Make Way For Baby: 4moms MamaRoo Plush Giveaway and Review~ 10/9

Momma Told Me: The only thing that would soothe you was an occasional nap atop the dryer, or a 2am car ride.

When I was born I set out to give Momma the ride of her life, with incidents of projectile vomiting and severe jaundice. She would later get me back by recalling these stories, in vivid detail, at dinners with (my) boyfriends down the line. Some babies are easily soothed, while some moms naturally know how to soothe, and at other times uncontrollable issues in the environment, or postpartum phases can magnify common sleep issues. In my case, those uncontrollable issues were due to severe reflux, and minor illness. These things came together to make the perfect storm of fussy baby and exhausted Momma. I recall tales of my parents falling asleep in the laundry room of their apartment, or my sleep deprived father burning gas at 3 am; the rumble of the car's engine the only thing which would soothe me.

You're probably wondering why they didn't try bouncers, or vibrating baby seats. The answer is, they did. My parents tried just about everything available at the time, but I simply was not fooled by anything other than Momma's rocking arms, dryers, or moving vehicles. How my poor parents survived those first few month, I'll never know. Thankfully, there have been major advancement in, not just technology but, proven medical research regarding baby's response to various motions. Let's face it, parents don't vibrate, and Momma certainly never swung me like a swing. 4moms , innovative infant product company and real mom driven brand is constantly taking things like this into account when formulating the hottest parenting aids on the market. For example, their latest top notch project, the Origami, is the world's first power-folding stroller! It includes a state of the art LCD screen which outputs valuable information, such as baby's location (in the stroller, hopefully), how far one's walked, and the current temperature. My last car couldn't even do that!

4moms originated with a focus group of 5 moms (4moms just sounded cooler), with 15 kids between them, and years of parenting experience. Since beginning in 2005, the group's helped shape two of the hottest infant products on the market, the brand's Cleanwater Infant Tub and MamaRoo automated motion infant seat. If you're just discovering the MamaRoo, it's likely you're a first time mother, or have gone several years between kids. Let's just say, it's a big deal. This cutting edge Infant Seat is designed for babies Birth-25lbs (about 6 months), and was designed with the input of countless doctors, nurses, designers and parents. Most importantly, the MamaRoo is intended to mimic Momma (or Papa) in movements that are naturally soothing to baby. Equally notable to most are the easy clean features, integrated White Noise/MP3 hook-up, and absence of battery reliance.

4moms was kind enough to send us their latest release in the MamaRoo series, MamaRoo Plush, in time for the arrival of my nephew, William. The MamaRoo Plush primarily features a softer, plusher, seat fabric that's softer on baby, yet still entirely machine washable. Additionally the buckles are easier to access and the updated gear box is up to twice as quiet as original models. Weighing in with a retail value of $239, this baby seat may seem a bit over-hyped for one that can only be used an average of 6 months, but those first 6 months are often the most difficult for busy new moms! Let's take a look at what's going on beneath the sleek plastic frame that makes the MamaRoo Plush worth fighting over.

First, your brand new MamaRoo will arrive with some construction necessary. We loved that packing was kept minimal, and the box was appropriately sized for the contents (little waste). Though the box is still quite big, and the frame needs a little assembly to be attached to the base. In general, I give this a difficulty level of 2 out of 5; reading the instructions (for feature comprehension) just might take longer. Ever part of the MamaRoo zips, pops, or snaps into place, with the exception of a single screw that requires a Phillips Head screwdriver (to tighten). Once your new MamaRoo Plush is assembled, the chosen seat attaches via zipper for quick changes and cleaning. 4moms will happily sell you alternate seat fabrics/covers online at Shop4MomsOnline. We suggest plugging your MamaRoo in and learning the controls, as well as movement settings, prior to placing baby in the MamaRoo- but always seat baby with the unit off. 4moms has made the eco-friendly decision to offer MamaRoo as plug-in only, to eliminate excess batteries in landfills. This means your MamaRoo will 'roo' until the cows come home, and then some.

While many developing doctors argued swifter movements were best for baby's developing inner ears, 4moms decided to leave the decision of speed up to individual mothers. The MamaRoo Plush features 5 gentle, and naturally developed, movement patterns with varying levels of speed. The 5 Speed Patterns include: Car Ride, KangaRoo, Tree Swing, Rock-A-Bye, and Ocean Wave, relying on the generous pivoting base that allows the seat to recline to any angle on it's axis. I was thrilled to see, my personal favorite, Car Ride had made it to the lineup but am sad to admit I do not fit in the MamaRoo to try it out. (We had to leave that to William) For safety purposes, the device steps all motion when interrupted, demonstrated when William's big sister accidentally bumped into it. In all, the natural movements are unlike anything I've seen in any other automated baby bouncer/seat/swing.....but everyone knows a good ride has more than great moves!

Furthering the examples of parent-driven though, 4moms has included a dangling mobile which consists of 3 Pull-And-Play plush balls. Many parents agree that modern baby gear should be developmentally engaging, and can still break traditional 'baby' concepts. You'll find no monkeys on the MamaRoo (unless that's your thing, in which case, they leave the monkey supplying up to you). Instead, the featured mobile's 2 sided plush balls showcase 3artist inspired graphics and engaging black and white patterns for infants under 4 months. Just another example of how the MamaRoo Plush is designed to aid and grow with baby. And last, but not least, a feature Papa will be sure to love; the ambient white noise and MP3 adapter. Out of the box your MamaRoo will play 5 natural White Noise sounds designed to soothe baby when combined with the seat's organic movements. If you're inspired to urge baby towards a career in Classical Music or Instrumentals, simply hook up your iPod via the simple adapter and viola! William loves listening to his father's World Music through the volume adjustable MamaRoo speakers!

Luxury like this was not available when I was a child, nor so affordable. Treat Momma and Baby to a smooth ride, and some much needed rest with the updated MamaRoo Plush. I guarantee, once you've gone MamaRoo, you'll never go back! The MamaRoo Plush includes a 6 month manufacturer's warranty, but it's easy wear makes it worth storing for future kidlets. Keep an eye on the rave-worthy 4moms brand for upcoming infant innovations and more products designed by moms, 4moms.

What Daughter Says: When baby's rested, Momma's rested. Discover the luxury of naturally sourced movements and engaging sensory aids with the MamaRoo Plush!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win themselves, and baby, a MamaRoo or MamaRoo Plush in their choice of fabric! Thanks 4moms!