Platypus News

Friends and Family Event {Save 20%}

2008-08-08T20:33:00.002-04:00

We are excited to announce our Friends and Family Event ... August 9-11 only! Save 20% off your entire order by entering code friends20 during checkout at ThePolkadotPlatypus.com.

{the fine print}
*Promotion expires 8/11/08 at midnight PST
*Code friends20 must be entered during checkout
*Discount not valid on prior or future purchases
*Cannot be combined with any other offer
*Cannot be used toward the purchase of gift certificates

JP Lizzy {Sale}

2008-08-05T07:13:00.000-04:00

JP Lizzy bags are designed with your ever-changing needs in mind. These bags will take you through all the stages of your life, from trendsetting supermom with a sassy diaper bag, to career woman with a messenger bag perfect for the boardroom. Now through the end of August, save 20% on our entire line of JP Lizzy bags. Click here to start shopping today!

Summer Sale!

2008-06-29T10:23:00.004-04:00

Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 7/6/08 at midnight PST.

Ch Ch Ch Changes!

2008-06-18T08:33:00.000-04:00

We have a lot of changes going on here at The Polkadot Platypus and we want you to be part of it! Hang tight, because we are switching over to a new website that is more user friendly, launching exciting new products and preparing to make our blog much more interesting to read. That is where you come in ... we need your help!

We are looking for {interesting} stories about your life or interests. We have lots of customers that are pregnant and what is more fun than reading birth stories? Is there something you are passionate about that you would like to share with everyone? Let us know about it! We'd love to read about your photography tips, or your cancer run, or your parenting experience. Whatever it is ... let us know about it!

Please email your stories to us at info {at} thepolkadotplatypus {dot} com. We will be posting them {and other things} randomly, so send us one or send us ten!

BabyLegs {Sew Golden}

2008-05-31T22:05:00.001-04:00

Crib Safety

2008-05-23T11:01:00.005-04:00

The following are some general guidelines the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assocation (JPMA) provides to consumers on creating a safe sleep environment:

*Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current Federal and ASTM standards.

*Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.

*NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

*Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.

*ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress, wraps around the mattress corners, and stays securely on the mattress corners.

*The crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width, one-inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side.

*NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

*Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8" apart, and none should be loose or missing.

*Never use a crib with corner posts over 1/16" above the end panels (unless they’re over 16" high for a canopy).

*When baby is put to sleep, remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.

*Never use pillows or add extra padding.

*No pillow-like bumpers.

*Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.

*Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to prevent strangulation.

*Flexible ribbons, strings, or ties attached to any infant bedding or related accessory item, with the exception of ties on bumper guards and headboard bumper guards, shall not exceed 7".

*Ribbons, strings, and ties on bumper guards and headboard bumper guards shall not exceed 9".

*Cover baby with a thin covering, specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby's chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. Consider using a sleeper, sleep sack, or other sleep clothing.

*No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so baby's head cannot get trapped.

*No cracked or peeling paint, splinters, or rough edges.

*Mobiles should be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.

*Don't tie items across the top of a play yard as they can entangle a baby and cause strangulation.

*Never suspend strings over play yards or cribs or attach strings to toys.

*Choose a play yard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4". Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more than 2 3/8" apart.

*Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.

*Choose a toddler bed that is low to the ground so that there is less chance of injury if your child falls.

*Place headboard against wall rather than the side of the bed so that the child can't become trapped between wall and bed.

{Sale} JP Lizzy Leisure Tote

2008-05-11T12:49:00.006-04:00

Finally, a bag that is large enough to take on your sunny outing but still small enough to fit on your shoulder without bogging you down. Built with a large opening to stuff everything you'll need for the pool or park, the Leisure Tote by JP Lizzy includes a big zippered pouch with insulation for your cold drinks on a warm summer day. At last, you can tote all of your outing gear and still have your hands free and ready for holding.

Now through May 31, 2008, save $20 on any Leisure Tote by JP Lizzy! Click here to browse our entire JP Lizzy collection ...

The Today Show {and a giveaway}

2008-05-09T21:41:00.005-04:00

Earlier today on The Today Show, The Polkadot Platypus was featured during a Mother's Day special for gifts that give back. The Cappucino Dot Changing Kit by The Bumble Collection was our featured product and needless to say, moms everywhere are in love.

In honor of Mother's Day, we are giving away one Cappucino Dot Changing Kit, as pictured above, to one lucky reader. To enter, simply comment on this post, leaving your name and email address so that we can contact you if you win. If you would like a second chance to win, blog about this contest and post a link in your comment on this post ... it is that easy! Contest ends midnight PST on May 16, 2008. Good luck!

Congratulations to our winner, Kimberly Brown!

Update: Cheyne is Back!

2008-05-07T21:41:00.003-04:00

We are very excited to let you know that the Cheyne Dress by Mayreau is back in stock. The aloe/cream flew off the shelves after our last shipment and it is happening again. Hurry before they are gone again ... there is only a limited quantity left. Isn't it a fabulous dress?!

Our Cause: Down Syndrome

2008-05-01T21:45:00.008-04:00

Here at The Polkadot Platypus, we donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that benefit Down syndrome awareness, research and education. We have made it our mission to promote Down syndrome awareness in our community, as well as do all we can to help individuals with Down syndrome realize their dreams.

In honor of Mother's Day, for the month of May, we are donating 10% of all sales from The Bumble Collection to the Down Syndrome Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. The mission of the Down Syndrome Clinic team is to help each individual with Down syndrome reach his or her full potential and function as independently as possible in all aspects of family, school and community life.

Click here to view The Bumble Collection ...

Belly Vita: The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

2008-04-30T23:12:00.005-04:00

Parent Tips: Tantrums, Fussing and Whining

2008-04-28T22:33:00.012-04:00

Tantrums, Fussing and Whining from
The No-Cry Discipline Solution (McGraw-Hill 2007) by Elizabeth Pantley

Tantrum - an uncontrolled display of negative emotion or bad temper

Fussing - excessive and unwarranted crying, complaining, and protesting

Whining - carrying on in mournful, high-pitched, (extremely annoying) voice

If you ask people to list the most frustrating and ongoing discipline problems during the early childhood years, you would find that these three items appear on every parent and care-givers list. Some children start these behaviors at two years old (those notorious terrible twos) and some wait until they are four (the fussy fours). Some children are champion whiners but rarely fuss or tantrum, and some grand tantrumers rarely whine or fuss. Some children put most of their energy into fussing, and just dabble in whining and tantrums. Yet every child masters their own adaptation of these three behaviors - every parent has to deal with them - no one is exempt!

Controlling their emotions
Most often these behaviors are caused by a child's inability to express or control his emotions. Tiredness, hunger, boredom, frustration and other causes that ignite The Big Three can frequently be avoided or modified. When your child begins a meltdown, try to determine if you can tell what underlying issue is causing the problem. Solve that problem and you'll likely have your sweet child back again.

"When I get upset at my daughter I find myself telling her "Sorry honey, mommy is really tired right now and that makes me more frustrated." Then I thought, wow, that's the same reason she gets upset, too. I think we just forget that our kids really are humans like we are, with needs, desires, and frustrations that affect their behavior."

Kristi, mother to Arianna, age 3

Handling tantrums, fussing and whining
No matter how diligent you are in recognizing trigger causes, your child will still have meltdown moments. Or even meltdown days. The following tips can help you handle those inevitable bumps in the road. Be flexible and practice those solutions that seem to bring the best results.

Offer choices
You may be able to avoid problems by giving your child more of a say in his life. You can do this by offering choices. Instead of saying, "Get ready for bed right now," which may provoke a tantrum, offer a choice, "What would you like to do first, put on your pajamas or brush your teeth?" Children who are busy deciding things are often happy.

Get eye-to-eye
When you make a request from a distance your child will likely ignore you. Noncompliance creates stress, which leads to fussing and tantrums - from both of you. Instead, get down to your child's level, look him in the eye and make clear, concise requests. This will catch his full attention.

Tell him what you DO want
Instead of focusing on misbehavior and what you don't want him to do, explain exactly what you'd like your child to do or say instead. Give him simple instructions to follow.

Validate his feelings
Help your child identify and understand her emotions. Give words to her feelings, "You're sad. You want to stay here and play. I know." This doesn't mean you must give in to her request, but letting her know that you understand her problem may be enough to help her calm down.

Teach the Quiet Bunny
When children get worked up, their physiological symptoms keep them in an agitated state. You can teach your child how to relax and then use this approach when fussing begins.

You can start each morning or end each day with a brief relaxation session. Have your child sit or lie comfortably with eyes closed. Tell a story that he's a quiet bunny. Name body parts (feet, legs, tummy, etc.) and have your child wiggle it, and then relax it.

Once your child is familiar with this process you can call upon it at times when he is agitated. Crouch down to your child's level, put your hands on his shoulders, look him in the eye and say, let's do our Quiet Bunny. And then talk him through the process. Over time, just mentioning it and asking him to close his eyes will bring relaxation.

Distract and involve
Children can easily be distracted when a new activity is suggested. If your child is whining or fussing try viewing it as an "activity" that your child is engaged in. Since children aren't very good multi-taskers you might be able to end the unpleasant activity with the recommendation of something different to do.

Invoke his imagination
If a child is upset about something, it can help to vocalize his fantasy of what he wishes would happen: "I bet you wish we could buy every single toy in this store." This can become a fun game.

Use the preventive approach
Review desired behavior prior to leaving the house, or when entering a public building, or before you begin a playdate. This might prevent the whining or tantrum from even beginning. Put your comments in the positive (tell what you want, not what you don't want) and be specific.

When it's over, it's over
After an episode of misbehavior is finished you can let it go and move on. Don't feel you must teach a lesson by withholding your approval, love or company. Children bounce right back, and it is okay for you to bounce right back, too.

Reason for tantrum, fussing or whining	Possible Solution
Overtiredness	Provide a quiet, relaxing activity (reading, puzzle, movie) Put a child down for a rest, a nap, or to bed Revise the daily nap/bedtime schedule Solve night-waking or other sleep disturbances
Hunger or thirst	Give child a nutritious, non-sugary snack Provide something to drink (milk, low-sugar juice, water) Revise daily meal and snack schedule
Frustration	Help child achieve his goal (assist with the puzzle, pour the milk) Provide supervised practice so child can master the skill Remove the source of the frustration Use distraction (get child involved in something else)
Fear/anxiety/embarrassment	Hug, hold or cuddle your child Remove child from difficult situation Help him identify and understand his feelings (explain what's happening) Teach child ways to cope with his emotions
Unhappiness	You said no cookie, stop running, or don't jump. Your child does as told, but is unhappy about it. So? Let him be unhappy. His fussing and whining is his way of expressing his feelings about not being able to do what he wants to do.
Inability to communicate	Try to figure out what your child wants Teach a non-verbal child basic sign language Calmly encourage him to tell you or show you Help him by getting him started on what to say, "Please say, Mommy, I need help."
Resisting change (leaving a place or activity)	Give child a 3 minute warning, then a 1 minute warning. This allows time for child to make the adjustment from one activity to the next (See 5-3-1 Go on page XX) Offer a choice (Do you want to walk to the car or run?) In the future, verbally rehearse child's schedule in advance of the event (Tell him what to expect.)
Over stimulation	Move child away from the activity to a quiet place. (Perhaps take a bathroom visit or go to the kitchen for a snack.) Get down to your child's level, maintain eye contact and talk in a soothing tone of voice. Put your child on your lap and your arms around him for a quiet hug.
Boredom	Provide a toy to play with. Initiate a word game or I-spy game for distraction. Tell a story. Take child outside to play. Give your child a small task to do. (Can you find the box of macaroni? Can you snap these beans? Will you go get my slippers for me? Can you pick a new toy for the baby?)
Discomfort	Determine the issue and see if it can be solved: Shoes too tight? Socks too bumpy? Too hot? Too cold? Uncomfortable car seat?
Sickness or pain	Watch your child's behavior for clues to illness: Undetected ear infection? Teething? Headache? Tummy ache? Undetected allergies or asthma?
Confusion	Decide if you are expecting something different of your child every day in this particular issue. Create routines for everyday occurrances. Create and post family rules.
Neediness	Determine if need is warranted, if so, stop the child's misbehavior and then provide the attention she seeks. If neediness is a sign of another problem, deal with the root issue: Boredom? Divert child to an activity. Shyness? Slowly introduce your child to the new situation. Tiredness? Put him down for a nap or to bed.

Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from
The No-Cry Discipline Solution (McGraw-Hill 2007) by Elizabeth Pantley

Earth Day: Time to go Organic

2008-04-22T00:46:00.005-04:00

Organic Onesies and Contrast Stitch Pant by eight3one

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Organic is soon to be the new black ... it is popping up everywhere. We will soon be expanding our ever so popular organic line, but wanted to showcase a few of our favorites in honor of Earth Day 2008.

Click here to browse our entire organic collection ...

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Short Organic Baby Kimono by Tomo & Edie

This baby kimono is made from certified 100% organic cotton ... good for baby, good for the environment. Fits size 0-6 months.

* * *

Organic Bosom Baby by Luna Lullaby

The Organic Bosom Baby pillow will make nurturing every bit of the special moment and bond it is intended to be for every new mother. Bosom Baby creates the perfect position for mothers to raise baby up to breast level, making the latch-on process easier. The unique V-shape also makes a cozy, comfortable maternity sleeping pillow.

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Organic BabyLegs in Natural

Sweet little baby legs all over the world are being exposed to the chilly air because of gapiosis. Protect their sweet little legs from wind burn and chill with BabyLegs.

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Embroidered Circles Organic Crib Set by DwellStudio

This organic crib bedding set is 100% pure, from the ground to the loom. It's fabricated in the finest Portuguese organic cotton that has gone through no chemical processing. The single decorative element is subtly embroidered onto the bumper and play blanket with organic natural thread. Both are filled with organic cotton filler and are completely washable. Fitted sheet and crib skirt are solid natural organic cotton.

BabyLegs: New Styles Are Here!

2008-04-21T19:44:00.005-04:00

Hot off the press!

BabyLegs has just released 13 new styles (see pictures below) and we have them in stock and ready to ship! Dress your little one in style with these best selling leg warmers!

Click here to browse our entire collection of BabyLegs ...

{Ginormous} Green Giveaway

2008-04-21T19:38:00.000-04:00

The Polkadot Platypus is a proud sponsor of the {Ginormous} Green Giveaway going on over at i know a mom ... click on over a check it out ... we promise you won't regret it!

Lucy and Michael Play Tents Marked Down

2008-04-14T12:09:00.004-04:00

Three styles of the popular Play Tents by Lucy and Michael have been marked down ... Anne, Maddie and Matthew. Your child will spend hours playing in their very own tee pee ... that is a reasonable assumption, yes? Each play tent even has a matching Catch All to hold all their toys, sold separately.

Click here to learn more ...

Contest: Head on over to BabyLuxe {daily}

2008-04-14T00:13:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner and BabyLuxe {daily} is getting ready for a big contest! We know how much you love a great contest, so we wanted to let you know about it since we are a sponsor. Click on the image above to read all about it!

Does it get any cuter than this?

2008-04-07T21:50:00.003-04:00

Introducing Jamie Rae Hats ... we have to say it again ... does it get any cuter than this? Specializing in floral sun hats and headbands, Jamie Rae is keeping your daughter in style. Keep the sun out of her eyes, accessorize with an adorable headband or spiff up her portraits ... no matter the use, she will be turning heads!

Click here to browse our entire Jamie Rae collection ...

Bella Tunno Binkers Are Back in Stock!

2008-04-06T11:37:00.005-04:00

We know many of you have been waiting for our Bella Tunno Binkers to be back in stock ... and now they are here and going fast! We can barely keep these things on the shelves! Bella Tunno Binkers are one of our most popular accessory items, understandably so. It keeps baby's pacifier close, keeping baby self-sufficient. And more importantly, it keeps baby's pacifier free of dirt and grime!

Click here to browse our entire collection of pacifier clips.

Giveaway: The Soothing Blanket by Luna Lullaby

2008-04-03T22:41:00.007-04:00

The five S's ... if you have ever had a baby, you know what we are talking about. If you haven't had a baby, you will find out what we are talking about when you do. Swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging and sucking ... the answer to your fussy baby qualms.

Let's talk about the first S ... swaddling ...

The Soothing Blanket by Luna Lullaby is a necessity for baby. Each swaddle blanket is made from 100% soft quality cotton muslin with a fabric weave specially designed to breathe easily. The lightweight, stretchy fabric permits snug wrapping while allowing baby's body temperature to regulate ... keeping baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter!

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to swaddle your baby and having the blanket not stretch quite far enough. You will not have that problem with The Soothing Blanket, as each blanket measures 44" x 44", making it ideal for swaddling newborns or larger babies.

Each set of The Soothing Blanket includes three swaddle blankets, an instructional DVD and is available in nine different styles.

Click here to learn more about The Soothing Blanket ...

We are giving away one set of The Soothing Blanket ... reader's choice of style. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us about your experience (or lack thereof) with the five S's. Please remember to include your email in your comment so we can contact you if you win. Contest ends Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at 10PM EST.

Good luck!

Congratulations to Kristin over at The Cliffords ... you are our winner! Please contact us! :)

Moms ... Get Organized

2008-03-24T22:35:00.004-04:00

Being pregnant and having a baby are two occasions that involve many details and require a lot of planning. The Essential Pregnancy Organizer: 40+ Weeks and the Essential Baby Organizer: Birth to One Year are here to help.

Begin at conception with the Essential Pregnancy Organizer. Tabs provide quick access to checklists, forms, and questionnaires that help manage the details of pregnancy. Features include a detailed timeline and pregnancy calendar, interview questions for obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, nannies, and day care centers, questions to formulate a birth plan, a practical baby shopping list for parents, tips on saving time around the house, birth coach's preparations and contact lists, feeding and diapering records, helpful resources, a pocket for paperwork or keepsakes, and so much more!

After the baby is born, move on to the Essential Baby Organizer. There are plenty of pages to track baby's feeding, sleeping, and diapering patterns, along with useful benchmarks for what to expect as baby grows. Journal pages are sprinkled throughout the organizer, so even the busiest parents will capture every detail of infancy, including baby's exciting firsts.

Click here to read more about these essential organizers.

Giveaway: A little something for Mom

2008-03-20T07:40:00.008-04:00

Here at The Polkadot Platypus, we believe in giving back to our community. We donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that benefit Down syndrome awareness, research and education. Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 733 live births. Today, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. It is our hope that our support will help to ensure that all people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Meet Chelsea.

(picture taken in 2007)

On September 26, 2007, at 20 months old, Chelsea was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She also happens to have something extra in the way of chromosomes ... a little thing called Down syndrome. Chelsea has completed four rounds of chemotherapy and is currently receiving her fifth round. AML is a very aggressive cancer, requiring a three to five week stay in the hospital during each round of chemotherapy. This is necessary to give her bone marrow time to recover from the chemotherapy drugs, otherwise her body would be very fragile and she would likely suffer from life threatening infections that would cause little or no harm to those of us with strong immune systems. Between treatments, Chelsea only gets one to two weeks at home before she has to return to the hospital. Despite all the dangerous and sickening drugs that have been pumped into Chelsea's little body, she has remained happy, spunky and as loving as ever.

(picture taken recently during treatment)

Chelsea's mom is a Mary Kay consultant and is hosting a March Madness promotion in an attempt to sell 100 tubes of mascara. This is in an attempt to make enough money so that her husband can take even one day of unpaid leave from his job to be with his wife and daughter as Chelsea goes through yet another round of chemotherapy. For every 20 tubes of mascara that are sold, Chelsea's dad can join them for one day during her treatment ... they cannot otherwise afford for him to take off of work.

We are giving away five tubes of Mary Kay black or black/brown mascara to five lucky readers. We will keep the contest open until 10PM EST on 3/24/08. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post with your name and email address. If you have any other comment to add for Chelsea, we are sure her parents would love to hear from you.

If you would like to order your own tube of mascara for $17.12 (includes $1 for shipping) or if you would like to read more about Chelsea and her journey, visit her blog by clicking here.

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Thank you to those of you who helped support Chelsea and her family. Chelsea's mom has met her March Madness goal .. and then some! Congratulations to the following five ladies ... one tube of mascara for each of you!

Allison (allisonredd [at] gmail [dot] com)
Stephanie Turner (stephaniemturner [at] bellsouth [dot] net)
Anne (akrambo22 [at] hotmail [dot] com)
Stacy H. (pookeymom [at] msn [dot] com)
Kim (kims2430 [at] bellsouth [dot] net)

Giveaway: Kimberly Bag by Bumble Bags

2008-03-17T07:58:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! In conjunction with Bumble Bags and in honor of this "lucky" holiday, we are giving away one Kimberly Bag ... reader's choice! To enter, click on over to Bumble Bags and leave a comment on their blog telling them if you believe in lucky charms and what your lucky charm is. Contest ends Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 12PM EST. Good luck!

Click here to browse our entire Bumble Bags collection.

Introducing Ben and Frances

2008-03-12T23:31:00.003-04:00

The foundation of your nursery starts here with Serena and Lily ... simple prints and gorgeous color combinations made from the finest quality fabrics that are fully washable and supremely practical. This line of baby bedding blends sophistication with unmatched comfort.

Meet the newest additions to the Serena and Lily family ... Ben and Frances ...

Click here to browse our entire Serena and Lily collection ...

Giveaway: Baby K'tan Baby Carrier

2008-02-09T18:00:00.006-05:00

Introducing Baby K'tan ... a unique, innovative and stylish soft baby carrier that is a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier, offering the positions and benefits of both. The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier allows you to wear your baby or toddler (up to 42 pounds) in eight different positions. The carrier is made of two loops of fabric connected with a sliding support band. Simply place the two loops over your head like a necklace. Place one arm in one loop and the other arm in the other loop ... it is that easy!

Here at The Polkadot Platypus, a portion of our proceeds are donated to organizations that benefit Down syndrome awareness, research and education. We are happy to say that Baby K'tan also donates a portion of their proceeds to help fund education, medical research and advocacy programs for individuals and families living with Down syndrome, as well as promoting awareness and inclusion.

The Polkadot Platypus is giving away one Baby K'tan Baby Carrier to one lucky reader ... winner's choice! To enter, post about this contest on your blog ... if you don't have a blog, send an email to your friends and cc us (info at thepolkadotplatypus dot com). Then leave a comment on this post telling us why you would love to win. Don't forget to include your name and email address so we are able to contact you if you win ... if you are not a blogger, just click "anonymous" and leave your contact info in your comment. Contest ends Saturday, February 16th, 2008, at midnight PST. Good luck!

Click here to learn more about Baby K'tan ...

Congratulations to Rachel over at heartforthephilippines.blogspot.com ... she is the winner of a Baby K'tan Baby Carrier!