Teething – BurritoBuzz

Keep Germs Away with CleanSmart Toy Disinfectant

Published on September 23, 2016September 22, 2016 by Casey SehmLeave a comment

As you know, cold and flu season is unfortunately upon is. With the changing of the weather and the start of the school year, illness is something that we can’t really ignore. My four year old started her second year of preschool last week and was kind enough to bring a cold home. My family of four all got runny noses, we were sneezing like crazy, had awful sinus pressure, coughing, and had watery eyes, including my poor 6 month old. She got hit the worst and is starting to feel better minus the never ending runny nose. Over the weekend she had a pretty high fever and was overall miserable. When babies get sick, you heart breaks because there’s not much you can do for them. Lots of cuddles and some tylenol to bring down the fever is about all you can do when they’re really young. So what can you do to help prevent the spread of germs when little ones always have toys in their mouths? I have found an amazing toy disinfectant from CleanSmart and I love it so much! I knew I had to share it with our readers!

CleanSmart makes products that are not harmful to people. There are no chemicals or chemical residue, harsh fumes, and the products are 100% natural – just salt and water is left behind after cleaning! There is zero toxicity and can be sprayed around anyone (babies, too). There are no allergy or asthma triggers in any of the products, so you can feel safe knowing what you’re using to clean and disinfect and know the products work! You won’t see any first aid labels on CleanSmart products because there are no hazards. What more could you want in a cleaning product? Watch here to learn about the CleanSmart difference:

I was looking for something to clean my children’s toys, especially with having more than one kid, germs spread entirely way too easy. If one is sick, the other will be soon. It’s just a fact. But I wanted something to help prevent illness as much as I could. Babies put everything in their mouths as we know and germs linger. CleanSmart Toy Disinfectant kills 99.9% of germs and cold and flu viruses, E. coli, salmonella, listeria, strep and RSV. The best part, you just spray and play! You can literally clean toys without rinsing right in front of your child. I often clean my little one’s exersaucer while she’s in it. It’s so easy and I love not having to think twice about using it around my kids. No gloves needed and you don’t have to have a crazy ventilation system (or open all the windows/doors in your house to air it out). It’s perfect to use with teething babies and after sick kids.

I love this product and look forward to purchasing more awesome products from CleanSmart, including their household disinfectants, hand cleansers and more products for my little ones: Pacifier Sanitizer ($4.99) and Nursery & High Chair Cleaner ($4.99). Products for little ones are now available at Babies R Us, so they’re easy to find! You can purchase all CleanSmart products on Amazon. The price point is perfect, $5.99 for the Toy Disinfectant. I’ve had it for about to months now, and I have about ⅔ of the bottle left so it does last a while. Because it’s not harmful, that doesn’t mean it should be left around children. Keep out of reach of children to keep them safe.

Connect with CleanSmart on Facebook and Twitter!

– Casey

The Amber Monkey

Published on August 22, 2016August 20, 2016 by Katie KuceyeskiLeave a comment

Let me preface this article: I am generally not someone who utilizes holistic approaches to medicine. In addition, this article is in no way written by a medical expert. Please consult your pediatrician prior to utilizing Baltic Amber.

My son started teething pretty early. Now, at 18 months old, he’s still teething. At around 7 months old, his discomfort from teething was pretty unbearable. He was fussy, drooling, and not sleeping well. While we did give him teething toys often, most other remedies were utilized infrequently (Tylenol, tablets, etc.)

I heard the hype of authentic Baltic Amber, and initially dismissed it. After seeing the buzz time and time again, I decided “why the hell not?” We purchased our first Baltic Amber necklace. It was the right size for my son’s neck, had a release clasp, and was knotted between beads. He wore it all day, except for in the bath, and at night we wrapped it around his ankle under a sock. And while I can’t say indefinitely that it was the amber, I can say that within a week there was a considerable difference in his demeanor and even less drool. He wore his necklace for months until he outgrew it, and then we ended up getting one from The Amber Monkey.

Their necklaces are authentic Baltic Amber. They have various sizes and styles, and sell both adult and children’s necklaces. They actually sent us an adult sized necklace, too, that I’ve been wearing!

But truly, the Amber Monkey sells quality items. I inspected each necklace and was impressed by the styling and attention to detail.

Here is some additional information on Baltic Amber:

“For centuries amber has been treasured not only for its beauty but also for its health benefits. The Amber Monkey’s 100% certified Baltic amber jewelry comes directly from the amber mines in the Baltic region of the world. For hundreds of years, people have worn the Baltic amber fossil, which releases trace amounts succinic acid, a natural analgesic and healing agent.

Amber is the fossilized resin from ancient forests which has gone through multiple changes over the centuries. This metamorphosis resulted in an exceptional gem with extraordinary properties. Various types of plant life as well as insects may be encapsulated in the amber resin, adding a peculiar uniqueness. These trees fell and were carried by rivers to coastal regions. There the trees along with their resins became covered with sediment which hardened into amber over hundreds of years. Geological events have repositioned a great deal of the amber, however many amber deposits remain in the ocean residue and can be found on the shores of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.

Due to its ornamental uses, amber is often considered to be a gem stone in the same class as semi-precious stones such as jade and turquoise. However semi-precious stones are mineralized whereas amber is a wholly organic material derived from the resin of an extinct species of trees. When amber is touched with fire, it gives off the scent of burning pine.

For hundreds of years the properties of Baltic amber have proven to be very beneficial. Many people boast of wearing Baltic amber for relief of migraines, head, neck and throat congestion, teething and toothaches. Amber can be beneficial for controlling rheumatism and arthritis pain, for aching muscles and joints, for carpal tunnel syndrome and sports injuries. For the best results it is recommended to wear the Baltic amber as close as possible to the painful area. From infant on thru the sunset years, wearing Baltic amber can be invaluable in providing natural healing. Baltic amber is the only fossil resin that contains 3/8 percent succinic acid, which is a powerful therapeutic substance. For the greatest effectiveness, it is recommended to wear the amber as close to the painful site as possible. The warmth of the body releases the healing properties of the amber.

Amber is sometimes used as a body oil as well as an ingredient in perfumes. Many spas and wellness facilities use amber oil for message. As the amber warms to the touch, it exudes a pleasant, relaxing fragrance while messaging away aches and pains.

The Amber Monkey offers a complete line of classic style amber necklaces and bracelets. Because of the wide color range of amber, The Amber Monkey jewelry can include a stunning arrangement of tones and hues. The Amber Monkey also offers Baltic amber in combination with semi-precious gemstones to give an added splash of color to the jewelry.

Baltic amber comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Colors range from golden tones and opaque cream colors to olive green, deep cherry and several shades of brown. Color has no significance on the effectiveness of amber, it is purely a personal preference. Bead sizes range from small to large in a variety of shapes, including slender chips, baroque (rounded beads), square beads, and flat olive shaped beads to name a few. Some beads are left in the raw, unpolished state and others have been polished to give a vibrant luster to the bead. This again is a personal preference of the appearance and does not affect the amber properties.

Those who prefer an elegant one of a kind piece of jewelry will certainly not be disappointed in The Amber Monkey’s selection. Our designers regularly add new creations to our collection. For the fun-loving customer, The Amber Monkey has many flirty styles that are sure to please.

Baltic amber necklaces have been a traditional baby teething remedy for centuries. Baltic amber’s natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving properties naturally soothe and calm a teething baby. The amber may also help reduce teething related symptoms such as swollen gums, runny nose, diaper rash, fever, and redness in the cheeks. Baltic amber is great for parents wanting to care for their baby naturally.

Proper fitting of children’s necklaces is critical.

With proper care Baltic amber jewelry will last for many years. Simply wipe the beads with a clean damp cloth. Never expose the jewelry to chlorine, oils or lotions as it will damage the beads. Disclaimer: Baltic amber is for external use only. The amber jewelry is designed to be worn only under adult supervision. Take caution to avoid contact with the mouth. The jewelry contains small parts and is not intended for children. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

I’m a firm believer that Baltic Amber has some healing properties. A web search provides mixed feelings and minimal scientific evidence, so I can only speak for our own experience utilizing amber for teething pains.

Want to try one? Check out this map to find out where to buy yours.

– Katie

**BurritoBuzz received these products at low or no cost for the purpose of review or testing. No compensation for a positive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences and we never guarantee a positive review.**

Sophie la girafe: A must for little ones

Published on August 19, 2016August 17, 2016 by Casey SehmLeave a comment

Teething babies are the worst. Plan and simple, teething sucks. Sometimes you get lucky and have a baby that doesn’t show he or she is in pain, so you’d never even know they’re teething at all. My first daughter was like that; you’d never know she was cutting a tooth because she was still happy-go-lucky like she always was. My second daughter is a whole different story. Of course every baby is different but she is reeeeally unhappy lately. She’s working on her bottom two teeth and she’s just a fussy, drooling mess. I’ve tried silicone teething necklaces and bracelets that she likes to chew on when I’m holding her. But when I’m not holding, I’m won’t leave her alone (while I do the dishes or laundry) with a necklace.

Ever since my oldest was born almost four years ago, I’ve seen little ones always chewing on a rubber giraffe named Sophie. It seemed to be a big hit with babies and parents alike, but I never took the plunge and spent the $25 to get her one (being a stay at home mom and only having one income, things were and still are financially tight). But with my youngest being a tiny teething terror at a young age, I reached out to Vulli, who makes Sophie la girafe, to collaborate with Burrito Buzz on a review. They were sweet enough to send us a gift set with a Sophie la girafe for my youngest and flash cards for my oldest

As soon as I opened Sophie and washed her, I handed her to my almost five month old and she immediately snatched her by the leg and starting gnawing on her head. Sophie was so easy for her to handle and actually keep a hold of. The way the giraffe is shaped, with its long neck and legs, it allows for little hands to grab any part of it and bring it to their little mouths.

Sophie also has the cutest little face; I think she’s just adorable! In fact, her face has stayed the same since she was born in France in 1961. She’s made of 100% natural latex rubber, which comes exclusively from Hevea trees growing in Malaysia. Sophie is an award-winning toy not only with little ones and their parents, but among the toy industry as well. My one and only gripe with Sophie is that she squeaks like a dog toy which drives my dog, Mesa, insane. My oldest runs around squeaking as much as she can to taunt him. I know that one day he’s going to snatch her and it’ll be game over for our beloved Sophie. But we’re going to enjoy the relief it brings my baby until then.

Sophie came in a gift set ($31.28) that included flash cards for my almost four year old. She’s starting her second year of preschool and we’ve been working on letters and numbers all summer and these flashcards are perfect to continue practicing! They’re quality made with bright and colorful pictures. The 26 cards each have a unique picture on them so she can familiarize with the alphabet (A is for Apple with a picture of an apple, for example). They’ll be perfect for when she starts spelling words, too! I love that I can use these cards with the baby when she gets a little older to learn objects, letters, etc. Sophie la girafe’s picture is on the left hand corner of each card, which little ones will love as they can learn with their Sophie!

Sophie is definitely be a permanent fixture (until Mesa gets her) in our house. I just love how easy it is for the baby to chew on her and our baby actually gets relief. I give Sophie la girafe and the gift set a 5 out of 5 stars. It’s the perfect gift for both toddlers and babies and a great gift for baby showers. I totally get the hype of Sophie la girafe now, our family just adores her! I really wish I would have spent the $25 a few years ago; I know my oldest would have loved her just as much!

Be sure to check out Sophie la girafe website, as there are many more amazing products; gift sets, teethers and rattles, early learning toys, and bath, mealtime and travel products to name a few! We also have a discount code exclusively for Burrito Buzz readers, use code BURRITOBUZZ10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase! {Code valid until 9.17.16}

Don’t forget to follow Sophie on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter to stay updated on products and sales!

– Casey

**Burrito Buzz received this product at low or no cost for the purpose of product review. No compensation for a positive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences and we never guarantee a positive review.**

First Look and Find Books {Review}

Published on August 17, 2016August 17, 2016 by Casey Sehm1 Comment

As I’ve written before, my almost four year old loves books. I love that she got her love of reading and books from my mom (she would read 2-3 thick books a week!). My daughter also loves seek and find books! A few months ago, I was going through a box of my old belongings and found a few Where’s Waldo books and she loved them! So I did a little research to see if there were any seek and find books geared towards little ones. I was so happy when I found First Look and Find books from p i kids (Phoenix International Publications).

I purchased two First Look and Find books to see if my daughter liked them. We got Mickey Mouse and Princess Sofia to start off with. She devoured those books! They were all she wanted to look at for a few days until she could find each item with her eyes closed. So I
reached out to p i kids to collaborate on a review together and they kindly sent her a few more titles to check out! The board books come in two different sizes, a small 5″ x 6″ perfect for little hands and a large 10″ x 12.125″ that’s big enough to share. Each page has pictures of several items to look for and the back of each book has bonus challenges, too! The books are perfect to keep kids busy in the car, at the store, at the doctor’s office, anywhere!

There are so many titles available including Disney, Nickelodeon, Thomas The Train, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, The Peanuts and many more. It’s almost guaranteed that your little one’s favorite characters have a Look and Find book! There are books for Christmas and holidays, too! Kids can search, point and match items, which I love because my daughter is learning as she’s looking! She’s making comparisons and following simple directions. At bedtime, she picks a book, gets her flashlight and “reads” to herself before falling asleep.

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There are other Look and Find products, too, not just books! p i kids sent us two big puzzles that, once put together, have items to find! My daughter loved putting them together then searching for Mickey and friends! There are activity pads, Write-and-Erase books, Fun Boxes (filled with books, stickers, activity cards, poster and magnifying glass), puzzles, book sets and more! There are so many fun products for little ones! p i kids also publishes a ton of other fun books, be sure to check out their website to see all of their books!

We love Look and Find books and can’t wait to continue to add to our collection! They make great gifts for birthday, holidays, or just because, as any child will love to look through these books! They can be purchased pretty much anywhere books are sold; book stores, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Toys R US to name a few and prices start at $2.99. I give p i kids Look and Find books a 5 out of 5. My daughter loves when we snuggle in her bed looking for items together and I can’t wait my youngest is able to join in on the search!

– Casey

**Burrito Buzz received this product at low or no cost for the purpose of review or testing. No compensation for a positive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences and we never guarantee a positive review.**

MAM Pacifiers & Pacifier Wipes {Review}

Published on August 3, 2016July 30, 2016 by Megan Desiato - www.BurritoBuzz.comLeave a comment

I received the MAM pacifiers and pacifier wipes several weeks ago and so far so good! Two more great products from MAM!

Both of my kids have been “binky babies,” so I was kind of anxious to see if my nearly one year old (at the time) would take to a new brand of pacifier. Since birth, we have pretty much stuck to using the AVENT Freeflow Pacifier. I also used them for my daughter when she was younger. I never really shopped around or tried different ones, but these pacifiers seemed to work with my kids, so I stuck with them.

The MAM pacifiers I received are very similar. My son honestly didn’t miss a beat when I swapped his usual soother for the new ones – that’s a huge plus! Now, I do know that some kids are more particular about certain products, so I think it’s important to note that my kids really haven’t been picky when it comes to pacifiers, teethers, bottles, etc. The specific MAM pacifier I reviewed is the Glow in the Dark Night Orthodontic Pacifier 6+ months.

Here are some of its key features:

1. It glows in the dark – This is great! I thought this feature wouldn’t be that big of a deal to me, and then I saw how well it glowed in the crib in the dark room at night. I was immediately sold. It was so much easier to find! And I didn’t wake my little one in the process! The only part that glows in the dark is the portion directly opposite the nipple, not the entire shield.

2. Silicone nipple – The pacifier my little guy was used to was also silicone. I’m sure this made the transition easier for him. The silicone is said to feel “familiar, like mom,” so I thought this was important for my breastfed babies.

3. Symmetrical nipple is also “anti-slip”. I like that there isn’t a right or wrong side with these pacifiers. It just makes it more convenient and easier for babies to put their binkies in their mouth independently. It is also better for their incoming teeth. I honestly didn’t notice any differences with the “anti-slip.” You might notice this more with younger babies.

4. They’re BPA Free!

5. There are small openings on the curved pacifier shield. This is important to me because the holes allow air to circulate and my little guy’s skin to breathe better. I don’t have to worry about him getting rashy or his skin breaking down and he is comfortable with the curved shape!

6. MAM offers two sizes, 0-6 month and the 6+ month size pacifier to accommodate growing babies and their development.

7. $5.99 for a 2-pack on Amazon – you can’t beat the price! These pacifiers last and are of good quality. Perfect registry item or shower gift. Buy yours here: MAM Glow in the Dark Night Orthodontic Pacifier

To go along with my new pacifiers, I also reviewed MAM’s Pacifier Wipes. These were not a product that I was super accustomed to using. I’m a Mom who finds a bathroom and rinses off her baby supplies or applies the 5-second rule when things get dropped. I will admit, these were nice to have in a bind or on-the–go and their small size (each wipe is 4”x6”) made them even more convenient. I still would not consider them a “must- have.” 40 wipes come in the package and they are advertised as not containing any harsh chemicals and also as being non-toxic. They contain no alcohol, dyes, or parabens. To me, those are important things, especially when I’m wiping off items my kids are going to put right back in their mouths. I wasn’t crazy about the scent. It wasn’t overpowering, it was just unpleasant to me. You could use these to clean any baby item – teethers, toys, pacifiers, etc. You can purchase MAM Pacifier wipes on Amazon for $3.99 here: MAM Pacifier Wipes

Overall, I would give both products great ratings. My son adapted to the pacifier right away, which I think speaks volumes. Even though I wouldn’t use the wipes on a daily basis, they are smart and convenient to use, especially in a pinch.

Be sure to take a minute to visit MAM’s website to check out more of their innovative, and award-winning products for every stage of baby that they have been developing for the last 40 years!

You can also follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!

– Megan

Relief for Teething Babies: Bitey Beads

Published on August 2, 2016July 26, 2016 by Casey SehmLeave a comment

Nothing says “I have a teething baby” like the big, soaking wet spot on your shoulder. When baby is teething, you learn not to wear dark colored tops, as dark colors leave spots. My husband has a permanent burp cloth attach to his shoulder when he’s holding our youngest. She’s only four months old, but she’s most definitely teething and her bottom teeth could pop through any day. My oldest didn’t get her first teeth until she was 8 months old, so according to her, her baby sister was getting teeth pretty early. While she’s learning to grasp objects, she can’t quite hold teethers long enough to chew on them without dropping them. So I set out to find a teether that she can use without dropping. Silicone teething necklaces were the perfect solution. I reached out to Bitey Beads and they were sweet enough to send us two beautiful necklaces for us to try out.

First of all, they’re pretty! Since they’re made for mom to wear (not for baby), I am so glad that they’re cute and fashionable. I can wear them out and it just looks like a chunky, in style necklace. Second of all, my Georgia loves gnawing on them! To be honest, my almost 4 year old likes chewing on them, too! I feel that she is finally getting some relief from those pesky sore gums and I don’t have to hold a teether to her mouth, which is an added bonus! She can easily reach for and grab the beads and bring them to her mouth. Bitey Beads come in several bright, playful colors and the color combos are perfect! They’re also great to wear when you’re feeding baby, by nursing or bottle, as they give baby something to focus on, pull and grab.

Bitey Beads are so easy to clean, too. Just use soap and water or you can even throw them in the dishwasher! Made of food-grade silicone, Bitey Beads are BPA, PVC, lead, heavy-metal and Phthalates free so they’re perfectly safe for precious little babes! There is also a breakaway clasp and no detachable parts, making it safe for both mom and baby. Do not leave Bitey Beads with baby unattended, they are intended to be worn by adults only.

Both Georgia and I give Bitey Beads 5 out of 5 stars! I am so glad I found a product that can soothe her poor little gums but also doubles as a cute, new accessory for mommy. The price is on point at $29.9. It is a heavy duty, multipurpose necklace after all. Products range from $14.99 to $32.99, so there are plenty of options for every budget. And with all the different options of colors and styles, there is something for everyone. Bitey Beads has several other products, like necklaces with pendants, bracelets and even kid sized necklaces! Be sure to check out their website to see their entire product line! Bitey Beads are available for purchase on Amazon, at Babies R US, Kohls and Walmart.

Follow Bitey Beads on Instagram and on Facebook for new releases and sales!

– Casey

Gummee Glove {Product Review}

Published on May 26, 2016May 25, 2016 by Amanda1 Comment

I don’t know about you but when my babies are teething, they chew on EVERYTHING! When they are young, teething is especially frustrating because they can’t hold anything in their mouths yet. I have spent countless hours holding a frozen washcloth or teether because both my babies started teething very young!

Teething became concerning for me when my little ones chewed on their hands or their clothes. I would use pacifier clips and attach them to their shirt hoping it would be a solution. It never really worked as well as I wished it did.

We have found the perfect solution for you parents!
Gummee Glove Wearable Multi Sensory Baby Teether Toy, with Detachable Food Grade Silicone Teething Ring for Easy Cleaning and Refrigeration

It is a little blue mitt that slips onto your baby’s hand, and secures with a Velcro strap. it has textured teether tags on each side, a crinkle patch in the center and a detachable teething ring. The Gummee Glove also comes with a laundry pouch so you can just toss it in the wash.

Pros:

100% cotton mittFood grade silicone teethers
BPA & Phthalate Free
It works perfectly for babies who don’t have the ability to grasp and hang on to a toy without dropping it.
The Inside measures 7 cm from wrist to fingertip & 7 cm at its widest point. It is quite a bit bigger than other teething mitts that I have tried.
Super engaging! The crinkle pad excites baby before they even have it on their hand.
The teething ring is detachable, so you can attach a pacifier or another favorite teether if you want.

The Velcro on the wrist strap isn’t the typical pokey type. Its barely bumpy, and there is no worry of your baby scratching themselves.

Amazon currently has it $5 off its usual price of $25!

Cons:

It’s a little on the bulky side. The fabric that it is made out of is pretty thick. This prevents your baby from chewing on their hand, but I found that babies didn’t seem to like the weight on their hand for very long.
After washing the lining seemed to loose it’s integrity. It was still in the same shape but just a little loose. Not a big issue, but for future upgrades it would definitely be something I would like to see improve.

Overall the Gummee Glove is a great product, and definitely gives mommy and daddy a little bit of quiet during those exhausting teething months! The Gummee company is a small family owned company and I am excited to see what else they do!

~Amanda

**Burrito Buzz received this product at low or no cost for the purpose of review or testing. No compensation for a positive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences and we never guarantee a positive review.**

LaLou Boutique: Pacifier Bib {Product Review}

Published on May 5, 2016May 4, 2016 by Megan Desiato - www.BurritoBuzz.comLeave a comment

LaLou Boutique is an adorable little shop on Etsy that is operated by Lacey. Lacey works as a Nurse, but loves to craft in her spare time. More specifically, she crafts precious products for babies. I was lucky enough to receive one of LaLou Boutique’s Pacifier Bibs to try out on my little guy. He has been teething (in reality, it seems like he’s always been teething), so he is constantly wanting to chew on ANYTHING and also has a never ending stream of drool coming from his mouth. I was so anxious to put the bib on him because it is super adorable and it could now catch all that drool as he sucked and gnawed on everything, especially his binky!

Here are just some of the PROS of the Pacifier Bib:

The bib has an adjustable snap neck so it can be used throughout the infant stage and well into the toddler stage, as well (my little guy will be 10 months soon). It grows with the kiddo! I really like the snaps as opposed to Velcro, because I know the bib won’t be pulled off in 2 seconds after it’s put on.

LaLou Boutique offers several other prints in this specific bib (you can even custom order). They are all super adorable. I tried out the white/black stripe. It’s gender neutral, which I love, and it has washed up well. It hasn’t stained or faded. The bib is made of soft chenille fabric with terry cloth backing.

You can attach a pacifier – Biggest perk! This bib sure beats the heck out of a typical pacifier clip. I found that the snap loop part of the bib could be used for toys or teething rings for my little guy too. It’s so nice knowing he isn’t going to lose his binky or toy – It will be right with him. This is perfect right now because he is so mobile or for when we are in the car and on the go. He has what he needs.

With all the teething, sucking, and drooling, the bib seemed more than sufficient in its level of absorbency – thanks to the terry cloth backing I believe. My little guy wore it for several hours and his shirt remained dry throughout.

Super reasonable price at $12.00 from the LaLou Boutique Etsy shop.

The only downside to this product that I could possible think of is that when my little guy decided he did not want to use his binky, it would just drag across the ground as he crawled. This is not that big of a deal while at home, but if we were out somewhere else, I would not want all the dirt and germs getting on the binky. Once he is walking, this won’t be a problem at all.

Overall, this is a great product that I will continue to use with my kiddos. It would make such a good gift idea for any mom you know and their little ones. It is perfect for any little one who uses a bib, even if they don’t use a pacifier. LaLou Boutique has several other products (burp cloths, onesies, regular bibs, blankets) and even offers custom orders! Check them out!

-Megan

Kid Companions Chewlry & Lanyards {Product Review}

Published on April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 by AmandaLeave a comment

KidCompanions Chewelry and SentioCHEWS are teething necklaces for children and young adults who chew on things and/or are fidgety.

The company’s product was designed by a mom for her child. She noticed her daughter was constantly chewing on everything, and one day chewing on the newborn’s pendant nursing necklace. Her daughter was obviously using the chewing to calm herself and finding comfort in it, and so she began a company making “Chewlry” for children and adults with special needs.

“They are bpa, phthalate, lead and latex free accessories made for children to teens. Unique tactile features help your child be him/herself, anytime, anywhere.” The company takes alot of pride in being safe and environmentally safe. You can read more here on their website.

Pros: Very durable! These pendants are made for agest 3 (+), so there isn’t much worry with your child being at school and swallowing a bead like necklace, or anything of the sort.

They are fun! They don’t look like a “mom” necklace or a baby’s! That is super important for older kids, you don’t want them to be more self conscious than they already are.

Inside each shape is a harder disk “dot” that keeps the whole product from bending and gives two fun textures to play with. There are also other smaller dots on the back to “offer interesting imagery possibilities.”

Easy to wash up. Warm water and a little soap is all that is needed. It is dishwasher safe if it gets really gross and you need to sanitize. I just don’t like the residue that can be left from my dishwasher sometimes. (We have VERY HARD water!)

The clasps on the lanyards are not like the usual round break away clasps. They are flat so they lay flat and aren’t bulky. So, it wont draw attention to your child.

“Our custom made breakaway clasp is small and lays flat. It was designed specifically for children to ASTM “release strength” standards and is a safety feature that will make necklaces release if caught or snagged on something.” <<<< Seriously, A LOT of research and time went into these products! You can learn SO MUCH more and purchase here!

Cons: The ONLY con that I have for this product, is that it is technically only ages 3+. My 2 year old LOVES to chew on things, although she is not special needs, and some times I worry about her chewing on things as she could swallow pieces if she were to break the teether. That is the only complaint we have though. She was perfectly content sitting with me chewing on it, and was rather upset when I took it when I walked away!

A great find and a MUST if you have a child with special needs!

The company was awesome enough to send us product, but they also appreciate our readers!

As a Thank you USE COUPON CODE ” LUV5″ and receive 5% off everything on their site!

www.kidcompanions.com

~Amanda

Munch Mitt Teething Mitten {Review}

Published on February 13, 2016February 12, 2016 by Katie Kuceyeski1 Comment

It seems like my son has been teething since shortly after he was born. His teeth have been SO slow to come in (he broke his first tooth through at almost 10 months, and now at just over a year his teeth have barely come through… he has six barely-there teeth.)

Needless to say, he’s teething non-stop on everything, including his crib rails, my wood T.V. stand, my skin, and other various objects he manages to get his paws on. I’ve bought entirely too many teethers, only about half of which he actually cares about.

Even then, I get so tired of holding a teether for him. Often he’ll do it himself, but still loses grasp and they end up under the couch, or he’ll give them to the cats to play with (gross, and I’m tired of sanitizing them.) So, what’s the solution?

We were thrilled that Munch Mitt offered to send us their product. Munch mitt is a little glove that slides on to your little one’s hand and velcros around the wrist. It has breathable material, and a teething edge so that your LO can chomp on the glove. The mitten is exceptionally well-made. It’s nice to see a product that isn’t made from cheap materials.

I was skeptical at first, but after putting this on my son’s hand, he immediately started chomping away. He also loves that the glove crinkles, because he enjoys drumming on everything. The sound made the mitt even more fun for him.

As a bonus, the mitt comes with a wash bag. You can toss this in with your laundry, and by putting the mitt in the bag, you don’t have to worry about lint/hair getting into the velcro. Definitely a bonus.

We’ve been testing this product for several weeks now, and it’s held up so well. My son uses it often, and he has yet to get tired of it.

We recommend this product to any parent of a teething little one! The only thing we would recommend is a size larger for babies with exceptionally chunky hands. We feel as thought this product could be used beyond 12 months, but could only see that happening with a larger size mitt.

Thanks to Munch Mitt for a great, quality product!

Here is some of the information that they offer on their product:

WHAT’S A MUNCH MITT?

INNOVATIVE
The Munch Mitt® Teether is a “handy” teething solution that prevents the constant dropping of teething toys. It provides easy access pain relief for teething babies who are still learning consistent grip and direction and protects the hands from irritation due to chewing.

SAFE & HIGH QUALITY
The Munch Mitt® is made with BPA and phthalate-free, food grade silicone and soft, breathable, water resistant fabric. MunchMitt® has been tested by Intertek to ensure it meets or exceeds all federal safety requirements, including Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) standards, American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) regulations, and the most current Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (“CPSIA”) in both the US and Canada.

FUNCTIONAL

A textured flexible silicone surface provides soothing teething relief.
Easy hand to mouth access for baby.
Secure adjustable strap.
Protects baby’s hands from excess saliva and chewing.
Interchangeable – can be worn on whichever hand baby prefers.

FUN
The Munch Mitt® will keep your baby entertained with its crinkle noise, black and white pattern and bright, colorful enhancements.

CONVENIENT
Hands-free for parents and great for travel in the stroller or car seat. Comes with a wash/travel bag.

Designed for babies 3 months – 12 months. Suggested wear is from 3 months – 8 months.

To purchase the mitt, click here.

-Katie

Nenu {Product Review} for Teething Little Ones!

Published on January 31, 2016January 29, 2016 by Katie Kuceyeski1 Comment

My 11 month old son has been teething forever. I quite literally mean, since almost the moment he escaped the womb. He started teething on everything around 2 months old, and popped his first tooth at 9 months. Since then it’s been a constant gnawing, chewing on everything (including his crib rails and my living room end tables,) drooling, chaos-filled marathon of trying to grow some teeth. Really though, growing little bone fragments from your face must be as painful as it sounds. I digress… As parents we just want to do what we can that is SAFE for our little tooth-growing-monsters.

In our household we use teethers, cold washcloths, amber necklaces, and the occasional night-time Tylenol. I prefer to use medication as a last-resort. I probably own about 20 teethers in total, but so far the Nenu Family teethers are my favorite.

Why?

-Two fun shapes that are EASY for little ones to hold on to. (They offer two shapes, the teether bud and teether bug.)

-Safety tested, and certified. Medical grade material.

-Free of the junk (junk=phthalate, latex, vinyl, and BPA.)

-100% made in the USA (manufactured in Seattle)

-The teethers don’t collect hair. (If you have teethers, you know what I’m talking about. I wash mine daily because they seem to pick up every kind of lint in the house. EW.) These ones aren’t sticky.

-The teethers are made to reach all teeth, so that they can be used for years (even for those molars!)

-The textures are GREAT. Ridges and indents are ideal to help ease those hurting gums.

-The spoon and fork, separate from the teethers, are great for learning. They have prongs that hold the gross parts off the table.

-The teethers are $10 a piece from the website, or slightly more if you look on Amazon. Most teethers range from $7-$10, so overall very parallel to the rest of the market.

Great job on a product that my LO loves, Nenu! Hope to see you expanding into major markets soon; we need more products like this!

-Katie

**Burrito Buzz received this product at low or no cost for the purpose of review or testing. No compensation for a postive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences with a product and we never guarantee a positive review.**

Drip&Drool Bibdana {Product Review}

Published on December 2, 2015December 2, 2015 by AmandaLeave a comment

The BurritoBuzz mommas are always on the hunt for super cute items for our babies and children!

One of our moms found this amazing little company. The business is ran by a STAHM, raising her one year old, and making cute accessories for her and her family. She also makes custom scarves, baby blankets, and breastfeeding covers! You can personally pick out the print you would like and DD custom makes your order.

This Bibdana is super cute and super practical! I let my 4 month old wear his for hours without having to change it out because it was wet. Drip and Drool makes their Bibdanas with two layers of fabric to help with absorbency! They are made with a snap, rather than Velcro, as to not scratch little ones necks and to pop off easily if they yank on them.

I washed and dried them with the normal wash, and there was no shrinking or fraying of the seams.

The ONLY con that I experienced with the bibdana is that there isn’t a waterproof lining, like there is in some bibs. BK#2 is very spitty and has some reflux issues, so when he had a spit up it was immediately drenched and going through his clothes. But, for the purpose of drooling and teething, it was absolutely perfect!

You cant beat the price of these! I am excited to order more for BK#1 and for stocking stuffers for the little ones in the family! If you are trying to figure out some Christmas presents this is definitely one to have on your wish list!

~Amanda

GIVEAWAY: HoneyBee Baby Boutique

Published on November 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by KirstynVelez- www.BurritoBuzz.comLeave a comment

Are you ready for a giveaway? We are!

HoneyBee Baby Boutique was not only gracious enough to send us an amazing product to review, they were also gracious enough to offer to giveaway a set of red ChewBeads Military Tags to one of our readers just in time for the for the holidays!

Even better news? You can get up to 4 entries per day!

All you have to do it head over to our social media sites (linked below) and follow the instructions on the original post. It’s that easy! One winner will be drawn on Monday, November 30th at 9pm EST. Good Luck!!

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Honeybee Baby Boutique: Chewbeads Product Review

Published on November 21, 2015November 21, 2015 by The Essential Life 3651 Comment

You’ve heard us say before at Burrito Buzz that we love local and small businesses, especially those with heart.

Honeybee Baby Boutique, an incredible shop for mamas and LOs based out of Colorado, reached out and shared with us the amazing program they have to support their community, especially the military families in their neighborhood. Not only is their boutique a one stop shop for parents, with a phenomenal online store for long distance customers, but it has also become a place of comfort for local military families.

As many of us know, the military life can be unstable, stressful and exhausting. Moving to a new location is hard for anyone and HoneyBee Baby makes it their personal mission to help ease the stress of transitioning to a new location for military mamas. For every new military family that comes to their area, they offer them Chewbeads Military Tags free of charge.

These unique chew necklaces are styled to mimic the ID tags that all military personnel receive. They are made of 100% silicone with no metal, BPA, phthalates, lead or cadmium.

One factor that make these tags unique is that they are designed for active children over the age of 3. Many children at that age can begin to develop chewing habits, especially during a major move or life change. These chewing tendencies can materialize as a way to:

Help the child focus (think when you sit with your legs crossed as an adult and bounce your leg absent-mindedly)
Relieve tension or aggression
Relieve pent-up energy
Reduce any oral pain (teething)

The habit of chewing is also very common in children with Autism or ADHD that struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder. They may be compelled to chew as a way to relieve themselves from being over or under stimulated. (Sources: here and here)

When I gave the tags to my LO (she’s 16 months now), she absolutely loved them! She’s had them wrapped up in her hands and in her mouth since I gave them to her. The grooved details and overall size of the tags are perfect for her to get in her mouth easily and help relieve some of the pain of getting her molars already (yea, it’s about as fun as it sounds).

They have a breakaway clasp that is typical on most teething necklaces. My only complaint is that the string was not long enough for her to easily take on and off of her neck. Which may be for the best because I could see her getting frustrated trying to yank it off of her neck and hurt herself.

I’ve never seen a teething necklace like this that is specifically marketed toward slightly older children, and I must say I’m impressed. My LO loves it to soothe teething pains, but as the back of the packaging says, they are designed as an “alternative to chewing on clothing, hair or nails. Safe for children 3+ as a sensory tool.”

So not only do they sell a great product (one of MANY available in store and online), but Honeybee Baby Boutique is a company with heart. They generally care and give back, specifically to the military families in their area.

They have generously offered Burrito Buzz readers an incredible promotion to help jumpstart your holiday shopping. Use the Promo Code: BUZZ15 to receive a FREE ITEM with any purchase! They ask that in the “notes for this order” that you specify if you would like the gift to be for a boy or a girl. Umm amazing!!

Thank you so much Honeybee Baby Boutique for sharing your mission with us! I definitely recommend their unique products and I always love knowing that my business is going to a company with compassion and love for their community.

Stay tuned to our social media accounts for your chance to win a FREE set of Chewbeads Military Tags for the LO on your list this holiday season!

-Chelsea

Product Review: Tooth Fairy Tykes

Published on November 16, 2015November 16, 2015 by KirstynVelez- www.BurritoBuzz.comLeave a comment

I received this adorable doll from Tooth Fairy Tykes and couldn’t wait to give it to K as she recently discovered she had a wiggly tooth!

I think her exact words when I gave the doll to her were “It’s so amazing, I’m going to go pull my tooth out right now!” and boy did she sure try with no success.

But then one day…

She was so happy to finally be able to utilize the doll. Under her pillow, the little doll slept with her tooth in its tiny little pocket.

Speaking of the tiny little pocket…that is one of the 2 things I would change. The pocket is tiny, and I mean tiny. I was actually concerned about the tooth falling out in the middle of the night. I think a fantastic upgrade would be to make the pocket about twice the size with some sort of velcro closure or a way to keep it shut.

The other thing I would change would be to line the pocket with some sort of wipeable material. I would have loved to be able to wipe it out after use since there was a recently pulled tooth in there. Instead, I went ahead and washed the whole doll. Oh well, that worked too!

The doll also comes with an app timer to help children brush their teeth for an appropriate amount of time and also an e-book download. This doll definitely beats those cheap plastic treasure chests I had for my teeth when I was K’s age, but would I truthfully purchase a doll for $14.99 for a tooth? Not so sure. However, I do believe in supporting companies with heart. Tooth Fairy Tykes regularly donates their dolls to children’s hospitals to help bring a smile to every child. In my opinion, supporting a company that gives back is worth a couple extra bucks.

This would definitely make a cute gift from Grandma or a special bribe if your LO is particularly scared to lose a tooth!

-Kirstyn

Boobie Beads {Review}

Published on November 1, 2015November 1, 2015 by Katie KuceyeskiLeave a comment

We were so thrilled to get a few products sent to us from Boobie Beads to review!

My son is almost 9 months old, and is just now breaking his first tooth through. He’s been a teething, drooling machine lately. He chews on everything in sight, whether it’s edible, safe, or clean… it doesn’t matter to him. So I always try to provide him with the appropriate baby products to chomp on.

Boobie Beads, Ltd. provides 100% food based silicon teething necklaces and product that are BPA and toxin free. They are safe and one size fits all. Based out of the UK, this mom of 3 had the great idea to manufacture a product that little ones could grab and chew on any time, but especially when they are close to their mommas during holding/feeding.

My little guy LOVED the necklace. He seriously can’t get enough of it. My necklace has several large beads, knotted around safe string. He’s played with it each time he’s been fed, and even when I’ve just been carrying him around. I wear my little guy all the time, so he’s close to me often and really loves to have something to chew on. The necklace has a safety release toggle, making it practical for an infant.

They also make pacifier (dummy) clips. While I love the concept of the clip, my baby enjoyed holding it and chewing on it without it being clipped on. None of my pacifiers actually worked with the clip, but all of my teethers do. I added one of the teethers on, and Lucas has been chomping on it like crazy. The clip on this could use some work: My son easily removed this several times over, leaving the sharp clip edges open and the thought of him getting his fingers smashed in there scared me a bit. A few small clip modifications would make this safer (I’d recommend a typical metal clip with nothing on top of it. The star provided leverage for him to grab and actually open the plastic clip.)

Both were easy to clean. I rinsed them and washed them with Dawn, and left them in the open air to dry.

Overall, a good product. My son really loves the necklace, and I’d recommend it to moms with teething/grabby babies.

I think the clip will need some work, but with a few changes it will be more practical.

Thanks to Boobie Beads for the product!

-Katie

Hyland’s Homeopathic Halloween Costume Contest!

Published on October 30, 2015October 30, 2015 by The Essential Life 365Leave a comment

You put all that time and effort into the perfect kid’s costume, why not win some awesome prizes?? Hyland’s Homeopathic is running a contest for the best children’s costume. Three winners with the best costumes will receive Hyland’s products for the whole family as well as a $50 Target gift card!

Entering is super easy! Click here to fill out an entry form: http://bit.ly/1MnpTET

And tag your costume pic on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #HylandsHalloweenCostumeContest

Good luck! Be sure to tag us too so we can see all of your adorable littles in their costumes!

-Burrito Buzz

Little Horrid Minions

Published on September 18, 2015October 25, 2015 by Amanda2 Comments

As I sit down at my desk to post this evening I am sipping my coffee and thanking Jesus that my sweet sleeping BK#1 is almost done teething…for now! The days are long and the nights are even longer! But as I’m sitting in the silence I am thinking about BK#2 sleeping soundly and wondering how long it is going to last because somehow the poor little guy is teething too, already! BK#1 started teething slightly around 3 months and now here we go again at just 2 months! I am not looking forward to the slobbering, gnawing, crying and screaming monsters that the little white things turn my babies into! I am going to have to dig into my arsenal of tips, facts and products that have helped me before, much sooner than I want to! I have it all already and that is the important part. No longer am I a zombie mom at 3 am struggling to read her computer screen, and googling something to make the screaming and moaning stop. Okay, so maybe I’m still a mom-zombie, but that is beside the point!

What is this arsenal, you ask?? I will share, I promise!

I always start with the facts when I am looking to solve a problem. What causes teething, helps you resolve your LO’s pain! Know the signs! Do some reading and research to know what to look for, and watch your baby like a hawk! ….My LO gets ear infections super easy and that is also a sign of teething. So frustrating. So, call your pediatrician, call your pediatrician, call your pediatrician! Got it? They will never tell you that you are crazy, or wrong for calling and or going in. There is no way to tell if they have an ear infection without looking inside their ear. Any advice here is just that ADVICE! We are telling it how we see it and what we have been through. But none of us are doctors, so when in doubt please call. End rant. …. The signs!

Red and swollen gums, Heavy drooling, red cheeks, sleeplessness/sleep problems in general, ear rubbing, gum biting or sucking, excessive biting, refusing to nurse/drink bottle/eat food, and diaper rash.

Yes, it’s a long list that could be a million other things too, but that is why it is so frustrating. You just have to feel it out, stay calm and keep in contact with your pediatrician.

Why does it hurt so much???

Okay soooo pretty obvious that some razor sharp little white minions are trying to hack away at your baby from the inside to get out. That isn’t the only reason that it hurts. The teeth are starting to push their way out of the gums, yes. But that causes the gums to swell. That combined with trying to eat or drink causes extra blood to flow to that area and increases the pain. Your goal as a parent is to get that swelling down!

How do I soothe my baby? {“Get that swelling down”}

There are literally hundreds of teething products that are on the market these days. Hundreds. The six of us have gone through a lot of them! I am going to give you a little tid bit about the ones that seems to be the most popular and let you know what I think.

Raw Baltic Amber Teething Necklace (CERTIFIED!!!) – I have some favorites and this is by far the top of my list. Amber is a natural painkiller, the baby’s body heat triggers it to release its oils which help them relax. Amber necklaces are safe when: you make sure you baby doesn’t chew on it, you are around (not during bed time or if you are out of the room), and most importantly it is real and certified. Know the necklace. Real amber warms on the skin when worn. A good necklace is strung and individually knotted between all the amber nuggets, and has a safety twist clasp. The beads should not be perfect, should vary in shape, and should not be slick like glass. My baby wears around her neck, and I double it up around her ankle under her sock if she is messing with it. If you choose to get an amber necklace be sure not to get a cheapy one. I promise it’s worth the money.

BALM! Baby Teething Rub- FABulous! All natural blend of essential oils. This is my go to right before bed. It lasts quite a while and works like a charm! You put a little on a q-tip or a clean finger and rub it on their little gums. Usually they love you letting them suck on your finger and the massage that comes with it. A little on the pricier end of my arsenal, but you get what you pay for.

Frozen Teethers- Anything frozen really. But BK#1 especially loved her frozen foot! Cheap, easy and effective!

Chew beads – I might have a slight problem with this item. I have multiple. They make necklaces, and bracelets and all kinds of stuff. They are little silicon beads knotted and strung on some ribbon. Great for baby wearing momma’s, and the clingy LO who doesn’t want put down! Super stylish and the babies LOVE them! BK#1 has claimed one of my necklaces as her own and has dubbed it her “pretties”! The best thing about them is that they are super safe! Mine have been washed a million times, stuck in the freezer on a regular basis, and just well-loved in general, and they STILL look brand new! LOVE!

Razbaby teethers- little binky like bumpy thing that is baby heaven! I keep this in my diaper bag for a quick go to! {Speaking of diaper bag- keep a look out for me to post about my diaper bag investment} This little wonder is great! Although I have noticed it doesn’t keep her attention as long as some of the others.

Munchkin fresh food feeder- Another favorite. Your baby has to be a little older though for this. We have put anything from frozen breast milk and ice cubes to frozen fruits and veggies in this. Works wonders. It is a pain in the butt to clean though. I tend to scrub it out, then run it through the dishwasher to sanitize it and THEN let it sit out and dry. If you purchase just make sure you clean it well and completely dry it so it doesn’t grow mold.

Milk pops- Binky. Breast milk/cow’s milk. Ice tray. Freezer. Shazam! Takes some time but babies really enjoy it! Like I said earlier. Anything frozen. Seriously popsicles…big ol carrot (If they are on hard solids!) …whatever you let them eat regularly just freeze it. I have been amazed by the frozen food items my baby has gnawed on!

Hyland’s Gel/Tabs- Homeopathic and low dose. These are used when I have nothing left and my baby is still in pain. I try not to turn to meds for teething, just because they teeth for so long! It feels like its forever! I just don’t like meds myself, and I really don’t want to start a regimen of meds with my baby.

Infant Tylenol- Last go to. When I am at my whit’s end, she’s been screaming all day because -dang it, mommy, nothing is working, – and I know she doesn’t have an ear infection. (I don’t want to mask symptoms and not get her to the doctor)

I hope this helps! There are so many things you can do to help your baby, but my best advice is to always go with your gut, and never underestimate the power of a good snuggle and nap time!

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!

~Amanda