Now available! Specialty Embroidery Travel Pillows

 BobbleRoos® announced today the availability of a new line of specialty embroidery travel pillows.  Designs include a “Fight Like a Girl” embroidery design to support women undergoing various forms of cancer treatment.  The travel pillows are available in a variety of pillowcase fabrics and the thread colors can be customized for the embroidery design. More custom embroidery pillow designs are planned for future.

“A few years ago, I had a good friend diagnosed and gave her one of our toddler pillows with a pretty floral pillowcase to take to and from treatments.  She recently told me how much it meant to have the toddler pillow with her as a comfort object,” said Renee Sirulnik, Owner of BobbleRoos.

“Last year, my son’s 5^th grade class had a Lock-In at the school with all kinds of games and raffles.  Since the kids were spending the night at the school in a huge sleepover event, I thought it would be perfect to provide Autograph Pillows so the 5^th graders could collect signatures on the pillowcase from all of their friends and teachers.  We embroidered the pillowcases with the 5^th grade class and school information and raffled them off during the event.  The kids and teachers loved the pillows - it’s a great keepsake,” said Sirulnik, “and would be great for high school graduation gifts for teens to take with them to college or younger kids going to summer sleepaway camps.”


Sirulnik continued, “A few weeks ago, I had a dear friend diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to give her something to take to the hospital and to/from treatments. I decided to combine the idea of a treatment/travel pillow with the autograph pillow so friends, family, doctors, and nurses could write encouraging and supportive words for her to take with her on this journey.  It’s a great way to be reminded of love, hope, and encouragement during a dark and scary process.”
The “Fight Like a Girl” travel pillow and Autograph Pillow are currently available for purchase on BobbleRoos website (www.BobbleRoos.com).  The pillowcases are available in several colors and fabrics and include an option to purchase a fabric marker for signing the pillowcases to make a completely unique gift.

About RS Kids Inc. and BobbleRoos®
RS Kids, Inc. is a mom-owned business based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. BobbleRoos® products include toddler pillows, playard sheets, crib sheets, burp cloths, baby blankets, toddler blankets and personalized bedding products and gifts for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. BobbleRoos® products can be found online at www.BobbleRoos.com

Crib sheets
Toddler Pillows
Youth Pillows
Playard Sheets
Toddler blankets
Baby blankets
Security blankets
Nap Mat Sheets
Burp Cloths
Washcloths
Gift Sets for Twins/Triplets

Toddler Pillow - How to use a BobbleRoos Toddler Pillowcase with Envelope Style Closure

How to Properly Use a BobbleRoos Toddler Pillowcase

Using a pillowcase seems pretty straight-forward, right? Well take a quick look and make sure that you are taking advantage of one of the coolest features of a BobbleRoos toddler pillowcase.  From time to time, we receive questions about the inner flap of fabric on our pillowcases which is sometimes called an envelope style closure (there are many different variations on this design).   Since it can be hard to describe the design of our toddler pillowcases, we took a few pictures for a step by step illustration on how to use this inner flap to conceal and protect the toddler pillow inside.  Our pillowcase design helps to conceal the toddler pillow insert for aesthetic reasons, as well as for safety so the pillowcase doesn't slip off during the night, and it also helps to prevent curious toddler hands from pulling the pillow insert out of the pillowcase. We use an envelope style closure on all of our pillowcases - toddler pillows (12x16), youth pillows (16x20), and even our standard adult size pillowcases. Envelope style enclosures do take a little extra fabric and time/labor to make, but we believe it's these little extra touches that make all of our products so fabulous including our toddler pillowcases!

12x16 Toddler Pillow case turned inside out with extra flap of fabric on inside that creates envelope closure

Side-load toddler pillow insert into the pillowcase

Toddler Pillow insert inside the toddler pillowcase before the extra flap of fabric is used to cover the toddler pillow insert

Simply lift the envelope flap up and over the toddler pillow insert

Toddler Pillow insert is completely concealed using the envelope style closure

View of toddler pillow from the side as placed on a bed - inner toddler pillow insert cannot be seen

How to Swaddle a Baby

We originally posted this article in March 2009 - 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 brief swaddling days are over.

I frequently hear from parents about how wonderful our standard size blankets were for swaddling their infants. Our baby blankets 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.

When can I give my child a pillow to sleep with?

12x16 Personalized Toddler Pillow

We get asked this question a lot - when is it okay to give my child a pillow?  With all the safety concerns regarding soft bedding items in cribs, you have to sift through a lot of changing opinions, but most of the official guidelines pertain to infants under 12 months of age (from organizations like The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) . So does that mean I can give my 13 or 14 month old a pillow at night?  Maybe, but maybe not.

We typically recommend our toddler pillows for 1½ to 2 years and up, and even then, it's best to check with your pediatrician first. Your child's pediatrician will be up to date on changing safety recommendations but more importantly, they will also know your child's heath history including any issues that may impact sleep: allergies or asthma, muscle tone and neck/head control, etc. Many leading child developmental experts agree that it's best to allow young children to sleep on a flat surface. When you do introduce a pillow, choose one that is firm, yet flat (not too poofy or fluffy even though they may look cozy!). Pick a small pillow that is the right proportions for a child - a standard size is a 12 x 16 toddler pillow. If you think about it, giving a small child an adult sized pillow is the equivalent of giving an adult a pillow the size of a twin or crib mattress!

What is the perfect age for a child to start using a pillow? Many children are ready to start using a pillow around 1½-3 years of age but check with your pediatrician first and educate yourself on the current safety recommendations and pros and cons.  According to CPSC.gov, "parents can safely start using pillows for children who are 1½ years old, about the same age at which parents can safely move children out of the crib and either into a toddler bed or onto a mattress on the floor."

How to use a toddler pillow to help transition from the crib to toddler bed

Introducing a pillow is a great transitional item when the child is converting from the crib to a toddler bed or twin bed - but it all depends on age. Most kids are ready to leave the crib when they start potty training, especially at night since they may need to get out of bed frequently.  With my two children, I waited as long as possible to move them out of the crib and it was usually around 3 - 3 1/2 years old. However I have friends with "climbers" who have moved their kids out of the crib before their first birthday. I also have friends with 2-3 year old children who had frequent ear infections or sinus problems and their pediatricians recommend the use of a small pillow to help elevate the child's head. I've had many customers also tell me that they knew their child was ready when he/she bundled up blankets under his/her head at night to sleep on, or slept on a stuffed animal. But PLEASE check with your child's doctor first.

Other uses for toddler pillows

If your child or baby is not yet ready for a pillow, our toddler pillows still have a ton of other great uses for your toddler (see our website for even more uses for older kids and adults!):

• Children enjoy cuddling up with toddler pillows during playtime. If they can become attached to the pillow or familiar with it during the daytime, it is more likely that they will accept it to cuddle up with at night - just like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. 
• Using it for a "seat" to make that wooden chair more comfy
• Playing house with dolls
• Watching movies or during story time
• Toddler pillows also make great travel pillows (even for adults!). I took one to the hospital with me during labor and delivery - great to put behind your lower back or neck for extra support. I also used mine frequently during nursing. Toddler pillows are the perfect size for traveling as they squish up easily inside a suitcase, can be carried on a plane, and great for making the car seat ride more comfortable - both for kids and adults. 

How to buy a toddler pillow

My child seems ready to sleep with a pillow, how do I find a good toddler pillow?  Here are some tips:

• Choose a toddler pillow that is in proportion to your child (12"x16" is perfect!), and not overly filled.  Overfilled, fluffly pillows may seem cozy to adults and look nice on the bed, but your child is actually better off with a flatter, less filled pillow. 
• Choose a quality made pillow with strong seams that will withstand machine washing and  possible rough and tumble daily use by a toddler - you don't want anything delicate or dry clean only!
• Made in the USA - it's always great to support local manufacturing!
• We recommend a pillow filled with high quality polyester fiberfill - it's non-allergenic, easy to wash, comfortable yet supportive, and keeps its shape.  
• We also recommend a high quality cotton fabric for the covering - some cheaper pillows are covered with very thin gauze like material - make sure you opt for thicker 100% cotton.
• Pick out some fun printed pillowcases that will allow your child to get attached to the pillow and make nighttime fun! Don't be so concerned with matching your child's bedding or room theme  - pick a design that your child really enjoys to make it more likely he/she will cuddle with the pillow. 
• If your child has dust mite allergies, consider one of our allergen pillowcases.  It also offers an extra layer of protection between the pillowcase and the pillow to make washing easier.

A quick note on pillowcases: While I like the looks of many modern fabrics with plain and clean geometrical designs, your child won't connect to those designs in the same way as a fabric with pictures of their favorite animals, trains, trucks, daisies, fish, or fairies, etc.  Young toddlers like to point and name the animals and/or objects and colors - make it fun and conversational for your child! If you really have a problem with mix and match, go for a solid or small print and have the pillow embroidered with your child's name.

I can't tell you how may parents have told me that our toddler pillows have helped restless sleepers (which is great for the child and the parents!). Before introducing a pillow to your child at nighttime, check with your pediatrician and try to find a high quality, machine washable pillow that is in proportion to your child's head/neck.  Don't forget to make it fun and colorful too!

How to Wash Flannel Fabrics - Tips and Tricks for taking care of flannel

We published this article back in 2012 but we still get questions every now and then on the best way to take care of our soft and colorful flannel fabrics.  Here are some recommended, tried and true washing tips to get the most out of your flannel products:

Ahhh….flannel, so soft to the touch, perfect for newborn babies’ skin. Brushed flannels (like we sell at BobbleRoos) have a raised fiber surface that makes the fabrics so soft to the touch. However after washing several times, sometimes the fibers get mashed down or worse yet, begin to “pill”. Pilling, the little raised balls that create a lumpy surface, can be common with cotton, especially flannel fabrics and any other raised fiber fabrics (fleece, knits, etc). So how can I preserve my soft flannel blankets and sheets? We have several tips to help you out.
First, let’s look at the some common factors that can contribute to flannel pilling:
Pilling Problem - Friction
Friction can be from physical rubbing (think of the underarms of a flannel shirt or fleece sweater), or it can be caused during a vigorous wash cycle. When washing flannel fabrics, make sure you use a gentle cycle as the agitation of the wash is much slower than regular wash cycles, reducing the amount of friction on the fabric. You can turn our playard sheets and toddler pillow cases inside out to also help reduce friction on the outer surface.
Pilling Problem – Hot Water!
Another common cause of flannel pilling is improperly washing the fabric. Since flannel is commonly used for bedding items - sheets and blankets - many people wash these items in hot water because of dust mites, etc. However flannel items should be washed in cool or warm water – never use hot water!
Solution – Cold Water and Vinegar!Yes, vinegar – just standard plain old fashioned white vinegar. We recommend trying ½ cup white vinegar added to the rinse cycle to help reduce pilling. If your machine has a dispenser for rinse cycle softener, use this compartment for the vinegar instead of a rinse cycle softener. You can also use one of the balls that you toss into the machine that releases the rinse cycle softener (in this case, vinegar) into the wash. Another great recommendation – when an item is new, for the first wash, use just cold water and vinegar to “set” the fabric as a preventative measure.
Bonus! An extra bonus of vinegar is that it can also keep any bright colors from bleeding. Another bonus - if an item has already started to form pills, try washing the item without detergent – just cold water and ½ cup vinegar and this may help restore the fabric to the original softness.
Vinegar? Thumbs up - I love when we can recommend a cheap and natural solution!
Commercial Rinse Cycle Softeners and Dryer Sheets – Yeah or Nay?Some sources recommend using a commercial rinse cycle softener, however in a study done at the University of Nebraska, researchers found that when washing cotton flannel fabrics, rinse cycle softeners (liquid fabric softeners) resulted in an increase of fabric pilling as well as increased fabric breakage or weakening. Using dryer sheets did not seem to affect the pilling. Researchers also found that using laundry detergents containing the Cellulase Enzymes significantly reduces the pilling common with cotton fabrics. So “Nay” to the rinse cycle softeners, okay to dryer sheets if you like them.
So, for best results when washing our flannel products and other cotton items, wash on gentle, using cold water and 1/2 cup white vinegar for the initial wash. For future washings, continue to use cold water and a gentle detergent (preferably one containing Cellulase Enzymes*), plus ½ cup white vinegar during the rinse cycle, but avoid the use of commercial liquid or rinse cycle fabric softeners. These tips should help keep all of your cotton items (especially flannel fabrics) looking and feeling great for years to come.
*We've contacted several major detergent manufacturers to find out which brands contain Cellulase Enzymes. We do not recommend one brand over the other. We will update this list as more become available:

• Most Tide powder varieties (HE and regular)
• Tide TOTALCARE varieties
• Ultra Tide Varieties (including HE) and Ultra Tide Free powder
• Ivory Snow liquid and powder
• Cheer brightCLEAN liquid varieties (but not powders)
• Dreft HE Ultra Liquid
• Dreft 2x Ultra Liquid

New toddler pillow fabrics now in stock

It's official - Jungle Stitch is now here.  Available in our toddler pillows, toddler blankets, playard sheets, and preschool nap mat sheets.  Crib sheets are coming soon.  This is quickly becoming my new favorite fabric.  Stay tuned for details on how to win this awesome toddler pillow and toddler blanket set!

Also, available in small quantities, we have a small supply of this new Pirate Plunder print - bright and bold, this toddler pillow is perfect for a Pirate theme room.Our toddler pillows are perfect for travel over the upcoming holiday season!

Preschool Nap Mat Sheets are Back!

We sell a lot of our Preschool Nap Mat Sheets in August and September for those kiddos starting a new year of preschool.  Our inventory was getting pretty low after this year's back to school rush.  But good news - we have been busy cutting and sewing and we are now fully restocked in our Preschool Nap Mat Sheets in many of our popular fabrics as well as most of our newer fabrics.  We also have our Preschool Nap Mat Sheets available in a set with our popular Toddler Pillows.  This makes the perfect set for daycare or preschool nap time. We also have customers who create their own unique set by mixing and matching, or adding one of our supersized toddler blankets. 

We currently have a coupon for 20% off any of our Preschool Nap Mat Sheets (or Toddler Pillow with Preschool Nap Mat Sheet set.  Use coupon code NAP20, expires 11/1/13.  Also take advantage of our reduced pricing on embroidery to personalize your child's nap mat sheet with his or her name - $5 per item (regular price $6.95).  Our Preschool Nap Mat sheets are designed to fit a 24" x 48" nap mat (up to 3" thick). 

Toddler Pillow and Preschool Nap Mat Sheet set in Oceans fabric

Preschool Nap Mat Sheet in Hoot fabric