Gemini Beco Baby carrier review and #GIVEAWAY {US and Canada}

The moment you've all been waiting for. I know you all have been stalking my site waiting to read my review of the Gemini Beco Baby Carrier! Well, it's time! I was head over heels when Beco agreed to sponsor not only a review of their Gemini carrier, but also a giveaway to one of you! But wait, let's not get ahead of ourselves yet.

First, let me tell you why you are going to NEED one of these awesome baby carriers!
Here is some information on the Gemini taken from Beco Baby Carrier's website:
"Each baby carrier comes with:
•Foldable head rest
•Adjustable base for growing baby
•Instructional booklet
Shell: 100% organic cotton
Fill: 100% polyester
Packaging: 100% recycled content, printed with soy based inks
PRODUCT FEATURES
•4 in 1 baby carrier
•newborn to toddler (7-35 lbs/3.5 - 16 kg)
•Front carry (facing in and facing out), back carry, and hip carry
•Great for nursing
•Direct contact intuitive baby carrier
•high quality tested materials
•machine washable
•Instruction manual included
•Made in USA

PRODUCT MEASUREMENTS
•body 13" wide x 18.5" tall with head rest up, 14" tall with headrest folded
•shoulder straps 23" (can be adjusted up to 22" LONGER for a total of 45")
•waist belt 28"(size 0) can be adjusted up to 57"
•weight capacity of the carrier: 7-35 lbs (3.5-16kg)
•weight of the carrier: 1.5 lbs"

Here are some awesome pictures that detail the features of the Beco Gemini:

I was sent the Cars Espresso print Gemini carrier!

This is what I received:

Here are some pictures of the carrier as I took it out of the box!

It is pretty compact and is very lightweight (weighs only 1.5 lbs) which makes it so easy to stuff in your diaper bag to take along to the zoo, or the beach, or the mountains, or whatever adventure you are taking your littles on!

The back of the carrier:

The inside of the carrier (I so love the cars print, it is perfect for boys)!

Let me go ahead and point out some of my favorite features of the Gemini!
First and foremost I LOVE the fact that this carrier is designed for a baby from 7-35 lbs no extra insert or other accessory needed! As many of you know, I own an Ergo baby carrier. You can read my review of the Ergo here! While I love my Ergo, I don't love the idea of having to purchase an infant insert (for $38.00) to be able to use the carrier with a newborn baby! The Beco Gemini is ready to carry your infant 7 lbs + right from the start! I LOVE that!
I also love that the clasp that secures the carrier around your waist is a sort of safety clasp. You just can't pinch it and it comes off, but you have to also press the button down in the middle while pinching the clasp in order to open it! As seen here:

This may sound like a difficult task to do when you have your hands full and are just wanting to open the clasp, but I assure you it is not hard at all to open and I love the additional safety feature. I am all about products that have the safety of my babies integrated into the construction of their products!
I also love that you can carry your baby 4 different ways with this carrier!
1. Front carry, baby facing in (from 7-15 lbs). 2. Front carry, baby facing out (can be used when baby is able to hold his/her head upright *around 3-4 months)! 3. Hip carry position (can be used when baby has full control of head and neck *around 4+ months)! 4. Back carry position (for babies with complete head/neck control *6+ months)!
Please remember that all babies grow and develop at different rates and these carrying positions are just general guidelines. Please take your individual child's developmental stage, age and weight into consideration when determining which carrying position will best suit him/her!

I love the back carry because my boy is 2 years old, and 27 lbs and loves to be held and yet, see everything going on around him!
There is an awesome YouTube video that you can watch here that shows you how to use the Beco Gemini! It is very informative and a must see for every Beco Gemini owner!
I also really love that this carrier is MADE IN THE USA (supporting American workers and companies is always a plus in my book)! I also love that my Gemini shell is made from 100% Organic cotton. The fill is 100% polyester! Awesome! I am that mom that avoids all clothing and materials that are 'fire resistent' due to the fact that most those items have been prepped in some sort of toxic chemical that will resist and retard fire, but may cause cancer???!!! Ok, that is a completely different blog post!
Another really great feature about the Gemini is that it is totally adjustable to fit you and whichever one of the four carrying positions you would like to use.
For instance, if you are wanting to use the front carry (baby facing in, towards you) with a newborn or smaller baby (7-15 lbs) you would use the narrow base configuration. What is the narrow base configuration you ask? Well, there is a place at the base of the carrier where you can snap back the fabric to make the base of the carrier narrow.
This is a picture of the base of the carrier (in the wide base position):

This is a picture of the base of the Beco in the narrow position:

Another really awesome feature of the Gemini is that you can adjust the head rest position in order to fit the carry configuration you are using.

This is a picture of the head rest extended:

Here is a picture of the head rest snapped down:

Here is an image (taken from Beco's website) that better shows you the front carry (baby facing in) position utilizing the head rest snapped down:

I used this carrier on my 2 yo son in the back carry position! He LOVE it!

In fact when I put him in the Beco he kept on saying "piggy back ride, piggy back ride" that really tickled me!

 This baby carrier is sooooo comfortable for both mama and baby!

 View from the front:

I must say that this is one of the most comfortable baby carriers I have tried. There is no strain or pressure on your back or anywhere else for that matter! It is super easy to use and is so light-weight you can virtually take it with you any where you go!
This is a VERY versatile carrier! Like I mentioned before it can be used in 4 different carry positions!
I really love the Beco Gemini!
It comes in some really awesome prints too:

Are you drooling yet? You should be! This is by far one of the best carriers I've ever tried!
You can purchase a Beco Gemini baby carrier directly from Beco for $135.00!!
Or.... you can enter to win one here!
Beco has generously offered one of you the chance to win your very own Beco Gemini Baby Carrier in winner's choice of print (subject to what is in stock)!
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only!
To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below!
You may need to click on 'read more' to see the entry form!

Good Luck and have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Disclosure: I received the item(s) mentioned above in exchange for my honest review! My opinions are my own and may differ from yours!

A Brand New Fluff Store {Figgy Fuzz Baby Boutique} Grand Opening Celebration!! $20 GC #GIVEAWAY {US and Canada}

I am so excited to be able to share with you a brand new #clothdiapers store that has recently opened. Introducing FiggyFuzz Baby Boutique! Why am I so excited? Well first of all, this company is located in Maryland, and the owner Tiffany is a military wife (just like me)! So I was very pleased when she agreed to sponsor a giveaway here on my blog!

Before we get into the giveaway details, let me tell you a bit more about Tiffany and FiggyFuzz Baby Boutique (love that name, it just kinda catches your attention huh):
"My name is Tiffany and my husband Hank and I live in Harford County, Maryland. We were blessed with our first child in 2011 and he has been our inspiration to parent as naturally as we can. The FiggyFuzz mission is to provide our customers with great customer service and quality products that we have personally tested. We seek to also increase the visibility and use of these products amongst our fellow military families and others interested in living a little greener and using fun and innovative products.

While the majority of our business is accomplished through this site, we do maintain a local showroom and welcome any local customers to come and get an in-person look at our inventory. Please shop our online store or call/email us to schedule an appointment to stop by our Maryland showroom!"

Ok, so FiggyFuzz has all kinds of #clothdiapers and accesories! They carry brands like Applecheeks, Babykicks, Bottombumpers, Bummis, EcoPosh and more!!
Oh and I love that they carry Aura Cacia product! I've been using Aura Cacia essential oils and bath items for my kids for the last year or so and I love them! I put a paper towel at the bottom of our trash can and drop a few drops of the Aura Cacia lemon essential oil on the paper towel and also in the new trash bag. This keeps my trash bin smelling fresh for quite some time!

Also, FiggyFuzz has some awesome deals and sales going on right now. In order to celebrate reaching 250 Fans on Facebook there is a 10% off store-wide sale going on (some brands are excluded) until this Friday, 20 April (code is "FANS10")!
All Kanga Care/Eco Posh items are also on sale at 10% off (cannot be combined with additional 10% of "FANS10" now through Saturday, 21 April!
FiggyFuzz also offers free US shipping on orders over $69.00 and a flat rate within the US of $5.99!

Okay, so Tiffany at FiggyFuzz has graciously offered one of you the chance to win a $20 GC to her shop! I am so excited to help another military mama get her business off the ground!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below. You will need to click "read more" to see the form!

Good luck and have fun!

~Mama of the Littles~

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS POST! READ CAREFULLY! Coming soon!!! Beco Gemini baby carrier giveaway and Red Charlotte Stuff Sack giveaway coming this week! Here is how you can start getting extra entries TODAY!!

I'm so excited to be able to bring you a Beco Gemini baby carrier review and GIVEAWAY!

Right now I'm working on the review of this awesome baby carrier! You are not going to want to miss this! One of you will win your very own Beco Gemini baby carrier in choice of print (subject to what is in stock) a RV of $135.00!

Not only that, but I've also teamed up with Charlotte, of "Red Charlotte" to offer a review and giveaway of one of her stuff sacks! What is a stuff sack you ask? Well, it's a beautiful sack hand made to carry or store your soft structured carrier in:

This is the Stuff Sack I will be receiving for review:

Isn't it gorgeous?? I LOVE it!
You can learn more about Red Charlotte's Stuff Sacks here!

EXTRA ENTRIES START NOW:

Ok, so I need your help. I am trying so hard to win a photo contest on Facebook.
Beginning today (17 April) and ending 30 April, you can earn 3 extra entries into the Beco Gemini giveaway and the 3 into the Red Charlotte ($45.00) GC giveaway to her shop (which is open world-wide)!!

Here is what you need to do: *please read and follow all instructions carefully so that your votes and extra entries count*

1. Visit the "Mama and Me" voting page (click 'like' if you don't already like them, and you may have to click "log in with facebook"), then click on my picture (the title is "Angela, Clarksville") and then click "vote"

2. After you vote, leave a comment beside the picture with the word 'vote' or 'voted' then come back here and leave a comment on this blog post with your Facebook name and the date you voted (or you can keep track of it on paper, but you will need to know the dates you voted so you can claim them on the Rafflecopter form once the giveaway goes live!!

THIS CAN BE DONE DAILY (every 24 hours)!!

Each time you vote, you get 3 extra entries!

Once the giveaway for the Beco and Red Charlotte goes live (hopefully this Friday) there will be a place on the Rafflecopter form for you to claim your extra 3 DAILY entries.

Example: there will be a box that says "voted on 17 April" you will claim that entry and leave your Facebook name in the box with extra info!

Got it?? Too easy!

Don't forget too, that by voting for me, you are also eligible to claim extra entries DAILY into my current giveaways:

$20 GC to Baby Roo {US and Canada} 19 April

Green Bumkin AIO or Fitted cloth diaper {US and Canada} 19 April

3-pack of Charlie Banana reusable feminine pads (panty liners) {US and Canada} 21 April

Facebook voting contest! 2 winners! 1. wet bag and roll of AMP flushable diaper liners 2. Smart Snugs one size cloth diaper in green! {US and Canada} 30 April

Woolino baby sleep sack {US and Canada} RV $84.99 22 April

AMP Stay-Dry AIO diaper *SNAPS* {US and Canada} 30 April


$100 GC to The Tender Tush {World-Wide}

Facebook and Blog celebration giveaway {A whole bunch of fluffy goodness to be won}


Have questions, please feel free to e-mail me angela_heffner at yahoo dot com

Good luck and thanks in advance for your votes :)

~Mama of the Littles~

AMP Stay Dry AIO clothdiaper in SNAPS!! Review and #GIVEAWAY {US and Canada}

I'm so excited to have been given the opportunity to try the all new AMP Stay-Dry AIO diaper in SNAPS!! I really love, adore, cherish my AMP diapers! I've tried a few AMP diapers in the past. I've tried their hemp fitted diaper, their AI2 diaper on my tiny newborn nephew, and their ever so popular one size duo diaper!

I am not a fan (at all) of Velcro, aka hook and loop! I just do not like the way it washes and clings to every other diaper in the wash! I just LOVE my snaps! I was so excited to receive the e-mail from AMP announcing that they are now selling their AIO's in snaps!

Annie, creator and owner of AMP diapers graciously sent me a size large AMP Stay-Dry AIO in "chocolate." This is what I received:

The back of the diaper:

The two rows of snaps that ensure a perfect fit, every time:

I really love how the elastic is set on the waist (seen in picture above) it really makes a huge difference when putting this diaper on your child. The elastic is so pliable and really enables the perfect fit on your little one!

This is a picture of the diaper all laid out (for your viewing pleasure):

And the inside of the diaper in all of it's fluffy splendor:

My first thoughts. When I first opened the package and saw this diaper a sudden craving for a tall, two pump mocha from Starbucks came over me! Then opened the diaper and could not believe how soft, fluffy and squishy it was! As you can see in pic #1 above this diaper looks very similar to the AMP one size duo. HOWEVER, this is not a one sized diaper and it is not a pocket! This diaper is an All in One (AIO)! That means there are no pockets to stuff. You simply wash it, hang to dry and use it, and do it all over again once its soiled! AIO's have to be the most easiest diapers to use! I LOVE this diaper!
Even after I washed it, it was still so soft and fluffy, just like it was brand new!!
Like I just said, this is not a one size diaper. This diaper comes in 3 sizes, small (6-14 lbs.), medium (12-22 lbs.), and large (18-38 lbs.)! My little guy is 2 years old and approximately 28 lbs.
This is how the diaper fit on him:

The perfect fit! As you can see this diaper is on the second to last smallest setting and is made to fit baby up to 38 lbs. There is loads of room for growth!

No leg gaps!

We love this diaper. I've used it on him at nap time with no issues, and even over night with NO LEAKS. I know, I put my fitteds and wool covers on hold for a night and really tested this diaper out. These diapers also come in a wide variety of gorgeous colors!

Here is a bit more information about this diaper (taken from AMP's website): *please note this information is referring to the hook and loop diaper*

"AMP Stay dry AIO’s are the easiest cloth diapers ever!These diapers go on and off just like a disposable. Just the right amount of stretch means that baby can move around freely.The super absorbent core is made of 4 layers of micro-fiber for a soft squishy feel and quick drying time.

The super soft fleece wicks wetness away from baby so baby stays dry and comfortable. Our hook and loop tabs stay looking like new and really do stay put in the wash and on your little one.

No need for doublers, covers or stuffing. Wrap your baby is this soft, trim, absorbent diaper and your good to go!

These diapers are perfect for baby-sitters, grandparents and daycares."

This is the updated information that was sent to me in the e-mail regarding the AIO's coming out in snaps:
"AMP Stay dry Snap All-in-one’s. A two sized diaper system that's as easy as it gets! These diapers snap on super quickly and easy! The super absorbent core is made of 3 layers of micro-fiber for a soft squishy feel and quick drying time. The super soft fleece wicks wetness away from baby so baby stays dry and comfortable. The elastic gather are amazing at containing leaks and they are the gentlest available for babies sensitive skin. No need for doublers, covers or stuffing. When needed you can lay a booster on top for extra absorbency. Perfect for baby-sitters, grandparents and daycares and also for parents that don't like assembling their diapers before use. Small fits aprox. 6-18lbs Large fits aprox. 15-38lbs MSRP $20.00
When can you get them?
We have been busy building up AIO stock in the factory so that we could start shipping these out as soon as possible, but there have been a few delays. We are ready to start shipping them to our retailers and they should start arriving in stores in the next 1-2 weeks! Ask your favorite retailer for the AMP Stay-dry Snap All-in-one. They're sure to be a favorite!"

Are you up to date on all the happenings at AMP diapers? It's simple, just subscribe to their newsletter and/or follow AMP on Facebook to keep yourself in the loop! There is also an awesome You Tube video (showcasing Annie herself) showing the AIO in action.

Have you tried AMP diapers? Do you like AIO's? I can tell you this diaper will quickly become a favorite in your stash and you will find yourself washing it right after use in anticipation of using it again!

Annie of AMP diapers has very generously offered her support in offering one of you the chance to win an AMP Stay-Dry AIO in winner's choice of closure, size and either boy, girl or gender neutral color (subject to what is in stock)!

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below!
You may have to click "read more" to see the complete Rafflecopter form!

How do we love our Woolino sleep sack? Let me count the ways! Review and #GIVEAWAY {US and Canada}

I LOVE wool! I love wool diaper covers, I love wool sweaters I love sheep! Ok, why do I love wool? I love wool because it is a natural fiber, its sustainable, it is natural antibacterial, and it is naturally fire-retardent!

When I was contacted by Woolino and asked to test their 100% Austrailian merino wool baby sleep sack, I jumped on the chance!

This is what I received:

This is the information printed on the back of the package:

This is the sleep sack outside of the package:

Let me tell you a little bit about the Woolino sleep sack before we go any further into the review. This baby sleep sack is designed to fit a baby from 3- 24 months of age. Here is a picture of the total length of the sleep sack:

As you can see, it is very long! This is the size setting you would use for a toddler (like in my case)!
It is also adjustable! There are metal snaps that you can use to fold the bottom of the sleep sack up to make it shorter in length for a smaller baby!
Baby Giveaways Galore did an awesome video review of the Woolino sleep sack, you can watch that video here!

Here is some really useful information about the Woolino sleep sack taken from their website:
"The Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack:
Have you ever worried about which TOG to use and whether your baby will be too hot or cold while sleeping? With this one-of-a-kind baby sleep sack there is no need to worry because the luxuriously-soft merino wool lining naturally regulates baby's body temperature to ensure s/he sleeps safely and comfortably all year round.

Our 100% natural baby sleeping bags are made from the world’s most superior natural fiber – the silky soft allergy-safe Australian merino wool. This lightweight, itch-free, and most technically advanced natural fiber in the world is THE perfect fiber to wear next to a child’s delicate skin. It breathes, regulates body temperature, manages moisture, it is non-allergenic, naturally fire resistant, naturally antibacterial, easy care and durable. It is simply naturally perfect.

Woolino's luxurious merino baby sleep sacks are also a great value as they come in one standard size that fits babies 3 months to 2 years old. This will save you from buying lots of different sizes and TOG ratings. They are designed to be worn in all seasons as merino keeps your baby warm in winter and cool in summer. They are machine washable and can be tumble dried on low heat.

Discover the beautiful, practical and stylishly designed Woolino Baby Sleep Sack that will allow your baby (and yourself) to sleep peacefully through the night. Learn how is Woolino different from other infant sleepsacks."

"A Sleep Sack is a Smart Choice:
Help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Every year approximately 2,500 babies in US alone still die from SIDS.* There has been a great effort worldwide to educate parents and other caregivers on how to reduce the risks associated with SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend the use of baby sleep sacks instead of blankets that may be hazardous to babies.

A baby sleep sack eliminates the need of blankets that can easily cover baby’s face during sleep and cause suffocation –a risk factor for SIDS. Baby cannot slip inside the sleep sack like she/he can with blankets and other loose covers. It also promotes back sleeping - a recommendation for reducing the risks of SIDS.


Help your baby sleep better
Babies cannot kick-off their sleep sack so they stay covered all night. It helps them sleep comfortably through the night and not wake up cold. A sleep sack also prevents baby’s legs from getting caught in-between crib bars and make it harder for older babies to climb out of their cribs.


Make your baby fall asleep more easily
Babies learn to associate their sleep sack with sleep, which helps them fall asleep more easily. Woolino baby sleep sack comes with a travel bag for easy transportation to help baby continue their sleep routine even when out of home and visiting friends or family.


* Source: American Academy of Pediatrics."

And lastly, "Why Choose Woolino
100% Natural and naturally safe

The Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack from Woolino is the best baby sleeping bag for your child. 100% natural, made from luxuriously soft itch-free 100% Australian merino wool on the inside & 100% pure cotton on the outside.

Many baby sleep sacks or sleepers on the market today are made from micro-fleece polyester or filled with synthetics that are non or poorly-breathable and can make your baby sweat and very uncomfortable. Synthetics can also contribute to overheating, which is a major risk factor for SIDS. In addition, what many people don’t know is that micro fleece polyester is highly flammable material and it is usually treated with dangerous flame retardant chemicals in order to pass the children fire safety regulations.

Woolino sleep sack is made from the world’s most superior natural fiber – the superfine Australian merino wool that is a natural fire retardant. Woolino baby sleep sack has not been treated with any flame retardant chemicals. Our products have been tested to meet or exceed the latest U.S. flammability standards for fire safety, and are certified to be lead and phthalates free for the safety of your child.

Can be worn throughout the year
Most of the infant sleep sacks come in either winter or summer weight/TOG rating. Woolino is one-of-a-kind baby sleep sack because it is designed to be worn in all seasons, throughout the year. The lightweight merino layer keeps your baby warm in winter and cool in summer. Merino has the natural ability to create a micro-climate around baby’s skin and maintain a constant temperature around baby’s body. It will absorb and release moisture away from baby’s body to keep baby cool when it is hot, or trap and circulate warm air to keep baby warm when it is cold.


Grows with your baby
It comes in one universal size that fits babies 3 months to 2 years old. For smaller babies, each armhole can be made smaller by using an extra snap. The length of the sack can also be shortened by folding the bottom of the sack up and, using additional snaps, attaching it to each side.


Designed to be practical
Our merino baby sleeping bag opens up completely flat with convenient shoulder snaps so you can easily put your baby in it without waking him/her up. It has a zipper along the side and bottom of the sack that starts from the bottom for easy nighttime diaper changes.

Woolino sleep sacks are machine washable and can be tumble dried on low temperature. They come with a matching travel bag, ready for holidays and visits to grandparents.

Reduces the risk of SIDS
Woolino sleep sack is a healthy and safe alternative to blankets - it helps baby stay covered, sleep comfortably through the night and not wake up cold, but it also reduces the risk of suffocation as fabric stays clear of baby’s face.

Moreover, exceptionally breathable merino wool regulates body temperature and thus prevents overheating –a risk factor for SIDS. It is sleeveless to reduce the risk of baby re-breathing into the sleeve. It also promotes back sleeping.


Best value

In addition to allowing you baby to sleep comfortably in the best natural fibers, by buying a Woolino sleepsack you also get the best value because you don’t have to buy a different baby sleep sack every six months. Woolino is the only sleep sack your baby will ever need, in winter or summer, until your baby turns two years old.

Finest quality Australian Merino

Woolino baby sleep sacks are made with Woolmark and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified merino wool.

Woolmark is the most recognized brand in textiles and clothing, used to distinguish products made from pure new wool. It guarantees top quality of natural wool products – our supplier quality is carefully tested and guaranteed by AWI (Australian Wool Innovation).

The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a globally uniform testing and certification system for all stages of textile production. This certification ensures that products are free from harmful substances. There is no finer certification than the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.


Woolino Guarantee & Warranty

We stand behind our products. All Woolino products come with 30 days "no questions asked" return policy and six month warranty against the manufacturer's defects so you can rest assured that you're buying the finest quality garments for your baby."

The Woolino has a very generous zippered opening which makes it really easy to get on and off your baby. It also makes it easy for those middle of the night diaper changes:

My 2 yo wears this sleepsack and he is able to stand up and walk in the sleep sack too! Plenty of room!
So I put him down for a nap in the Woolino and he slept almost 3 hours (which is about normal)! I love the fact that this sleep sack can be used year-round. Many times when we think of wool, we think of Grandma's itchy wool sweater she always wears at Christmas! Let me tell you though, Merino wool is a totally different animal! It is soft, breathable and lets the body's temperature self-regulate! We love it!

You can purchase a Woolino sleep sack directly from their website! They come in 3 beautiful colors, cream, princess pink or sky blue! Currently, the cream and sky blue are on sale for $84.99, and the princess pink is only $79.99 (from $99.98)!
Of you can enter to win one here!

Woolino has generously offered one of you the chance to win a Woolino sleep sack of your own in winner's choice of color!!

To enter, simply use the rafflecopter form below! You will need to click on "read more" in order to see the form!

Good Luck and have fun!

~Mama of the Littles~