Vaccinations are one of my least favorite parts of being a parent.  I hate watching my son get his shots.  I know that it is in his best interest, but watching him hurting makes me cry… every time.  I am so excited that he is finished with his vaccinations for awhile, but soon I will have to go through it all again with this baby girl arrives in May.  While getting shots can be devastating for both child and parent, it is a much better option than the alternative. 

Right now, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is traveling around the country seeking public input on whether infants two years and younger should be immunized against meningitis — a leading cause of preventable infant death in the U.S. One out of 16 infants who contract the disease will not survive.  Among survivors, one in five will suffer seizures, blindness, amputation, paralysis or learning disabilities.

Meningitis Angels is a national non-profit organization founded in memory of Ryan Wayne Milley, the only child of Bob
and Frankie Milley. Ryan’s life was taken at age 18, as a result of meningococcal meningitis/meningococcemia. Meningitis Angels educates the public, health professionals, child care facilities, schools and universities on not only meningitis but other vaccine preventable diseases and the preventions including vaccines, though personal stories, educational brochures, posters and videos. Meningitis Angels is dedicated to the support of victims of bacterial meningitis and their families. While helping families cope with the loss or care of a family member they also offer some hands on support for those children affected with bacterial meningitis.

Here is a short video brought to you by Meningitis Angels:

You can help by visiting the Protect Infants Now website and sign the petition asking the CDC to include the Meningitis vaccine on the recommended list of vaccines for infants. It only takes a few seconds and you can help save infant lives. 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central and Meningitis Angels. This campaign was made possible in part through support provided by Novartis Vaccines. A small donation to a charity of my choice was made in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating. All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.

My son was born with bad skin.  His entire first year was horrible as far as finding products that worked for his exzema and very dry skin.  I hate that he inherited that from his mommy.  Most of the products that were on the market would irritate his sensitive skin.  We tried almost everything.  Aquaphor Healing Ointment was one of a very few products that wouldn’t irritate TJ’s skin.  We always had a couple of tubes in our house on hand for breakouts.  The other day I heard through another blogger that Aquaphor also has a Shampoo and Wash and I couldn’t wait to try it out.  I have not been very happy with TJ’s current shampoo.  While the bottle said that it was tear-free, but TJ hated it and cried when we washed his hair.  Earlier this week, we received a package from Aquaphor with a tube of Healing Ointment and a bottle of Gentle Wash and Shampoo.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment – The Baby Healing Ointment is a pediatrician-recommended formula that will soothe and protect your baby’s uncomfortable dry skin and provide effective relief for dry, cracked skin.

Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo –  is a mild, tear-free and fragrance-free cleanser for daily use on baby’s sensitive skin.  Aquaphor soothes and protects your baby’s skin to help keep your baby comfortable throughout the entire winter.

I can already tell a difference in a short week!  The first major difference is that TJ doesn’t mind having his hair washed!  When Aquaphor says that it is tear-free, they really mean it.  As it is the middle of winter, TJ’s skin has been really dry.  The body wash has been helping with that.  When I put lotion on his legs, they don’t feel quite as dry as they have in the weeks prior to using the wash.  I have been using the ointment on TJ’s rough, dry spots and they are getting a lot better.

I hope you try out Aquaphor products for your little ones.  We have loved them especially this winter! Be sure to check out the Aquaphor facebook page for updates and a product locator!

Win It

One lucky reader will win an Aquaphor prize package that includes a $50 Visa Gift Card, Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment & Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo!

Want to win?

Leave a comment and tell me that you want to win!

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a $50 Visa Card and Aquaphor products from A Mom’s Impression Enter here: http://wyn.cc/g5asu #Win
  (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Like Aquaphor on facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)
• List this giveaway on any giveaway site, or share on Facebook.

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to continental US residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on February 13. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This giveaway was made possible by Aquaphor. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

Being pregnant is hard work.  I must admit that I don’t really enjoy being pregnant but I love the outcome.  There are days I need to be reminded how lucky I am to be carrying this baby.  I have loved finding fun quotes to share with you, so I thought I would share some that I found on pregnancy and babies!

A grand adventure is about to begin.

- Winnie the Pooh

“Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.”

Quote by Bill Cosby

“If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of god, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby, when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on it’s cradle.”
— By Vincent Van Gogh

I had so many questions when I became a mom for the first time.  I wasn’t sure if I would be able to “read” my child’s cry or know what to do when he was screaming. I wasn’t sure if I should be trying to put my son on a schedule right away or should I wait until he was a few months old.  Later down the road, I wasn’t sure when the right time was to introduce solid foods into my son’s diet.  Do I add rice cereal into the bottle, or is that a bad idea?  I had so many questions. While my pediatrician was able to answer many of questions, I often used online resources to help educate myself on being a parent. Now that I am pregnant again, I am not ashamed to say that I have forgotten what it was like to have a newborn.  I mean, I was half asleep the first time around and it will be three years since I held a newborn when this baby meets his or her family.  What is a parent to do?

Nowadays there are plenty of places to turn to online if we have a question about taking care of your baby.  It is a lot quicker to put your question in a search engine than it is to pull off your parenting books from the shelf and read to find out the page that answers your question.  One great online resource for parents is the Baby Steps resource from Walmart.  This site helps moms find solution to common questions that new moms have about taking care of their babies.  The site also recommends products that you may need. The site is easy to navigate (a great thing since moms are usually exhausted and tired when navigating the web for advice).  With a few clicks of the mouse, you can have diapers and wipes delivered to your door.  Be sure to check it out for your parenting needs.

This has been a sponsored post on behalf of Lunchbox and Mom Bloggers Club.  All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s hard to believe that Coco has finally reached the toddler milestone.  These days, he’s a walking machine – which means it is time to get him used to shoes.  Unfortunately, the kid hates socks and with no socks, it makes it hard for me as a mom to put shoes on him comfortably.  Whether we’re in the car, in his crib or playing in the living room, Coco will rip those socks off the second he gets the chance.  Since he’s a boy, I can’t buy him a pair of tights since the majority of tights are made for girls.  However, recently a friend introduced to me a product called Baby Undersocks.  They are socks attached to pants, like footed pajamas, but easier to put on and thin enough to be worn under jeans or other pants.  The fabric is super soft and made from bamboo fabric which is hypoallergenic and sensitive to baby’s skin.  Even better is the gender neutral side of this product so it can be used for a girl or a boy.
The first time I tried Baby Undersocks out was when CoCo was recently battling, yet another, fever virus.  I slipped the Baby Undersocks on over a long-sleeved onsie to keep him comfy as his temp would fluctuate.  Even as his fever broke, the Baby Undersocks kept him very comfortable – not too hot or too chilled.  The bamboo fabric helped regulate the temperature even as his body had it’s highs and lows.  I was really impressed with how comfortable Coco stayed, even when he was feeling absolutely crummy.  Another great feature of the Baby Undersocks are the grips on the bottom of the feet that help keep Coco from slipping around as he wobbles to and fro.  Also, as you can see from the picture, Coco was unsuccessful from trying to rip these puppies off – because the socks are attached to the pants, his little feetsies stayed warm, despite his biggest effort to get them off!
With the fall and winter seasons coming up and the cooler temperatures right around the corner, I am excited to use my Baby Undersocks under Coco’s clothes to keep him warm – especially his little calves and legs that are exposed to the wind and cold when being carried in and out of places.  Baby Undersocks are much thinner than regular long underwear yet just as warm which will ensure he is comfortable as he spends his days at daycare.
Baby Undersocks are an inexpensive and comfortable necessity to add to your infant or toddler’s wardrobe.  With it’s outstanding quality and comfort, you’ll be glad you incorporated into your child’s attire this fall and winter-especially for your sneaky sock wiggler!  For more information and to order your Baby Undersocks, visit their website at http://www.babyundersocks.com/.

I recently went with a friend to a baby store to help her with her baby registry.  We had a lot of fun picking out things for her baby girl that will be born in December.  We looked at everything from bottles to blankets.  When we got to the car seat aisle, she seemed a little overwhelmed.  I told her that she couldn’t go wrong with a Britax.  Britax has symbolized the ultimate in both safety and style for me when it comes to car seats.  Safety is the number 1 concern of all parents and we all want the best for our kids.  Britax is a brand that you can trust with your babies.

We have been the proud owners of the Britax Marathon 70 car seat for a little over a month now.  It has exceeded all of my expectations!  It looks very classic and the black fabric is soft and durable (it is also unisex and would be perfect for a boy or a girl). It is simple to remove the cover off of the car seat to wash, you don’t have to take the car seat out, you simply pull the cover off over the car seat.

Installation was unbelievably easy.  My husband wasn’t around so I had to do this on my own, and it was a very quick process that took less than 5 minutes.  All you have to do is unhook the lower connectors and attach them to your car’s Latch system.  It was extremely simple. The base of the car seat is wide and includes anti-slip material so that it doesn’t try and slip off of the seat.

I love the No-Rethread Harness system that allows you to reposition the harness without having to unthread the straps (one of my pet peeves from a previous car seat).  If you have ever had to adjust the shoulder height in a car seat it normally consists of you having to take off the car seat cover, taking the straps out of the back of the car seat, adjusting the straps to a new height and then reinstall them.  Most of the time you have to take out the seat and then reinstall it to accomplish this. With the Marathon 70 all you have to do is pull up on the lever and the harness will reposition.  It is amazingly simple.

Features of the Marathon 70

Just like I told my friend, Britax should be on everyone’s baby registry.  The convertible car seat can grow with your baby  as it fits children from 5 pounds to 70 pounds.  It is durable and stylish enough to last the entire time that your child will be sitting in it.  And above all, you can rest assured that your little one is as safe as he can be riding in the car.

Be sure to check out all of the car seats that Britax offers.

Buy It

The Britax Marathon 70 Car Seat is available in baby stores nationwide for the MSRP of $289.99.

Win It

One (1) lucky reader will win a Britax Marathon 70 Car Seat of their very own!

How to Enter:

Leave a comment and tell me your favorite feature of the Britax Marathon 70!

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/dv9vt
  (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow Britax on Twitter
• Like A Mom’s Impression on facebook
• Like Britax on facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)
• Submit this giveaway to any contest/sweepstakes site and or share on Facebook.

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US and residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on October 1. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Britax.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by the company or PR firm. All opinions are 100% mine

Finding the right diapers for a child can be a hard thing to do.  My son had such sensitive skin when he was an infant that we had to stick with one brand of diapers that wouldn’t irritate his skin.  After he turned one, a lot of his skin issues went away so we have been buying whatever is on sale.  I have learned to love Huggies.  Huggies usually has some of the best coupons out there so we are constantly getting a great brand for the littlest amount of money.  As expensive as diapers are, I know you will join me when I saw that value is high on my priority list when shopping for diapers.

Huggies improved the Snug & Dry diaper with a new Leak Lock®. The diaper features even more absorbency with Absorb-away layers and long-lasting core, SnugFit waistband and Grip Tabs for a secure fit and stopping guards around the legs and waist. We have been using them for the past few weeks and I am loving how well they stop leaks.  TJ has had a round of not so nice looking diapers, but the Huggies Snug & Dry Diaper contained it all! TJ isn’t a fan of wearing diapers. (I keep telling him that if he uses the toilet we wouldn’t have to change him anymore, but he just doesn’t get it yet).  The fact that there is his favorite character of all time, Mickey Mouse, on the diapers will sometimes work on him allowing me to change it.  It sure doesn’t hurt!

Overall, I am impressed with the new and improved Snug & Dry Diapers.  Be sure to check them out and enter to win a package of them for yourself!

Buy It

The new and improved diapers are available now at Walmart!

Win It

One (1) lucky reader will win a package of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers of their own (up to $24 value)!

How to Enter:

Leave a comment and tell me that you want to win!

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win Huggies Improved Snug & Dry Diapers @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/qf57c
  (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Like A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)
• Submit this giveaway to any contest/sweepstakes site and or share on Facebook.

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US and Canada residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on September 18. Winners will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Huggies. I was not compensated for my participation in this review other than a product sample.  All opinions are 100% mine.

TJ has been more and more interested in learning through cartoons and games.  He loves watching Disney Jr. on television and he is picking up things from the shows that he watches.  In fact the other day he had this dialog with his uncle:

TJ and Cousin L:  “Crackers” (to uncle)

Uncle: “Okay, you both want some crackers.  What is the magic word?”

Cousin L: “Please”

TJ (simultaneously): “Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse!”

I tell you this story, not only because it cracked me up, but because our children do learn from the cartoons and videos that they watch.  That being said, finding good quality cartoons and games is a must during this technological day and age.  Recently we were asked to review the new K-Magic Interactive Movie and Game Console that will be released in September.

Here is a little bit more about the console:

This is basically a game system/cartoon watcher/music player all in one!  The Combo Set includes 12 Educational Game Cards, 3 Baby’s First Word Cards, 1 Baby’s First Music Card, and 20 built in cartoons.

Here is a short video explaining all the features and benefits of the K-Magic Interactive Movie and Game Console:

Our Thoughts:

TJ was so very excited to get this toy out of the box.  As soon as he saw it he wanted it.  I pulled it out and got the batteries in the console and tried to turn it on.  Here is where reading the directions would have been helpful.  To turn on the machine, you have to press and HOLD the on/off switch for several seconds.  We tried pushing the button several times and thought we had a defective unit until I contacted someone and they told me that I needed to hold down the button for a few seconds.  After we did that we haven’t had any problems with the console.

TJ immediately loved playing with the console.  There was a learning curve, and because TJ is only 25 months old, there is a lot that he still doesn’t understand about the gaming system.  He is quickly learning, and I am happy to report that I believe he has learned a lot of his colors because of the system.

I absolutely love that this system is portable.  Having this on a road trip or in the car when mommy is running errands is a lifesaver.  The cartoons alone make the system worth it.  We are planing a trip to Idaho in the summer and having this available on the airplane is going to make the trip a little less painful.

The cartoons feature Patrick (a little red dog) and his friends.  They are about 3 minutes long and teach children about shapes, colors, manners, feelings, numbers and much more!  I have been working hard with TJ on saying “Please” and “Thank you”.  I love that these little cartoons reinforce what we are teaching him at home. We are currently working on colors and numbers, so having these little games and cartoons are a wonderful addition in our home.

The K-Magic Interactive Movie and Game Console is created for babies all the way to age 6!  I know as a mother and a consumer I love products that will work with my kid for a long period of time. I am constantly buying something that I think TJ will love and then he will play with it for a few weeks and then he doesn’t touch it again.  Having a gaming system that will work as a music player when he is a baby, a cartoon viewer when he is 2-6, a gaming system when he is 2-5 is an amazing product to have. I don’t mind spending more money on a product like this than for a Leapster that kids will only use for a couple of years.

Buy It

You can purchase a K-Magic Interactive Moive and Game Console in September from K’s Kids!

This product review was made possible by K-Kids.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

We have been batteling exceama with my son since he was born.  He has had skin issue after skin issue.  We tried just about every cream and perscription available for a newborn.  Luckily he has grown out of most of his skin issues, but we are also very careful what kind of lotions and detergents we are using.  One of my favorite products that I purchased for TJ was his  HALO® Technical Comfort System® pajamas.  Here is a little bit more about them:

The Technical Comfort System will protect your baby’s sensitive skin and keep them comfortable night or day with properties to help wick moisture away from the skin twice as fast as cotton, and regulate their temperature. And, with an SPF of 30 without any added chemicals, this comfortable fabric can help protect babies’ skin from the sun, too!

When the opprotunity to review the new ComfortLux collection, I jumped at the chance.

Product Features

• It’s lightweight and breathable.

ComfortLuxe is a smart fabric, lightweight and knit to allow fresh air to circulate to keep the skin cool, dry and comfortable, regardless of the time of year.

• It wicks moisture.

ComfortLuxe has unique properties to release moisture from your little one’s skin in exchange for fresh air helping to maintain a stable body temperature which helps prevent the onset of triggers (usually heat and perspiration) which cause the itch/scratch cycle to begin among many children who suffer from atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema.  ComfortLuxe fabric helps to manage this trigger and help control discomfort and minimize eczema flares to protect baby’s delicate skin.

• Dries twice as fast as cotton.

ComfortLuxe outperforms cotton, the current standard for children’s wear by releasing moisture to dry twice as fast as cotton.

• Thoughtful details to prevent irritation.

Designed for little with sensitive skin, ComfortLuxe Sleepwear is constructed thoughtfully to help prevent the onset of the “itch‐scratch” cycle when skin is irritated.  These details include: rollover cuffs on the coverall and Base Layer to prevent scratching and flat interior seams to reduce abrasion.

• Recommended for sensitive skin.

With its unique moisture wicking properties ComfortLuxe is the only sleepwear to be awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association.  Check out Halo ComfortLuxe for more information.

• 100% Chemical‐free.
ComfortLuxe is chemical free so its unique benefits will never “washout” in the wash.

Key Benefits

• Provides relief for children with eczema and skin irritation
• Keeps children warm in cool weather and cool in warm weather
• Promotes healthier skin
• Provides more comfort

Just as we loved the Technical Comfort System, the ComfortLuxe was an instant favorite!  I love the classic and sleek look of the pajamas. The styles are cute, but they don’t go overboard with prints and characters.  For kids like TJ, with skin issues, these are the only sleepwear that the National Eczema Association endorses so I know that I am wrapping my baby with the best possible product for his skin.  The weather here in Indiana changes all the time and one day its hot, the next day it is freezing.  These pajamas are wonderful for climates such as ours.

Buy It:

You can purchase HALO ComfortLuxe Sleepwear on their website for $21.95 for the two-piece set!

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a two-piece set of  Halo ComfortLuxe Sleepwear!  (Your choice of pink or blue)

How to Enter:

Visit www.halocomfortluxe.com and tell me what your favorite design is! (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win Halo ComfortLuxe Sleepwear @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/udkif  (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Follow Halo ComfortLuxe on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US  and Canada residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on June 5. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This giveaway was made possible by Halo.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mom with small children? Is this mom stylish?  If so, I have the perfect gift for her.  Amy Michelle  I know that I would love a diaper bag from Amy Michelle, I have fallen in love with these chic bags!

The women behind the bags, Amy and Michelle, created the fashionable, functional diaper bags when having dinner talking about how women balance all of the activities in their lives.  Being able to carry a bag from a play date to dinner with the family to traveling on an airplane in style is what Amy Michelle has given the modern mommy!

I am absolutely in love with the Cosmo diaper bag.  This bag would look fabulous as a diaper bag or a bag for a night out on the town.  I love it when people can’t tell if a bag is a diaper bag.  I also love organization.  An organized diaper bag is a must for a busy mom and also essential when traveling with a small child.

Amy Michelle also carries a clutch that concels diapers and wipes.  No one would guess that hidden in the fashionable clutch are the necessities to clean a dirty child!  I love that it is so portable and able to be thrown into the car on a moments notice.  It even comes with a washable changing pad!

If you are needing a diaper bag that is gender neutral (for the dads as well) check out the Madison Avenue!  This light-weight bag is perfect for moms and dads alike.  It is roomy and classic and has organizational pockets for all of yours (and baby’s) accessories.  You can even make it personalized with a monogram!

If you are looking for the perfect Mother’s Day present for the new mom in your life be sure to check out these bags!

Buy It:

You can purchase any of these fabulous bags for Mom at AmyMichelle.com.  While you are there be sure to check out the other stylish bags that Amy Michelle offers!

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Chocolate Madison Avenue bag!  (This is the bag pictured above in brown)

How to Enter:

Visit Amy Michelle and tell me what your favorite bag is! (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win an Amy Michelle Madison Avenue Bag @AMomsImpression http://wyn.cc/7nryz (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
• Follow Amy Michelle on Twitter
• Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
• Follow Amy Michelle on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
• Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
• Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post on A Mom’s Impression. (just tell me what post you commented on)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
Open to US  and Canada residents only. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 20. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This giveaway was made possible by Amy Michelle.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample. All opinions are 100% mine.