Sometimes in our busy days as parents, we forget how some of the simplest things keep our day running as smoothly as possible. Today, we wanted to share one of those little tricks with you. In three words: the bottle brush.

This item is sure to go on your registry, but it’s likely to not get much attention. However, it is a daily staple for those of you who use bottles, and the right one can make ALL the difference.

We have two favorites, for two different reasons.

1. Dr. Brown’s

The Dr. Brown’s brush is a winner for two reasons – the sponge is terrific for getting good lather, and the narrowness of the brush makes it really easy to wash the bottle. The drawback – because of the narrow base, you are likely to burn through about 3 of these in the first year, as the handle will weaken and start to break. The sponge will wear out, too.

2. Munchkin

The Munchkin bottle brush is sturdy, and will last you at least a year. The problem is that it’s wider, so you have to really pop it in to the bottle and pop it back out, using some elbow grease. If you lather it up enough, you may end up with a sudsy shirt when you’re done.

You can’t go wrong with either, these are just the little details we keep in mind and love to share with our clients. After all, dishes are dishes, so let’s make them as simple as possible, right?!

We love a good giveaway ~ especially ones that help breastfeeding mamas! We are giving away one My Brest Friend nursing pillow. This pillow is the #1 recommended nursing pillow of lactation consultants. To enter the drawing, simply “contact us” and tell us why you think this pillow has your name on it.

Mommies Who Shop is where the hippest moms meet the hottest designers featuring the very best in unique clothing, gear, gifts and accessories for
chic-baby and trendy tots. For Mama, they also feature a carefully edited selection of apparel and accessories including clothing, jewelry, handbags, fine stationary, gifts and more! All of the items at Mommies Who Shop will be offered at special event pricing.

May 20, 2010 6-9pm
Regis College Grand Foyer
235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA

June 3, 2010 6-9pm
The Community House of Hamilton and Wenham
284 Bay Road, South Hamilton, MA

At the May event - Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres catered by Healthy Habits Kitchen, desserts from Finale,, wine, a luxurious Spa Lounge by Best of Boston’s Bella Sante, and amazing door prizes

In June – Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres catered by Dream Dinners, wine, a luxurious Spa Lounge by Best of Boston’s M. Lekkakos, and amazing door prizes!

To purchase tickets, or more information about these events, please visit the MWS website: www.mommieswhoshop.com
info@mommieswhoshop.com • 978.282.1854

Facebook and raising money for a great cause…these are two things we, at PE, can surely get behind! From now ‘til Mother’s day, for every new Facebook fan who signs up on HALO SleepSack, HALO will donate $1 to SIDS research.  Spread the word and join HALO’s facebook fan club so we can raise as much money as we can for this important cause!

From now until Mother’s Day, Halo Innovations is running a campaign on Facebook to spread the word about ways to protect babies from SIDS.

There’s no better gift for Mother’s Day than peace of mind that your baby will sleep safely.  This is why Halo is encouraging families to learn about safe sleep with a Test Your Safe Sleep IQ quiz and send Safe Sleep Tips to their friends.

Ways that you can promote SIDS prevention….Take the Safe Sleep IQ quiz and send Safe Sleep Tips to your friends through the Halo Sleepsack Facebook page.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have announced a recall of 1.2 million high chairs today….specifically the Graco Harmony high chair. The recall is a result of several complaints concerning screws or plastic brackets on the high chair coming loose and falling out, causing the high chair to tip over.  In total, 24 injuries have been reported so far, causing hairline fractures to the arm and bumps and bruises to the head.

What to do if you own a Graco Harmony?  Stop using the high chair immediately and see the CPSC, or Graco, websites for more info on how to obtain a free repair kit.

Here at PE, we are always on the lookout for unique, one-of-a-kind baby clothing and that’s exactly what we found at My Little Pakora. Based here in Belmont, MA, owner Sonia Gupta has created an adorable line of South Asian inspired, organic baby clothing and accessories. Wondering what a little pakora is? A pakora is a South Asian appetizer, similar to a vegetable fritter or tempura; Sonia uses this as a term of endearment for her daughter. Inspired by traditions of her Indian heritage and it’s similarities to the principles of organic living, the playful designs of the clothing line are symbolic images in Indian or South Asian cultures, printed on 100% organic cotton. Some of the designs include animals and the matching Hindi name written underneath.

My Little Pakora is a PE favorite for so many reasons; not only is it a local, mom-based business, but it also incorporates organic living and cultural education….all bundled up in high quality, incredibly soft and gorgeous baby clothing.

Today, Stork Craft recalled 2.1 million cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009.  The reason for the recall is a problem with the drop side installation and hardware which has caused drop side detachments and infant entrapments.  Stork Craft is distributing a free repair kit which will convert the side to a fixed-side crib. For more information about the recall, please see the Stork Craft or U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission websites.

Okay ladies, it’s time for another fabulous night out…..but this time we’re heading into the city!  Mommies Who Shop is hosting yet another incredible evening of shopping, sipping wine, spa treatments and quality time with friends, but this time there will also be a spectacular view of the Boston Harbor.  AND, in addition to our original favorites, there will be 15 new designers at this event - you know what that means, even more shopping to enjoy!  Here are the details:

Where: The Lighthouse Ballroom at The Seaport Hotel

1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA

When: November 19th, 2009 6-10pm

Tickets can be purchased at the Mommies Who Shop website for $20 advance or $30 at the door. The first 200 advance tickets purchased will ensure that you receive a loaded goodie bag.

Get your tickets soon…..we’re sure they’ll disappear quickly! See you there!

This newest PE pick is one of those brilliant products that will make you stop and wonder “why didn’t I think of this?” Any mom of a spitting, drooling baby will tell you that it is nearly impossible to keep your nice shirts clean and stain free; well, M is for Mommy founder, Emily Daigle, has come up with a fantastic solution for this ~ the skyoozmee burpee!

A uniquely designed burp cloth, the skyoozmee burpee covers the front and back of your shirt as well as both shoulders simultaneously (can you say perfect for moms of twins?!). A Velcro closure in the front helps to keep the burpee in place as you shift baby from one shoulder to the other. The burpees are made with two layers of flannel material that not only function to keep drool or spit up from seeping through but come in adorable patterns and colors too (we particularly love munchkin and sweet pea). Since the drool does not end here, Emily continued the concept of wider coverage with her line of skyoozmee bibs for baby…..now several outfits can be spared a drooly disaster!

M is for Mommy donates a portion of all proceeds to the Boston Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.  See the skyoozmee website to order yours.