! Note that I said “almost”, nothing really compares to her little piggies. That said, I did not hesitate to dress her little piggies with these beautiful pink corduroy shoes. They slipped on easy and they were kept in place by two silky smooth elastics accented with a pink butterfly!

After visiting Minnies website, I could see how much thought and effort are put in to these tiny shoes. They have four fabulous lines, including Funky Casuals, Kickin’ Sneakers, Chillin’ Boots, and Sweetalicious Mary Janes. They restock their line twice a year in the spring and in the fall, always being sure to keep on top of the “what’s new” in the baby fashion world. To top it off, the material used to make these fab little shoes is carefully tested to make sure it lives up to the strictest safety standards!

Minnies are some seriously funky and functional footwear for those sweet little feet in anyone’s life. They are available in sizes 1-4 for pre-walking baby girls and boys. Launching just this spring, Minnies will be found in specialty stores and boutiques across North America and in Europe. - Andrea

[Ed: The Minnies site is driven by flash (not good) and has auto-play sound (also not good) but the shoes? Rock.]

Win it! We’re giving away a pair of boys Kickin’ Sneakers in 6-12 months. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by noon MST on May 21, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

If you have kids (which I assume you do if you’re a regular at T.O.P. - tell me if I’m wrong…) you have probably played the “uh-oh” game toys, sippy cups, cutlery and any number of other things. It may be cute at first (just may-be) but after the seven hundredth time it gets a little old.

Crafty mom Allison Conta of Ali Designs has created the Ali-Oops! Toy Clip just for you. It tethers your child’s toys, sippy cups, snack traps, and more directly to the stroller, carseat, or highchair.

Each toy clip is approximately 10 inches in length with heavy duty snaps on either end for attachment. They come in two different sizes and make a great present topper for a baby gift or first birthday gift.

Sippy cup - $4.99
Soother - $3.99
One parent saving another from the endless game of drop and retrieve - priceless.

Win it! Ali Designs is giving away two TOP readers a toy clip of their choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post stating which of these you would like if you’re one of the randomly selected winners. Contest closes at noon MST on May 21, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED - Congrats to The Chatty Housewife!

See that picture right over there?

That’s my two year old son’s debut at The Opinionated Parent.

As he’d say…”Ta dah!”

I’ve never posted any of my kids here before, but he just looked so cute in his stars birthday tee from Tote and Tee that I couldn’t resist!

The nifty tees at mom-owned Tote and Tee are so incredibly awesome I’m almost speechless. That could also be the cuteness of my kid rendering me so, but nevertheless…

Designer Amy Trusler hand makes each tee in her own home. They’re available in a huge variety of colours and styles and the amazing array of fabrics can be applied in any letter or number to suit the little people in your life. Too bad it’s not cool to advertise “32!” because I’d totally do it if I could get away with it. (I’d look good in this style!)

They also carry the cutest (and softest - -wow soft!) knee socks and tights I’ve ever seen. The socks have a slight roll down at the top so there’s no digging in but they’re just tight enough to stay up.

And these personalized lunchboxes? (The “tote” part of Tote and Tee.) To die for. Figuratively, of course. (I think this one would look great with my imaginary “32″ tee. Alright. I’ll stop now.)

Amy is currently holding her Biggest Sale Ever until the end of May with all socks and tees on sale!

Save a whopping 20% on your order (including sale items!) with the code oparent.
This code is also listed in the TOP Shops!

Win it! One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to Tote and Tee. To enter, leave a comment telling us what you’d purchase with it! Contest closes at noon MST on May 16/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED - Congrats Krista Heidinger!

Parents know that the best shoes for baby are no shoes at all, but that doesn’t make it any easier to resist the gorgeous footwear options that abound from birth on up.

I’ve got some good news for parents who just can’t leave well enough alone. The brainchild of Winnie Liu,
Jazzy Toes™ are socks that replicate shoes. They’re available in ten styles for both boys and girls and are completely adorable - so much so that I’d recommend the variety pack, available in both boys and girls styles. Who needs shoes when there are socks that look like this?

Jazzy Toes socks have an elasticized ankle and non-skid grip on the bottom. They comes in a ready-to-mail gift box and are available in two sizes.

Win it! Winnie Liu is giving away a boxed set of Jazzy Toes to one lucky winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on May 12/08 stating which of all the boxed sets you’d choose, and in what size.

Additional entries are always available. See contest entry information and rules.

Once in a while, we’ll still place the information from that page within a post for your reference.

Here’s how to get those extra entries:

Get up to three additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

AND/OR

2.Subscribe to our RSS feed. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your subscription.

AND/OR

3. Place our button in your sidebar or add us to your blogroll. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid url so we can confirm the addition.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.theopinionatedparent.com"><img src="http://www.theopinionatedparent.com/images/topbutton.jpg" alt="The Opinionated Parent" /></a>

Maximum four entries total per person.

CONTEST CLOSED

I’m always shocked when I clean our bathrooms thoroughly (not often enough, but that’s another story) and see the mung that lives in the bottom of the toothbrush holders. That’s some serious grossness. With everything I do to keep my family safe from harm, I’m letting them put that crap near their mouths?

I’m won’t be concerned for long because I’m switching them all out for Flipper toothbrush holders. These cute and sanitary individual toothbrush holders adhere to mirror or tile with suction cups and allow for completely hands free operation with no chance of cross-contamination from brush to brush. They’re super easy to use (see the product demo at the right side of the home page) and when they get dirty I just toss mine in the toddler basket in the dishwasher and it’s good for another 10,000 miles.

They make a great razor holder too!

Save 20% on your Flipper toothbrush holders with the code “opinionated parent”

Win it! We’ve got a cute little golden retriever Flipper (pictured) to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing your favourite Flipper design that’s NOT mentioned in this post. Contest closes May 9/08.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

I’m a labeling freak. There are labels everywhere in my house - even the bin that holds the labels is labeled!

Lovable Labels is a Canadian mom-run company that carries a large selection of customized labels as well as some cool stuff to help a mom around the house. Goodness knows I need all the help I can get.

My kids especially love their unique fun stickies that are shaped like butterflies and dinosaurs and are available in lots more cool shapes (pictured at right). Believe it or not, they’re less likely to leave their things lying around the park when they have their own special label on them. And for those days when they do, I’ve got a better chance of getting them back eventually!

Have a child with allergies or medical issues? Check out these cool vital ID wristbands. The kids I know would be much more comfortable wearing those than a metal bracelet. And while you’re looking for things that make your kids ecstatically happy? Personalized notecards and way cool books would be fantastic gifts. Is it too early to shop for stocking stuffers? I think not.

Mention that you heard about Lovable Labels through the The Opinionated Parent during the checkout process and receive 15 FREE Red Regular Sticker Bonus Labels with your purchase. One per family. Expires May 30, 2008.

Now that I’ve got two children with tentative plans for more (did I just say that?) I have had to find ways to make this baby a lot more portable. While I’m a devoted baby wearer, it’s not always comfortable or convenient and sometimes my two year old just wants to have his mama all to himself. For those times, I am in love with the baby zabu™ from wagamama baby.

Whassa wagamama? (That’s exactly what my husband and my son both asked. Genetics much?) It means “spoiled rotten” in Japanese.

My own spoiled rotten baby now gets to enjoy the great outdoors and the living room floor alike in the zabu, a luxuriously soft mat with tie-up soft bumper walls that’s a playpen alternative for babies of the non-mobile variety and a playpen insert for when you need a little more security with added padding and cleanliness. Leave it untied for a great playmat too.

When you’re done, the baby zabu™ rolls up like a way cushy yoga mat and comes with a coordinating shoulder strap for travel or storage.

The baby zabu™ is currently available in two sizes and nine styles which include two eco-friendly bamboo options and range from $88 - $135.

Save 15% with the code TOP15 until 5/31/08.

As a bit of a major clothing snob, I hate to package up one of my kids’ nice and rather costly outfits for the inevitable poop explosion, accident or mud fight. Nothing like carrying a $70 outfit around in your diaper bag until it’s too small.

I was so excited to discover babysparewear, where for $30-$52 you can get a complete outfit or two in a zippered waterproof travel pouch just for situations like that. Babysparewear is made for both babies and toddlers by creative mom Veronica Milito. Babysparewear are “chic, “emergency” travel kits with key items to mix-and-match or wear as an outfit. A modern approach to a simple idea.”

The outfits in the pouches are super soft & super comfy yoga-style duds that kids won’t mind changing in to and even the most fashion conscious parents won’t mind putting on the kids. The zippered pouches are sturdy enough to use for years, even when your children no longer require a change of clothing. Does that ever happen?

Save 10% on your entire purchase with the code topshop.
American readers will also receive free shipping.

Babysparewear is the newest addition to the TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive discounts for opinionated parents everywhere!

Win it! We’re giving away the pictured kit - the toddler spare wear spare outfit kit in fuchsia size 2T. To enter, search the BSW Shop and leave a comment on this post telling us your favourite product or two. Contest closes on 3/21/08.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment on this post containing the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry) or send a trackback to receive your second entry. If you don’t know how to do this, just email us for help!

AND/OR

Subscribe to our RSS feed. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription.

Maximum three entries total per person.

Contest Closed

I’m sure you’ve heard the fuss about plastics. Most parents today are taking much more care with the products they use for their children.

We’ve switched to glass bottles, organic cottons & foods and natural cleaners but until recently there was no perfect paci for the baby who can’t live without the sucking. With the Natursutten Pacifier available from Generation Orange, you can let them suck to their heart’s content with no concern about chemicals. No parabens, PVC, BPA or phthalates to be found. It’s the only all natural organic pacifier in the world. Made of pure natural rubber from the tree Hevea brasiliensi, these pacifiers are softer than silicone and extremely hygienic. They’re molded in one solid piece so there are no joints or cracks where dirt and bacteria can accumulate and no handle or extra pieces to pop off creating a choking hazard.

Available in rounded or orthodontic shapes and sizes from birth to twelve months, the Natursutten Pacifier is only $8 - a great price for safety!

Until March 31, save 10% on anything at Generation Orange by entering “Opinionated Parent” at checkout.

Please note: Canadian customers must order via email or phone at this time.

Win it! Generation Orange is giving one Natursutten Pacifier away to a T.O.P. reader. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with NATURSUTTEN in the subject line by 3/18/07. In the body of the email, include your full name and mailing address and a blog link if you have one.

Get an additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Email theopinionatedparent.com with NATURSUTTEN in the subject line and the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate email from your other entry).

AND/OR

Subscribe to our RSS feed. Send an additional email to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription.

Maximum three entries total per person.

Contest Closed - Congratulations Kathleen!

When you’ve got a precious little newborn scratching the heck out of their face, you’re faced with the daunting task of cutting their paper thin yet talon sharp nails. Sounds easy, right? Not so. All too often, the nail and the skin seem one in the same and both get cut. Those little fingers have a lot of blood in them!

The Baby Light & Clip helps make the task easier, featuring an integrated light under the clipper that illuminates the area underneath the nail, allowing you to easily see which part needs to be trimmed (and which parts shouldn’t!) and reveals sharp nail edges. There’s also a small compartment that catches baby’s nails as they fall and safety guards covering the corners of the clipper. The Baby Light & Clip is powered by one AA battery and retails for $14.99 at Amazon.

WIN IT! We’ve got one to give away! To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with CLIP in the subject line by midnight MST on 3/14/08.

Get an additional entry into this contest by blogging about it!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Email the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry) to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with CLIP in the subject line to receive your second entry.

Contest Closed - Congratulations John!

I love my diaper bag, but it isn’t always convenient to bring it everywhere. And even when I have it it’s not always easy to dig to the bottom to find the puny little change pad that came with it. At Butt-Ums Up Baby, there’s a great solution to both of those issues. Their changing pads have several advantages over the typical ones.

1. They’re the longest I’ve ever seen. Even my 22 month old fits on it easily.
2. There’s a pocket at the top end that easily holds a wipes case (included) and a couple of diapers. It’s not zippered, so it’ easy to get the things you need with only one hand while the other hand holds down the poop covered child that’s trying to escape.
3. It rolls up into a compact package and secures with velcro.
4. That same velcro makes it easy to open with one hand. while you’re holding the above mentioned poop covered child with the other.
5. There’s a buckled loop attached at one side that makes it easy to clip it to a stroller or purse.
6. They come in your choice of twelve gorgeous chenille fabrics and are all lined with vinyl.
7. They’re all machine washable and dryer safe.

Entrepreneurial mom Stacy Sager is the talent behind Butt-Ums Up Baby and she also makes gorgeous matching blankets in the same luxurious soft chenille fabric with silky satin trim and binding.

The change pads retail for $40 and the blankets range from $25-$108.

Win a Butt-Ums Up Changing Pad in your choice of fabric! To enter, leave a comment on this post stating which of the twelve fabrics is your favourite. The randomly selected winner will be contacted via email for their mailing address and will have 48 hours to reply before an alternate winner is chosen. You must leave a valid email address and all required information or you will not be entered in the draw. Comment approval is always at our discretion. Contest closes March 11, 2008.

Get an additional entry into this contest by blogging about it!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment on this post (in a separate comment from your other entry) or send a trackback to receive your second entry.

Congratulations to Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland who said “I love the pink mod dots print. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!”

With a newborn in my house again, I’m reminded daily of the precious soft skin that we’re nurturing (we hope) when we purchase bathing products.

I’ve recently discovered another great online shop that caters to those of us who want not only to nurture our children but also the earth. Bamboosa makes one of the softest and most absorbent hooded towels I’ve had the pleasure of using.

They’re 30″x30″ - large enough for a toddler - and are made of 80% bamboo and 20% recycled polyester. The ‘purely natural’ colour, which is my personal fave, contains absolutely no dye. As with all of their baby products, it’s made in America in a sweatshop free plant.

Enter the code TOP10 for 10% off any Bamboosa order.
You’ll find Bamboosa in the TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive discount codes just for opinionated parents.

Win It! We’ve got a BambooBaby Gift Set 3 in your choice of colour up for grabs! To enter the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Bamboosa in the subject line before midnight MST on 2/15/08 and tell us the names of all three available colour choices for this set AND the colour that you’d choose if you are the winner. To be valid, entries must include that information as well as your full name and mailing address. Feel free to include a blog link if you’d like us to link you if you win. See below for more information. Winners are notified via email and first names are published with the post unless you ask us not to do so. Good luck!

AND…for the first time ever, you can get an additional entry into this contest by blogging about it!

1. Blog about this contest in it’s own post or within another post using one of the top three images found here.

2. Email your link (in a separate email from your other entry) to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Bamboosa in the subject line.

Congratulations Naomi!

If you read T.O.P. daily (if you don’t, you’re missing out on some great stuff!) then you know how much we love all things natural, safe and soft. And so it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to my newest find, BabyBam Collection.

Eco-friendly babies and parents alike will love the unparalleled softness that BabyBam offers in their bamboo & organic cotton combination. This fabulous mixture is hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and thermal regulating. All of the BabyBam apparel is natural in color, using no bleaches or dyes, and the silkscreens and tagless tags use low impact dye.

Currently the clothing line includes a onesiea, pants and a sleeper style pajama, both of which are amazingly soft & silky and just the thing I’d recommend putting against your new baby’s delicate skin. After washing I’d swear that they get even softer!

They also have a new line of bamboo body products in their bath time line including the best bum cream I’ve ever tried. Seriously? I’d use it on my own butt if I could get away with it.

Also part of their bath time line, BabyBam has recently added a brand new hooded towel & washcloth set to their collection. It’s incredibly absorbent and fast drying and is completely free of pesticides and chemical treatments so there’s no concern about skin allergies and irritations. Bamboo is also naturally anti-bacterial and odour free which is great for the wet environments in which you’d generally need a towel.

All of these fabulous products are available for purchase at the BabyBam Collection online shop and select stores.

Founded by mom of two Jody Graziano Jonas, BabyBam Collection is the kind of company we really like to get behind. Watch for upcoming guest posts on the subject of raising a green baby written by Jody and cross-posted from her own blog. As part of her environmentally responsible policies, she packages all of the BabyBam products in recycled, re-used, or recyclable packaging - everything from the tissue paper to the ribbon to the box it is shipped in. In addition, BabyBam regularly makes contributions to The Arbor Day Foundation and the Sierra Club. Love it!

You can win a onesie and pant set from BabyBam Collection with your choice of pink, blue or green heart on the pants. To enter the random draw, send one email to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with BABYBAM (copied exactly) in the subject line and tell us which of the gift sets is your favourite. (Go to the BabyBam site, click through to the “online store” and click on “gift sets.”)
You must include both the answer and your complete mailing address in your email to qualify for the draw.
Contest closes at midnight MST on Friday, February 8, 2008. The winner will be contacted via email. Congratulations Danielle M.!

In honour of the arrival of 2008 and to thank us for our previous review, Downtime is offering you - our amazingly loyal and online shopping loving readers - a chance to win one of five Downtime Sleepy Hats. Five winners will each win their choice of hat from the Downtime shop.

---

T.O.P. readers receive a whopping 25% off all online orders for the month of January with the code TOP2008

At only $22 regular price, that makes an awesome baby gift for only $16.50, so stock up now!

To enter the random draw, simply send an email to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST on January 11, 2008 with DOWNTIME GIVEAWAY in the subject line and tell us your choice of colour and size should you be selected as a winner.

Remember to include your full (real) name and mailing address for shipping. (Open to US & Canadian addresses only.)
Incomplete entries will be deleted.

Congratulations to Lisa, Andrea, Kirstin, Brooke & Nissa!

Merry Christmas Eve! Between waiting for a baby to arrive and entertaining both side of my family (with a lot of help) I’m hoping to be able to continue to pump out a few reviews and contests over the holidays so be sure to check your RSS readers or pop in each day to see what great things we’ve got to share with you!

If you get something great over the holidays, be sure to send us your guest reviews so we can help make you famous. Or not, but we’ll definitely do our best!

Merry Christmas, from all of us to all of you. Enjoy the most precious people in your life this holidays season!

---

Silikids is a company run by two moms that specializes in cool silicone products for kids. So far there are four products in their line up, each of which are equally cool.

Whether you put breastmilk or a substitute in to a bottle, you’ve got to be concerned about all of the chemicals from plastic that we now know without a doubt leach into the liquid and are linked to all kids of horrible illnesses. We know that glass bottles are the best if you choose to use a bottle but, though they’re thick and safer in many ways than plastics, it’s still a little scary to put glass in the hands of a child. Especially once they learn to throw.

Siliskins, pictures at right, come in 4oz. & 8 oz. sizes and are translucent silicone ‘bottle condoms,’ for lack of a better term, that are microwave safe, hypo-allergenic and dishwasher friendly. They allow you to easily see how much is in the bottle, make it easy & safe to hold and also protect it if it should fall. As a test, we dropped one from a height of 5 feet onto both a carpeted and a linoleum floor and there was absolutely no damage to the bottle or the skin.

Some bottle covers can only be used with a proprietary bottle but Siliskins are designed to fit the Evenflo glass nurser which is easy to find across the continent. The 8 oz. retails for $12 and the 4 oz. for $10, and both include one bottle.

If you’ve got a little crawler, check out these awesome Silipads - silicone knee pads. If you’ve tried it with your kids, you are well aware that crawling can hurt! Silipads are super cute and available in four hip & bright colour combos (seen at left), easy to get on and off and machine washable. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Last but not least in the Silikids lineup is the Silibib - a food grade silicone bib that lies completely flat against the chest and didn’t even stain when we used it at a spaghetti dinner. Miraculous? I’d say. It wipes clean easily with a wet cloth or you can just toss it in with the dishes for a thorough cleaning.

I think I’m in love with silicone and, therefore, with Silikids.

We’ve got one 4 oz. and one 8 oz. bottle in Siliskins to give to one lucky reader. To enter the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Silikids in the subject line by midnight MST on 12/31/07 and tell us one good reason to use silicone (from the website, please). Congratulations Lucinda!

Please include your full name and mailing address with your entry, and a blog link if applicable so we can link you up if you win. Entries without a mailing address are invalid. (Please note that these are deleted after the draws and are never sold or given to anyone.)

“You should never sacrifice style just because you happen to drool.”

That’s the very true motto of Canadian par.entrepreneur Sarah Howard and her company Febe Bebe.

Febe Bebe bibs and droolers (a smaller version of the bibs) are 100% vinyl free and are individually handmade in Canada. They incorporate fine fabrics and a sophisticated style while still being quite appropriate for the folks in your life that drool. And no teddy bears or ducks. Hooray!

They wash beautifully and are pre-shrunk so there’s no shrinkage at all. (Very important for the washing impaired such as myself.) All of the seams are double stitched for durability and the quality of crafts(wo)manship is evident even at first glance.

Enter to win a bib & drooler set from Febe Bebe valued at $36 with a simple email entry — email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with FEBE BEBE in the subject line by midnight MST on 12/17/07 and tell us which of the 13 available fabrics you’d choose.

Include your full name and mailing address. (And if you have a blog for us to link to if you win, include that too!)

One winner will be selected at random from all qualifying entries

Congratulations Grenda!

If you have ever had a baby, you know how frustrating it is when they go from the “sleep anywhere any time no matter what” newborn phase to the “blackout blinds no movement no anything” picky sleeper phase. Par.entrepreneur Andrea Verity knows that transition all too well but she was smart enough to do something about it. She developed the Downtime Sleepy Hat when her son made that unwelcome transition.

The hat is made of soft & luxurious organic cotton and looks like a normal hat - until you flip down the flap over baby’s eyes. As you can see in the picture at right, the hat becomes an effective visual stimulation & light blocker once flipped down and is also outwardly expressive. As in, it tells those little ladies who insist on touching your kid that it’s not an appropriate time. In addition to the company’s great low impact policies and the downright brilliant idea, I love the safety aspect of the Downtime Sleepy Hat - unlike masks made for older folks it has no strings or other hazards that could be dangerous to baby.

Here’s to all of us getting some sleep!

Win a Downtime Sleep Hat of your choice! (The contest is only available to readers in Canada & the US - sorry!) To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com by midnight MST on 12/11/07 with DOWNTIME in the subject line and tell us one of the four things that the company does to reduce their impact on the environment. (See: Our Story) Please include your full name and mailing address with your entry. Congratulations Megan!

When I was pregnant with my first child, I thought for sure I had enough blankets and would never need any more as longs as I lived. Then, when I ran out of blankets after about three days home from the hospital and hadn’t recovered enough from my labour and surgery to do laundry yet, I realized that a mother can never have enough blankets.

You use them so often and for so long that it’s especially nice if they’re snuggly and worthy of the public eye. Ga-Ga Online has a selection of luxuriously soft and well-made blankets that fit the bill. There’s the dinosaur pattern shown here and also an airplane, flower and butterfly pattern. They’re all very simply designed and extremely cozy. They’re also just the perfect size for the floor, crib or stroller.

I think you’ll find that Ga-Ga Online has a lot more than just blankets you’ll want to check out! For example, these absolutely fabulous and totally non-toxic wooden toys. Your purchase helps the disabled adults that make them, and we think that’s simply wonderful.

Sign up for the Ga-Ga Online mailing list and get 10% off your order! Simply click here, and include the message “I came from The Opinionated Parent.” The magical little elf that lives inside their computers will fire you back a discount code so you can place your order!

Feeling the need to cuddle? Ga-Ga is giving one of our amazingly intelligent and beautiful readers their choice of blanket! To enter the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Ga-Ga in the subject line and tell us the retail price of these blankets. Contest closes at midnight MST on 11/23/07. Congratulations to 3girlzmama!

When an expecting parent buys their first carseat, they don’t often look for the extras. You know, things that seem totally unnecessary and not wort