Tuesday, November 23, 2010

It's A Green Friday Sale at GreenPea Baby!

Our little fans are spreading the news!




If you are looking for a Black Friday Baby Sale than look no further than GreenPea Baby!  We are calling it our Green Friday Sale because it will save you lots of green.  From fabulous deals to incredible giveaways, we promise a weekend of fun and savings.  




Saturday, October 16, 2010

Baby Christmas Shopping

At GreenPea Baby, we are all about making shopping easier for parents. We recently added our Baby Holiday Shop to the website where with one click you will be taken to all things holiday! Find baby Christmas clothes, Christmas ornaments, and the best selling baby toys. We have lots of wonderful Baby's First Christmas items too! Find the top baby toys for Christmas without waiting in long lines. Need it wrapped? Just let us know and we will gladly wrap your gift in our adorable green and white polka dot wrap and tie it with a red bow!

Pregnancy Week by Week the First Trimester

Explore the first trimester of your pregnancy as we take you through your pregnancy week by week through the symptoms, body changes and funny things that can happen. An informative but humorous look at this exciting time in your life.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

GreenPea Baby Welcomes SoftBums All in Two Cloth Diapers

An All in Two cloth diaper provides an easy, affordable option for cloth diapering. An All in Two diaper consists of a waterproof cover and an insert. Rather than stuffing the insert inside a pocket like you would do with a pocket diaper, the insert is simply laid inside the cover. When the baby is wet, the parent will remove the insert and replace it with a clean one. The same diaper cover can be used several times unless it gets soiled. So rather than having to wash the entire diaper every time, you are just washing the inserts. At GreenPea Baby store, we are known for being very picky about the products that we carry. They have to be proven products that are highly reviewed or recommended. When we were approached about SoftBums, we knew right away after looking at their innovative sizing system that we had found another great cloth diaper to offer our customers. Find out more about this amazing cloth diaper!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

If Your Breastmilk Supply Was Low, Would You Give Your Baby Another's Breastmilk?

When your breastmilk supply is low, doctors typically will tell you to supplement with formula. But there is another option that you may not know of--using someone else's breastmilk. Cindi Freeman, a certified lactation consultant addresses this very topic in a wonderful article that she wrote for our GreenPea Baby Blog.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Swaddle newborns to reduce startle reflex, promote better sleep

After some gentle rocking and pacing across the floor, your newborn baby seems to be sleeping soundly in your arms, FINALLY. But as you make the move to put her in down in the crib or bassinet, her arms flail out to the side like she’s just been dropped and she startles herself awake.

You’ve just witnessed your baby demonstrating the Moro (or startle) reflex. Excessive information applied to any of the baby’s senses will set off the reflex, such as a bright light, loud noise, sudden touch, or unexpected stimulation of the balance mechanism such as tilting backwards. The reflex wears off by a few months of age, but what can you do to help your baby sleep more soundly in the meantime?

Swaddle her.

Proper swaddling helps babies calm down and go to sleep, and to sleep better, deeper and longer.

To swaddle properly, wrap your baby with her arms comfortably tucked inside to recreate the familiar womb-like sensation. Swaddle with lightweight, breathable fabrics to eliminate concerns of overheating. (Use blankets designed for the job, not any old thing within arms reach!) The swaddle blanket should not touch the baby’s face or chin. Doing so prompts the rooting response, baby’s natural inclination to search for a nipple, which can cause her to wake and cry in frustration.

A swaddled baby should only be laid down in a face-up (supine) position. Clinical research has shown that babies who were on their backs swaddled had a 30% lower risk of SIDS than babies on their backs not swaddled.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swaddling for newborns to 14 weeks of age as a general rule of thumb. After 14 weeks babies will begin learning to roll over on their own from a supine to a prone (face-down) position. SIDS risk increases greatly with prone swaddling, which is why tight swaddling techniques should be discontinued at 14 weeks of age. However, this is the age babies begin gaining the muscle control needed to bring their hands to their mouths to self-sooth, adding to a natural transition away from the need for swaddling.

Babies should only be swaddled during sleep times. It’s tempting to use it more frequently for fussy babies, but your baby needs her hands free to learn about the world during her wakeful times. Instead of swaddling for an awake, unsettled baby, try other calming techniques such as baby-wearing (slings, wraps, etc). More on that another time…

By Pam Diamond, owner of First Daze & Nightzzz (http://firstdaze.com)

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Mama Roo: A Mom's Best Friend

Have you ever felt like you could use an extra pair of hands to help out with your baby? There are nannies, babysitters and even family members who could help but sometimes, you just need a little bit more. Mama Roo by 4moms serves as an extra pair of “hands” whenever you need it. Ordinary baby swings or baby bouncy seats are limited in motion options and take up more space. Mama Roo is a unique baby swing bouncer that will move just like you do so your baby will not know whether it is you holding her or the swing!

Mama Roo moves in FIVE different unique motions and at five different speeds. This way, you can make your baby feel the most comfortable that he or she has ever been. Also, to keep your baby entertained and happy, Mama Roo has three different plush toy balls attached to it at hands reach that are safe to chew on and machine washable. Besides keeping your baby entertained, Mama Roo is also the perfect atmosphere for your baby to be lulled to sleep. There are different white noise nature sounds and if that’s not enough, you can attach any MP3 player and play your baby’s favorite lullaby songs. It can be rocked and reclined to any position on its axis.

You’ve heard it in words but now to see the Mama Roo in action, check out this video and you can see for yourself how wonderful this product truly is:

http://greenpeababystore.com/cart/mamaroo-green.html

What better way to believe all of this than hearing it from an actual parent? Well, Cindy Reichel from Sauk Rapids, MN said, “It is definitely the best soothing technique I have found! If you are looking for a product to make your and your baby’s life a little easier for a very reasonable price, please try the Mama Roo!! This is a must have product for all new…and repeat parents!”

With Mama Roo, it is play time, sleep time, anytime.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Medela Breast Pumps

This week, August 1-8th is World Breastfeeding Week. The perfect week to announce that we are now an authorized dealer of Medela Breast Pumps. After months and months of research, we have finally made a decision to bring in Medela Breast Pumps. We never make a quick decision about a product line. As a store, we have several criteria that a product must meet before we consider bringing it in. There is no doubt that Medela has a long, positive reputation but we wanted to make sure that we evaluated all the other breastfeeding products before we made a decision. As we met with representatives of the other competing breastfeeding lines, it became very clear that choosing a product line was not going to be that easy. There are so many options and choices. You have single-phase and 2-phase technology, there are double pumps, single pumps, hand held pumps, hospital-grade and more. For a new mom, the choices on the market are completely overwhelming and making the wrong decision can really impact breastfeeding success and your pocketbook. It is our goal and mission to provide you with the best products in each category. It is for this reason that we have decided to choose Medela and here are the reasons why:
  • 2-Phase Expression Technology - Medela is the only breastpump manufacturer that utilizes this technology
"Through research, Medela learned that there are two distinct phases of how babies breastfeed. The Stimulation Phase is fast and light sucking to start milk flowing followed by the Expression Phase, slow and stronger sucking to deliver more milk faster. The Freestyle breastpump includes exclusive 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics a baby's natural nursing pattern."
  • Medela products are consistently ranked 4 & 5 stars on customer reviews and recommended through other non-biased review sites.
  • Lactation consultant recommended.
  • Mom panel recommended.
At GreenPea Baby, we are happy to help match your breastfeeding needs with the right product. Call us today at 1-800-273-6489 or 919-387-9880.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

BumGenius 4.0

We were so excited to hear about the release of the new BumGenius 4.0 yesterday. Overall we have been very pleased with our customer feedback on the 3.0 but were excited to see that BumGenius has addressed any issues that we did have in the new BumGenius 4.0. The most exciting change is that now you can choose between the hook and loop or snaps. Love variety! About half of our customers love velcro and the other snaps. Now they can have it either way. Even better, for those of you that are set on velcro, the new hook and loop is made from 100% polyester versus nylon. It is flexible, softer and stickier after washing and holds up better. Another feature of the new BumGenius 4.0 is easy elastic access. All elastic tack points are visible from the inside making replacing elastic a breeze. There are three new colors to choose from: bubble, noodle and sweet. These are soft colors, perfect for those new little babies and less visible through clothing. Finally, the new BumGenius 4.0 will accommodate even larger babies. It is available in eight colors: twilight, grasshopper, butternut, blossom, white, noodle, sweet and bubble. Our first shipment will be on its way to the store on July 14th. Don't miss out. We expect to sell out very quickly. Place your preorder now by calling 1-800-273-6489 or 919-387-9880. Visit us online at www.greenpeababy.com

Thursday, May 27, 2010

GreenPea Baby's Baby Registry Checklist

GreenPea Baby's Baby Registry Checklist

Equipping the Nursery
  • Crib
  • Mattress
  • Bedding
  • 2-3 Fitted Crib Sheets
  • Changing table or dresser
  • Changing Pad and 2-3 Covers
  • Nightlight
  • Lighting
  • Air Purifier
  • Artwork
  • Rug
  • Mobile
  • Diaper Pail
  • Wipe Warmer
  • 2-3 Swaddle Blankets
  • Glider
  • Baby Monitor
  • Sound Machine
  • Toy Basket

Mom and Dad’s Room
  • Bassinet, Cradle or Mini Crib
  • 1-2 extra sheets
  • Nightlight
  • Changing Pad
  • Diaper Caddy (stocked with diapering supplies and and an extra outfit)
  • Basket stocked with burp cloths, nasal aspirator, breastfeeding necessities
  • Nursing Pillow

Layette
  • Take Me Home Outfit
  • 5-8 Pajamas
  • 2-3 Gowns or Blanket Sleepers
  • 5-8 Bodysuits
  • 2-3 pairs of mittens (to protect from scratching)
  • 1-3 hats
  • 2-3 Rompers
  • 1-2 Dressy Outfits
  • 1 Christening Gown if applicable
  • 5-8 Pairs of socks or booties
  • 5-8 Pairs of Pants
  • 1-2 Jackets or Sweaters
  • 1 Snowsuit or Bunting for winter babies
  • 1-2 Swimsuits for summer babies and swim diapers

Breastfeeding
  • Nursing Pillow
  • Nipple Butter
  • Nursing Pads
  • Gel Pads for engorgement
  • Milkmaid Tea for increased production
  • Nursing Cover
  • Travel Nursing Pillow
  • Burp Cloths
  • Breast Milk Storage Cups or Bags
  • Breast Pump
  • 2-3 Nursing Bras
  • 4-5 Bibs (small -preferably two layers of cloth with waterproof layer between)


Bottle Feeding
  • 12-16 Bottles with newborn nipples (both 4oz and 8oz)
  • Bottle Drying Rack
  • Bottle and Nipple Brush
  • Dishwasher Basket for nipples and other small parts
  • Burp Cloths
  • Bottle Warmer
  • 4-5 Bibs (small-preferably two layers of cloth with waterproof layer between)
  • Formula
  • Bottle Sterilizer

Diapering - Disposable
  • 2-3 Large boxes of newborn size diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Diaper Pail and liners
  • Wipe warmer
  • Diaper Caddy (for changing diapers in other areas of the house)
  • Changing Table and Pad
  • 2-3 Changing pad covers

Diapering - Cloth Diapers
  • 24-30 Cloth Diapers (all in ones or pockets) or 6-7 covers and 24-30 prefolds or inserts
  • 2 Med. Size Wet Bags or Wet/Dry Bags
  • 1-2 Hanging Wet Bags (1 for bathroom, 1 for nursery unless using a diaper pail)
  • Diaper Pail (must be one that you can use your own bags)
  • Cloth Diaper Rated Diaper Cream
  • Snappis for prefolds if applicable
  • Cloth Wipes
  • Spray bottle for water or wipe solution if making your own
  • Diaper Sprayer
  • Cloth Diaper Detergent
  • Biodegradable Liners
  • Doublers

Bathing Baby
  • Bath tub with newborn sling
  • Shampoo/Body wash
  • Lotion
  • 5-6 Washcloths
  • 2-3 Towels or Hooded Towels
  • Bath Kneeler (for your knees!)
  • Hairbrush
  • Bath Toys and Toy Storage
  • Bath Thermometer

The Medicine Cabinet
  • Nail Clippers
  • Nasal Aspirator
  • Baby Thermometer
  • Saline Nasal Drops
  • Medicine Dropper
  • Cotton Balls
  • Alcohol swabs and bandages
  • Baby Gas Drops
  • Boo Boo Bunny (for little bumps and scrapes)

Essential Gear
  • Diaper Bag
  • Baby Carrier or Sling
  • Stroller - preferably one that takes an infant car seat
  • Infant or Convertible Car Seat with extra base for second car
  • Pack n Play
  • Bouncy Seat or Swing
  • Activity Mat
  • High Chair - preferably one that reclines and adjusts for height
  • Changing Pad

Feeding Baby
  • High Chair
  • Baby Food Processor or Food Mill (if making your own baby food)
  • 4-5 Baby Food Storage Cube Trays
  • 3-4 Bibs - medium to large, waterproof
  • Plates, Bowls, Spoons
  • Sippy Cups

Teething Solutions
  • 2-3 Teethers (choose a variety of textures from a hard ring to soft and textured to find the best solution for your baby)

Comforting Baby
  • Lovie Blankie (once your baby takes to one, buy 2 more of the same blankie and change them out frequently)
  • Pacifiers
  • Wubanub (for those babies with Soothie Pacifiers)
  • Music and Sound Machines
  • Bouncer or Swing
  • Glider for rocking baby
  • Mobile
Play Time
  • Activity Gym
  • Rattles, Squeakers, Balls
  • Soft Blocks
  • Bouncer

Baby Proofing
  • Make sure crib slats are no more than 2 3/8” apart (use a soda can to measure)
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Baby Monitor
  • Window Guards
  • Baby gates
  • Outlet Covers
  • Toilet Latches
  • Doorknob guards
  • Stove knob covers and stove-top shield
  • Padding for sharp corners
  • Fireplace guards
  • Drapery and Blind Cord Wind-Ups -keep cords out of reach (do not put a crib or changer within reach)
  • Remove potentially dangerous household plants
  • Cabinet Locks
  • TV/DVD/VCR guards
  • Set water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less
  • Furniture safety straps or anchors

Baby Wearing

Just For Mom

  • Belly Bandit
  • Postpartum Recovery Kit
  • Booby Tubes or gel packs for engorgement
  • Teas to help increase or reduce milk production
  • Bottom Balm
  • Nipple Butter
  • Pregnancy Journal
  • Baby Keepsake Book
  • Document File for Baby’s Paperwork
  • Ultrasound Frame
  • Diaper Bag

Just For Dad
  • Diaper Bag
  • Camera and/or Camcorder
  • Notebook for names of who to call
  • File for important documentation such as the birth plan, doctor numbers, etc.
  • Baby Carrier or backpack
  • Extra Car Seat Base
  • Watch with second hand to time contractions

Great Solutions To Make Life With Baby Easier


Start your Baby Registry!


Monday, April 19, 2010

Baby Product Overwhelm

Are you suffering from baby product overwhelm?

As a soon to be parent, you jump excitedly into the baby market, confident to find the hippest coolest products around that are completely safe for your baby. What you soon realize is that there are so many options and deciding which is best for your baby can be overwhelming. The baby market is one of excess. There are hundreds of options in every category. Online and local retailers have grown into massive baby stores offering every product under the sun. Their approach is that more is better. Have every product a parent could possibly want and you are sure to get the sale - right? Baby product reviews can be biased by either the review company receiving free product or by receiving a portion of the sale. Many of the parent reviews that you find can be very outdated. We found some that go back as much as 9 years. Most baby products, especially baby gear, change every year. Reading a review that is more than a year old or that doesn't address the current model of a product is basically useless.

So what is a parent to do?

Our solution - "Shopping For Baby Simplified"
As a retailer of baby products, we feel like it is our responsibility to thoroughly research the market for the best baby products available. Whenever we are deciding on a new product, we spend weeks researching the history, analyzing product reviews and meeting with manufacturer representatives. We don't just bring in a product because it is a fad or the new product on the block. There are many factors that go into our decision making process. Here are some of the criteria that we look at:
  • Is the product JPMA certified?
  • Does it meet all of our "must-have" features?
  • Is it rated highly by non-biased product review companies?
  • Are there recent and unbiased parent reviews on the product?
  • Has it passed our Mom Product Panel review? (if applicable)
After we have narrowed our selections to the top 2 or 3 products in each category, we match the product to the customer's needs. For example, when we are working with customers that are looking to buy a stroller, we ask them many lifestyle questions that will help us match the best stroller to their needs. Just because your best friend loves a certain all terrain stroller doesn't mean that it will be the best stroller for you. Perhaps there is a big difference in height between the husband and wife. What if you need a stroller that will fit in a sedan and not take up your entire trunk? Is it important that you can use a car seat with the stroller or do you plan on buying a convertible car seat that will stay in the car? Matching your lifestyle with the best baby product for you is our specialty.

Shopping at GreenPea Baby is easy! You will find select top reviewed baby products in all your major categories and the fun and innovative products that are only found in specialty stores. It is the best of both worlds!

Shop with us and find top products in baby furniture, crib bedding, baby gear and more!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

EasyWalker Stroller Sale!

EasyWalker Stroller is now on sale for just $399.00!

This amazing stroller is for the parent who wants a stroller that will maneuver easily for shopping but will also be great when exercising, when walking on the beach and taking trips to the park. Why buy more than one stroller when you can have it all in one!
When customers come in the store to test drive the Easywalker, they are amazed at how easy it turns and handles.

The Easywalker QTRO has an adjustable footrest for the child’s ultimate comfort, height adjustable handle bar for parent’s comfort, full 4-wheel suspension and includes added safety features such as UV protection. The seating is easy to adjust to four settings, including horizontal. The QTRO’s light weight aluminum frame can be folded into a handy, compact package. With the multi-brand car seat adapter for your infant car seat, this stroller can be used from birth up to age 4. If you prefer the European look, try the optional carrycot.

Receive Free Shipping and Rewards (a $10 gift certificate for every $250 you spend with us)!

Our most popular color choices are the brown, black and silver!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association New Website

As a retailer, I am often surprised that so many parents do not know what the JPMA certification means. As a result, GreenPea Baby has made it a priority to keep parents informed by educating them on what this certification means and by providing the Safe and Sound brochure at our register. The Safe and Sound for Baby brochure is a guide provided by the JPMA on baby product safety, use and selection. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, or JPMA, is a national trade organization dedicated to enhancing children's product safety. Their comprehensive program guides parents toward purchasing products that are built with safety in mind. To make it even easier on parents, they have launched a new website that includes a section called The Parenthood. Here parents can find the Innovative Product winners, sign up for their newsletter, and learn more about the facts and requirements of the JPMA certification. If you are in the baby market, you should check out this fabulous resource dedicated to helping you make safer product choices for your family. At GreenPea Baby we are dedicated to bringing you safe choices too. A couple of our top products that are JPMA certified are the Micralite Stroller and the Svan High Chair.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Wake Up America!

Fabulous video by Healthy Child Healthy World! I love this organization and what they are trying to do.

http://awakeupstory.healthychild.org/

Owning a store and trying to convey to parents our passion for safer products has been a challenge. For four years now, after being diagnosed with cancer, I have read and learned more about our environment and the number of chemicals that we expose ourselves to than I ever wanted to know. It is very hard trying to balance what I know and the passion to tell others without scaring new parents. Many parents have not even given it a thought. Many others know way more than I do. I know in my heart that every parent wants the best for their children, they are just too busy or don't have that adamant friend that keeps filling their minds with words like BPA, Triclosan, Phthalates and on and on.

It has been a real struggle for me moving our family to better products just like anyone else. I have a teenage daughter that wants the cool cosmetics, a son that would have his entire diet consist of junk food and a six year old that is in love with every new plastic toy on the market. It is hard and I have had to learn to balance what I can do all the while teaching them about why we should avoid certain things. Meanwhile behind the scenes I am quietly making changes in how I clean, the skin products that I purchase and buy organic food products where I can. Just like everyone else, I have to find this balance between choosing better products and my budget.

Both in my home and in the store, there are some lines that I feel so passionate about that I won't cross. That is why you will not find a conventional mattress sold here or skin care that contains harmful chemicals. We make sure that all of our feeding products are BPA, Phthalate and Lead Free. We focus on wooden toys made from wonderful companies such as Plan Toys. We will not carry any type of antibacterial lotion or cleanser. Parents have been convinced by advertisers and media that this is the right way to protect your children. I don't believe that everything that you have to wear has to be organic although wrapping a newborn baby in pure fabrics sounds like a good idea to me.

At GreenPea Baby we help prioritize those tough choices one parent at a time. It is our goal to go through the thousands of baby products on the market and to weed out the products that we feel would have the biggest impact on the health of our children. We want to make shopping for baby easier on parents. It is part of our Baby Simplified™ approach. Simplifying your choices, simplifying your life.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Organic Miracle Blanket

At GreenPea Baby we love to get new products and we love it when we are one of the first to bring it to you. The new Organic Miracle Blanket arrived today. This blanket is the world's most pediatrician-recommended swaddler and it comes with a 100% guarantee. Yes that is right--it comes with a guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with how well this swaddler works, you can return it with no questions asked. Try to find another swaddle blanket that does that! Some of the great features of the new Organic Miracle Blanket are:
  • Helps Fussy Babies Sleep Great
  • Eases Fussiness for Any Baby
  • Stops Facial Scratches and Twitches that Wake Baby
  • Helps Babies Sleep Better on Their Backs
  • No Velcro to Scratch or Wake Baby
  • No Knots or Confusing Adjustments
  • One Size Fits All
The new Organic Miracle Blanket is beige with white trim. It is very soft and lightweight which is also nice so that your baby does not overheat. What makes the Miracle Blanket unique is their patented design that combines two of the most effective solutions to calm a fussy baby: classic swaddling and the lateral belly wrap.

When the Organic Miracle Blanket is wrapped around your baby, it will provide gentle pressure on the abdomen to help reduce fussiness.

Makes a wonderful baby gift and a mom must-have. This is our best selling swaddling blanket and we are so excited that it now comes in an organic version! Call us today to give it a try at 1-800-273-6489 or email us at greenpeababy@att.net for more information.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Free Seminar Jan 14 at GreenPea Baby

We're delighted to announce that Barry Cik, President of Naturepedic, will be coming to speak at GreenPea Baby next week (Thursday, Jan 14, 6-7pm). Check out the details about his free seminar that we're calling "I won't EAT my mattress, so why should I buy an organic? (And other questions on baby product safety)" . He'll be speaking specifically about:
  • What drives consumers to organic
  • How can consumer products harm babies
  • What is the government doing to protect consumers
  • What certifications are available
  • How to choose a healthier mattress for your baby.
If you have had questions about baby products, safety, consumer safety regulations and similar topics, you owe it to yourself and your children not to miss this!

Why Naturepedic?

Customers have often asked us why organic mattresses are so important, and particularly why Naturepedic is our preferred mattress manufacturer.

First, and most importantly, after countless hours of research into the latest health information, we rank a toxin-free mattress as the top priority for parents beginning to plan their nursery budgets. The research has been piling up against vinyl, PVC, and polyurethane products for many years, and we were delighted about the regulations controlling use of the substances associated with these materials in children's products -- but some of the replacement materials, and fire-resistors, even in some organic mattresses, are still not safe enough given the number of hours that babies and children spend in their beds.

Naturepedic is not the only manufacturer of organic mattresses, of course, so why have we chosen to feature them? Babies and children spend many hours on their mattresses, so we chose Naturepedic because we know parents will rest easier knowing that the mattress their baby is sleeping on:
  1. ...uses 100% organic cotton fibers grown in the U.S., Greenguard certified as toxin-free at every stage of the growing and manufacturing process, as well as innerspring coil support.
  2. ...is hypoallergenic, free of common allergens that even many organic mattresses contain, such as natural latex, rubber, coir and wool.
  3. ...is wrapped in waterproof food-grade polyethylene material (eliminating risk of mold and mildew growth in the mattress) and this material is independently certified as non-toxic.
We also like that they are strong consumer safety advocates, and are working to help educate all of us on what to look for, and what to avoid, to keep our children healthier. If you'd like to read more, visit www.naturepedic.com, and www.greenpeababy.com.