Green Toy Video Clips:

 Click link below:

 http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?aid=86504&storyid=98159#/Green+Toys/70823069001

http://www.greentoys.com/images/Articles/Its_A_Green_Christmas.html

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1155295679?bclid=1527680324&bctid=43150923001

Product Review: Bum Genius Cloth Diapers

Here’s the thing no one tells you about disposal diapers, they stink! Yeah, I know, dirty diapers smell, but that’s the thing. In two months of using Bum Genius’ cloth diapers, I have been pretty amazed that the dirty diapers do not smell. In fact, they do an excellent job of wicking away moisture from my infant son. Because of this and the suppressed smell, each diaper can be worn longer than a disposable one. Furthermore, Bum Genius diapers are easy to clean (we do not pre-wash them and they come out sans stains).

While the upfront cost may be prohibitive (the diapers are sold in packs of two on Target.com for $35.99), they have a number of benefits, along with a few drawbacks. In the first few weeks of life, my son was too small for the reusable diapers so we had to outfit him in disposables. The number of trash bags filled with diapers was astounding. Instead of throwing out the trash every week to two weeks, we had nearly daily trips to the dumpster. Estimates from the EPA claim that 3.1 million tons or 1.4% of municipal solid waste in the US is attributed to diapers.

However, the reusable diapers have caused a noticeable uptick in our energy bill (roughly $15 per month). Although we have an Energy Star rated washing machine, the hot water and extra rinse cycle consume more energy and water. The outer shell does not need to be dried. Instead, they air dry quickly. The liners, on the other hand, do go through a dryer cycle.

Yet to be seen is how well the diapers will hold up through the next two years. The agitation from the washing machine and the hot water required to sanitize the diapers will cause greater wear and tear on the diapers. In addition, the velcro stay that inhibits the diaper from sticking to the rest of the laundry has already shown signs of wear. At roughly $40 per box of 200+ diapers at Costco or Sam’s Club, we need to use each diaper nearly 100 times to break even. With the use of cloth wipes though, we have little need for disposable wipes and wash the cloth wipes along with the diapers.

Overall we’ve been very pleased with the Bum Genius line. Instead of using our laundry detergent though, we will switch over to their brand to help ensure the longevity of our diapers.

- Eric Wilson

 _{Other Related Information:}

_{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1T144OWD6g}

Smart Toys for Brainy Babies Comments

Parents always want the best for their babies. Most parents worry and concern about doing the right thing to encourage baby's growth and development, mostly brain development. Parents always choose smart toys...

Cool have. I'll try that Baby Einstein Toys for my 10 month baby. Nice hub!Yeah, Baby Einstein toys are really nice for babies!

MindWare - Brainy Toys for Kids of All Ages

Provider of educational toys for children and toddlers and classroom resources for teachers.

Our blog has moved! Same fun, brainy content, new location! You can now visit the new MindWare blog at mindware.com/Blog. Or visit our MindWare homepage, dedicated to educational toys for kids. Be sure to let us know what you think of the new blog! The Importance of Teaching Kids about Other Cultures I spent a year living in Tokyo when I was 18.  As I prepared to go overseas, I was taught a little bit about Japanese culture.  One thing I was surprised to learn is that the Japanese consider it very rude to tell someone “no.”  For Americans, this can be disconcerting—we tend to value directness [...] Live International Youth Day—Every Day International Youth Day was launched August 12, 1999 with a goal to improve the living situations for young people around the world. Areas of focus include hunger, poverty, environment, education, drug abuse and gender equality. This year’s theme is “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding,” and reflects the value of exchanging ideas with people from cultures outside [...] Is Your Child a Future Inventor? Did you know that August is National Inventors Month? There’s no better time to encourage your children’s creative sides and give them opportunity to invent something of their own. Try cultivating curiosity in these ways: Get the toys out: Toys and puzzles that require manual manipulation activate the brain’s problem-solving mechanisms spark logic and reasoning. [...] Appreciating Each Other’s Differences “Isn’t it cool how everybody is different?”  I’ll ask my kids from time to time.  “It’d be so boring if we were all the same.” I hope that from an early age my children will appreciate other people’s differences and see them as something interesting, not something bad.  My family lives in a diverse metro [...] Keep Things Calm at Home When Stormy Weather Hits A loud crack of thunder and bright flash of lightning can make any of us jump. For many children, stormy nights can mean scary nights at home. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several ways to help your child not be afraid of storms. Staying calm is key. If your children [...] An Educational Road Trip With the advent of portable DVD players that pop down from the vehicle’s ceiling, hang on the back of headrests or sit in your lap, it’s a wonder that anyone ever spends travel time admiring the scenery instead of staring at a little screen.  But even the most patient parents enjoy having some peace and [...] NEW Product Sneak Preview! We are excited to introduce the arrival of our new Contraptions 50 Plank Set®. This unique construction system provides an entirely new way to build ball track structures using simple stacking planks—no glue or connectors necessary!  The set includes 50 identical KEVA® precision pine planks, two lightweight balls specially designed for maximum action and a [...] Out of This World If you think your child’s head is always in the clouds, why not shoot for the stars? Learning about the planets, stars and our exploration into space is a great way to get a child excited about science and technology. This week NASA turns 52 years old. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the space agency [...] An Ode to Carpenters Have you ever left the room for just a minute when your kids are playing with Lincoln Logs, building blocks or Lego bricks, only to come back to a giant fort or a soaring tower? Kids love to stack, build, and create—and the bigger, the better! Playtime is key to every child’s well-being and development. [...]