Monday, August 4

Keen sleep ideas to help you get through the night

So go ahead and call me slow, but at about 12-months, I finally decided to throw my whatever-baby-schedule to the wind and try a good, old-fashioned routine. I really didn't think the classic "bath, book, bed" trick would actually work with Buttercup, who fought her sleep on a nightly basis like a warrior child from another dimension (You'll never take me alive!!!), but just a few days later, I was wondering why no one had bothered smacking my upside the head for not doing this sooner.

Now, you may be asking, "What exactly were you doing?"

My answer? "Whatever."

See, I work from home, so I stay up until 3 writing, after Buttercup has gone to bed. And we both usually get out of bed about 10 a.m. I've never been one for schedules, but I really was only getting maybe 2 hours worth of blogging work done each night since Buttercup was hanging on for dear life until the wee hours of the morning every single night.

Not exactly a prime situation for getting anything done.

Then, the magical routine happened, and I suddenly gaained a happily sleepy baby who gets her bath, wrapped up in a Grobag Baby Sleep Bag from Keen Distribution, a few books, and then she is off to la-la land by 10:30. It's amazing.

I really do think that the Grobag is part of the magic. These U.K. best-sellers retail for $34.99 and $39.99, and come in a variety of thickness, sizes, patterns, and are great for every season, and for every child from newborns to thirty-six-months. It is very easy to use, unzips in all the right places for night-time changes, and has turned into a trusty little piece of nighty-night comfort whenever we happen to bed down at a relative's for the night.

It works great for now, but I do have reservations about the feasibility of a sleeping bag for a mobile toddler, who may try getting out of a toddler bed for a night-time visit to mommy's room. But for children in cribs, I think this is a wonderful item to use in place of blankets, which should not be used for newborns, anyway, or which can be kicked off by older babies.(Keen, however, makes a great point that the sleeping bag not only protects baby's feet and legs from getting stuck in crib bars, but it also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to try to climb out of the crib. so majoe points on that one.)

Another great find from Keen is the new (to the U.S) Grobag Egg Room Thermometer, a color-changing digital thermometer retailing for $29.99. The egg has a beautifully soft glow that changes color according to the temperature in the baby's room. Yellow means that the room is in the appropriate temp range of 61 to 67 degrees F, which can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Just a peek into the nursery will tell you if you need to adjust the temperature, or at least the baby's clothing or bedding if temperature adjustments are not possible.


Want to try it out for yourself? Keen Distribution has generously offered a package of one Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag and one Grobag Egg to one lucky winner!

To be considered for the random drawing, visit their site and leave me a berrie (read: comment) telling me what other product you are interested in trying out. 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. 11 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.
See you soon with another berrie sweet review and contest!

195 comments:

Crunchy Green Mom - Suzanne said...

Hello fellow Tweeter!
I LOVE these products... totally useable and necessary for the Colorado winters. We leave the house at 6am every morning, it is COLD when we leave :(

I also,would love to try the Timeout pad! Such a great idea!

Liz Nicks said...

I love the timeout pad...my daughter's not at the time out age yet, but i feel it coming soon!

robynl said...

I love the Time Out pad and the built in timer. So convenient and handy.

yourstrulee at sasktel dot net

Bunny B said...

* 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.
I would love to try the Grobag® Swaddling Wrap! Thanks!

bunnybx at gmail . com

Bunny B said...

I'm following you on twitter! ID: bunnyb

bunnybx at gmail . com

Anonymous said...

This is an absolutely wonderful idea! Thanks for the helpful review! I love the fact that this lights up so all one needs to do is peek in. I always had a problem because when I think it's cold, everyone else is burning up. I certainly don't want to bake a baby!

Anonymous said...

I'd LOVE to hear a review on that Timeout pad. It sounds good; a visual reminder and no question as to where to go; go to the timeout pad. BUT, does it really work? Is it fragile? I would be concerned about the built in timer function as kids love to wiggle with dials.
Whadda ya think Pauline?

Anonymous said...

i really like the mommy hook. you can use it for so many things and it would make your life so much easier.

fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

Ellerenee said...

I love the Bubbles Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag- so cute, perfect for my daughter. The Time Out Pad is a great idea. It would help my 4 year old son who has trouble understanding the whole "time out" concept. And who doesn't need a Mommy Hook? Great products.
laylarenee[at]cfl.rr.com

Ellerenee said...

I just subscribed. Thanks.
laylarenee[at]cfl.rr.com

EB said...

Would love to have the Grobag swaddling wrap!

Thanks!

emmarleed[at]hotmail[dot]com

sunnymum said...

Wow, I've never seen anything like the grobag egg. I'm very curious to see one in action.
The mommy hook looks like a great thing to have when we're out and about too! Thanks for the chance to win!
cbeargie at yahoo com

Meredith said...

The timeout pad looks interesting. It's a great idea to make sure that the little ones stay in time out until their time is over!

~Meredith
rosesaremyfavorite (at) hotmail (dot) com

Arielle said...

I'd LOVE the egg thermometer. It is not only a great temp reading, but it would also be the great nightlight my kids beg for every night. The mommy hook and the time out pad also look like great tools for my life!

I'm subscribing too!

Wehaf said...

The mommy hook and the swaddling wrap look great.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Ashley said...

Definately the Time Out pad. My son is 2 and we have started the Time Out routine. So this would be great in my house.

ashley_miskel@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

The mommy hook is great! I already own one and hope to get another for the other hand so I can uload groceries.

cmartin0055(at)aol(dot)com

louiseb130 said...

The timeout pad loofs great

Jennireesa/Jennifer W. said...

I would like to try the Timeout pad.

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

the timeout pad

kygirl said...

I would love to try the Time Out Pad™

Kristie said...

With my daughter going through the terrible two's right now, I'd love to try the Time Out Pad!

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Jenn S. said...

The timeout pad looks really interesting. I like the timer built in.

torinem said...

The Mommy Hook seems like it would be really useful!

torinem said...

And I added your button:

nifty-nifitiness.blogspot.com

Sonya Cocherell said...

I'd love to try the swaddling wraps. My sister is pregnant with twins and I think this would be great for her.

Sonya Cocherell said...

Your button is on my sidebar. Thanks for the extra chance.

Anonymous said...

angelina115@hotmail.com

time out pad

Micheleb said...

I love the Grobag Swaddling Wrap it looks like a great product to help your baby feel snug and safe during the fist few day.

Anonymous said...

I would like to try the Jungle Friends Grobag Swaddling Wrap Im sure it would calm a fussy baby

Unknown said...

Looks like I'm with the majority. Would like to try the time out pad. Thanks a lot!

Anonymous said...

I like the Time Out Pad

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

Aisling said...

I think the Time Out Pad would be a great addition to any family with a toddler.

The Chatty Housewife said...

I like the swaddling wrap, it looks easy to use!

Superdumb Supervillain said...

I'd love to try the Time Out Pad. And, honestly, I am curious to see whether or not the Grobag would help Jasper sleep through the night. He always kicks his blanket off and wakes up, crying... I love the Jellybean stripes, too.

EJW said...

I NEED a Mommy Hook. I've tried the cheap plastic ones and they break! We have carabiners but they're too narrow!

faith said...

Time out pad! What a clever idea. I think that just might work with my little one. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

My kids could definitely use a timeout pad. With the way my son was behaving today he could use one now.

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

endrase said...

The Swaddling Wrap looks like a great item. My son was colicky for nearly four months. It was horrible for him, and miserable for us. Swaddling and bouncing did give us all a little relief. The Wrap would have come in handy when he was too big for receiving blankets.

Heather R said...

I am interested in trying out the Mommy Hook for my stroller. Very handy.

naptimeplease said...

Oh my gosh all the products look great! I think the timeout pad would be a very useful tool to have in any household!

katiemavros@gmail.com

mverno said...

love the mommy hook

Laura said...

That Swaddling Wrap looks great! My daughter was addicted to swaddling and we are expecting to do a lot of it with soon-to-be-#2 as well.

PS said...

Wow, like everyone else, I'd love to try out that Time Out mat!!

Uniquely Yours said...

I love the timeout pad. Do these things really work? Thanks! Make sure you stop by and enter for a personalized Princess Bracelet.
http://uniquelyyoursbyshay.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to try out the timeout pad... I think that is the coolest idea ever! jeepcutie82 at msn dot com

Miss Spoken said...

I'm all for the Timeout Pad w/built-in timer.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

Miss Spoken said...

Subscribed.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

Tuesday Girl said...

I like the time out pad because it is portable!
tuesdayef(at)aol(dot)com

Robyn Wright of Robyn's Online World said...

The Grobag Egg is what I am most interested in. They are just very, very cool!

Thanks

Anonymous said...

A timeout pad! How utterly cool! I need that.

Jessica said...

The timeout pad sounds interesting!

Heather said...

The Mommy Hook looks like it would be super handy to have!

Ann said...

Love the time out pad, can actually use it at the moment with my son ;)
Thanks for the great giveaway!
ann dot guns at mac dot com

JennyG said...

I would like to check out the time out pad. Very cool.

jfg06001[at]yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I would also love to try the time out pad for the grandkids

kevnjacks said...

The Swaddling Wraps looks great to help swaddle babies - I can use some help! :)

agordon10 said...

The mommy hook is neat.

moushka said...

The Mommy Hook is awesome! Just what I need.

Stacy said...

I could really use The Mommy Hook! I just got a cute new diaper bag that I love for all its pockets and depth, but I can't sling it across my chest like my old diaper bag. Sad.


uaxostacy at hotmail dot com

arbrashears said...

Hi there! Their things look great! (And I'm with you on the routine!) I'd love to try the Mommy Hook.

Thanks for the chance to win!

arbrashears(at)msn(dot)com

chromiumman said...

love the Time Out pad, its an idea we'd like to try

Cassie said...

I love the fact that I can easily change my babies. I also like the mommy hook. What a great use for a caribiner. (spelling?)

Buki Family said...

I really want an egg! Our room always feels so cold and I get so paranoid that our baby will freeze to death! I would also like to try the mommy hook.

Rebecca said...

The Timeout Pad looks like it is something I definitely need for my little one.

Anonymous said...

i would love to try the time-out pad with my two year old.

Unknown said...

I love grobags!! And I'd love to win one for my first baby who's due this coming October. Other than the grobag baby sleeping bag, I especially like the grobag swaddling wrap! Thanks for the chance to win :)

hope.september[at]gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love the Time Out Pad!! Thanks!!

divrchk said...

The time out pad looks interesting.

Mrs. Csirke said...

The timeout pad seems like such a novel idea, I would love to try it out. I see that it is available soon, does that mean it hasn't been released yet?

Will said...

the time out pad is unique

Stacey Moore said...

love the swaddling wrap!
thanks!
moore.g at insideconnect.net

blandmj said...

I like the timeout pad! Very unique idea! Pressure sensitive with a timer! I love the grobag and egg thermometer! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

EDRing said...

I would love to try the Mommy Hook. it looks like it would really help.

Ellen
eering99@hotmail.com

Ames said...

I have friends who love their swaddling wraps - I also like the mommy hook and the products you're offering :)

Gus and Clay's Mama said...

Oh the timeout pad.... we really need one in this house lately!

Jamie - The Itty Bitty Teacher said...

I would love to try the Mommy Hook. I know I would use it all the time.

Heather said...

First & foremost I love the egg. Second I am seriously considering buying the time out pad!

windycindy said...

Hello, I just emailed three friends about your contest. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

OH! OH! OH! I MUST have that time-out pad! How ingenious. Also, my husband always accuses me of keeping the kids room too hot, I guess we need the thermometer, too.

peanutpeddler@hotmail.com

evildoersmuffs@hotmail.com said...

LOL, the timeout pad is a great idea! That's gotta be the Keen product I have the most interest in!

Mrs. H said...

The time out pad would definitely be the one I would like!!!

Alice H said...

I'd love to try the swaddling wrap - thanks for the giveaway! afdr3d@umkc.edu

Anonymous said...

Great products! I also think the Time Out Pad is an ingenious product.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Hmm I wonder if the timeout pad would work on my daughter? Nothing else has!!
blims613@spetnik.com

Unknown said...

I love the "jellybean" sleeping bag. What a super idea! Thanks so much!

myshadow28(at)aol(dot)com

toughturtles said...

Swaddling Wrap looking so content

Stacy said...

The timeout pad looks really neat, I hope it is released soon!
hetz-junk(at)hotmail(dot)com

Stacey said...

I would love to try the timeout pad!! How smart!

Deborah said...

I like the Mommy Hook.

Susan said...

I can't decide between the swaddling wrap and the Mommy hook. Great stuff!

Anonymous said...

OH - I LOVE the timeout pad...which would be ideal for my twins!

sumiguptaglickman@gmail.com

Kari said...

I could really use the Time Out pad and the built in timer!!

Kris said...

I would like to try the swaddle wrap.

So cute! What great ideas.

idahomom said...

I think that the Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag would be great for our Idaho winters. Thanks for the chance.

Anonymous said...

The mommy hook looks awesome, and so does the timeout pad (Ive got a 4 year old... enough explanation?) I'd love to win the growbag for baby #2 due tomorrow!!
num1twinkie at yahoo dot com

melissad.williams said...

I'd like to try the swaddling wrap as well. Thanks!

Nikki said...

I like The Mommy Hook! This would be very useful.

denyse said...

The timeout pad. I'd love to try this.

clynsg said...

The Mommy Hook is a great idea, and would love to have the sleeper and the egg thermometer for my coming great grandchild.

danosor said...

My favorite is the Mommy hook.

DOODLEGIRL said...

The Mommy Hook®

gillian said...

I desperately need to try the time-out pad!!!! also need the swaddling wrap when baby #2 arrives in December.

gratefulsoul at hotmail.com

artkdz said...

I like the mommy hook. The time out pad is a very neat idea, but my little one's too young for that still.

melonkelli said...

The Time Out Pad is interesting.

vboackle said...

i would like to try the swaddling wrap.

Smooshy said...

i like the timeout pad

misty said...

I'd really like to try the timeout pad. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

Your button is in my sidebar here...mistyreviews.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Ok the timeout pad is genius. Not that my sweet baby will ever need it...oh NOOOO.....

babiesgottahaveit(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

And I'm now following you on Twitter!

Meredith said...

I like the Mommy Hook for strollers!!

bfox74 said...

I like the time out pad! Great...I need one!!

bfox74 said...

I like the time out pad! Great...I need one!!

furygirl3132 said...

I would love to try out the Timeout Pad, maybe it would work for my 5 year old, thanks so much for a great giveaway, I have subscribed to your RSS feed through My Yahoo also.

Eloise
furygirl3132@comcast.net

kaylee8 said...

I like the Time Out Pad - great idea!

Jo said...

I like the swaddling wrap...such a neat idea having a different shape. Why didnt anyone think of it before?!

Bhav
bvbabybv at gmail.com

J_Mama said...

Really need...ok, want a time out mat!

sphinx63 said...

The timeout pad looks cool! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Love The Mommy Hook!

Tarah
fireball351c[at]yahoo.com

mogrill said...

I would lke to try the Time out Pad! Very nice!

tatertot374 said...

Thank you for having this! I really love the timeout pad. I need something like this for my 2 year old..shoot for my 6 and 7 year olds too :)

miller lawn service said...

I would love to try the timeout pad with my 2-year-old. Thanks!

littlelatina said...

the home grown baby sleeping bag is adorable

Hetal said...

Bubbles Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag looks like a perfect for either of my daughters

herry123_us@live.com

julie said...

love the mommy hook
3beez at bellsouth dot net

kristilb19 said...

I really like the Timeout Pad! This is cute, I have a toddler and another baby on the way so would love this!

kristilb19@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! And the mommy hook looks like it could come in real handy!

saraladkins@gmail.com

LINDALSHOT said...

I like the swaddling wrap also.

Anna said...

I would like to try the time-out pad when it becomes available (site says it's not available yet). My little boy is a little over 2 and I think it is time we started doing some time outs here and there.

Mary512 said...

The Time Out Pad looks like it would work well. Great giveaway, thanks!

Mary512 said...

Blogged ya :

http://mommyland512.blogspot.com/2008/08/grobag-giveaway-at-berrie-sweet-picks.html

Thanks again!

Julie said...

I like the swaddling wraps, they so much easier to use than a regular blanket.

jkriken@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Time Out pad for its convenience.

applez_55@yahoo.com

yyeres said...

i like the mommy hook, a very smart idea. thanks for the giveaway

Sundi said...

I love the Time Out Pad! Great for my two toddlers. And the Grobag and Egg look fabulous! Thanks!

Unknown said...

I like the Mommy Hook. The Time Out pad would be nice to have,too.

Joni Wiedrich said...

I have visited this site before and would love those products! I would also love to try the timeout pad. Thanks for the giveaway!

supermax said...

Time Out Pad

miriama said...

Timeout Pad! Love the Grobag`sleep bag.

lace said...

I would love to have this. I'm always worried that the girls are too cold. Especially in the winter. I'm up about 5 times a night checking on them.

I'd also like to try the mommy hook. Looks like it would make unloading the groceries from the car easier.

camper223 said...

I know the prize would be so awesome for my new grandson coming real soon. I would like to try the hook to hang on stroller to hold many items such as a toy attached to the hook so it would not fall on ground or get lost, to hold diaper bag. or small bag from your favorite shopping spot.Thank you for your time, effort and energy for putting these contests together for us to win some unique and awesome prizes.

camper223@live.com

Anonymous said...

Ah! The sleeping bags give
comfort and warmth for baby, peace of mind and more sleep for us!

lusizova@rambler.ru

Brn2lisn said...

I would like to try the time out pad. I also like the swaddling wraps.


brn2lisn {at} gmail {dot} com

bison61 said...

I like the grobag swaddling wrap

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Kelsey said...

Great giveaway!!

I would love to give a swaddling wrap to my cousin! She is having her third child in October!

It would make a perfect baby shower gift!

Thank you so much!

Kelsey
rawrissexy@gmail.com

siddons69 said...

im in love with the sleeping bags also i like the time out pad

Anonymous said...

I'm interested in trying out The Mommy Hook :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

ols[dot]moonmaiden[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I added your button to my sidebar for an extra entry:

http://cherylfree.wordpress.com/

ols[dot]moonmaiden[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I'd take a dozen of those timeout pads LOL!

Erin said...

I'd also like to try their new Mommy Hook; it seems like a great idea. Thanks for the drawing!

emhagedon at gmail

kananee said...

The Time Out Pad, looks like something I can use right about now!

lokeelanee (at)netzero(dot)com

Brooke said...

Definitely the Mommy Hook!! Why they make strollers without a hook attached is beyond me.

pitaharmon said...

Everyone wants the timeout pad. Including me. My kids would want to sit on it at first, I think.

Tonya said...

I love the Time OUt Pad! What a cool product.

Anonymous said...

I would also love to try the swaddling wraps. I found out these are one of the greatest things to have with a newborn.

sparkofutterance@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

My young toddler is probably about ready for timeouts when she needs them. I'd love the TimeOut Pad to help her better understand what is expected of her.
beccachristensen at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I just added your feed to my Reader.
beccachristensen at hotmail dot com

calgirl said...

I like the Baby Sleeping Bags with Little Bear on the front.

Molly C. said...

The mommy hook rocks!

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I like the swaddling wrap :)

stormraven(at)gmail(dot)com

Jessica Cote said...

I would like to try the swaddling wrap! Very cute!

NesieBird said...

The timeout pad seems cool to me.

Renee G said...

I love the Grobag swaddling wrap too.

Anonymous said...

I could really use the Time Out pad!!

Anonymous said...

The Timeout Pad is a great product and very practical!

penguinchick@comcast.net
renee

kywildcats_10 said...

I would love to try the Grobag swaddling wrap.

Anonymous said...

The timeout pad is cute! This is my second time viewing the site!
ceimusic@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I like the swaddling wrap.
NAUnick15@aol.com

Jinxy and Me said...

The Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag looks great!

Roseann K. said...

I like the Jelly Bean Sleeping Bag! My son would love it!

arvard said...

I really like the Bubbles Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to try the mommy hook.

fabes7477athotmaildotcom

klp1965 said...

i love the Grobag® Baby Sleep Bags

Kobi said...

I subscribed!

Thanks!

Tammy said...

I like hte sleeping bags! Thanks for the chance.

noreen said...

Grobag swaddling wrap, swadding is a lifesaver~

zeitersouth said...

The time out pad is genius! My son is always asking, is time up yet?!!

said...

The Time Out Pad is a great idea and my favorite product to try out.

Chelsi said...

The Time Out Pad is such a great idea. I'm sure it would come in handy once my little one gets a bit older.

SECAVEN said...

really like the gro bag in the bubbles design.

Anonymous said...

The Mommy Clip sounds like something I could use. I would love to win the sleep bag for my son:)

LBSGONE said...

it's all about the time out pad!!
cherylfrancisco@hotmail.com

Suzie Williams said...

I really like the timeout pad. It's a neat idea and something we need here right now! I can't wait till that goes on sale!

art-sweet said...

The timeout pad is sheer genius. My son is almost 2 and still in a sleepsack - it does help keep them from climbing out!

artsweets @ gmail DOT com

mrstrooper said...

The Mommy Hook would be great to try!

Anonymous said...

I subcribed to your feed.
jennielee685@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I would like to try the Grobag Swaddling Wrap. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Anonymous said...

The Swaddling Wraps looks great. Thanks for the chance to win an awesome prize for my sister who is expecting.

Charlene Kuser said...

I would love to try the Mommy
Hook,keep thinking I need more hands.Keen has nice products.
Please enter me and thanks for the giveaway.I have subscribed to your newsletter

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Rockin' Mama said...

I'd like to try out the Mommy Hook!

jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the Happy Times Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag and I'd also like to try the Timeout Pad. Thank you for the contest!

37 Questions said...

I love the Mommy Hook. Thanks for the contest!

lilyk said...

I am interested in trying out the Mommy Hook!

Donna said...

I would like the Time Out Pad.

Sonya Cocherell said...

I sent you my address and e-mail. Thank you so much for choosing my name.