I made a quick visit to my local garden center today for spring garden supplies (I will be trying some container gardening this year), and I noticed how many people were sneezing and showing signs of seasonal allergies. Spring has definitely arrived early on the East coast - the cherry blossoms and other trees are blooming and budding, which of course means pollen! We are fortunate in our household that no one suffers from seasonal allergies - we are truly able to enjoy this weather by sleeping with the windows open at night and getting outside to enjoy the longer days. However, more and more of my friends and neighbors have children with allergies - seasonal, food, indoor/dust mites, etc.
If you have a child who suffers from dust mite allergies or other "indoor" allergens such as mold and mildew, you might want to check out our Allergen Pillow Protectors available for both our Toddler Pillows and Youth Pillows. These special allergen pillow protectors are zippered cases made of specially treated tightly woven yarn, providing a barrier against allergens and dust mites, yet allowing air to flow freely. The fabric is soft, comfortable, machine washable in hot water (up to 50 times), and noise free (unlike some of the vinyl pillow protectors that crinkle when you move around). The special fabric is also treated with a microbe shield to inhibit the growth of microorganism and to control mold, mildew, and odors. Again, these allergen pillow protectors are designed for use with our toddler pillows or other travel pillows sized 12 x 16. as well as our 16x20 youth pillows.
We also have a lot of customers who use our allergen pillow protectors to help extend the life of their toddler pillow. The allergen pillow protector acts as an extra layer of protection which cuts down on the need to wash and dry your youth or toddler pillow. You can simply zipper off the allergen protector and throw it in the regular wash.
Just as an interesting side note, I have been reading some theories about why allergies may be on the rise with the younger generations. The current theory that has peaked my interest is the "hygiene hypothosis" or "old friends hypothosis" which says that as we have become more "civilized", we have removed ourselves from nature by processing and sterilizing our foods and kitchens, and sanitizing ourselves. As we have become "cleaner" and more hygienic, our immune systems have not fully developed which leaves our bodies more sensitive to allergens. It is an intriguing theory - I like the idea that we should try to get back in touch with nature. I am reading more about the hygiene hypothosis and will write a more detailed post with some links to articles and websites for those interested.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Toddler Pillows back in Carnival Bloom Percale Fabric
Now back in stock - Carnival Bloom fabric for our Toddler Pillows and larger Youth Pillowcases. This beautiful fabric features a rich chocolate brown background with a multi-colored floral motif. Our Carnival Bloom fabric is a percale (non-flannel) fabric that is 100% cotton - it's a great option for a toddler pillow for spring and the upcoming warmer weather. It's a great fabric choice for kids and adults - I personally have a pillowcase in Carnival Bloom that I use on one of our Toddler Pillows that I use as a travel pillow or for extra support when reading. If you want to personalize your child's toddler pillow in this fabric, since it's a busier print, I would recommend one of our bolder font choices such as Whimsy or Fun Block in White thread or our pretty non-metallic Gold color. Please inquire for blankets and other items in Carnival Bloom.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Ballet Time Fabric for Toddler Pillows
Check out Ballet Time - one of our newest percale (non-flannel) fabrics for our toddler pillows with a cute ballerina theme. This fabric is 100% cotton and coordinates well with various shades of pink bedding. Don't forget our personalization option for our toddler pillows - add your little girl's name to this toddler pillow. For thread colors - try dark pink thread, or any contrasting color such as purple, green, red turquoise.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Spotlight on.... Youth Pillows 16x20
Many of you know us for our toddler pillows, but did you know that we also sell a larger 16x20 Youth Pillow? Many of our customers have toddlers who love our toddler pillows, but as their toddlers grew, they wanted to transition to a larger pillow. We kept hearing the same request so we started offering an in between pillow - our 16x20 Youth Pillow, which is larger than our original 12x16 toddler pillow, but still smaller than an adult pillow. This size is perfect for kids going away to sleepover camps, or just sleepover parties and travel. It also makes a great bed pillow either for sleeping or decoration.
Our Youth Pillows are made (in the USA!) by the same major pillow manufacturer as our popular toddler pillows- using the same quality and construction: 100% cotton covering over non-allergenic polyester fiberfill - machine washable. Just like our toddler pillows, our youth pillows are not too fluffy, not too firm, just perfect in proportion to support young children's head/necks.
Youth Pillowcases are also available for purchase separately in most of our popular cotton flannels and percale (non-flannel) fabrics. If you are looking for a particular fabric, color, or theme, as always, send us an email and we'll check the possibility of having a pillowcase made in that fabric. We are now also offering the embroidery option to have your youth pillowcase personalized with your child's name.
Our Youth Pillows are made (in the USA!) by the same major pillow manufacturer as our popular toddler pillows- using the same quality and construction: 100% cotton covering over non-allergenic polyester fiberfill - machine washable. Just like our toddler pillows, our youth pillows are not too fluffy, not too firm, just perfect in proportion to support young children's head/necks.
Youth Pillowcases are also available for purchase separately in most of our popular cotton flannels and percale (non-flannel) fabrics. If you are looking for a particular fabric, color, or theme, as always, send us an email and we'll check the possibility of having a pillowcase made in that fabric. We are now also offering the embroidery option to have your youth pillowcase personalized with your child's name.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
From Baby to Toddler, From Crib to Big Boy/Girl Bed
So you're ready to transition your toddler out of the crib and into a toddler bed or "big girl/boy" bed. Or your older toddler is content in the crib or toddler bed already, but you want to make it a bit more cozy to try and squeeze in a few more hours of sleep?
Believe it or not, something as simple as a toddler pillow can help do the trick. Kids love "adult" items that are scaled down to their size and the same is true with pillows. Standard size pillows are too big for toddlers smaller necks and heads - BobbleRoos Toddler Pillows (which measure 12x16) are more in proportion to a toddlers head and neck and are perfect for naptime at daycare or preschool, as well as making the transition to the bed.
My kids, now 6 and 9, started using BobbleRoos toddler pillows around 2-3 years old. They both became attached to their toddler pillows and still use them today as travel pillows and for sleepovers. Of course, we change out the pillowcases depending on their latest interest - I have 2 boys so it's usually a sport, car or truck, and right now it's the Pirate Skulls. Younger brother usually likes to pick whatever his older brother is picking, so I also have their names embroidered on the pillowcase to keep them unique.
You can also buy satin pillowcases, organic fabrics, cotton flannels and a ton of other choices to make it easy to match your child's room decor or favorite theme. And since kids interests tend to change frequently, a pillowcase is easy enough to replace as opposed to an entire bedding set (I recommend buying a simple bedding set - solid or striped sheet sets, and accessorize with fun printed pillowcases).
So try out a toddler pillow when making the transition. Pick out a fun fabric in a theme that your child will like and then let them "cuddle up"!
Believe it or not, something as simple as a toddler pillow can help do the trick. Kids love "adult" items that are scaled down to their size and the same is true with pillows. Standard size pillows are too big for toddlers smaller necks and heads - BobbleRoos Toddler Pillows (which measure 12x16) are more in proportion to a toddlers head and neck and are perfect for naptime at daycare or preschool, as well as making the transition to the bed.
My kids, now 6 and 9, started using BobbleRoos toddler pillows around 2-3 years old. They both became attached to their toddler pillows and still use them today as travel pillows and for sleepovers. Of course, we change out the pillowcases depending on their latest interest - I have 2 boys so it's usually a sport, car or truck, and right now it's the Pirate Skulls. Younger brother usually likes to pick whatever his older brother is picking, so I also have their names embroidered on the pillowcase to keep them unique.
You can also buy satin pillowcases, organic fabrics, cotton flannels and a ton of other choices to make it easy to match your child's room decor or favorite theme. And since kids interests tend to change frequently, a pillowcase is easy enough to replace as opposed to an entire bedding set (I recommend buying a simple bedding set - solid or striped sheet sets, and accessorize with fun printed pillowcases).
So try out a toddler pillow when making the transition. Pick out a fun fabric in a theme that your child will like and then let them "cuddle up"!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
How to Swaddle a Baby with BobbleRoos Blankets using the Aussie Swaddle Technique
We originally posted this article in March 2009 - almost 2 years ago! I really think this is a great swaddling technique and thought I'd repost.
After the birth of both of my sons, it took quite a while to get good at swaddling. Even with a ton of practice, I was never able to get the wrap as tight as the nurses at the hospital. These days, there are a lot of special swaddling wraps and blankets out there (I tried a few with my second son), but I still think a good old fashioned cotton blanket works the best and is the most practical since it has so many other uses after those swaddling days are over.
I frequently hear from parents about how wonderful our standard size blankets were for swaddling their infants. They are larger than most so they work out great for larger babies. I've also heard from few parents of smaller babies that our blankets worked out great for them as well because they could double wrap their child as instructed by their pediatricians.
I recently found out about a swaddling technique that works really well with our standard size blankets, so I thought it would make a great post. This technique is sometimes called the Aussie Swaddle (it was posted by an Australian mom on a baby forum a while back). There are a few variations to this swaddling technique, but you'll get the general idea. This technique works best with a rectangular shaped receiving blanket (just like our standard size blanket) in a lightweight all-cotton fabric (double-sided or thicker blankets, and some synthetic fibers like polyester, don’t breathe as well and may generate too much heat). This swaddling technique is more comfortable for many babies because it keeps their hands/fists up next to their face rather than straight down by their sides.
1. Lay blanket out on a flat surface lengthwise as shown. Fold down a flap of fabric at the top and place baby in the middle of the blanket with shoulders on the fold.
2. Place baby’s right hand under the folded flap (or you can start from the left side).
3. Keeping your baby’s hand covered with the flap (at about shoulder height), pull down the top corner of the flap and tuck under baby’s right leg.
4. Take the outer edge of this new flap of blanket and wrap it around your baby’s body and tuck under at the left side.
5. Now place baby’s opposite hand under the first original flap.
6. Flip up any extra fabric at the bottom of the blanket to create a flap at the bottom.
7. Keeping you baby’s hand covered with the flap (at about shoulder height), pull down the top corner of the flap and tuck under baby’s body.
8. Take the outer edge of this new flap of blanket and wrap it around your baby’s body to create the swaddle.
Swaddling generally works well for the first couple of months. Some people say you should stop swaddling around the time your baby starts to roll over, but I remember stopping before that milestone - it all depends on your baby. As always, check with your pediatrician for advice and resources. And please become familiar with and follow all current SIDS recommendations when putting your baby to sleep, including:
· Place infants to sleep on their backs on a firm mattress with no other objects in the crib/bed
· Avoid overheating the baby
· Keep baby’s environment smoke/tobacco free
· Ask your pediatrician for more recommendations and resources
I hope that this swaddling technique works for some of you! I'd love to see any photos or feedback.
After the birth of both of my sons, it took quite a while to get good at swaddling. Even with a ton of practice, I was never able to get the wrap as tight as the nurses at the hospital. These days, there are a lot of special swaddling wraps and blankets out there (I tried a few with my second son), but I still think a good old fashioned cotton blanket works the best and is the most practical since it has so many other uses after those swaddling days are over.
I frequently hear from parents about how wonderful our standard size blankets were for swaddling their infants. They are larger than most so they work out great for larger babies. I've also heard from few parents of smaller babies that our blankets worked out great for them as well because they could double wrap their child as instructed by their pediatricians.
I recently found out about a swaddling technique that works really well with our standard size blankets, so I thought it would make a great post. This technique is sometimes called the Aussie Swaddle (it was posted by an Australian mom on a baby forum a while back). There are a few variations to this swaddling technique, but you'll get the general idea. This technique works best with a rectangular shaped receiving blanket (just like our standard size blanket) in a lightweight all-cotton fabric (double-sided or thicker blankets, and some synthetic fibers like polyester, don’t breathe as well and may generate too much heat). This swaddling technique is more comfortable for many babies because it keeps their hands/fists up next to their face rather than straight down by their sides.
1. Lay blanket out on a flat surface lengthwise as shown. Fold down a flap of fabric at the top and place baby in the middle of the blanket with shoulders on the fold.
2. Place baby’s right hand under the folded flap (or you can start from the left side).
3. Keeping your baby’s hand covered with the flap (at about shoulder height), pull down the top corner of the flap and tuck under baby’s right leg.
4. Take the outer edge of this new flap of blanket and wrap it around your baby’s body and tuck under at the left side.
5. Now place baby’s opposite hand under the first original flap.
6. Flip up any extra fabric at the bottom of the blanket to create a flap at the bottom.
7. Keeping you baby’s hand covered with the flap (at about shoulder height), pull down the top corner of the flap and tuck under baby’s body.
8. Take the outer edge of this new flap of blanket and wrap it around your baby’s body to create the swaddle.
Swaddling generally works well for the first couple of months. Some people say you should stop swaddling around the time your baby starts to roll over, but I remember stopping before that milestone - it all depends on your baby. As always, check with your pediatrician for advice and resources. And please become familiar with and follow all current SIDS recommendations when putting your baby to sleep, including:
· Place infants to sleep on their backs on a firm mattress with no other objects in the crib/bed
· Avoid overheating the baby
· Keep baby’s environment smoke/tobacco free
· Ask your pediatrician for more recommendations and resources
I hope that this swaddling technique works for some of you! I'd love to see any photos or feedback.
Newest Percale Fabrics
Our newest percale (non-flannel) fabrics have started to arrive. We recently received a few requests from customers looking for more grown-up boy fabric options for their pillowcases. Their sons have used our toddler pillows for years and have recently upgraded to our Youth Pillows. To add to our fabric collections, we now have Skulls which is a black background with white pirate skulls, Extreme Team features extreme sports including skateboarding, biking, etc. We have also restocked Wild Blue Yonder, Daisy Dance, and Zoology. All of these fabrics are great options for toddler pillows or the larger 16x20 Youth pillows - even for older kids who use the pillows for sleepovers, travel, or camp.
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