Child Passenger Safety During the Holidays

With the holiday season moving into full swing, families across the country are in the car and on the go. Whether you're driving across the country to visit family or across town to holiday shop, it is important that your child passengers are riding safely and that child safety seats are used correctly.

AAA estimated that 30 million people traveled this Thanksgiving holiday alone, and for many this is just the beginning of the holiday hustle and bustle.

Now is the time to utilize the Child Car Safety tools provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation?s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council to learn more about proper car seat use and installation. You will find informative resources that include instructional videos.

Have child passenger safety questions that you need answered before you travel over the river and through the woods to Grandma?s? NHTSA is always available to answer your questions online through Facebook and Twitter

Breastfeeding with Bravado DVD Giveaway

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend the Bravado Breastfeeding Information Council(BBIC) launch event here in New York City. Alot of breastfeeding information was shared based on survey answers from more than 80,000 nursing women.

In an upcoming blog I'll share more about the information discussed at the BBIC NYC launch so look out for that. But to high light some of the topics discussed

• Where do women find breastfeeding support
  
• How do women manage nursing when in public
  
• How do women stay committed to nursing after they return to work
  

The topic of finding breast feeding support was very interesting to me. I didn't think I'd have any problems since my mother and grandmother breastfeed. Yet when it was my turn to breastfeed, I had the emotional support but ironically I didn't have the technically support. It wasn't as easy as they said. So I had to read books, watch DVD's and speak with a lactation consultant about "how" to technically breastfeed.

It’s funny: there’s this notion that once baby is born, that breastfeeding will be natural and totally effortless. And while it is natural, it’s also learned – just like anything else that you’re doing for the first time. And while it can be effortless, there can also be challenges. And in this case, you and your baby are BOTH doing it for the first time, together. - Breastfeeding with Bravado DVD

So I'm having a giveaway for moms who would like some "technically" help. LOL. I'll pick 10 winners for the DVD

ABOUT THE DVD

In the Breastfeeding with Bravado DVD, you can watch a mom actually breastfeed and listen to experts who have seen breastfeeding issues. You'll get the information you need to feel great about breastfeeding for your baby, and for yourself. In this essential and entertaining 25 minutes, you will get real advice. Some of what you'll learn:

• How to get a good latch by watching a new mom, and listening to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Heather Kelly
• Get the answers to those questions you've been wondering about, from a doctor (like, can you have a drink while breastfeeding? what about medications?)
• The health benefits for you and baby and tip from real moms who have been through it
  

WIN The Mommy Factor giveaway!

WAYS TO ENTER:

(1) Required Entry: Leave a comment telling me why do you want to breastfeed? Be sure to leave your contact info. Comment must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. Dec 11, 2009.

After you have completed the required entry get extra entries if you:

(2) Subscribe to the mommy factor blog via feedblitz. (1 entry)

(3) Follow this blog publicly (1 entry)
(4) Follow @mommyfactor on twitter (1 entry)
(5) Tweet about this giveaway using the link below and leave a comment with the link here. Can be done once a day (1 entry each time)

RT @mommyfactor Enter to win the current giveaway ~ #Breastfeeding with Bravado DVD Giveaway ~ http://bit.ly/7e9HaQ ~ Please RT

NOW THE RULES

Winner will be selected by random.org on or shortly after Dec 11, 2009. Giveaway entry must be completed before extra entries will count.

Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the U.S. with a valid street address.

Holly & Hal Moose Uplifting Christmas Adventure DVD Review

I was recently invited to the premier screening of Holly & Hal Moose™: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure movie at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. We would've also meet Holly and Hal in person and Meagan Martin, voice of Easton the Elf.

Sadly my son and I couldn't make it. The very nice people at Build-A-Bear sent us complimentary Holly and Hal Moose DVD Movie and stuffed animals so we can still enjoy Holly and Hal for the holidays. I think my son impressed them during our last visit to the Workshop!

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Will Holly & Hal Moose™, the dynamic sibling duo, work together to save Christmas and their friendship in time for Santa to make his famous flight? Find out in this Build-A-Bear Workshop® furry friend-inspired movie based on the storybook.

MY REVIEW:

Both my son and I enjoyed the movie. I think my son was smitten with Holly. After all she's very sweet and kind to her brother even when she can't hangout with her friends because she has to take care of him.

I liked the story's theme of never stop believing in your dreams. Hal always kept a positive outlook about things even when others laughed at his idea that a moose can fly.

It's a great movie to teach kids to support and stick up for their siblings, as well as to be helpfulness and resourcefulness when dealing with a problem.

Babies“R” Us Diaper Dash at Union Square

Huggies is hosting Diaper Dashes at various Babies “R” Us nationwide, including one this weekend at the Babies “R” Us in Union Square. Attendees have the chance to win a 6-month supply of diapers and a $50 “R” Us gift card.

**Babies Race for the Title of New York City’s Fastest Baby at the Babies “R”Us Diaper Dash**

WHAT:
Saturday, December 5th, Babies“R” Us is hosting the Huggies® Little Movers Diaper Dash. Calling all Moms to take a break from holiday shopping and enter their little speedster.

• Sign your Little Mover up for the dash by visiting the Guest Service Desk at your local Babies“R”Us.
• No purchase necessary, race is limited to the first 25 babies to sign up, and competitors must be crawlers, or 7 – 12 months only.
• The fun will take place across the country as 39 Babies “R” Us stores host the Huggies® Little Movers Diaper Dash for one day only.
  

WHEN:
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Race starts at 11:00 am

WHERE:
Babies “R” Us Union Square
24-30 Union Square East
New York, NY 10003

You can also check out the Huggies Website for a list of participating locations nationwide.

Holly & Hal Moose Holiday Build a Bear Giveaway

Last month "Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure," an animated TV special, debuted on ABC Family starting a new tradition of holiday classic for families everywhere to enjoy.

The stars of the show are Holly and Hal Moose, an adorable brother and sister team who go on an adventure to save Christmas and learned that dreams do come true.

I was invited to the premier screening of the movie at the Build-A-Bear Workshop and also to meet Holly and Hal in person. Sadly my son and I couldn't make it. The very nice people at Build-A-Bear sent us complimentary Holly and Hal Moose DVD Movie and stuffed animal so we can still enjoy Holly and Hal for the holidays. I think my son impressed them during our last visit to the Workshop!

Both Holly and Hal arrived fully dressed in their Winter Adventure Outfits. I'm loving Holly's fashion sense cause she's rocking her winter jacket, hat and UGG boots. As for Hal, he adds the holiday cheer when your press his hand and the lights on his antler light up. Would you like a Holly and Hal Moose for your family?

WIN The Mommy Factor giveaway!

WAYS TO ENTER:

(1) Required Entry: Visit Build-A-Bear and then leave a comment telling me what's another cool holiday outfit for Holly and Hal? Be sure to leave your contact info. Comment must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. Dec 10, 2009.

After you have completed the required entry get extra entries if you:

(2) Subscribe to the mommy factor blog via feedblitz. (1 entry)

(3) Follow this blog publicly (1 entry)
(4) Follow @mommyfactor on twitter (1 entry)
(5) Tweet about this giveaway using the link below and leave a comment with the link here. Can be done once a day (1 entry each time)

RT @mommyfactor Enter to win the current giveaway ~ Build-A-Bear #HollyandHal Moose Giveaway ~ http://bit.ly/4KI1yp ~ Please RT

NOW THE RULES

Winner will be selected by random.org on or shortly after Dec 10, 2009. Giveaway entry must be completed before extra entries will count.

Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the U.S. with a valid street address.

Winner Stop & Shop Gift Card Giveaway

Congratulations Carol W ! I've sent you an email. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prize! =)

PlaySkool Mr. Potato Head Giveaway

Mr. Potato Head has been, and is, one of the classic nostalgic toys remembered by so many people young and old. From the earliest playsets of the 1950's, to the 50th anniversary limited editions of 2002, there is something about this potato that appeals to nearly everyone.

The classic, face-changing friend for kids! Comes with lots of accessories for mix-and-match play. (Store extra accessories in a compartment built into the potato body!) Ages: 2 & Up

WIN The Mommy Factor giveaway!

WAYS TO ENTER:

(1) Required Entry: Leave a comment telling me did you own a Mr. Potato Head as a child? Be sure to leave your contact info. Comment must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. Dec 9, 2009.

After you have completed the required entry get extra entries if you:

(2) Subscribe to the mommy factor blog via feedblitz. (1 entry)

(3) Follow this blog publicly (1 entry)
(4) Follow @mommyfactor on twitter (1 entry)
(5) Tweet about this giveaway using the link below and leave a comment with the link here. Can be done once a day (1 entry each time)

RT @mommyfactor Enter to win the current giveaway ~ PlaySkool Mr. Potato Head Giveaway ~ http://bit.ly/5M1CIm ~ Please RT

NOW THE RULES

Winner will be selected by random.org on or shortly after Dec 9, 2009. Giveaway entry must be completed before extra entries will count.

Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the U.S. with a valid street address.