Rave & Review

Huggies GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats are a Travel Must-Have {$2 off Coupon}

Know what I hate even more than washing sheets?  Washing sheets in the middle of the night because one of the kids had an accident.  Really, there’s nothing worse than being woken from a sound sleep to a project, and especially one that requires loads of laundry and, often, a bath. 

But, if you’ve got a little one in diapers or you’re doing night-time potty training with a toddler, accidents go with the territory.  Unfortunately for me, I have both, which means lots of sheets and laundry each week.  Recently, we’ve been experimenting with cloth diapers and training underwear overnight for our oldest so that we could fully wean out of diapers, but this process has led to even more laundry than I could have imagined.

When our team is at home, this is a minor inconvenience.  But, when we take our show on the road and we’re using someone else’s bed, someone else’s laundry, or if we have to pack it all home again with us, this can actually ruin a trip.  Tent camping, hotel stays, or crashing at friend’s homes all require something more disposable that doesn’t mean extra laundry.

Of course the solution would come from Huggies, the company that we already rely on for leak protection.  Huggies GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats are the perfect solution for grandma’s house, daycare, or for any time that laundry just isn’t possible because they can attach to anything and can protect bedding, sleeping bags and more from accidents.

I found out that the Huggies GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats were available from Walmart.com and even though my local store doesn’t carry them, I ordered 3 packs via site-to-store for free and then picked them up a few days later.  I was in and out of there in a matter of minutes with my packages of GoodNites bed mats in hand and ready for all of our holiday and blogging travel in the coming months. 

We got to put Huggies GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats to the test on a recent weekend trip to Portland and they were a lifesaver.  With us averaging an accident every week or so here at home, I really didn’t want to chance ruining our beloved travel crib or having to pack a wet sleeping bag home over state lines, so the GoodNites bed mats were the perfect solution for us.  I simply slipped two into our overnight bag, one for the travel crib and one for the sleeping bag, and was able to bring my own peace of mind with us.

I was partially expecting them to feel like the pads used in hospitals with a slippery underside that tends to move around all over the bed, so I was really happy to find that they have a peel-and-stick design that helps keep them right where you need them.  No waking up to find the mats wrapped around your child’s feet with the bed exposed because the GoodNites stay right where you place them. 

Also a surprise was how soft they felt in comparison to hospital pads.  They have a soft breathable top layer much like a feminine pad and then a plastic waterproof bottom layer that doesn’t make noise like other waterproof bedding can.  It’s not as lush as flannel or as soft as cotton, but much preferred to paper or crinkly plastic yet still disposable.

Now that we’re back from Portland, we haven’t stopped using the GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats.  We placed one on the twin-sized bed in my daughter’s room and then another one on the crib in my son’s room so we could see how they handle multiple nights of sleep.  They have both held up really well, which I was thrilled about because it means I don't need to bring a new mat for each day unless the pad gets soaked.

Their larger 2.6 x 2.9ft size makes them perfect for crib, toddler, twin, or full beds and then you can simply fold one panel down to fit small portable cribs like the Baby Bjorn or Phil and Ted’s.  They also fit nicely in children’s sleeping bags, you just need to wrap the sides of the mat up and around your child and secure with the peel-and-stick lining.  Try them in playpens, play yards, play mats or anything else your child sleeps in, drools on, or plays on top of to protect your child and all of your gear.

We plan on slipping some in the overnight bag for the holidays so we can bring them with us to the grandparent’s house and then keeping the rest with our luggage for the next vacation.  With how portable they are and how inexpensive {$9.47 for 9ct}, it just makes sense to stock up for overnights, camping, and vacations so we always have some ready to go.   

Want to learn more about bedwetting and get some great tips and tricks for older kids?  Check out Walmart's GoodNites Mats page where you can even download a $2 off coupon to purchase your own GoodNites Mats.  You can buy them directly from Walmart.com via site-to-store or you can ship them directly to your home {with free shipping over $49!}.

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Huggies. #HuggiesWalmart #CBias #SocialFabric.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours. 

Introducing the Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail {Review & Giveaway}

Diaper pails are one of the few baby items that just don’t get a lot of thought.  Most people ask a few close friends what they use and register for it, or they simply pick one at random when the time comes.  I was one of those that did the latter and I always hated the pail I ended up with.  Not only was it ugly, it was smelly, and it was expensive to refill.  When I wasn’t on the hunt for cheap refills, I was searching for products I could use to clean and sanitize it every single time I emptied it.

While creating a special “big boy” room for my son, I came up with the idea to do “world traveler” as his new room theme {note: this is just the sneak peek - full nursery post coming soon}.  While doing the decorating, I decided we would finally retire the old pail we’ve used for 3+ years for both of our kids and get a pail that not only would complement the nursery, but would also be one that was chosen with careful thought and consideration – and this time from a veteran mom’s standpoint. 

First things first, it was going to have to accommodate cloth diapering as well as disposables.  Secondly, it was going to have to be far less expensive and time consuming to maintain.

Those distinctions really only lead you to one pail, the Ubbi diaper pail that recently hit the market and everyone is now raving about.  Ubbi {pronounced oo-bee} is a Brooklyn-based company that has developed a diaper pail that solves all of these dilemmas and more and the result is an attractive, clean, and worry-free solution for diapers of all kinds. 

If you’ve ever looked at the diaper pail aisle before, you’ve seen the line of boring old white plastic pails and you know that they are anything but stylish.  So, what do parents do if they aren’t creating a boring and white nursery?  They hide the plastic pails, disguise them behind furniture, resign them to the bathroom, or just count down the years until they can dispose of them for good.

Or, they do what I wish I would have done in the first place and buy a pail that is as good-looking as it is functional and you could be looking for ways to repurpose it long after the diaper wearing days are done.  Made of powder-coated steel that resists odors and is easy to clean, the Ubbi diaper pail is like nothing I have ever seen.  It really doesn’t look like a diaper pail at all; it looks more like a fancy garbage can that you would display in a kitchen or bathroom.  It comes in a variety of colors {and not just the typical “baby” colors, either} and would look great in any room.

But, more importantly, it would smell better in any room.  In contrast to the odor-absorbing plastic pail, the powder-coated steel doesn’t start to stink after just a few weeks and it doesn’t require cleaning chemicals or perfumes to maintain.  Designed with rubber seals to keep smells in the pail and with a unique sliding lid that prevents air from escaping, it is clear that some serious thought went into the Ubbi design.  You don’t have to buy charcoal filters, deodorizing wipes and sprays, or other add-ons that you inevitably forget to restock, you just have a great, odor resisting pail that holds up well to even a busy nursery.

Disposable Diapering
For you disposable diapering parents, you can add another thing you can forget about buying: expensive refill bags.  Until now, every single pail we have used has required expensive refills and they are quite the pain to keep on hand, especially when you have two, or three, in diapers.  For this reason, I was thrilled when I found out the Ubbi pail doesn’t require specific inserts and refills.  Now, we can just use any old tall kitchen garbage bags to refill and save a ton of money each month, as well as trips to specialty stores to purchase. 

So, not only is it easy to maintain, cost-effective, and attractive, it’s also easy to use.  You can easily slide the lid open one-handed to dispose of your diaper, turning the optional lock to keep little ones from opening it {although we’ve never needed to do this with either child} and that’s it.  Changing the bag is just as easy, just tie it off and take out to the trash and wrap another bag around the internal ring. 

You may find that because the pail controls odor so well, that you don't need to change your bag as often.  This means you will need to tie bag quickly when changing the bag lest all your soiled diaper odors escape into the room, but we’ve gotten good at this over the past few weeks and now are seasoned pros.  We can now tie it off before odors escape and then come back in and add the new bag to the pail while the room stays wonderfully odor-free.  Certainly better than our old pail that required cutting the bag, tying it in two places and fitting it back inside, all while the pail is open and odors are escaping into the air! 

Cloth Diapering
I bet you’re thinking that Ubbi has thought of everything, and you’d be right.  In fact, they even thought of the often-left-out cloth diapering parents and designed the first pail that can be used for cloth diapers.  With their optional Ubbi Cloth Diaper Pail Liners, you can turn your pail into an eco-friendly parent’s dream with a washable, odor-resistant and waterproof bag that can keep the rinsed cloth diapers contained until they can be laundered. 

We used to have what we called our “toxic bin” in our laundry room that contained cloth diapers, soiled clothing, and anything used to clean up after either, and it was not a system that I would recommend.  Yes, it does keep the items contained and away from other laundry, but it doesn’t control odors and it is certainly not pretty or kid-proof.  By contrast, the Ubbi Diaper Pail with Liner is perfect with its mess-free, odor-free, and plastic-free design.  Just think of how much nicer an Ubbi Pail would look in your bathroom or laundry room than a “toxin bin” and how much cleaner and safer it would be around kids. 

In fact, I’m not sure the Ubbi will be retired after the diapering is done.  After diapers comes potty training and then after that you’ve got mud, grass stains and grease, and it would just take a few minutes of sanitizing and the Ubbi pail and liner would be perfect for both in the laundry room.  How much nicer would it be to have the Ubbi keeping all that dirt and grime away from the other linens and clothing instead of a “toxic bin”?

For Every Parent
Whether sleek design and good looks are paramount or odor control is you biggest concern, the Ubbi Diaper Pail excels on both fronts.  Add in the fact that it’s cost effective with no “extras” to buy or refills to purchase and it’s just a smart investment overall.  I can’t tell you how happy I am that I no longer have to special order filters, make several trips to stores to find refill bags in stock, or keep any toxic chemicals near the nursery.  Since the Ubbi pail requires nearly no maintenance, it is virtually worry-free, which are pretty much the best words a parent can hear.   

You can shop for your perfect color Ubbi pail at ubbiworld.com and even order peel and stick decals to further customize your pail.  Just think of all the possibilities to personalize and complement your child’s room décor!  Since we were going with a world traveler theme, we decided to go with the "sand" colored Ubbi and put some map and train case stickers on it to make it look like a piece of luggage and I think it turned out great, don't you?  Sneak peek spoiler - on the left you see a teeny tiny bit of the fabric-wrapped shelf we created to look like a steamer trunk and an actual steamer trunk we are using as a changing table for now, a toy box later.  We really couldn't have a plain white plastic pail next to a changing table this cool, now could we?

Be sure and connect with Ubbi World via Facebook and Twitter for even more decorating ideas, to hear all the other raves about this great pail, and to see it in action for yourself.

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win an Ubbi Diaper Pail in their choice of color {ARV $80!}

To Enter:  Visit UbbiWorld.com and tell me what feature most excites you {mandatory for entry}

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://bit.ly/GT9xjS} and tag Rave & Review and UbbiWorld on Facebook

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry - "Like" UbbiWorld on Facebook

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet after following @UbbiWorld and @RaveAndReview

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love. Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On April 20th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US addresses only.

Winner, Winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to: #66 shay said...

I like the sliding door best.

A big thank you to Ubbi World for sending their steel diaper pail for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Seventh Generation Diapers Are "Lorax Approved" {Review & Giveaway}

It's been more than 40 years since Dr Seuss first published The Lorax, but the classic tale of consumerism and environmental disaster is just as, if not more, relevant today.  In today’s world of over indulgence, The Lorax explains to children how important it is to protect our environment and leave it healthy for future generations.  I had never read the story before this month, but now that I have, I am a big fan of it and was thrilled to share it with my family. 

In partnership with Universal Studios’ motion picture debut of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax this month, Seventh Generation is featuring limited edition Lorax prints on their diapers and training pants to celebrate.  These subtly tasteful prints are more than adorable, they are also a great way to remind all of us about the lessons of The Lorax, and encourage environmental awareness as a family. 

We got to try out the new Seventh Generation Overnight Diapers over the past week and was really surprised by them.  We’ve tried just about every diaper on the market with our son and have had mixed results in the past.  But, when I pulled the Seventh Generation Overnight Diapers out of the package, they looked different than any others we have ever tried.  Instead of white, cream, or all over printed, the Seventh Generation diapers are a bit greyish in color and don’t scream out “baby!” at all. 

Trying them out the first night, I was a bit nervous that I would return only to have his whole bed soaked.  I was thrilled when instead I came back to my sweet baby waiting for me and smiling, with a completely dry bed and PJs.  The next few naps and nights went like that as well and I’m happy to report there have been no accidents since we’ve started using them a few days ago.  I’ve even used them when we were out and about all day with limited access to changing tables and successfully avoided accidents on the road as well. 

While I really love the leak control and everything that they don’t put into the Free & Clear line, my daughter especially loves that The Lorax is featured on the diapers.  We’ve read the book numerous times before nap since it arrived and each time she exclaims, “It’s like Brother’s diapers!”.  Hopefully the message of The Lorax isn’t lost on her and we can use this as a great teaching point to help her realize how important it is to protect what we have and resist what we just don’t need. 

While I have never tried the Seventh Generation Free & Clear line of diapers before and can’t speak to how the Overnight Diapers compare to the regular Free & Clear diapers, I can say I’m now a fan.  They have surpassed my expectations and then some and I really love that they don’t contain chlorine, fragrance, and are hypo-allergenic for his sensitive skin.  This is especially important to me when we aren’t going to be able to change him frequently, but until now I haven’t found a diaper that didn’t leak when worn for prolonged times that I felt comfortable using.

For those of you who are very familiar with Seventh Generation, you will be happy to note that they’ve been doing some other really cool things in a new redesign to their whole diaper line.  The Free & Clear diapers now have new and improved tabs for a better fit and the Free & Clear training pants now have an absorbent core made with more renewable materials.  

Some facts about the Free & Clear diaper line:
•    Free & Clear diapers have improved more flexible tabs that provide even better fit
•    Free & Clear training pants have an absorbent core made with more renewable, plant-based materials.  They also feature stretchy, tear away side panels for a better fit and added convenience, as well as inner leak barriers for superior leakage protection
•    Seventh Generation Free & Clear baby care products do not contain chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based lotions or latex, and all Free & Clear products are also hypo-allergenic
•    Starting March 2, you can register for a free The Lorax scrapbook with the purchase of any three Free & Clear diaper products, until supplies last

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win one package of new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diapers and a copy of Dr Seuss’s The Lorax storybook!

To Enter:  Comment below with which of the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diaper products are you most interested in trying with your family in an effort to become more eco-conscious

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://t.co/iAzmYpOX} and tag Rave & Review 

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry - "Like" Seventh Generation on Facebook {do not comment on their wall, simply comment on this giveaway post}

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet after following @SeventhGen and @RaveAndReview

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love. Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On April 5th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US addresses only.

The Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers {Review & Giveaway}

My little guy hates diaper changes.  Actually, hate is not a strong enough word.  My normally good-natured little guy turns into a completely different kid when you try and change him, and it’s not fun for any of us.  Even me singing, telling him stories, or offering small toys to play with don’t diminish his desire to pull his classic move – the “arch and twist” – and wriggle off the changing pad.

Huggies knows how hard changing active, squirmy babies can be and has created Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers for this very reason.  Their slogan is “catch, slip-on, and release!” and I wanted to give it a go with the little guy to see how well they work. 

To start with, I love that they can either be pulled on like training pants or put on like a diaper by undoing the stretchy sides and then reattaching.  I especially like the slip on feature when he’s fresh from the bath or getting ready in the morning or at night because we don’t have to deal with jeans and shoes at those times and slipping the Little Movers Slip-On Diapers is so easy that he doesn’t even need to lay down on the changing pad {yay!} and I can put them on with him standing. 

The rest of the time when he is wearing jeans and shoes, I lay him down and put them on like a diaper by undoing the stretchy sides and then attaching them with the Velcro tabs.  It isn’t really any quicker than a regular diaper, but I really like them because they are easy to reposition without ruining the diaper and they feel so soft, especially on the sides.  This stretchy and soft side is important as my little guy is so incredibly active these days and I like that the diaper stretches with him and offers awesome leak protection.  In fact, we’ve had no leaks at all with the new slip-on diapers, which is awesome. 

The only thing I would note is that if you are dropping your little one off with Little Movers Slip-On Diapers to a babysitter, you should definitely explain that the sides open and close since they are bound to think that they are slip-on only because they look so much like training pants.  Even hubby didn’t realize that they opened on the side and I came in to find him taking off my son’s entire outfit and shoes for a quick change.  That, obviously, did not go down well and that mistake was never made again. 

Overall, we really have liked the Little Movers Slip-On Diapers and will definitely be stocking the changing table with some for those quick pull-on changes.  I think they will be especially convenient as he gets older and starts getting interested in potty training.  This, hopefully, will come quick as his desire to not change his diapers hopefully pushes him in this direction{fingers crossed}. 

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers Features

•    Stretchy sides for a fuss-free fit
•    Tabs for easy removal and disposal
•    HUGGIES LEAK LOCK® System – the protection and security you both need between changes
•    Absorb-away layers and long-lasting core lock in wetness and keep your baby dry
•    Stopping guards around the legs and waist help keep wetness in
 
In addition, HUGGIES is calling all moms to upload a video of their squirmy babies to their YouTube Channel.  Spoiler alert: it's adorable!

Two lucky Rave & Review readers will win a pack of Huggies Little Mover Slip-On Diapers and a magnetic picture frame!

To Enter: Tell me what your child's patented "move" is!

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

1 Extra Entry - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://t.co/dE09dn4v} and tag R&R on Facebook

5 Extra Entries - Upload a video of your little one to Huggies YouTube channel

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love. Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On March 7th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. US addresses only.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to Laura and Bekki, who have been contacted to claim their prizes!

Huggies provided me with a pack of Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers and a magnetic picture frame to conduct a reader giveaway.  However, my opinions on the product are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive sentiments towards Huggies or their products.
 

Savvy Bag Baby Changing Clutch from Infantino

I pride myself on being well prepared, and with two kids under the age of 3 it has truly become a necessity.  That being said, I'm sure you can understand my hesitation {at first} to leave my regular diaper bag at home and downsize to the Infantino Savvy Bag Baby Changing Clutch.  But, I took it as a challenge and decided to see if I could make it work for quick trips out with the kids.

Designed to replace the big and bulky diaper bag, the Infantino Savvy Clutch is the perfect bag for an afternoon out or a trip to the store.  While it has a very slim profile, I found plenty of room to stash the essentials.  My wallet, cell phone, keys, diapers and baby wipes fit perfectly inside.  It has a handy strap that slides right over my stroller handle, and it can even detach all together to use the bag as a true clutch. 
 
One of my favorite things about the Infantino Savvy Bag is its versatility; it looks just like a purse but has the convenience of a diaper bag.  As a working Mom, I'm always challenged to find a bag that can function both for work and as a diaper bag {for evenings and weekend}.  The Savvy Clutch is the perfect thing for the essentials and quick diaper changes, especially with the inclusion of a full size changing pad. 

The design on the fold-out changing pad is genius.  It snaps in place on the side of the Savvy Clutch and then folds up to cover the top of the bag.  The changing pad can also fit inside the clutch if you prefer it, or it can be removed all together, which makes this bag all purpose, even for after my little ones are grown.  As for the pad itself, it’s completely water resistant and has built in cushion, which baby loves!

Besides being substantially smaller than your traditional bag, the Savvy Clutch looks nothing like your average diaper bag.  The pattern on the bag is adorable, and in fact, I've received multiple compliments on my new "purse"!  The bright oilcloth fabric is completely and easily washable; not even my 2 year old's PB covered fingers gave it a challenge.

Overall, I really like the Savvy bag and would recommend it to any mom.  My only complaint is minor, and is that the magnet closure could be a little bit stronger because the changing pad tends to unfold a bit.  Like I said, it’s a very small thing and it certainly hasn’t limited the functionality of the bag or prevented me from using it!

Whether your child has transitioned to needing a smaller amount of gear for all day or you're looking to ditch the huge diaper bag completely to free your hands and save your back, you should definitely check out the Infantino Savvy Clutch.  Like all things Infantino, it is made for practicality and designed with parents in mind.  The bonus is that this product is for you and can last well after diapering is through!

Price: $22.99, and it is available for purchase through Step 2

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Diaper Pail Test Drive: Conclusions

Many of you know that for the past few weeks we have been hard at work testing two different diaper pails as part of the Mom Central Diaper Pail Test Drive.  We spent the four weeks alternating between the Diaper Genie II Elite and the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail and now we’re at the conclusion of the Diaper Pail Test Drive, which means it’s time to make the decision of which pail will become our main diaper disposal system. 

I’ve already talked a bit about the benefits of both diaper pails and what we thought half way through the test drive, but after a month of using the pails, I really have formed an attachment to one over the other.  The pros and cons our weeks of testing have uncovered are outlined below:

Diaper Genie II Elite Pail Benefits – 

*A foot pedal for hands-free opening and closing of the pail.  I have always hated that I had to use two hands to dispose of a diaper and love that with the Diaper Genie, I can simply step on the foot pedal and toss the diaper in.  Everyone raves about one-hand access, but even better than one hand opening is the fact that it opens with NO HANDS.  This means that the diaper pail stays clean and sanitary no matter what kind of mess I’m dealing with.  

* Speaking of sanitary, I love that the diaper does not come in contact with the Diaper Pail at all and only touches the disposable refill bags on the inside of the Diaper Genie. 

* Larger diaper pail holds more diapers than any other pail we have tried, and disposing of a full bag and getting a new bag ready is fairly easy with their integrated bag cutter and a simple knot.  The Diaper Genie refill pack can accommodate a few easy bag changes before you need a whole new refill pack.

* The Diaper Genie II Elite is also the only diaper pail that you can change bags on as often as you'd like without wasting a whole bag.  Because of the unique bag refill system that allows you to cut the bag to whatever size you need, it allows you greater flexibility when refilling your pail.  I find this especially handy when the pail isn't quite full before garbage day but I would still like to empty it to start fresh for the week, or if we are going to be out of town and I don't want to come home to a half full pail.  

* Odor control.  Although there have been times when some odor did escape from the Diaper Genie as I stepped on the foot pedal to dispose of a diaper, I would still rate it the best at odor control of the pails I have tried.  We even tried the pail in a small powder room for a few days so we could see what it smelled like in confined spaces, and it passed that test with flying colors. 

Diaper Genie II Elite Pail Cons –

* The process of changing the diaper pail bags may be easy, but it does require the pail to be open longer than I would ideally like.  Even holding my breath and hurrying through the process, I would still rate it as fairly unpleasant scent-wise. 

* The Diaper Genie II Elite is bigger than most other pails, which can be a problem if you have a tight space.  Fortunately for me, bigger is better when it comes to diaper disposal and I actually like that the pail is taller and hold more.

* The cost of refill packs, which are typically around $6-7, but can be found in bulk packages of 3 for $19.99

Price: $39.99 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Benefits –

* The twisting action of the bag closure eliminates the pail being stuck open accidentally when a bag gets too full.  When the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail does get full, the twisting action when you close the lid does get harder and louder, which signals to you that it’s time for a refill. 

* The bag removal process in which you seal the bag before you even open the pail.  This saves you having to be near a full bag when it is open, and is a huge plus for someone who cannot stomach unpleasant smells. 

* Again, the diaper does not come in contact with the actual pail at all, and only touches the disposable inner bag.

* I like that the Munchkin Pail has a refillable Arm & Hammer cartridge to help control odors.  I also like that the cartridge is unscented and cheap to refill, and doesn’t mask the room with a fake floral scent or something equally repugnant.

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Cons –

* The two handed operation of the pail and the fact that you have to push the diaper through to the refill below is something I would definitely like to see modified on future models. 

* The odor control on the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail is much lower than the Diaper Genie Elite Pail, but yet is still better than our old diaper disposal system.  My pregnant nose still has a hard time being in the room with the Arm & Hammer pail unless the diaper pail has just been emptied, which means there is quite a bit of time that I avoid the nursery.

* I dislike the base of the diaper pail that is far too easy to open with a simple handle.  When you add that this easy to open door doesn’t have any sort of seal, the recipe for disaster is huge.  I’m not sure if this is what is causing most of the odor emission from the pail that we are experiencing, but it would make sense that an unsealed base would lead to odors. 

* The Arm & Hammer refills are also costly at $5.99 for 10 bags and need to be changed more frequently than the Diaper Genie refills.  The other issue is that these can’t be found at many of our local stores, which would be a huge bummer if I didn’t plan ahead far enough. 

Price: $34.99

Conclusions: As you can see from the massive pro and con list, both diaper pails do have their faults.  But, since cleanliness and odor control are top of my list of requirements in a pail, the Diaper Genie II Elite wins hands down.  The minor odors caused by the opening of the lid and the changing of the bag are much better than any other diaper disposal system I have tried previously, and something I am definitely willing to live with in exchange for a pail that doesn't emit odors even when closed.  When you add in the foot pedal and the hands free disposal, the choice was really quite easy. 

Have you tried either Diaper Pail?  Do you have any opinions about these two brands?

I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this review.

Diaper Pail Test Drive

This past few weeks we have been hard at work testing two different Diaper Pails in the Mom Central Diaper Pail Test Drive.  The first week, we were using the Diaper Genie II Elite, and then the second week we switched to the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail.  We are now back using the Diaper Genie, and then will switch back to the Arm & Hammer Pail after this. 

The question at this point will be which pail will ultimately stay in the nursery and which will be demoted to our downstairs bathroom permanently in our less-used diaper station.  Although I’ve already started forming some opinions of the pails, I’m determined to give each its fair shot and not make my ultimate decision until the entire test is over.  

So far, I am seeing some pros and cons of each pail, and I have outlined below what I really like in the two designs:

Diaper Genie II Elite Pail benefits – it has a foot pedal for hands-free opening and closing of the pail.  I’m going to be completely honest when I say that this feature alone might ultimately make the decision for me.  I have always hated that I had to use two hands to dispose of a diaper and love that with the Diaper Genie, I can simply step on the foot pedal and toss the diaper in.  The diaper pail stays clean and sanitary, something I think is one of its biggest benefits now that I have a curious toddler who touches everything.  I am also really impressed with the odor control of the Diaper Genie II Elite, and me and my pregnant nose no longer have to completely avoid the nursery. 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail benefits – I love the twisting action of the bag closure each time the lid shuts, which eliminates the often “stuck open” issue our old pail used to be fond of.  This was especially common when our old pail would get too full and the bag was at its limit and therefore not able to shut completely.  I’m sure you can imagine the stink that happens when a pail isn’t sealed properly, so this is a huge benefit for me.  Another huge plus is the bag removal process which allows you to seal the used bag before opening the pail to empty, which means you don’t have overwhelming stench while you change bags.  Again, my pregnant nose is very grateful for the thought that went into the design and the fact that I never have to spend extra time with an open disposal bag.

I've still got a few more weeks to weigh out the pros and cons of each pail and will be posting again towards the end of the Diaper Pail Test Drive to let you know where each pail will end up.  However, I would love it if you let me know what brand diaper pails you have used and whether you like your current system.  Do you have any opinions about these two brands?

I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received for this review.

Pampers with Dry Max + Liz Lange Diaper Clutch Giveaway {TWO Winners}

I've never been someone with 100% brand loyalty; I just want the best product out there, no matter what label comes on the outside.  So, like every other first time parents out there, a few months into buying diapers, my husband and I got the idea we were going to start using generic diapers to try and save money.  That lasted all of a few days and then we begged people to take the remaining diapers from us so we could go back to using Pampers.  Ironically, Pampers Swaddlers were the first diapers we tried and we all loved them, which makes perfect sense that we assumed that all diapers were going to offer the same excellent leak protection and comfort.

Since then, we have been a Pampers family through and through and even went as far as to pack a whole suitcase of Pampers when we took our daughter overseas and were worried they would be hard to find where we were traveling.  In the past 21 months our family has amassed a shocking number of their “Gifts to Grow” stickers that come on every package of diapers (but still have yet to do anything with them) and have started using their ultra mega boxes as makeshift baby clothes storage until we find someone to pawn off all our pink ‘n’ frilly baby clothing on.

Of course, I was ecstatic when I found out that Pampers was releasing their biggest innovation in diapers in 25 years, and even more so when I found out I was going to get a sneak peak at them.  Set to hit stores today and sold out for weeks in their presale online, these little diapers are already a hot item.  Their press release said that the new Dry Max core allowed them to be even thinner than before and claimed they were their “driest ever”.  Thinner means they fit better in my purse and even better is that they contain 10% less waste to throw away after each diaper change.  Drier… well, that’s what we all want. 

The Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max arrived a few weeks ago and I couldn’t wait to try them out.  Unfortunately, my littlest reviewer was fast asleep and being the impatient reviewer I am, I decided to conduct my own experiment while she slept.  I opened up the package to find the familiar baby powder scent was still there, along with the much loved Sesame Street gang, as well as the signature softness that makes Pampers the littlest reviewer’s favorite. 
But, these diapers were a whole lot thinner than either the Swaddlers or the Cruisers, and yet still offered even more coverage than their diapers before.  Longer in length and fuller coverage in the back where it matters most, the Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max seemed to offer the best of all worlds. 

Of course, I couldn’t actually try them on a sleeping baby, so I did the next best thing.  I got myself 3 cups of water and slowly filled a diaper to watch its absorbency.  After it soaked up all the water, the Dry Max core was huge and bloated, but it never leaked or showed any signs of falling apart.  In fact, a few minutes later the Dry Max core only felt damp to the touch, not wet as you would imagine.  In a test that I would never, ever perform on a truly soiled diaper, I decided to squeeze the diaper and see if it began to leak.  While a few tiny droplets of water did seep out onto the outer edge of the diaper, it was truly minimal when you consider the amount of squeezing going on.   

Honestly, if I wasn’t already a huge Pampers fan, I would be after trying the Pampers with Dry Max out these past few weeks.  We haven’t had a leak or blowout yet, or a chance to really see all these diapers can handle, but I’m going to take the absence of disaster as a good sign.  I loved that they are so much thinner and getting my daughter more used to the idea of underwear, but mostly I'm raving about the lack of leaks even overnight, even considering her toddler-sized thirst.  Starting today (March 15th) you can bet that Pampers Dry Max boxes will be our new storage box of choice.

While our laundry room currently looks like a Pampers storeroom, I must say that the system is working, because at the approximate rate my daughter goes through a box of diapers, she also grows out of a box worth of clothing.  Coincidence?  I doubt it.  While you ponder whether it is the size of the box that determines the hand me downs or the rate at which she can soil her way through a box of diapers that correlates to her growth, I am going to leave you with this awesome giveaway:

And now for the Giveaway...

Two lucky Rave and Review readers will win a week's supply of Pampers with Dry Max and an awesome Liz Lange diaper clutch valued at $50 to carry them in!

To Enter:  Tell me what size diapers you would need for your little one and whether your family is a Pampers family like mine!  Be sure to check out Pampers.com to see availability and more features on the Pampers with Dry Max. You can also order a free sample of the diapers to be shipped to your door by clicking here.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Let me know you subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count - leave two comments)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and #giveaway after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage 

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry)

On March 22nd at 11:59pm PST two winners will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winners will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses only.

A huge thank you to Pampers for sending a package of Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max for us to review and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  This post was written as part of a campaign with the PTPA Panel of Moms where real parents tell what works and what doesn't and where Pampers with Dry Max recently was awarded their coveted Winners Badge in their Spring Campaign.  The opinions expressed are solely my own and no type of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Maclaren Beginning... For Mama and Baby Giveaway

At the Baby Show NYC a few weeks back, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful reps from Maclaren and seeing their new line of Maclaren Beginning bath and body care products.  Beginning holistic care products are a premium line designed to pamper both mother and baby with natural and organic ingredients.

From massage oils and bath products to aromatherapy and candles, the Beginning line feels like a day at a high-end salon each time you open them.  What makes the Beginning line unique is that it is for both mama and baby, allowing you to share in the experience of their natural indulgence together.  All of the products are made in England and almost the entire line is made with certified organic ingredients for even the most delicate baby skin.   

The Mother product line is designed to be used through pregnancy and in the post partum stages, but I would contend that these products will make it into your pampering routine for years to come.  The complete line includes bath milk, alleviating leg lotion, belly balm, massage oil, bath elixir, and a facial mist. 

As the mom of a one year old I don’t get much time for pampering, much less hours of leisurely going through a beauty routine, but I found the product line to be easy to fit into my jam packed schedule.  Even the busiest of us has time for taking care of our skin, but the truth is that most moms just don’t do enough of it.  The Beginning holistic care Mother’s products are great because each of the pieces of the product line are not built into a regimen, but rather are designed to enhance your current beauty routine one product as a time. 

For pregnancy I would have loved the belly balm, massage oil and the leg cream, especially towards the end of the 9 months when I was becoming more and more uncomfortable.  But, now that I’m a mom and I know the true meaning of “exhausted”, I am absolutely loving the Beginning facial mist and the bath & shower elixir, which makes even a quick shower and face wash feel like a beauty treatment.

Baby got to try out a small sampling of the Beginning line as well, and she loves it, especially the cylindrical packaging the travel kit comes in.  At first she thought it was a toy to stack other toys on top of, but then realized that the lid opened to reveal sweet smelling products just for her.  Now, she will ask for her Baby products by bringing me the travel kit and pointing. 

The Baby line includes massage oil, bath milk, room mist, dusting powder, nappy change balm, and delicate soap.  My daughter’s favorite is the massage oil, which I love, because then I get extra baby snuggles and usually kisses.  Hubby and I attended a class when our daughter was a newborn where they gave the basics of baby massage and all the benefits for parents and children, so I was really excited to try some of what we learned out with a relaxing and fragrant oil that baby really likes. 

I have to say that my absolute favorite thing in the line would be the comforting room spray that is designed to be sprayed in baby’s bedroom or nursery.  The idea behind it is that not only does it smell great, but it also infuses the air with aromatic fragrances to help baby soothe and relax.  Babies’ sense of smell is one of their first ways they learn about the world, and having something consistent and familiar that can remind them of home even when they can’t be there seems brilliant to me.  For a family that travels frequently as we do, I am really excited to be able to take just one small bottle with us wherever we go that will make just about anywhere feel more like home.   

With a complete line of products for both baby and mama, you are bound to find one or two that can add a little calm and a little harmony into the every day.  Visit http://www.maclarenbaby.com/us/ to see and purchase the whole Beginning line.  Select Beginning products are also available at these fine stores: edenhome.com, diapers.com and abesmarket.com

And now for the Giveaway...

Two lucky Rave and Review readers will win one of the two Maclaren Beginning Travel Kits reviewed here.  To enter to win the Giveaway, just comment below with your favorite Beginning by Maclaren product or something you would love to try in one of the sets!

On December 1st at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email

Sorry, this Giveaway is CLOSED!  Congratulations to our two winners - Laura and Melanie, your sets are on the way!

A big thank you to Maclaren for introducing us to their new bath and beauty line and for offering this fabulous giveaway to our readers.  No type of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

 

Go GaGa Weight Reduction Messenger Bags

I am an admitted bag addict and am always on the lookout for the perfect bag for our wide variety of activities.  I finally found that perfect bag in the Go GaGa line; one that can truly grow with me and accommodate all my gear without being uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.  The Messenger Bag by Go GaGa absolutely fit those requirements and more, quickly becoming the most useful and by far the most comfortable bag that I have ever owned. 

When I found Go GaGa Bags, my entire bag wishlist was addressed in addition to features I hadn’t even dreamed of: ultimate storage capacity and organization, minimalist good looks, easy access pockets, and the most comfortable weight-reducing strap on the market.  Unlike other bags where the weight of the bag is concentrated along the thin shoulder strap, the Go GaGa line offers something that is far superior - a strap that spreads the weight out over a larger area across the shoulder and back. 

The result is a bag that feels exponentially lighter and allows you to carry it comfortably much longer than you would have ever guessed.  Hubby loves that the Go GaGa strap can be worn in so many different ways so you can reposition the bag throughout the day as needed and aren’t left with one sore shoulder and achy muscles.  I love that the bag has a bouncy, light feel and means I can actually carry that heavy-as-lead SLR camera I always wish I had but can never justify with all baby’s and my stuff weighing me down. 

I have tried a bunch of weight reduction straps for my cameras in the past, but unfortunately the most useful of them are for the camera body, but don’t do anything for you once they are in your bag weighing you down.  The Go GaGa strap is by far the best weight reduction bag I have ever used and it makes me wish I had found their bags years earlier for my book-toting college years or our previous travels when I took my lighter and least favorite SLR with us to save on heft and have regretted it ever since.     

My second favorite attribute of the Go GaGa Messenger Bag would be the large amount of pockets and storage, but I think most of you already guessed that.  The back pocket is big enough for a laptop as well as the included changing pad, and the interior pockets are big enough to organize a huge amount of gear.  The double enforced dividers are perfect for protecting cameras and breakables (I always pick the most breakable souvenirs, just ask hubby) as well as keeping small things organized even when on the move.  One of my favorite things is that the front flap doesn’t completely cover the two front pockets, so it’s easy to reach in to grab necessities while on the go without stopping to open the bag.  I found this was the perfect spot for my cell phone so it was easy to grab at a moment’s notice without having to set the bag down.      

The two fully insulated side pockets are equally accessible while on the move, and hold a standard sized water bottle, sippy cup, toys, camera lenses, or even some wine bottles, making them actually useful for all of our gear, not just the smallest family members’.  To further support that they have truly thought of everything, Go GaGa has even included two straps along the top of the bag that can hold a yoga mat, rolled blanket or other tubular object as well as being useful for attaching to a stroller or bike.  If you do need to set the bag down for a minute, the reinforced bottom of the bag keeps it upright and easy to access.   

If you ever carry a bag on a regular basis, or use one for carrying your laptop, traveling, or hauling baby gear, you should definitely check out the Go GaGa line.  They have three different bag designs to fit any need and they come in 5 beautiful colors, two of which are made from recycled materials.  I think there is a huge misconception floating about that Go GaGa Bags are diaper bags and there has been lots of talk about how the bags can be repurposed for all sorts of uses after we’re done diapering.  Instead, I am going to argue that Go GaGa Bags are simply one of the coolest and most innovative designs out there, and it just so happens that some of their product line comes with what could be used as a changing pad.  In short, these bags are smart and stylish, no kiddos required.

Random Raves: I have small shoulders and have a hard time keeping bags in place when slung over one shoulder.  The Go GaGa Messenger Bag stays in place no matter what I’m doing (traveling, shopping, biking, hiking) or carrying (kiddos, gear, cameras), and never slips off unexpectedly.  For those of you with shoulder pain, back pain or tenderness from nursing, the Go GaGa strap is perfect for distributing the weight so that the bag doesn’t irritate, dig in, or cause pain.  

http://www.gogagalife.com/ and available at Buy Buy BABY

Priced from $118 - $128, which may seem pricey, but is absolutely worth every penny.  For those that already have the perfect bag but are dreaming of Go GaGa’s weight reduction straps, you will be happy to note that they sell the straps separately and they can be attached to any bag with loops.

Looks: Not too girly, not too masculine, the Go GaGa line has something for both guys and gals.

Overall: I adore this bag and could easily sell this bag by the dozens to fellow travelers and parents on the street.  I’m hoping to eventually own two more individual straps to attach to my luggage for our travels. 

A big thank you to Go GaGa for sending their messenger bag to save my neck, back and shoulders.

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