Mums and Dads with water babies, this article is for you!

What is a Swim Diaper?

A swim diaper is a diaper for babies and non-toilet-trained children to wear for swimming. It is less absorbent than normal diapers, so does not sag down heavily when the child is in the pool. It has a waterproof layer and elastics to prevent poo from contaminating the water.

About Bummis SWIMMI Swim Diaper

These are the main features of the diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of cotton printed fabric coated with nylon layer
• Inner lining: Polyester mesh
• Closures: Velcro tabs
• Country of origin: Made in Canada

There are 5 prints in 3 sizes.

How We Use It

Vee is a water baby who LOVES swimming and having long baths. When he was 6 months old, we bought a shallow pool for him to swim at home. Erm… actually, it was more like sunbathing while immersed in 20cm of water.

He is a big baby with chunky elephant thighs and several brands of cloth swim diapers could not fit him. Finally, I found Bummis SWIMMI with adjustable Velcro tabs.

Laundry: After wearing the diaper in chlorinated water, the recommendation is to wash the diaper separately from other clothes. I would handwash it with other swimwear. We hardly swim in public pools, so on other days, Vee uses the SWIMMI as a breathable diaper cover over fitted diapers. The sturdy Velcro tabs have withstood washes over the past 12 months.

Ease of use / Fit: For swimming, no insert or soaker needs to be put inside the SWIMMI. Velcro-style means it is very easy for anyone to put it onto a baby. It is adjustable and fits Vee well — he has been wearing the same SWIMMI in size Large for a year!

Poo: The real test for a swim diaper is if it holds poo in when swimming. Thankfully, Vee has never poo-ed under water, so we can’t conclude for this test. In case of any poo-accident, wear the diaper snugly on the baby, especially at the thighs.

Convenience: For resort holidays, bringing 1 swim diaper is certainly more convenient and compact than buying disposable swim diapers (which are not widely available). Since babies swim for about 20 to 30 minutes, throwing away a diaper after such a short time is not economical too.

The price of a Bummis SWIMMI is SGD25 (~USD18 or RM58). Considering we have been using it for a year and it should still fit Vee (and other babies) for months or years ahead, it is a very worthwhile purchase.

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What we like about it:

• Breathable cotton fabric
• Adjustable size to fit growing babies, especially those with chubby thighs
• Thick and sturdy Velcro tabs
• Lovely print to be shown off at the swimming pool

What can be improved:

• Add laundry tabs

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Win Your Own

TWO (2) lucky subscribers with water babies will win a Bummis SWIMMI in your favourite print worth SGD25 (~USD18 or RM58) each!

This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me (MieVee [at] MummysReviews.com) with the following information:
  • Method of subscription: in a reader or via email
  • Your name
  • Your name in Facebook (to get extra entry mentioned below)
  • Visit Tiny Pants (go to Products –> Get Wet) and tell me (in your email) why you would like to win a Bummis SWIMMI
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any (to get extra entries mentioned below, indicate URL of your exact post)

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Tiny Pants Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook / Twitter / email)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in ASEAN (Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam).
• It will run until 29 August 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own (with Discount!)

To get your own Bummis SWIMMI and a wide range of cloth diapering products for baby, visit Tiny Pants.

• Special Treat: 10% discount storewide
• Discount Code: MV10A (Note that “0″ is for the number “zero”, not the alphabet.)
• Validity Period: Until 29 August 2010, 2359hr

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Need help to get started on cloth diapering? Read Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide.

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If you find Mummy’s Reviews™ helpful, please share this link with your friends: Join Me in Reading Mummy’s Reviews™

Related posts:

1. Bummis Super Brite Diaper Cover
2. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
3. Giveaway #7: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers & Cloth Wipes

After bouncing back from a MEGA flu with fever hitting 38.5 degree Celsius, I am finally able to publish this Review & Giveaway article on Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diaper and Wet Bag– designed by the team at Tiny Tapir. Vee and I have tested the diaper over almost 2 months and we like that it is made of high quality materials, good workmanship and the introductory prices are jaw-droppingly LOW!

What is a One-Size Diaper?

(This short section is for mums new to cloth-diapering.) A one-size  diaper means it comes in only one size (i.e. no XS, S, M, L or XL). It usually fits babies well from 3 to 5kg onwards (depending on the brand) to an average-sized toddler. It is a suitable choice if:

1. your newborn/toddler is nether too petite nor too huge, or
2. you plan to have one or two children, or
3. you are on a tight budget.

About Bouncy Baby One Size HEMP Pocket Diaper

These are the main features of the diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of soft and thick breathable polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric (Up to 300 washes at 40 degree Celsius or below.)
• Inner lining: Made of Alova suedecloth
• Insert (Large, Hemp): Contains 2 layers of 55% hemp & 45% cotton. When folded: 6 layers of absorbency
• Insert (Small, Microfibre): Contains 2 layers of microfibre. Snapped onto hemp insert.
• Closures: Diagonal front snaps. 2 rows of 10 waist and thigh snaps. 5 to 6 possible settings.
• Country of origin: Made in Malaysia, in a small dedicated sewing studio

The introductory colours are blue and pink, with more to be launched.

First Impressions

I received the review sample during the Mom & Baby Expo at MidValley in May, on the first day of Bouncy Baby’s soft launch. Li from Tiny Tapir described her new diaper with conviction, while coming across as socially responsible and passionate about cloth diapering. I appreciate that she chooses to manufacture the diapers in Malaysia to ensure close supervision and humane treatment of workers.

Both the workmanship of the diaper and the quality of materials used are indeed excellent. It is the first time that I felt Alova suedecloth (the stay-dry layer)– extremely soft and comfortable! This is the most unique point that drew me to test Bouncy Baby out. (Most cloth diapers use suedecloth, microfleece and bamboo. Alova suedecloth is really outstanding!)

The pocket opening has a flap that keeps inserts in place without using elastics.

Pocket opening with flap (keeps inserts in without elastics)

My review sample comes with an extra set of snaps at the thigh, intended to prevent wing droop for newborns. This feature would probably be removed for newer batches.

Thigh snaps originally intended to prevent wing droop for newborns

Bouncy Baby HEMP Pocket comes with a large prefold size hemp insert and a small microfibre insert. Hemp is known for its superb absorbency, while microfibre soaks up liquid very fast. By combining the two (with microfibre layer closer to baby’s bums), the diaper technically becomes a super-soaker.

How We Tested It

Prewash: I prewashed the diaper and inserts with warm water once by hand . The hemp insert is uniquely designed with a large base opening that allows quick drying. Otherwise, hemp inserts could take a few days to dry since they are very absorbent.

Tip #1: Prewash new hemp inserts SEPARATELY from other diaper items to remove its natural oils.

Tip #2: To help hemp achieve its full absorbency faster (i.e. prep it), wash it in WARM/HOT water or boil it once. However, do not boil if it has snaps on it.

Regular Laundry: The diaper has been machine-washed at 60 degree Celsius and still stays as good as new after almost two months. The Alova suedecloth and hemp insert are still soft after many washes.

A significant amount of lint was found inside the hemp insert though. I could not tell if the lint was originally present or caught up from the laundry. Anyway, I removed them and wash the hemp insert in a laundry net subsequently. No more lint has been found in the insert since.

Update on 13 Jul 2010: Part of the PUL has separated after about 30 washes at 60 degree Celsius. The PUL manufacturer just confirmed with Bouncy Baby that the PUL fabric needs to be washed on cold. Bouncy Baby is sourcing for new PUL fabric. Therefore, if you get Bouncy Baby, please note that it is for cold wash (maximum 40 degree Celsius).

Ease of Use / Fit: It took a while to figure out how to use the inserts since the hemp insert is really one-of-a-kind. There are 6 snaps on it, and no instructions provided on the packaging. It is possible to snap it in various combinations to meet the child’s needs (boy / girl / small / medium / large). Hence, I created the step-by-step pictures below to help you understand better how the inserts work.

This is the first time I try putting on a diaper with diagonal front snaps on Vee. There are only 2 snaps per side, which take up little time. He is using the third rise setting and the front of the diaper rests nicely below his tummy. The back elastic is relatively thin, so if the snap settings are tight, there could be red marks on baby. Thicker and gentler elastics would be more ideal.

Trimness: The inserts combination above, with the extra layers of hemp placed in front (for a boy), resulted in a thick bulk below his tummy. Therefore, I would suggest reserving this configuration for naps or night-time only. During the day, I prefer to skip Step 1 for a trimmer diaper.

The diaper with its hemp plus microfibre inserts are designed for night-time cloth-diapering, therefore it is not trim. We use it only at home, so this is acceptable. (Bouncy Baby is also sold with microfibre inserts only, which would be trimmer for day-time use.)

Absorbency: The hemp insert was absorbent for at least 2 hours even after one prewash. We have tried it for up to 4 hours without any leak. When Vee is changed, the inserts are at most 3/4 full, which means they can last even longer. The absorbency is very high, considering Vee is about the heaviest-wetter in town.

Stay-dry: Alova suedecloth stays dry and comfy against baby’s bums, so if your baby is fussy over wet diapers, this is very suitable.

Poo: No ‘luck’ with poo accidents in the diaper as Vee is potty-trained for poo.

I know you’ve been waiting for this… View photos of Vee’s sexy bums below:

The price of a Bouncy Baby One Size Pocket Diaper with hemp and microfibre inserts is RM69.90 (~USD22 or SGD30); introductory prices are at only RM52 (~USD16 or SGD22)! For such quality and functionality, it is absolutely value-for-money.

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What we like about it:

• Alova suedecloth has won my hearts over! Stay-dry, soft and comfortable for baby
• Hemp insert is soft and very absorbent, perfect for night-time use
• Hemp insert dries fast, thanks to its unique design
• Large cutting fits chubby babies well

What can be improved:

• Use PUL fabric that can be washed on hot
• Provide instructions on how to combine inserts
• Thicker and gentler back elastics to prevent red marks
• Introduce printed fabrics for fashionista Mums

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Win Your Own

TWO (2) lucky subscribers will win a Bouncy Baby Value Set & 1 hemp insert worth at least RM159.90 (~USD50 or SGD69) each! This means each winner gets:

• Three x One Size Pocket Diapers (Pink or Blue)
• Six x Microfiber inserts (3 large + 3 small)
• One x Hemp insert
• One x matching colour zippered wet bag with handle, fits up to 5 cloth diapers (Read the review here or click on the thumbnail below for a larger image.)
  

  Stretchy wet bag that holds loads of stuff!

This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit here and tell me one reason why you would like to win a Bouncy Baby Value Set
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address worldwide.
• It will run until 30 July 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own

To get your own Bouncy Baby One Size Pocket Diapers, visit Tiny Tapir.

Limited Period Offer: Introductory discounts of 25% to 30% (until the full range of colours are out)

There is also a large range of other items for Mummy and baby. (Warning: It is hard to stop shopping once you are in the store!!!)

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Disclosure: I received a Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diaper for review.

Related posts:

1. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
2. Drybees Fleece Pocket Diapers (Night-Time Diapering Solution)
3. Bouncy Baby Wet Bag

Pupsik Studio Stylish Baby Pouch Carrier in Aqua Marine

This Review & Giveaway article is sponsored by Pupsik Studio based in Singapore.

Most babies love to be carried and Vee is no exception. At 16 months old, he probably still misses living in Mummy’s womb sometimes. I love babywearing Vee as it keeps him calm on clingy days while freeing up my hands. We have two ring slings and a soft structured carrier, and were eager to try out Pupsik Studio’s baby pouch carrier.

What is a fitted pouch carrier?

A fitted pouch carrier is a simple one-piece design, with no adjustment needed through rings and buckles. The size is meant to fit the caregiver (usually Mummy!), and there are 3 to 5 carrying positions to meet baby’s needs as she grows from a newborn to a toddler.

About Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier

These are the main features of the carrier:

• Material: Made of high quality cotton fabrics with a slight stretch for comfort
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Limit: Up to 20kg child
• Extras: (1) Leg padding (2) Pocket to hold loose items
• Choices: Currently 6 solid colours and 10 lovely prints
• Country of origin: Made in Malaysia

First Impressions

Compact and highly portable baby pouch

The baby carrier is packaged in a durable plastic pouch with snaps, which keeps it clean when not in use. I am very impressed by how compact it is — only slightly bigger than my palm! The pouch carrier comes with a small booklet explaining safety precautions and wearing instructions. There are step-by-step photos showing how to put on the pouch and wear it for 3 carrying positions — cradle carry, kangaroo carry and front carry. The sewing is also very well done.

How We Tested It

Fit / Ease of Use: Pupsik Studio has a user-friendly online sizing calculator that helps customers choose the correct size based on weight, height and bra cup. It recommended the Small for me and the fit is perfect. It took very little learning to wear the pouch and put toddler Vee in it. No rings and buckles means absolute convenience indeed!

Home: It comes in useful when I need to carry him up/down the stairs and hold other things (usually cups and handkerchiefs) at the same time. Otherwise, it is difficult to juggle so many things while ensuring he does not tumble down the stairs.

Outdoors: Nowadays, he is more willing to sit in the stroller, so I pack the Pupsik pouch carrier (instead of the soft structured carrier) in the diaper bag. This saves lots of space and we can travel with a light diaper bag. If he becomes clingy, it is easy to pop him into the pouch while we continue running errands. (Note: A sized carrier means only I or another caregiver of similar size may use it.)

Period of Use: Since the weight of the child is bore by one shoulder and Vee is already 28% of my weight, I use the carrier only for short periods of time (less than 30 minutes). I love the thick leg padding which protects Vee’s chubby thighs.

Laundry: I washed the pouch carrier once by hand and there was colour run. The water became clear after 5 to 6 rinses (erm… I lost count as I was preventing Vee from barging into the washroom). The simple one-piece design means quick drying time for reusing again. (Tip: Always wash new garment by hand or separately before first use.)

Overall, we like the Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier and it would be in our diaper bag for a long time.

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What we like about it:

• Light and compact — saves space in diaper bag
• Packaged in a reusable plastic pouch to keep the pouch clean
• Easy to use
• Machine-washable
• Leg padding protects baby’s thighs
• Variety of colours and lovely prints to match Mummy’s skin tone and wardrobe

What can be improved:

• Prevent colour run by choosing fabric/dye which is less prone to colour run, prewashing the carrier, or reminding customers to wash separately before first use.

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Win Your Own

ONE (1) lucky subscriber will win a Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier worth S$45.90 each. This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit here and tell me the colour / print of the carrier you would like to win
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Singapore and Malaysia.
• It will run until 5 July 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own (with Discount!)

To get your own Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier and a wide range of unique products for Mummy and baby, visit Pupsik Studio.

• Special Treat: 10% discount on baby pouches
• Discount Code: MUMMYSREVIEWS
• Validity Period: Until 31 July 2010

The Pupsik pouches are also available at these retailers based in Malaysia:

1. Mothercare (MidValley, KLCC, The Curve, 1Utama, Subang Parade, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Pavilion, Alamanda, Gurney Plaza)
2. Little Me Store (Kota Kinabalu — 4 stores throughout, Sandakan)
3. Kid’s Avenue, Kota Kinabalu
4. Poppies (Kuching, Sibu)
5. Toys World (Miri)
6. Baby’s Gallery (Miri)
7. Peekaboo Baby (Penang)

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Disclosure: I received a Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier for review.

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Read more on Why I Love Babywearing.

Related posts:

1. Winner of Giveaway #10: Pupsik Studio Baby Pouch Carrier
2. Beco Baby Carrier (Butterfly 2 DUO)
3. Moms in Mind Sarong Sling (Baby Carrier)

This Review & Giveaway article is sponsored by Bottombumpers and baby-mel.com (Malaysia’s sole distributor).

As I type this article, Vee is sleeping soundly wearing his Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Cloth Diaper, with my full confidence that it would hold all his pee through the nap. After all, we have tested it over nearly two months. This is the first All-in-One (AIO) cloth diaper that toddler Vee has tried and we are absolutely pleased with it — trim, absorbent, well-made, fits well and contains certified organic materials.

What is an All-in-One (AIO) Cloth Diaper?

In simple terms, an AIO cloth diaper means the absorbent fabric (or soaker) and waterproof cover are connected in one piece. This means neither stuffing of inserts nor covers are needed. During each change, the entire diaper is replaced. An AIO diaper with hook and loop closures (e.g. Velcro or Aplix tabs) would be very suitable for daycare centres, babysitters, Dads, Grannies or super-busy Mums.

About Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Diaper

The ultimate convenience - just snap and go!

These are the main features of the diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of waterproof 2mil polyurethane laminated (PUL) knitted fabric
• Inner lining: Made of absorbent certified organic cotton
• Absorber / Soaker: Contains 4 layers of organic cotton and topped with bamboo velour (total: 6 layers of absorbency); attached to the diaper by 2 snaps at the top
• Closures: Hidden side snaps, 5 waist and thigh snap settings that can be independently adjusted
• Country of origin: Made in the U.S.A. by a small family and select few contracted seamstresses in smoke- and pet-free sewing studios.

It comes in 15 solid colours and custom orders (with embroidery designs) are available at selected retailers.

Bifold and unsnappable soaker for quick drying

First Impressions

The workmanship of the diaper is excellent and the bamboo velour top feels luxurious. As Vee is wearing Large for his usual diapers, I wondered initially if the Medium Bottombumpers would fit him. The diaper is relatively narrow at the crotch; elastics are thick and gentle. The label stating the size is sewn outside the diaper, enabling quick identification.

How We Tested It

Prewash: Since the diaper is in a dark solid colour, I prewashed it once by hand with warm water. No colour run, great! The smartly designed snap-on AND bifold soaker means quick drying time, which makes it unique among AIO cloth diapers.

Regular Laundry: The diaper has been machine-washed in 60 degrees Celsius and still stays as good as new after two months. Tip #1: Put the diaper in a laundry net before washing, to prevent the cotton lining from picking up lint.

Ease of Use / Fit: Being used to side-snapping diapers, I find it easy to get the correct fit. I can even put it onto Vee while he is standing and busy playing. The soaker is slightly long in the front, so I had to make sure it is tucked in. Medium fits Vee beautifully and he is currently on the third waist setting and largest thigh setting. No red marks appeared on him. Tip #2: Side-snapping diapers allow independent adjustments for waist and thigh settings, which is suitable for babies / toddlers with chunky thighs.

The diaper is very trim and fits well under pants. The elastics at the thighs are not sewn in with a second row of stitches. Tip #3: To prevent wicking, always ensure that the cotton lining at the crotch area is rolled in.

Absorbency: Excellent day-time diaper for active play, outings and naps. We have not faced a single leak. Even after only one prewash, the Bottombumpers lasted through 2 hours of active play, with the soaker being 2/3 full. Most of the time, I change Vee (a super-heavywetter) after 3 hours and the soaker would be 2/3 to completely full. The cotton lining helps to absorb pee too, which ups the absorbency a notch. Tip #4: To further boost the absorbency, add a cotton / hemp / bamboo doubler below the soaker.

Both the cotton lining and bamboo soaker feel damp when wet. In the early months when Vee was a fussy newborn, I would have preferred cloth diapers with a stay-dry layer. Now, I actually like feel-wet fabrics, which would help him potty-train faster. To protect his sensitive skin, I simply change him every 2 to 3 hours.

Poo: Vee poo-ed on the diaper once. The solid is easily dunked into the toilet and a little spraying cleaned the rest off the bamboo velour.

I love the pretty ruffled hem at the back!

Fits Vee's chubby thighs and feels comfortable in various positions

Overall, we love the Bottombumpers Side Snapping AIO Diaper!

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What we like about it:

• Easy to use
• Absorbent
• Trim
• Dries fast
• Fits chubby thighs well
• Gentle elastics leave no red marks
• New snap-on soaker can be purchased if the original is worn out or stained
• Contains certified organic cotton and bamboo materials

What can be improved:

• Shorten soaker a little so that it does not tend to stick out in front, or shift the back snaps higher

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Win Your Own

THREE (3) lucky subscribers will win a Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Cloth Diaper worth RM89 each, sponsored by Bottombumpers and baby-mel.com. This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit here and tell me one reason why you would like to win a Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Cloth Diaper
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Bottombumpers AND baby-mel.com Facebook pages here & here (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry: Register here to become a member of baby-mel.com
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• If you are one of the winners of this Giveaway:
  • The colour of your Bottombumpers diaper will depend on the stock available.
  • You would need to send in three (3) photos of your baby in the Bottombumpers diaper won. The photos may be used in marketing materials.
• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Malaysia.
• It will run until 14 July 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own

To get your own Bottombumpers cloth diapers, visit these retailers based in Malaysia:

• baby-mel.com
• thegreenpocket.biz
• MyCheekyBoo.com
• Baby, Tots, and Mom
• Klick-A-Gift

The entire list of retailers is available here.

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Disclosure: I received a Bottombompers cloth diaper for review.

Related posts:

1. Giveaway #7: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers & Cloth Wipes
2. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
3. Giveaway #11: Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags

Two months have passed since Vee and I had our Big Universe account and published our first review at “Read Hundreds of Children’s Books at Home – Big Universe”. Since then, we have read several more books online and these are two of our favourites:

(Images sourced from Big Universe)

1. Fix It, Sam by Lori Ries
2. Super Sam by Lori Ries

The books are beautifully illustrated by Sue Ramá and very suitable for young children.

Vee’s First Personalised Book Published
The creation tool enables you to create, print and publish your own children’s picture book online. There are already 12,742 books created by Big Universe members! I was super-excited over creating Vee’s very first book and took an idea from The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley: create a personalised book for Vee to help him learn sleeping on his own without nursing through the night.

There is a guide available to help you create your first book. As the guide took some time to download and I was getting very eager, I skipped it and got down to creating the book straightaway. The functions are rather intuitive and easy to figure out. I created the picture book by doing the following:

1. Think of a book title
2. Type out the story line
3. Insert appropriate pictures from the 7000+ clipart images available
4. Preview the book
5. Publish it and wait for approval

All done within Vee’s two-hour nap. I submitted the book for approval last evening and received approval at about 1a.m. today, which means it took about one working day.

The clipart images are relatively sufficient for our first book, though I would prefer even more to choose from. One irony is that an inserted picture could be dragged about with ease but not a text box.

After the book is published, its link can be shared with family and friends via email or social networking sites such as Facebook. So here you are… our FIRST published book:

Personalised Book for Vee

Title: Vee Sleeps on His Own (Click on the title to read it)
Author: MieVee
Description: This book is about helping a boy, Vee, to learn sleeping on his own without breastfeeding.

Other Book Ideas

With this easy-to-use book creation tool, I plan to tailor-make more books for Vee’s learning. Since the Shichida Method™ suggests reading 3 to 5 books daily, I can create some books to add to our home library in a cost-efficient way. Special stories can also be created to match theme-based learning. This would save time from shopping for the ‘perfect’ book. Some story ideas:

• Potty-training book to encourage child to potty-train faster
• Nursery rhyme song books: read and sing along (Vee would LOVE these!)
• Good habits book (Brush teeth, greet family members, wash hands before meals, etc.)

With a bit more time, inserting your family’s own pictures into the books would make them more interesting and convincing. For offline reading, you may also print your books and bind them up. Gosh… I have a feeling this tool would be a staple for our home-schooling lessons!

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What we like about it (Books Creation/Publishing Tool):

• Easy to use
• Fast approval for book submitted
• Published book easily shared with family and friends
• Relatively large library of clipart images
• Own images can be inserted into books
• Very cost-effective for home lessons

What can be improved:

• Text box: allow it to be dragged easily (like the image box)
• Allow saving of book in pdf format (If anyone manages to do this, please show me how.)
• Allow publishing of books in Mandarin (currently, only English books are approved.)

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Win Your Own

ONE (1) lucky subscriber will win a 6-month Premium Home account membership worth USD53.70!

This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)
• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit BigUniverse.com and state one reason why you would like to win this Giveaway
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: Become Mummy’s Reviews fan on Facebook (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information:

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers worldwide.
• It will run until 4 July 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own

To experience Big Universe now, sign up for a FREE trial of the Home account here. The Home account is available at USD8.95 per month or USD79.95 per year. If you mention that “mievee” referred you, I get a month of subscription free. While I would be elated, this is absolutely optional.

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Disclosure: I received a 6-month Premium Home account for review.

Related posts:

1. Read Hundreds of Children’s Books at Home – Big Universe
2. Winner of Giveaway #8: BigUniverse.com Membership
3. Giveaway #2: “No-Cry” Books by Elizabeth Pantley

The Moo Moo Kow™ Cloth Diaper Giveaway is back! This time with luxurious cloth wipes to add to the excitement.

After six months of use, we still love the Moo Moo Kow™ cloth diapers. View the updated review here. Below is my review on the bamboo cloth wipe:

Super-soft cloth wipe that I use on my face outdoors!

First Impressions

It is super-duper-soft and luxurious, thanks to the high bamboo content.

• Bottom Bamboo Fleece: 70% Bamboo, 30% Cotton
• Top Bamboo Velour: 53% Bamboo, 22% Polyester, 23% Cotton

Since Vee already has a stash of cloth wipes for his bums and another stash for his face, I decided to reserve this off-white bamboo wipe for myself. Finally, my first dedicated cloth wipe!

How I Use It

Since it is creamy white without any cute prints, it suits my style perfectly. I keep it in a cloth pouch in my handbag and use it in replacement of tissue paper to wipe my face, mouth and hands when outdoors. Before handling Vee’s food, I would clean my hands and this comes in useful. Simply spray or pour a little bit of water on it to use it as a wet wipe.

It also acts as a spare handkerchief or bib for Vee when his are used up.

The bamboo cloth wipe is so luxurious that I could not bear to wash it in the washing machine. This is still convenient as I hand-wash a set of undergarments and cloth pantiliner every day anyway.

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What I like about it (i.e. the cloth wipe):

• Super soft and luxurious, even after several washes
• Cream colour is suitable for adult’s use (Erm… quite awkward to whip out a cutey cloth wipe in front of a business associate)
• Generous size provides a good wipe (especially for the hands)

What can be improved:

• None for my case (though some Mums may want cute prints for their babies’ use)

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Win Your Own

TWO (2) lucky subscribers will each win a set of:

• one Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diaper and
• two bamboo cloth wipes, worth S$40 in total!

This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)
• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Choice of favourite Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diaper (Aplix or Snap) and colour (Visit here)
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: Become Mummy’s Reviews fan on Facebook (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information:

• GOOD NEWS: Participants of the previous Moo Moo Kow™ Giveaway (except the winner) are automatically entered into this Giveaway with one (1) entry. To get extra entries, you would still need to send me an email fulfilling the conditions mentioned.
• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Singapore or Malaysia.
• It will run until 6 June 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own

To get your own Moo Moo Kow™ cloth diapers and diapering accessories, visit the list of retailers here.

—

Disclosure: I received a bamboo cloth wipe for review.

Related posts:

1. First Giveaway: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diaper!
2. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
3. Luxurious Cloth Wipes for Baby (Angel Mel Organic Bamboo Baby Wipes)

Get your kids' butts moving with Mickey Mousekersize

Since 14-month old Vee would be watching television programs someday, I am doing my homework by screening appropriate ones for him. Last month, I had the privilege of having dinner with the Playhouse Disney team to understand more about the thinking and planning done behind its programs. My verdict: Yes, Vee would be watching the Playhouse Disney channel (together with me) when he is older!

Fit Fit Hurray: Health-Themed Programs

Tomorrow (1 May 2010), Saturday from 9.30a.m. to 1.30p.m., stay tuned to Playhouse Disney (in Kuala Lumpur: Astro Channel 613) to catch health-themed episodes of your preschoolers’ favourite series.

Additionally, four special short-form programs – Mickey Mousekersize, Dance-a-lot Robot, Tasty Time with Zefronk and Adventures in Nutrition with Captain Carlos – will also be aired throughout the day for the little ones’ enjoyment!

I have previewed two of the programs and here is my take on them:

Mickey Mousekersize
Hosted by Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mousekersize focuses on the fun of exercising and encourages kids at home to get up and move along with Mickey and pals.

My views: It encourages children to exercise through bending and stretching to music. Vee loves dancing to music and this is something he would enjoy. To reap full benefits from the segment, a parent (or caregiver) ought to watch it with the child, demonstrate the exercise and encourage him/her to move. This way, Mummy or Daddy gets to exercise too!

Captain Carlos
Adventures in Nutrition with Captain Carlos spotlights a six-year-old boy who shows how healthy meals and regular physical activity make him feel like a superhero.

My views: Fussy-eaters should watch this. It educates children to build healthy eating habits such as avoiding junk food and choosing healthy snacks. For instance, the episode that I previewed shares that carrots are good for eyesight.

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What can be improved:

• Extend the health-themed programs to longer than 5 minutes each (Good things are never enough, ha!)

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Win Your Own

My goodies from Playhouse Disney

During my dinner with Playhouse Disney, I received a goodie bag packed with what else but goodies! Beautiful fabric shopping bag, large and small aprons for craftwork, poster on road signs, and more.

THREE (3) lucky subscribers will win a set of exclusive Playhouse Disney goodies each (something like the ones I received)! This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Watch the Fit Fit Hurray programs with your preschooler.  Tell me which is his/her favourite program and why.
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: Become Mummy’s Reviews™ fan on Facebook (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Singapore or West Malaysia.
• It will run until 15 May 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Fit Fit Hurray Programs Schedule
9.55a.m. Mickey Mousekersize
10.25a.m. Dance-a-lot Robot
10.55a.m. Tasty Time with Zefronk
11.25a.m. Adventures in Nutrition with Captain Carlos
11.55a.m. Tasty Time with Zefronk
12.25p.m. Dance-a-lot Robot
12.55p.m. Adventures in Nutrition with Captain Carlos

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About Playhouse Disney
Playhouse Disney is the first preschool-learning channel in Asia specially designed for kids aged two to five, their parents and caregivers.  Based on the Whole Child Curriculum, the commercial-free service combines award-winning preschool programs and locally produced hosted activity segments which engage and stimulate preschoolers’ imagination and learning in a fun and creative environment.  Playhouse Disney is available in ten markets in the Asia Pacific – Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.  For programming information, log on to www.playhousedisneychannel-asia.com.

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Disclosure: I attended a dinner organised by Playhouse Disney for parent bloggers to understand more about the channel and received a goodie bag.

Related posts:

1. Winners of Giveaway #6: Playhouse Disney Goodies
2. Giveaway #7: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers & Cloth Wipes
3. Giveaway #5: The Green Pocket Laundry Ball

I am very excited to share this Review-cum-Giveaway with you! For months, I have been wanting to try washing clothes with laundry balls (and with NO detergent), so when thegreenpocket.biz and baby-mel.com offered me a set for review, I jumped at the opportunity. Yes, I absolutely love eco- and pocket-friendly solutions.

First Impressions

These laundry balls can save me from buying detergent for 3 years!

Each box contains a set of laundry balls (large blue rattles that Vee would love to play with), a stain remover and a brochure with instructions. As a careful Mummy, I studied the instructions and emailed the sponsor for some clarifications. Here is what I found out:

How It Works
The Green Pocket Laundry Ball generates strong infrared rays wavelength to break the bond between molecules, enabling the individual water molecules to penetrate into the fabric. The water is also highly charged with negative ions. The dirt, which is positively charged, is attracted to the individual water molecules and is flushed out with the water during the rinse cycle.

Tips

• The laundry ball works more effectively in a top-loading washing machine. (Reason: The laundry ball needs soaking to carry out its function.)
• When using the laundry ball for hand-washing clothes, you would need to shake it and rinse it often. You would also need to dry it more often.
• It can used for washing cloth diapers and would not affect the absorbency. Rinse the diapers clean before washing them with the laundry ball.

The Tests

I have a front-loading washing machine while my mother has a top-loading type, so I brought the laundry balls to her place for my “experiments”. We followed these simple steps — soak the laundry for one hour, wash without detergent, spin-dry, and line-dry under sun. Ta-da…. the clothes turned out clean and smelled clean too!!! This was repeated throughout the entire week and we still got clean clothes, without using any detergent.

Eco-friendly stain remover

The next test was for the stain remover (made of natural ingredients such as coconut oil), which is meant to remove all types of dirt. An old T-shirt was dabbed with patches of soy sauce, chilli sauce, and mud (from the surface of lotus roots). After creating the stains, a layer of the stain remover was applied and left on for five minutes. It seemed like doing a facial mask for the stains. The T-shirt was then rinsed with water and the stains disappeared! With a toddler who loves self-feeding and making a mess during craftwork time, the stain remover would certainly come in useful.

Conclusion

Overall, we are very pleased with the cleaning effectiveness of The Green Pocket Laundry Ball and the stain remover. My mum is so pleased that she has kept the laundry balls for her own use! Now, I wish I were eligible to participate in the Giveaway…

What we like about them:

• Easy to use
• Clean clothes well
• Save time, effort and money on buying heavy bottles of detergent
• Especially suitable for people with sensitive skin (like Vee and myself)
• Stain remover does its job very well

What can be improved:

• Wish they could be as effective in front-loading washing machines (If the machine has a soak function, I think they may work.)

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Get Your Own (with Discount!)

Visit thegreenpocket.biz and baby-mel.com for their wide range of eco-friendly and organic products for baby, Mummy and the family.

Details:

• Special Treat (on Laundry Balls): RM20 discount + free shipping throughout Malaysia
• Special Treat (storewide): 10% discount + free shipping for order above RM80
• Extra Special Treat: RM10 voucher off for all BUDS baby skin care range with purchase above RM50.00
• Discount Code: MMR2010003
• Validity Period: 15 March to 15 June 2010

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Win Your Own

ONE (1) lucky subscriber will win a set of The Green Pocket Laundry Balls worth RM169! And save on buying detergent too! This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit here and tell me one reason why you would like to win The Green Pocket Laundry Ball
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: First 3 participants (Hurry!)
  • 1 extra entry: Become Mummy’s Reviews fan on Facebook (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Singapore or West Malaysia.
• It will run until 18 April 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Disclosure: I received a set of laundry balls (including stain remover) for review.

Related posts:

1. Winner of Giveaway #5: The Green Pocket Laundry Ball
2. Pureen H-A-D Liquid Detergent
3. Giveaway #3: Naforye Multi-Function Baby Bibs

It is cloth diaper Review & Giveaway time again! Moms & Tots Store offered me a sample of its cloth diaper (listed price: RM75 / S$32 / US$23) to review and even hand-delivered it. I was keen to try it out on Vee because of the unique back-fastening designed for active babies and toddlers who would rather crawl or run away than lay still for a diaper change.

Background: I found out a bit more about Moms & Tots Store via email with one of the owners:

1. Moms & Tots Store was started in September 2009 by 3 mothers with babies in cloth diapers. They found a product gap in the cloth diaper market and decided to design their own diaper.
2. The outer PUL layer is 2 mil breathable.
3. The cloth diapers are manufactured in China. Moms & Tots Store requested its manufacturer to make samples accordingly to its design. Three samples were tested before production began.

First impressions: A snap button is mis-aligned and some threads are a little too near the edge. Then I touched the two uber-soft bamboo-lined microfibre inserts which almost tempted me to rub them on my face!

Bamboo-lined insert: Soft, trim & absorbent

Prewash: I hand-washed the new Moms & Tots Cloth Diaper on its own once and then machine-washed it with the usual laundry twice. (Laundry tip: Wash new garments separately for hygiene purpose and in case of colour-run and lint problems.)

Putting it on: It took a bit of learning to fasten the Velcro tabs at the back instead of front. Subsequently, it became easy to put the diaper on Vee since he could roll to his side or onto his tummy during diaper changes. This is a welcomed change because he does not like lying still on his back, even when asleep. With the Velcro tabs at the back, Vee cannot undo his diapers. Yeah!

Fit: Vee is on the maximum rise, so we did not need to use the snap buttons. Anyway, I tried snapping the buttons on and off, and they seemed fine. I LOVE the high-cut design at the thighs (now I understand the benefit of the narrow waist tabs) because they accommodate Vee’s chunky thighs very well and leave absolutely no red marks. The diaper with the bamboo-lined insert provides a very trim fit and even Vee’s Daddy complimented his “tight bums”.

Functionality: The insert is very absorbent and one was enough to last Vee four hours in the morning. Even though the insert was soaked when I changed him, there was no leak. (We tested the sample several times over the week and there was not a single leak.) Personally, I would prefer the pocket opening to be at the back instead of front, so that I can check if the insert is saturated.

What we like about it:

• bamboo-lined microfibre insert is soft, trim & absorbent
• high-cut design accommodates chubby thighs, leaving no red marks
• diaper provides a trim-fit
• no leaks even when insert is soaked
• child cannot undo Velcro tabs at the back
• diaper washes well

What can be improved:

• sewing skills — one snap button mis-aligned and some sewing too near the edge (from the perspective of a sewing-perfectionist!)
• offer more colours and prints (to fulfil Mummy’s vanity)
• use more sturdy Aplix tabs (so that they can last through multiple babies)
• use PUL fabric that can be washed on warm/hot instead of only cold (I washed the diaper on warm a few times and damaged the PUL. What a pity!)

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Related posts:

1. Winners of Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
2. Giveaway #11: Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags
3. Giveaway #7: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers & Cloth Wipes

PrettyMums.com is started by a pretty mum in Singapore for pretty mums, and is the generous sponsor for this review and giveaway.

In conjunction with a guest article to Today’s Motherhood on “Introducing Solid Foods to Babies” (to be published in February 2010 issue), I selected the Naforye Multi-Function Baby Bib (usual price S$13.20) to review (sponsored by PrettyMums.com). There are five yummy-licious designs and I zoomed in on ”Love Letter” since I love postage stamps and parcels.

After handwashing the bib once, I tried it on Vee during his meal. The bib provides wide coverage across his entire shoulders, and I love its softness. The terry top layer is relatively absorbent and the waterproof lining at the back keeps wetness away from his clothes.

The front pocket is cute and holds the teether that comes with the bib. The pocket and teether keep Vee’s little hands busy while I prepare to feed him. The cleverest part of the bib’s design is the strap with snaps closure, which can be used to hold a teether, pacifier or toy. As Vee loves to bite things, I always bring a teether for him on the go; the bib ensures that he cannot throw the teether away.

The attached teether is made from TPR (ThermoPlastic Rubber), which I read from here that it is BPA-free. Now I can rest my mind while Vee bites on the teether.

The bib is so lovely that I cannot bear to see Vee dirty it. Anyway, it has been easy to wash by hand. (The instructions on the packaging recommend handwashing using mild detergent. Naforye products are from Taiwan, and the instructions are written in Chinese.)

On the whole, this is a truly multi-functional bib that we like.

What we like about it:

• Wide coverge
• Soft and comfortable material
• Absorbent terry layer
• Strap with snaps closure to hold teether, pacifier or toy
• Cute designs

What can be improved:

• Would be perfect if it can be machine-washed

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Get Your Own (with Discount!)

Visit PrettyMums.com for its wide range of Naforye and other baby products, including Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers (reviewed here). There are also lingeries, maternity wear, nursing accessories, nursing wear and post-natal wear.

Details:

• Special Treat: 10% discount
• Discount Code: MR2010
• Validity Period : 1 February to 31 March 2010

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Win Your Own

FIVE (5) lucky subscribers will win a Naforye Multi-Function Baby Bib worth S$13.20 each! This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Choice of favourite Naforye Multi-Function Baby Bib design (Visit here)
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: First 3 participants (Hurry!)
  • 1 extra entry: Become Mummy’s Reviews fan on Facebook (existing fans counted)
  • 5 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Singapore or West Malaysia.
• It will run until 28 February 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

Related posts:

1. Winners of Giveaway #3: Naforye Bibs by PrettyMums.com
2. New Winners of Giveaway #3: Naforye Bibs by PrettyMums.com
3. Giveaway #10: Pupsik Studio Baby Pouch Carrier