Babies Gotta Have It

Sprig Toys Story Builders - Babies Bottom Line Review

Wendy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:51:53 +0000

As the holiday season approaches, I know I am going to be scouring the stores and the web for wonderful toys that will impact my little gal and the earth she inhabits equally well. I am a huge fan of Sprig Toys! Their toys foster battery-free creativity in our children and the Story Builders Playsets are no exception. These toys encourage storytelling and imaginative play, and the fact that they’re made of 100% recycled paperboard (printed with non-toxic water-based ink) and recycled sprig wood is just the pink stripe on the candy cane as far as I’m concerned.

These neat sets combine board books, puzzles, and sturdy 3-D paper dolls and buildings all in a compact, easy to take on the go package. In addition to “Little Red Riding Hood” playset featured in the video also check out “The Three Little Pigs.”

Babies Bottom Line: Watch the video. The Bean had a great time playing with the Little Red Riding Hood Story Builder board book and play set. And Mama loves that it’s eco-friendly, non-toxic, and great for travel.

Disclosure: Sprig Toys sent me this product to review. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

Rockin with the Brothers from Maine - CD Giveaway

Wendy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:39 +0000

People from Maine are a little crazy. They love their state just as much as Texans love Texas. They’re just a lot quieter about it. I lived in Texas. I have family from Maine. I know. The mosquitoes were particularly horrendous in Maine this year (as they were all over the East Coast), and did a number on the little Bean when we went up in August. But still, I have to admit to having a bit of a love affair with the Pine Tree State. So when the cute as can be Flannery Brothers from Hampden, Maine contacted me to review their CD for kids, “Love Songs For Silly Things” I swooned at the chance.

I fancy myself a bit picky about kids music. I’m a snob, I must confess. The CDs I have recommended on this site, are really really good. And this one is no exception. My two year old loves it. She calls it the “new CD” or the “blue CD” and despite the fact that it’s upbeat and cheerful, enjoys listening to it during her naps. Go figure. These guys have their finger on the pulse of what kids like.

Let me tell you about my two favorite songs on the CD. The first is ‘Blue Sky Moon” — about just that. That mysterious, beautiful, puzzling moon that shows up in the blue sky in the afternoon. I can so remember staring up at it as a child and wondering if it was the same moon that came out at night and why it was there sometimes but not always. I’ve sort of forgotten the wonder of the Blue Sky Moon. The Flannery Brothers haven’t. They think like kids, it seems.

I also love “Farmer’s Market”. People in Maine are a step ahead of the rest of us in the slow food movement. They’ve been shopping locally for years and we city people are just catching on. But this song is catchy and super fun and I find myself singing it to the Bean every Thursday when we take our tote bags and head to the local Green Market. Want to get your kids excited about vegetables? This is just one of the songs on this CD designed to encourage adventurous eating.

It’s not too early to start thinking stocking stuffers for the grandkids or unique gifts for the neices and nephews and godchildren. Heck, a collection of amazing CDs is one of the most wonderful and unique baby gifts you can give. Pair “Love Songs for Silly Things” with a soothing lullabye CD for a truly wonderful present that will keep on giving long after the 3 month onesie has been passed along to another dear baby. This CD was created for kids ages two to six and has been recognized by The John Lennon Songwriting Conest. Cool, huh?

So here’s your chance! Thanks to the aforementioned super cute Flannery Brothers, one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win a copy of “Love Songs for Silly Things”! Want to enter? Read on!

To Enter the Flannery Brothers “Love Songs For Silly Things” Giveaway

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Do yourself a favor. Check out the totally fun Flannery Brothers website and enjoy their tunes. Then come back and leave me a comment sharing the music you loved most as a child Entering is that easy!

***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did! Maximum of seven entries per person.

Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): The Flannery Brothers “Love Songs for Silly Things” CD is rocks my kids world! Enter to win one @BabiesGottaHavT http://tinyurl.com/y8az9f7
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Thursday November 5th and ends on Thursday November 19th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Friday November 20th, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering! Disclosure: The Flannery Brothers sent me their CD to review and they provided a CD for the winner of the giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

Cuz Learning to Eat is Messy Business - Kindertools Giveaway!

Wendy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:06:04 +0000

I have never considered myself a neat freak. And if you could see what’s growing in my refrigerator’s snack pan, you’d absolutely agree. But the amount of mess generated by a toddler learning to feed herself has shocked and very nearly grossed out this loving, dust-bunny-embracing, city Mama. I clean the splat mat. I pick congealed quiche that somehow ends up BENEATH the splat mat off the hardwood floors. But still, there is a five foot radius of food splattered around the Bean’s high chair that could sustain a small dog for a week I’d say.

Learning to feed yourself is difficult. It takes a while for those little fingers to figure out where the mouth is and then how to move food into it. And when you start adding utensils, forget about it! Kindertools were created by a mother of three, in conjunction with pediatricians and childcare specialists, to meet the needs of children ages 6 months to 6 years as they learn to use forks and spoons…and toothbrushes and crayons and paintbrushes and more!

Kindertools sent me and the Bean several of their products to try out. Now, the Bean is almost 26 months old. She is actually fairly great with her fine motor skills and has been using a fork and spoon for quite some time (bear in mind, however, that she didn’t walk until 18 months–kids all develop differently, right?). So she had actually progressed developmentally beyond some of these tools. I would have loved to have tried them with her a year or so ago. Though let me say, we have been using the toothbrush. Kindertools were created both to facilitate learning to use straight handled items, and also for safety reasons! I have often chased after the Bean as she runs around the apartment with her toothbrush in her mouth thinking she’s playing such a fun game with me. But as they say on the Kindertools site:

Straight-handled utensils can also be a serious safety hazard for young children. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2001 nearly 2500 children under the age of 4 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for straight-handled utensil injuries. Clearly, straight-handled utensils are not designed for young children.

The unique, wide safety handles make these toothbrushes (and all the utensils) super safe and prevents choking or other serious accidents. I have to say, the information on the Kindertools site made me think twice about chasing her with a toothbrush in her mouth!

Kindertools are ergonomically designed; FDA approved; made of a soft, durable plastic with no hard or sharp edges; and dishwasher safe! And thanks to the super folks at Kindertools I have a whole set of their products to give away to one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader! Enter today to win both toothbrushes, the spoon, the fork, the crayon holder and the paintbrush holder. Each one is brand new and comes separately packaged in a little ziploc (not packaged as seen in the photo above, however).

To Enter the Kindertools Giveaway

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Check out the full line of Kindertools products on their website, come back, and let me know which one you’re most excited about trying out! Entering is that easy!

Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): Got a messy toddler? Try Kindertools! @BabiesGottaHavT Kindertools Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/ykz4web
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Monday November 2nd and ends on Monday November 16th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Tuesday November 17th, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering! Disclosure: Kindertools sent me their full line of products to review and they are providing the products for the winner of the giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

Babies Bottom Line Review - Evenflo Smart Steps Toddler Feeding Products

Wendy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:56:39 +0000

So as I have mentioned in the past, I am having a bit of trouble getting my two year old to eat anything that’s not beige. Or sweet. Or a cupcake. So when the opportunity arose to try out and review some of the new Evenflo Smart Steps products, designed to foster healthy eating habits in toddlers, I jumped at the chance. The Evenflo Smart Steps line was created with three primary goals in mind, to encourage children to: serve themselves, explore food, and know portion sizes. I am totally behind all of these goals. And the fact that the products are all BPA free is kind of the icing on the cake…or shall I say, the ranch dressing on the carrot stick.

We had a chance to test drove the new Insulated Sippy Cup, the Snack Stackers (with the magic labels) and the Discovery Spoons. The most honest review I can give is to say that they have so made their way into our regular eating rotation, that I totally forgot I was reviewing them. My gal is a bit old for the Discovery Spoons–they are really designed for toddlers just learning to feed themselves and are quite shallow with soft sides. I actually wish I had a set about a year ago! The insulated sippy cup is quite cute, first of all. It has a nice cover for the germaphobic Mama like me, and provides good control against leaks. And the soft insulating wrap that removes to allow you to plop the cup in the dishwasher is pretty cool. The snack stackers certainly keep our chocolate bunny snack portions in check–and the easy to snap on lids and magic labels would also be great for storing and labeling baby food. They are also awesome for maintaining nice and mushy raisins! I’d love to try the Portion Plate with its colorful sections showing how big portions should be (complete with a tiny “just try it” blue bowl in the center)–very cool idea.

Babies Bottom Line: Evenflo Smart Steps provides BPA free, affordable, and healthy products to encourage veggie eating in toddlers. Starting preschool with healthy eating habits? That’s something that baby’s gotta have. Wanna try them? Here’s a link to a printable coupon so you can do just that!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Evenflo and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

From an Eco Village in New Zealand to Your Front Door - Ecostore USA Giveaway

Wendy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:23:26 +0000

“No Nasty Chemicals.” What’s not to like about that? I’ve talked about the all-natural, non-toxic baby, personal and household care products from Ecostore USA in the past. And now, I’ve tried a whole bunch more. Check out the video to learn more…and the secrets of the Eco Village in New Zealand are finally revealed!

You know you want to try some of these products! In honor of the arrival of Ecostore products at Duane Reade Pharmacies near you and the opening of the new Duane Reade in Herald Square on October 23rd, one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win a $25 ecommerce Gift Certificate to do just that! Thank you Ecostore USA! Want to enter? Read on!

To Enter the Ecostore USA $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Watch my video review and check out the Ecostore USA website. Browse around, come back and leave a comment on this post letting me know which product or products you’d choose if you won the $25 ecommerce gift certificate. Entering is that easy!

Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): Ecostore USA is coming to Duane Reade Pharmacies! No Nasty Chemicals! Win a $25 gift certificate @BabiesGottaHavT http://tinyurl.com/ygtkaln
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Monday October 19th and ends on Monday November 2nd at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Tuesday November 3rd, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering! Disclosure: Ecostore USA sent me all of the products shown in the video to review and they are providing the $25 gift certificate for the winner of the giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

Update: We have a winner. Random.org says “Result: 1“ Congratulations Kim! Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

Halloween Comes to Cloverleaf Corners - Calico Critters Giveaway

Wendy — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:44:52 +0000

Halloween has come to Cloverleaf Corners. The folks at International Playthings were kind enough to send us this set of Costume Critters from Calico Critters for the Bean to try out. Watch the video to see how she liked them.

Tiny hint? If the Bean’s reaction is any indication, your wee gal with adore the Costume Critters from Calico Critters. And let me just say, if these had been around when I was little I would have been so into them. Cute. Fuzzy. Tiny. Collectible. Little outfits. And if you want to learn more about Calico Critters, check out this informative video.

And thanks to International Playthings one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win a set of Costume Critters…just in time for Halloween! Want to enter? Read on!

To Enter the Calico Critters Costume Critters Giveaway

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Check out the Calico Critters website. Browse, around, and then come back and leave a comment sharing your favorite Calico Critters product. Entering is that easy!

Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): Halloween has come to Cloverleaf Corners. Win a set of Costume Critters from Calico Critters @BabiesGottaHavT http://tinyurl.com/yktgje5
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Wednesday October 14th and ends on Friday October 23rd at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Saturday October 24th, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering! Disclosure: International Playthings sent me one set of Calico Critters Costume Critters to review. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

UPDATE: We have a winner! Random.org says “Result: 11″. Congratulations Vickie Wurgler! Thanks for all the entries!

Breaking News from the Mama on the Street

Wendy — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:46:51 +0000

Yup. You heard it here from the Mama on the (very noisy) street. All-natural Baby Care and Household Cleaning Products from Ecostore USA. “No nasty chemicals.” Coming soon to a Duane Reade Pharmacy near you.

Look Baby, No Hands! The Bebe Bottle Sling Giveaway!

Wendy — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:42:19 +0000

I’ve become so nostalgic since my baby girl turned two…I look at my old yellowed nursing bras and the spotted burp cloths all wadded up in a corner of my closet and I get a little misty. I’ve taken to carrying the Little Bean in a cradle hold and telling her stories about when she was a teeny tiny baby and I would hold her and bounce her and jiggle her and sing to her for hours…and hours…and hours…oh yeah, and hours…sniff sniff sniff. As if that entire time I wasn’t cracked and clogged and tired and unshowered. How quickly we forget.

I’ll tell you who hasn’t forgotten. The makers of the Bebe Bottle Sling. We all agree, breast is best. But when you’re a parent of twins…or triplets…or even just one sweet little ravenous bundle, on occasion you need to, oh call me crazy, eat a little something or get dressed for work? The Bebe Bottle Sling is a self-feeding baby bottle holder that attaches ANY kind of bottle (any size or shape) to ANY style car seat, and holds the bottle at the correct angle for hands-free bottle feeding. Additionally, this product encourages baby to learn how to hold the bottle herself, by allowing the infant to take the bottle in and out of her mouth at will without having to concentrate on holding up the heavy bottle at the proper angle for feeding. Clever idea, no? I know you moms of multiples are nodding your heads. Go to the website. Check out the video to see this product in action. You’ll be impressed.

Bebe Bottle Slings are coming out in the adorable colors and styles pictured on this post in mid-October. Wanna try one right now? Here’s your chance! Cherie at Bebe Bottle Slings has offered an adorable brown monkey bottle sling to one reader Want to enter? Read on!

To Enter the Bebe Bottle Sling Giveaway

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Check out the Bebe Bottle Sling site. Browse, around, watch the video. Then come back and share one thing you learned on the site…about the sling or feeding your baby… It’s up to you! (Try to choose something different from the entry right before yours) Entering is that easy!

Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): Look no hands! @BabiesGottaHavT is giving away a Bebe Bottle Sling! Got twins? Check it out! http://tinyurl.com/ycjzm44
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Tuesday October 6th and ends on Tuesday October 20th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Wednesday October 21st, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering!

Update! We have a winner! Random.org says “Result: 15“ Congratulations Mommy Daisy! Hope you enjoy your Bebe Bottle Sling!

Lunch in Style - Citizenpip Reusable Lunch Kits - Giveaway

Wendy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:18:19 +0000

We toured our first preschool last Saturday. I was choking back tears the whole time like a total sap. And I so didn’t think I was going to be an emotional wreck about the Bean starting preschool. I really thought I was cool with it. Wrong.

When I profiled the awesome eco-friendly reusable lunch kits from Citizenpip in my Back to Preschool Post last month, I fessed up to the fact that imagining my little girl eating lunch at school was enough to make me weep. Maybe I’m just having flash-backs to when I threw away my retainer with my lunch garbage…twice! But when I finally have to embrace the fact that it’s time to send the Bean out into the world with a nut-free, waste-free, as organic-as-I-can-muster lunch, I’m so glad to have a lunch kit that is up to the job. Citizenpip’s reusable lunch kits are eco-friendly, muck-free (i.e. no BPA, PVC, Phthalates or anything else you don’t want mingling with your kid’s hummus), easy for wee ones to open, and dishwasher safe.

Citizenpip was started by a mom of three boys who believes that even a small change, like eliminating one family’s contribution of plastic baggies to landfills over the course of a child’s education, can make a difference. But she also wanted a safe, practical, and cool bag for her kids to use. She couldn’t find a lunch kit that satisfied her needs. So she created one. Complete with an insulated lunch box, matching stainless steel fork and spoon set, and cloth napkins. I think the results are pretty great.

Buy It! Baby’s gotta have a lunchbox now? Use coupon code babiesgotta10 when you purchase a Citizenpip Reusable Lunch Kit between now and October 31st for ten percent off any order over $40!

Win It! Wanna take one of these lunch kits for a test drive? You know you do. Christine from Citizenpip has offered one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader a Square Meal Kit! Yippee!

To Enter the Citizenpip Reusable Lunch Kit Giveaway

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Take a swing by Citizenpip and check out the Square Meal Lunch Kit. Come back and leave a comment on this post sharing which style (Yum, Eat or Tasty) you’d choose if you won. Entering is that easy!

Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): I just entered to win a Citizenpip Reusable Lunch Kit @BabiesGottaHavT Enter today! http://tinyurl.com/yb6vkxr
Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
Email your friends about the giveaway! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Wednesday September 30th and ends on Wednesday October 14th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Thursday October 15th, Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering!

UPDATE! Random.org says…Result: 77 Congratulations Jamie! Hope you love your Citizenpip Lunch Kit!

Secondhand Rose Gotta Have Used Clothes - Part 2!

Wendy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:39:14 +0000

Ok so we were handed down the most adorable baby clothes. I expounded upon my love of hand-me-down clothes in a video back in May of 2008. They were, and continue to be, the best.

But then your little beauty does the unthinkable. She (or he of course) grows out of her clothes! And suddenly you have tubs of too-big clothes your wee one has yet to wear mingling with tubs of outgrown clothes, and heartbreaking as it is to say goodbye to that teeny tiny baby layette, you risk suffocating in an avalanche of rompers if you don’t pay it forward. So what are you gonna do with all those groovy duds?

Try a clothing swap! Get together with your moms group or the daycare parents or the other gals you met at pre-natal yoga. The more the merrier. And honestly, you’ll want women with kids of all ages so that there’s a big selection of sizes. Spread out all those delicious outfits on sofas and chairs, and go for it. Anything unclaimed by the time you’ve downed your iced lattes goes to goodwill. Voila. You have closet space again. Let me say, my friend Anna has demonstrated that this works for grown-ups too! While you’re at it, bring all the clothes you’re done with, spread them out in the bedroom and Mama leaves with a few new pieces too!

And if you’re in the NYC area, man do I have a clothing swap for you! Clear your day on Saturday October 3rd, pile those gently used, freshly washed baby clothes in a cloth bag, and head down to the Metropolitan Pavilion, North Pavilion (110 West 19th St.). Clothing Swap Inc. founder Suzanne Agasi will be on hand as will McGreeny himself, Josh Dorfman host of the Sundance Channel’s “The Lazy Environmentalist.” No admission will be charged, however all swappers must register in advance and bring at least on article of children’s clothing (Newborn to age 12) to swap (click HERE to register). There is no limit to the number of clothes or accessories attendees can cram back into their cloth bags to take home in exchange. And all “swappers” will take home samples of GreenWorks Natural Laundry Detergent. So that’s cool.

Green. Free. Fun. Clothing swaps. Now that’s something baby’s totally gotta have.