Why the Zaky deserves a second look

There's something to be said for the transformation that takes place when you become a parent.

All of the "I'll never's" go right out the window the moment you hold your newborn,suddenly replaced with all of the "I will do anything for you's". And all that baby and kiddie stuff that you really thought had no reason to exist except to make you laugh? Well, that thinking is also replaced with a sudden understanding for all things soft and comforting.

Take the Zaky by Zakeez, for example. I have a very distinct memory of laughing my head off at the thought of an infant pillow shaped like a hand when I happened across it online during my pre-pregnancy days. Ask Sweeter (that would be the hubby) and he'll tell you that he laughed even harder when I sent him the link.

And the price? They certainly don't come cheap at $49.95 for one or $79.90 for a set.
Yeah, that brought on the laughter-induced tears. Why would anyone in their right mind buy a HAND for their baby? And an expensive one, at that?
Can you say "freaky"??

But then Buttercup was born, and suddenly it all made sense. Sure, the thing still does look a little weird, but now that I'm a mom, I'm no longer laughing.

Here's the deal: The Zaky is an ergonomic infant pillow used in NICU's across the country.

It's designed to have the scent of mom (just sleep with it or add a teensy dab of your signature fragrance) for extra bonding points.

Yes, I know you are still stuck on the fact that it's a hand, but really, even Sweeter stopped laughing when he realize its benefits.

Originally designed to comfort premature babies during their long hospital stays, the Zaky is an ingenious way to calm babies because it was invented to mimic the size and weight of your hand and forearm by--who else???--a mother of a long-term NICU baby. (See how it is all starting to make sense now?) And don't worry about baby's sensitive skin; the Zaky is hypoallergenic, breathable, and fully washable.

Now, Buttercup didn't receive hers from Mom4Life until she was about 4 months old, and is not now, nor never has been a stuffed-animal kind of baby, but there were plenty of times where I was able to help her settle back to sleep by positinong the Zaky under her arm. Instead of reaching for my fingers, she was able to get the comfort she needed by wrapping her entire hand around a single Saky finger. If I had been brave enough to smap a photo in the dark and chance waking her up, I totally would have.

Instead, I searched through my photos and found the image above, which I think is the only one I have of her with the ZAky while awake.

There are way to many other benefits to list, but they include the chance for working parents to stay connected with their kids, for grandparents to send a little bit of love from far away, and it would make a great baby shower gift.

Now, I only have one, and Buttercup is fine with that. There are some great tips here on what might work for you, but I have had no problem with one since the beginning.

The Zaky is available from Mom4Life in blue, pink, and flesh color. I got pink. The flesh weirded me out.

Now for the best part! Mom4Life is offering one lucky reader the opportunity to snag one Zaky in the colo of their choice! This is perfect for my preggers readers, or those with friends or loved ones who have a little bundle on the way. Entries from US resident only, please.

To be considered for the random drawing, visit Mom4Life and leave me a berrie (read: comment) telling me which other product you'd love to see reviewed. One extra entry is available if you decide to choose one of the following:
* subscribe to my RSS feed and comment letting me know you did so (new subscribers only!)
* Add my button to your sidebar and comment (I'll check!).
* Blog about the contest and link to the giveaway.
* Non-bloggers can email three of their friends about the contest and CC me on the email. Girl Scout's honor that I will never bother these sweet people. I promise!
* Grab my button and place it on your sidebar, linking to Berrie Sweet Picks.
* Follow me on Twitter! (nickname: berriesweetest)
Please note that non-bloggers MUST include a valid email address to be considered for the drawing!

I'll pick one name at midnight (EST) on Aug. 26 and post their name to PRIZEYWinners and on my left-hand sidebar. The winner has four days from the announcement date to contact me, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

More good news! Mom4life is also offering my readers a 10 percent discount on orders through the end of September with code "berriesweet"! But make sure to enter the code into the coupon box on the left side of the homepage for it to apply to your order.


See you soon with another berrie sweet review and contest!