Virtual Baby Shower
The folks over at Whats Hot for Tots are having their annual virtual baby shower. Since summer time is the time of year when most babies are born, they have compiled a video list of cute and trendy baby gifts and are hosting a virtual baby shower in honor of all moms who are expecting.
Ambajam is featured at (1:19)
Growing Your Baby Review
Vibrant colours… playful designs… whimsical patterns… cuddly textures… what more could a baby or toddler ask for?
My seven-month-old daughter received a package from Ambajam that included a white T-shirt with a modern-looking, polka dot elephant, matching pink pants with polka dot ruffles, and a “Square with Flare” baby blanket with a bright zoo print pattern. The clothes are adorable, but our whole family absolutely fell in love with the soft, snugly blanket. Everyone from dad to dog has been caught cuddling it!
Ambajam products are made with 100% quality cotton that wash up easily without shrinking or fading and offer comfort and durability that makes sense for the reality of babies and toddlers. My daughter’s blanket has been washed three times in the week that we’ve had it and the fleece is as soft and snugly as it was the day it arrived!
With a variety of creative designs and products, you are bound to find something special at Ambajam for the little ones in your life. Their “cupcake T-shirts” are a great idea for that special birthday boy or girl and I absolutely adore the concept behind the mini-cuddle blanket… perfect for road trips when storage space is limited but your little one still needs something soft and cuddly. Their “one of a kind heirloom quilt” is a wonderfully special and unique baby gift idea for showers or births… sure to be cherished by little ones.
Wordless Wednesday
For more about what these babies are wearing click here.
WW participants receive free shipping - use WWFS50 at checkout.
Our Top Ten Laughing Baby Videos
Babies laughing is contagious. At Ambajam we love seeing happy babies. We surfed the web until we found what we think are the best laughing baby videos on the internet. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. If you’re having a bad day, sit back for a few minutes and hit play.
#1 Baby Ethan
This video has been seen on YouTube over 15 million times since January of 2007. Ethan’s family didn’t intend for this burst of fame when they originally uploaded the video to YouTube.
We are so happy that they did though because this is our #1 pick! To find out more about Ethan you can go to his website here. (1:22)
#2 Theo Loves Wii Golf
Over 12 million viewers have had the joy of watching this video uploaded in February of 2007.
Little Theo really gets a kick out of watching his dad play golf on the Wii. (00:35)
#3 High Chair Hahaha
Fun in a high chair has resulted in almost 50 million YouTubers stopping by to check this little cutie out since the upload in Nov of 2006. (1:40)
#4 Quadruplets Laughing in Sync
In the 4 spot we thought it was only appropriate to put these adorable quadruplets that are just enjoying themselves so much.
These babies have had over 15 million YouTubers stop by to see them, since their entry on America’s Funniest Videos in November 2001 where they won $100,000! (1:01)
#5 Baby Falls Over Laughing
Who knew babies would get such a kick out of magazines? This cutie can’t stand it. He even falls over.
Also an entry on AFV he had has over 300k YouTubers watch him tip over since April of 2007. (00:16)
#6 Evil Eyes
Evil eyes? This adorable baby even made it on America’s Funniest Videos with his amazing ability to change moods. We love how he can make an audience laugh and has gotten over 4 million combined viewers watch him give that great look, then laugh hysterically.
There is even an animated version of him here. Do you think he’s eating a chocolate dipped apple or a drumstick? (00:55)
#7 Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-boo!!! One of the greatest baby games ever. Little Bode thinks so anyway. Watch as his mom gets him in the giggling mood.
He has had almost a half million views since the video was added in May of 2007. (1:07)
#8 Behind the Cube
Another favorite. How long can you last without laughing at this one? 3.5 million views on YouTube is sure to equal 3.5 million laughs. (00:17)
#9 Falling Over at the End
Not sure why the videos are even funnier when the baby falls over at the end.
Over 7 million viewers stopped by to watch this giggling baby after he was featured on Azteca America. (00:25)
#10 Jack and Darth Mommy
Little Jack may grow up to be a Star Wars fan since he enjoys his mom’s Darth Vadar impression so much.
There are so many copies of this video online it’s difficult to determine how many views he has received, but we do know that he was one of the babies on the AIG ‘laughter can add 8 years to your life’ commercials (Along with #1 Ethan and this laughing baby). (1:43)
We really enjoyed compiling these and hope it made you laugh out loud.
Countdown to the Kiosk continues
Ambajam’s Choo Choo Train!
While out and about last week looking for props and fixtures for the kiosk, Suz and I came across some fun magnetic, wood letters designed to create a "name train". We thought it would be fun to have an Ambajam "name train" on the kiosk - we’re really working on that Ambajam name recognition!
Suz took the letters home with her to paint. This morning she dropped them by and I just had to share them with our readers as I think they look fantastic (much better in person than in the photo)! They have such a fun, colorful and playful look.
Countdown to the Kiosk continued
The Look and Feel of Ambajam’s Mini Boutique
9 days and counting…
Our friend Suz, a very creative and experienced merchandiser, is working on the concept and lay-out for the Ambajam Mini Boutique. We have many products and styles (onesies, tees, pants, baby blankets, burp cloths, handmade baby quilts, among others) and it is challenging to figure out how to cleanly and aesthetically display the collection within the designated space of the kiosk. I am trying hard not to look over Suz’s shoulder all the time and appear too controlling! I guess when it is your baby it’s hard to let go!!
That being said, I have utter confidence in Suz’s ability to create a look and feel that will be totally in keeping with the Ambajam vibe. We are aiming for a contemporary, fun, colorful and engaging display that will really evoke a sense that this IS a mini boutique. We want to create a display that pulls people in so they can’t help but stop and check out the collection when walking through the Shopping Center.
See below for a sneak peak at our concept. Suz guarantees that come next Sunday evening, aka "Set-up Sunday", the concept will undoubtedly shift and change as we begin to arrange the products for real. Suz likes to refer to these changes as "happy accidents", and I am sure we will have more than one or two "happy accidents" next Sunday evening!
Countdown to the Kiosk
Ambajam’s Mini Boutique!
As soon as Ambajam launched we recognized the importance of getting the line in front of people. While we do our best on our website to evoke the feel and quality of the collection, nothing beats having a Cuddle-up Baby Blanket in your hands or feeling the softness of the cotton used in our baby tees and onesies. Ambajam is very much a sensory experience and we take great pride in the fabrics we use and the way in which our line of fun and trendy baby clothes and accessories are made.
Given all this, a few months ago we started toying with the idea of opening a Retail Merchandising Unit (aka a Kiosk) at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Ambajam’s hometown of Denver, CO. After much hemming and hawing we filled out the extensive application, met with the specialty leasing contact and were approved. Woohoo! Little did we realized then that the real work was just beginning. Over the last few weeks we have been searching for energetic and enthusiastic people to work, identifying which items to showcase, figuring how to ring up sales and so much more.
We are now 10 days and counting until the launch of what we like to refer to as Ambajam’s Mini Boutique. We thought our readers might enjoy coming along on the ride so keep checking on Ali’s Notes for further updates as we continue to countdown to June 2nd.
We love before and after photos so here is a photo of the kiosk before it has been “Ambajamed”. We guarantee that it will look nothing like this when we’re done!
Baby Clothes And Country Music
Ambajam is a Little Bit Country
We are honored to be a part of the celebrity gifts put together by Backstage Creations at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Some of America’s top country music stars and celebrities are now proud owners of some of our favorite baby products. Here are some photos from the event:
Singer Blake Sheldon poses with our mini cuddle up blanket while pacifying himself.
Little Big Town’s Kimberly Roads Schlapman with her daughter Daisy Pearl snuggle up with an Ambajam mini cuddle up.
Phillip Sweet having some fun.
Karen Fairchild with an Ambajam cuddle up.
George Wallace looks happy with his cuddle up.
Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild - Little Big Town
Poppy Montgomery smiling with her cuddle up.
Rascal Flatts with Ambajam cuddle up poking out of the bag.
Rebecca Herst with her pink cuddle up.
Rodney Atkins Son snuggling with an Ambajam cuddle up.
Sarah Buxton displaying her cuddle up.
Check out additional the coverage on:
The ACM awards were held on May 18th in Las Vegas, NV.
Baby Clothes Buying Tips
Things to consider when buying baby clothes and accessories for your little one.
We will always want the best for our baby. That usually includes what we will dress the baby in. Going to baby clothing shops can be a thrill for moms and often times we will spend more money on the baby’s clothes than we do on our own clothes. Here’s a few things to consider before you start shopping and buying things that may not work out for you.
Tee Shirts
There are thousands and thousands of adorable baby tees out there, so when you are choosing yours look for a couple things. How big is the head opening? Some are too small and when you try and put it on your baby’s head it’s a battle you may lose. How long is the tee-shirt? If it is too short it will constantly ride up to your baby’s neck. Consider having your baby wear a onesie under the tee. Sometimes the material underneath helps to keep the tee down.
Pajamas
While you are looking for the cutest pajamas to fit your baby, make sure they are also soft in the inside. Put your hands and fingers all the way to the bottom if you can. Make sure there is nothing itchy around the neck and check the tag too. If it is a cool time, consider getting footsie jammies instead of footless jammies. If you by the footless jammies, make sure the elastic isn’t too tight at the bottom and try and get the ones that snap to the top. The CPSC also warns to make sure the item you are buying is flame-resistant. This will usually be noted on the label.
Onesies
In the early months your baby will be asleep for the majority of the time. So you want them to be comfortable. Onesies are a great choice because babies can move freely in them and they are usually made of cotton so the material is very giving. As your baby grows, the snaps on the onesies become important. They should close firmly so the onesie doesn’t come undone and ride up. You can also find extensions to make the onesies longer so you can use them longer.
Sleepers, Sweet Peas or Bunting
These come with a few different names, but basically it looks like a nightgown that ties at the bottom. They look cozy at first, but some of them are too narrow at the bottom, so what ends up happening is your baby will try and kick his or her legs around and be limited by the sleeper. This will more than likely be very annoying to your baby, so make sure the bottom part of the bunting is wide and roomy enough for your baby to kick around in, even after it’s been tied at the bottom.
Baby Blankets
Aside from wanting a cute pattern, the way the blanket feels is very important. If it is itchy, chances are your baby won’t love it. If the stitching on the blanket is the hard plastic type, your baby may even be scratched by it. Darker colors will hide the dirt because more than likely you will end up putting the blanket over your baby in the stroller or car seat and at times it will drag on the floor. That said, having 5-7 blankets is good so you can always start the day out with a clean one.
Socks and Mittens
It wood be great if all socks were made to fit babies feet snug like a bug, but the majority of them will fall off and you’ll end up losing one or both. Mittens will often fall off as well. These are items that you may not want to buy many of until you know they work for you and your baby likes them.
Hats or Headbands
If you are going to buy a hat, make sure you can return it. Often times babies take them off immediately. Also, keep in mind the size of the hat and the size of your babies head. If it’s too small it may end up giving your baby a headache. Same goes with headbands. If they are too tight, you’ll end up with a red ring around your babies head.
Shoes
When choosing shoes for your baby make sure they are not too tight. While they may still fit, your babies toes may be curled up in them and they may be very uncomfortable. Many babies take the shoes off after awhile, if not immediately, but if you start young you may get them used to it.
Sizing
Don’t buy too many of the same item in the same size. If you find a onesie that is on sale and you absolutely love it, buy a couple in a larger size. With things like tees, onesies and pajamas you can get away with buying the next size up. Keep in mind that if it is summer time and you see a sweater on sale, buy ahead not for the size your baby is now. Also, remember that some sizes vary from brand to brand, so if you aren’t sure, go a little bigger.
Rule of thumb
Remember that most baby clothes are made to appeal to parents. Babies don’t really care what they look like, but they do want to be comfortable. Anytime you buy baby clothes, feel the inside of the item. Run your fingers around the neck area and make sure it feels soft.
Wordless Wednesday
For more about the toddler tee shirt click here or click here to find out about the handmade baby quilt.
WW participants receive free shipping - use WWFS50 at checkout.
