December Giveaway Winner!

And the winner of the Baby Banz Suit and Tee from Wee Revolution is.. Comment #35

ColleenMarie82 said...

I would choose the It took my mom 9 months to bake me onesies in 12-18 months, in pink.

inman@Mobap.edu
December 4, 2009 4:21 PM

Congrats Colleen and thanks to everyone for participating!!!

December Reviews and Press

Winter Sun Safety Tips from Baby Banz

As cooler temperatures arrive, parents are unpacking sweaters, scarves and gloves. Unfortunately, many of them are also packing away sunglasses and sunscreen from summer. Most parents layer on the sun protection during the summer, but what about winter months? Consider the facts that 80% of sun damage children will receive occurs before the age of 18, and just one sunburn in childhood can increase the risks of melanoma in adulthood. Kids participating in winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, or even snowball fights in the backyard face just as much risk for getting sunburned as they do at the beach!

Snow amplifies the burning potential of the sun by reflecting the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that causes sunburns. In fact, snow reflects about 85% of the sun’s rays, while water reflects 100%. At higher elevations, where skiers and snowboarders generally play, the thinner atmosphere screens out significantly less of the incoming UVR than it does at lower elevations.

Baby BanZ offers these tips for staying protected all year:

Don't forget the eyes! Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand or water further increases exposure to UV radiation, increasing the risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts. Long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection can result in a short-term condition known as photokeratitis, or reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition--also known as "snow blindness"-can cause temporary loss of vision.

When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 100% UV protection. This assures that the glasses block both UVA and UVB radiation. Children should wear real sunglasses-not toy sunglasses-that indicate the UV protection level. Dark or tinted eyewear sold as fashion accessories may provide little or no protection from UV or visible light. Polycarbonate lenses are the most shatter-resistant.

Sunscreen. When selecting a sunscreen, look for the label "broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)" and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Since sunscreen isn't fully effective right away, apply sunscreen half an hour before going out in the sun. Then reapply it generously and often- don't forget the ears, neck and hands. Discard old or expired sunscreen.

Hat. Wear a wide-brim hat that protects the face and back of the neck.

Peak Hours. The most significant sun exposure occurs between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. During these times put on extra sunscreen or take a break from the sun and get some lunch.

CLOSED: December Giveaway!

Baby Banz and Wee REVOLUTION December Giveaway!

Wee REVOLUTION is teaming up with Baby Banz for a fabulous giveaway!

The winner receives a free OH Deer! Tee OR "It Took My Mama 9 Months to Bake Me" Cupcake tee/onesie from Wee REVOLUTION AND a UV swimsuit from Baby Banz!

Get an early start on eye protection with Baby Banz! You slather on the highest SPF sun block you can find to protect your little ones from UVA/ UVB rays- but do you remember to protect their EYES? Baby Banz were originally designed in Australia for one of the world’s toughest UV environments. Clinically tested by one of the world’s leading authorities on sunglasses, Baby Banz have passed the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world! Get your child the protection they need for their eyes, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort or style.

Wee REVOLUTION, formerly Wee Wee Wear, was created by a new mom, with a background in art, to bring unique and trendy tee designs to infant and toddlers. The collection, designed with a little one's personality in mind, is made up of imagery everyone can enjoy. All of our garments are designed locally and hand screened, so you know we take the time to carefully inspect every garment that leaves our studio! With that in mind, we don't mass produce our tees. Everything is made in small production runs, or made-to-order. This allows us to customize colors for our customers, and gives you a one-of-a-kind garment!

Wee REVOLUTION is committed to excellent customer service and will strive to provide you with great products. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Wee Revolution offers infant and toddler sizes from 0-3 months to 6T. Every garment is made from 100% cotton and we carry select 100% organic cotton garments- the best for your wee one!

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How to enter:

Take a look around BabyBanz.com and WeeREVOLUTION.com and tell us what you would choose if you won with what size and color! (2 entries)

Follow @babybanz on Twitter and let us know that you did (or already do)! (1 entry)

Follow @weerevolution on Twitter and let us know that you did (or already do)! (1 entry)

Tweet about the giveaway by using the RT button on this page OR by copying and pasting the following text-

RT @babybanz & @weerevolution T-Shirt and UV Swimwear Giveaway, ends 12/19, {http://tinyurl.com/yaukasp}

You may tweet the giveaway as many times as you like, but there is only one entry per tweet. Please leave the permalink of your tweet in your comment.

Blog about the giveaway, linking to Baby Banz and WeeREVOLUTION. Then come back and leave a comment letting us know that you did. You must leave the direct link to your post! (5 entries)

Fan Baby Banz on FaceBook ! (1 entry)

Follow the Baby Banz Blog (publicly) (1 entry)

Subscribe to the Baby Banz Inc Newsletter (1 entry)

Make a purchase before Dec. 19th from Baby Banz or WeeREVOLUTION (10 entries)

Please note to get all of your entries counted, for each thing that you do you MUST leave a separate comment for each entry! Example, if you do something that gives you 3 entries you must leave three comments to get those 3 entries. If you do not leave separate comments per entry then your comment will be counted as one entry except where indicated. We do check every entry to make sure that you did what the entry required. Your entry can and will be deleted if you do not follow the entry rules listed above.

Contest open to US and Canada residents only. Must be 18 years of age to enter. Contest ends 12/19/09 at 11:59 CST. Winners will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the contest and notified via email as well as posted on our site. Please make sure that your email address is obtainable by Baby Banz Inc. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize before Baby Banz Inc chooses another winner. Family members of Baby Banz Inc and Wee REVOLUTION are ineligible to enter in any of our contests.

Baby Banz featured in Pregnancy and NewBorn $1100 Gift Bqasket Giveaway!

Check out this great giveaway from Pregnancy and Newborn featuring Baby Banz and a ton of great gifts for baby, valued at over $1100!

Visit the site and enter to win!

Why wear sunglasses?

Why Wear Sunglasses?

Sunglasses are important for a variety of reasons. They are essential for preventing sun damage to your eyes while at the same time, improving your vision and visual comfort. They can also help you make a unique
fashion statement.

Our eyes are affected by exposure to the rays of ultraviolet radiation. Overexposure to UV light contributes to the development of cataracts, retinal damage and other eye problems. Experts report that as much as 80% of UV damage to our eyes is done before the age of 18, making it even more important all of us to start protecting our eyes at an early age (Note: see chart for more specifics).

Sunglasses also serve as a shield against the glaring light of the sun and providing you with better visual clarity. You can choose anything from a soft tint to a dark, polarized lens.

Polarized Lenses are unique sunglasses that not only reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes but actually contains a special filter that blocks the intense reflected light, thus reducing glare.

For people who are looking for the most ideal vision in all lighting conditions, the new Driverwear
lenses were made for you. Combining two of the most advanced technologies found in the eyeglass industry today, transition lenses and polarization, Drivewear lenses maximize useful light and minimize glare and excess light. Driverwear lenses create the most optimal visual environment for you in almost any situation.

© Copyright 2009 Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alan Grazier - 15200 Shady Grove Road, Suite 100 - Rockville, MD 20850

Check out Babes in the Woods coming this Spring from Author Jennifer Aist for tips on introducing kids to the outdoors. Baby Banz is featured as a recommended resource for sun protection!

Travels with Baby Recommends Baby Banz

In her book, Travels with Baby, Shelly Rivoli, award-winning author, family travel blogger and mom of three recommends Baby and Kidz Banz UV protection!

Shelly is a Top 10 Winner in Tripbase 2009 Family Travel Blogs and was featured in Travelblogs.com's "99 of the Best Travel Blogs" list.

Shelly's family travel tips and advice have appeared in national parenting magazines, including American Baby, Nick Jr. Magazine, Parent & Child, Parenting, Parents, and Pregnancy, and on popular parenting websites and blogs including, BabyCenter.com, Babble.com, Urban Baby Daily, aParentlySpeaking, and TimeOut New York Kids. She is also Baby Travel Expert for Tibesti.com, and a contributor to Travel Savvy Mom.

Shelly has made radio and TV appearances, including the Happy Housewives Club, Childhood Matters, and is a frequent guest on ABC San Francisco's The View from the Bay (see more in media section). She also writes a "Travels with Baby" column at Examiner.com: www.Examiner.com/travelswithbaby, where she's featured a special series of interviews with Moms Around the World.

Travels with Baby will help you:

• Have great family getaways at every age and stage--and with any temperament.

• Learn the ins and outs of flying with children on laps, in car seats, and in airline bassinets.

• Enjoy an urban adventure, train trip, cruise, or a back-country camping trip with your child.

• Conquer jetlag with your child and manage changes in eating and sleeping routines.

• Prepare for cultural differences, health concerns, and safety issues when traveling far from home.

• Find the cruise or resort that's the perfect fit for your family's vacation needs--and desires.

• Stay two steps ahead of high-energy children, picky eaters, and potty trainees as you travel.

More about Travels with Baby...

Travels with Baby is a book you can use through all phases of your child's first years. Here are just a few examples of how this book may help you plan: all family trips, air travel, rail travel, cruise vacations, travel by automobile, and international travel.

Special sections also address:

- Flying with twins and multiples

- Rail travel with twins and multiple children

- Flying with special needs children

- Flying for an international adoption.

For more information, see the detailed Table of Contents.

November Reviews and Giveaways

Check out our Combo Sets as highlighted by TDMonthly.com!

Watch TDmonthly Video

And the Winner is....

Baby Banz and SugarSweetBaby October Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Baby BanZ and SugarSweet Baby Giveaway is:

Gina said...

From Babybanz I would love to try the Kidz Banz Adventure Banz age 2! My 2 year old would look so cool! Love the look!

jgricci@msn.com

October 26, 2009 8:19 AM

Gina has won a Bamboo Baby Wrap from SugarSweetBaby and a swimsuit from Baby Banz!

Gina will have 48 hours to respond, and if she doesn't, a new winner will be chosen.

Congrats and thanks to everyone for entering!

Look for more great contests coming from Baby Banz this fall!

Check it out! Our Operations Manager, Shari (tweet name @babybanz) has been featured this month on FaceFile as one of 4 great folks to follow in their "Who We Like Online and Why: October Edition"!

Check out the article and follow us to stay up to date with all the great info and news she has to share!

Baby Banz on A Morning Ottawa Morning Show!

Check out our Operations Manager, Shari spreading the news about Baby Banz and UV protection on Ottawa's A Morning Show last Friday!




Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lP2aHx0Mw

New Mom Tested Reviews

Check out these new web reviews!

CLOSED: Baby Banz and SugarSweetBaby Giveaway!

Baby Banz and SugarSweetBaby October Giveaway!

SugarSweetBaby is teaming up with Baby Banz for a fabulous giveaway!

The winner receives a free Bamboo Baby Wrap from SugarSweetBaby and a swimsuit from Baby Banz!

Get an early start on eye protection with Baby Banz! You slather on the highest SPF sun block you can find to protect your little ones from UVA/ UVB rays- but do you remember to protect their EYES? Baby Banz were originally designed in Australia for one of the world’s toughest UV environments. Clinically tested by one of the world’s leading authorities on sunglasses, Baby Banz have passed the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world! Get your child the protection they need for their eyes, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort or style.

SugarSweetBaby.com features the softest, stylish and most Eco Friendly Bamboo Baby Wraps. Our Bamboo Baby Wraps are the pain free way to babywear, babies love it because they feel secure, Moms and Dad love it because there is no more back pain! Our Wraps make the perfect gifts, as well! Whether you are a first time parent or a parent of many, you will truly enjoy the convenience of wearing your happy baby, while you are able to attend to your everyday life. Read more about what customers have to say about our wraps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to enter:

Take a look around BabyBanz.com and SugarSweetBaby.com and tell us what you would choose if you won with what size and color! (2 entries)

Follow @babybanz on Twitter and let us know that you did (or already do)! (1 entry)

Follow @sugarsweetbaby on Twitter and let us know that you did (or already do)! (1 entry)

Tweet about the giveaway by using the RT button on this page OR by copying and pasting the following text-

RT @babybanz & @sugarsweetbaby Wrap and UV Swimwear Giveaway, ends 10/31, {http://bit.ly/YXBz5}

You may tweet the giveaway as many times as you like, but there is only one entry per tweet. Please leave the permalink of your tweet in your comment.

Blog about the giveaway, linking to Baby Banz and Sugar Sweet Baby. Then come back and leave a comment letting us know that you did. You must leave the direct link to your post! (5 entries)

Fan Baby Banz on FaceBook ! (1 entry)

Fan Sugar Sweet Baby on FaceBook! (1 entry)

Follow the Baby Banz Blog (publicly) (1 entry)

Follow the Sugar Sweet Baby Blog (publicly) (1 entry)

Subscribe to the Baby Banz Inc Newsletter (1 entry)

Subscribe to the Sugar Sweet Baby Newsletter (1 entry)

Make a purchase before Oct 31 from Baby Banz or SugarSweetBaby (10 entries)

Please note to get all of your entries counted, for each thing that you do you MUST leave a separate comment for each entry! Example, if you do something that gives you 3 entries you must leave three comments to get those 3 entries. If you do not leave separate comments per entry then your comment will be counted as one entry except where indicated. We do check every entry to make sure that you did what the entry required. Your entry can and will be deleted if you do not follow the entry rules listed above.

Contest open to US and Canada residents only. Must be 18 years of age to enter. Contest ends 10/31/09 at 11:59 CST. Winners will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the contest and notified via email as well as posted on our site. Please make sure that your email address is obtainable by Baby Banz Inc. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize before Baby Banz Inc chooses another winner. Family members of Baby Banz Inc and Sugar Sweet Baby are ineligible to enter in any of our contests.

Protecting Children from the Sun

Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child's risk of skin cancer later in life. Kids don't have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they're outdoors.

• Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief after it's happened.
• Cover up. Clothing that covers your child's skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always practical. A T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too—but it's wise to double up on protection by applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible.
• Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don't protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
• Wear sunglasses. They protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or exercises. This applies to waterproof and water-resistant products as well.

Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your or your child's skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor. Your baby's best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.

Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise. Try combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.

Too Much Sun Hurts

Turning pink? Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure. So, if your child's skin looks "a little pink" today, it may be burned tomorrow morning. To prevent further burning, get your child out of the sun.

Tan? There's no other way to say it—tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your child's skin after time outside—whether sunburn or suntan—indicates damage from UV rays.

Cool and cloudy? Children still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block UV rays, they filter them—and sometimes only slightly.

Oops! Kids often get sunburned when they are outdoors unprotected for longer than expected. Remember to plan ahead, and keep sun protection handy—in your car, bag, or child's backpack.

Sun Safety at School

The brochure Sun Safety at Schools: What You Can Do (PDF-245KB) explains how school administrators and staff, parents, and community healthcare service providers can promote sun safety.

View page in

• Español (Spanish)

Contact Us:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
  
• cdcinfo@cdc.gov

• Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Lack of Eye Protection From UV Rays May Cause Damage Now and Later in Life

Lack of Eye Protection From UV Rays May Cause Damage Now and Later in Life

Prevent Blindness America Warns Public on Possible Immediate and Lasting Effects of UV Damage

CHICAGO (April 29, 2009) – Ultraviolet (UV) rays are well known for their damaging effects on the skin. One area of the body that sunscreen cannot protect is the eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause “sunburns” to the eye, also known as photokeratitis. The painful condition may result in temporary loss of vision for 1-2 days. In addition, the presence of pterygium, a growth of tissue that forms on the white of the eye, is in direct correlation to the amount of UV exposure that the person has been subjected to. Without treatment, this condition may require surgical treatment.

The damaging effects of UV rays may not develop until years later. In fact, UV damage is cumulative and has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. The delicate skin around the eye and the eyelids is also susceptible to UV damage. According to the Office of Air and Radiation at the Environmental Protection Agency, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer to affect the eyelids and may appear on the lower lid, in the corners of the eye and under eyebrows.

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has declared May as UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on how to protect their eyes. Fortunately, protecting the eyes and vision is easy and does not have to be expensive. No matter what time of year it is or what the weather forecast is, sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays should always be worn in conjunction with a brimmed hat. While UV-A has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the center field of vision. UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues.

Wrap-around sunglasses are best as they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Some contact lenses may offer UV protection but they can’t protect the entire eye and the skin around it.

“When we head outside to enjoy the great outdoors, we all need to remember to protect one of our greatest gifts—our sight,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We adults need to be good examples for our children and encourage them to get in the habit of protecting their vision for years to come.”

According to the American Optometric Association, children are at a greater risk of UV damage because the lenses of their eyes are more transparent, which allows more short wavelength light to reach the retina. Parents looking to purchase sunglasses for their children should remember to buy sunglasses with the proper UV protection. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.

And, children’s glasses should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate to fit their active lifestyle. The frames should be bendable and the lenses should not pop out. The child should try the sunglasses on and make sure they shield enough of the eye above, below and on the sides.

For more information on the dangers of UV exposure and more information on how to choose the best sunglasses for adults and children, please visit preventblindness.org/uv or call (800) 331-2020.

About Prevent Blindness America

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.