Perry and her Son Alex, who was the original inspiration behind Peaz in a Pod.

My name is Perry Quinton, and I am a mom of two boys – Alex, age 3 and Nicholas, 5 months. My business is peaz in a pod. I make good quality baby necessities with unique touches that make moms’ lives easier -like nursing covers that allow you a hands-free view of your baby, luxurious swaddling blankets, and nursing necklaces that are safe for babies to play with. I make all peaz products in my home workshop, with a little help from friends when I’m really busy.

I didn’t start out to make a business at all. I just started making things that I needed. My friends liked what I made, so I made more. And then it just spiralled from there…

[I began peaz in a pod when…] I was on maternity leave with my first baby, and I would sew while he was sleeping (he actually slept!). A few of my girlfriends with babies would come over to help, and we started the business together. They’ve moved on with more babies, and less free time, but I decided to keep going. My mom is my business partner now.

The three babies that started it all, doing what babies were meant to do with peaz products. They’re lying on a quilt, which is outside on the grass. And it’s ok if they spit up on it, or get dirt on it, or whatever, because it’s meant to be used (and it’s totally washable).

I primarily work with fabric and beads, and I choose my materials based on what I like. I love colour, particularly bright colours, and I like to make things for moms and babies that are not necessarily babyish. Some bunnies and bears are nice, but I think there is lots of room for style and variety… I have a day job in marketing, but I really like to make things, so I keep doing it…

I draw my inspiration from my boys, my experience as a mom, and from my friends that are moms. When I see a need for something that would make life easier for moms, I love the challenge of designing it.

My mom taught me how to sew when I was 4, and I’ve been making stuff ever since. I know how to use patterns, but mostly I don’t use them because I like to make my own.

Alex, using one of our super clips, which are essential for keeping soothers and toys close at hand.

It’s tough finding the time to make new products while balancing work and family life. My boys are my priority. I’ve been very lucky to find friends to help – one family friend does some sewing for me, and my cousin Courtney, who is in high school, beads for me. I’ll keep going as long as I enjoy it.

I live in Ajax. My community circle is made up of family and friends locally and across Ontario. I test my products on my boys, and my friend’s babies. I have a lot of strong, supportive moms around me. My husband is also very supportive and comes up with lots of great ideas.

I care about the environment, and the planet. I try to source local supplies, and cut down on the carbon footprint of the business. I don’t use packaging for my products in stores, to cut down on waste that goes to landfills. My fabric scraps are used for charity quilting projects.

I also feel strongly about quality in baby products. When you purchase a peaz in a pod product, you know that it can be used and abused, and washed and worn and it will still hold up.

A Funky Mommy Necklace by Peaz in a Pod

Every mom in Durham knows about Cuddly Bunny, because they carry the baby stuff that you really want. So I knew the store. We had a booth beside Cuddly Bunny at a baby show and we got to talking with Marnie, the owner. She gave us some great ideas about products, and we followed up with a store visit. Our products were a great fit.

Cuddly Bunny is unique because they carry products that moms and babies really need, made by local artisans. They encourage grassroots businesses, which cultivates great ideas and is gentler on the planet. I also love that Cuddly Bunny’s staff knows their stuff – they’re moms, and they know what works and what doesn’t.

Stepping into the breast feeding mums shoes: Once you leave the comfort of your home and step into the busy world, you may not feel as comfortable nursing in public. Bottomline: your baby needs to feed. The question is: how can you nourish your baby without feeling anxiety or self  conscious.

What to Look for in a Nursing Bra:

1. Comfort

A good comfortable bra is a foundation of a nursing wardrobe. A cotton bra is a good choice. Look for a bra that provides support and comfort. Choose a wider strap and ensure is not tight.

Original Nursing Bra by Bravado Designs

2. Easily Accessible Flaps

Flaps can pull up or down. The flaps should be easy enough to unfasten and fasten. Nothing should dig into your skin.

3. Wireless

Underwire should be avoided. The wire may cause pressure on the milk ducts which may interfere with the milk flow.

4. Full reveal

Choose a bra that reveals the breast, not just the nipple. To helps ensure baby gets a proper latch.

5. Timing

Don’t purchase a bra too early as bra sizes will change. Shop for one bra in your last trimester and then when breastfeeding is established, go bra shopping again.

Nursing Bras come in all sizes. Some are plain, some are fancy. Look for a bra that washes and dries well. Get a professional bra fitting and purchase the best quality of bra, within your budget.

Wardrobe choice may also contribute to your comfort and confidence while nursing. Look for clothes that allow easy access.

Ideas on what to chose:

1. Button down the front blouse or shirt

2. Large t-shirts

3. Busy patterns that will camouflage milk leaks

4. Layers. Layer your clothing: t-shirt under a blouse, sweater over a tee, tank under a t-shirt etc. Visit secondhand shops for blouses, shirts etc.

5. Nursing specific clothing. There are brands of clothing designed for nursing women. These can be a bit of an investment, price wise.

There are many nursing accessories on the market as well to assist with breastfeeding, such as the nursing cover or apron. A stretchy wraparound baby carrier can also be very helpful especially if you’re tending to another child while breastfeeding

Overall….enjoy your baby

About the Author:

My name is Sandra Carrier and I am a certified Lamaze instructor and aromatherapist. I teach the six-week birthing series at the hospital in Port Perry. I am a registered nurse and have worked in the New Life center for over 20 years. I am a primary care nurse for women in labour and during the birth of their babies. I also provide care for mothers and infants during the postpartum period. I own and operate Kawartha Lamaze. I have been providing childbirth education in the Durham and Kawartha areas for 18 years. I work with women and their families to assist them in achieving a positive birth experience. It is my belief that working as a registered nurse in the maternal/newborn field provides me with the hands on experience that enhances my classes.

To learn more about Kawartha Lamaze, please call 905-985-7321 ext. 5525

Seriously, these are amazing.  New to the Cuddly Bunny Online Baby Store collection is the Dandelion Natural Tableware.

And I LOVE them!

From Dandelion:

NATURALLY…BPA free, Phthalate Free, PVC Free!

What’s the secret for getting kids to eat well? Make it FUN! Entice your little ones to eat right, with their own special tools. Dandelion natural corn plates, bowls & utensils help ease the transition to solid foods and self feeding. Because they’re lightweight and ReUsable, they’re also perfect for the lunchbox crowd. All you need…patience and a sense of humor! Hand Wash.

Why Corn ReUsables?

Reducing our dependency on both petroleum-based plastics and disposable ware in general, is an essential step toward a healthier future for our families and our environment. Our reusable Corn products offer a visionary alternative, and a better choice.

Corn, really?

Really! We use a unique corn (PLA) formula. Unlike conventional plastic, which is largely made from

petroleum, our bioplastic is primarily made from corn! Polylactic acid (PLA) requires significantly less fossil resources, and generates far fewer green house gases than conventional plastic. And corn is a renewable and sustainable resource.

What I love about these little Dandelion feeding items is their sizing. Appropriate for the kids. Perfect for holding in the palm of your hand. Eco, safe and unbreakable.

I’m in a sectional plate and bowl point in life (helps me organize the kids nutritional needs a little better) and the size of the sections are just right.

Seriously! These are AWESOME! Come check ‘em out.

The Winner of the Sarita Baby contest, which closed on the 15th: is Courtney K.

Courtney has been emailed regarding her win and to make arrangement to get her prize of the Sarita Baby Matching Giraffe and Bib.

Thanks everyone for playing along with The Cuddly Bunny Online Baby Store in one of our many contests!

• frozen fruit in a teething mesh thingymabobber. Mango was a fave, cause it mushes up well.  [Cuddly Bunny says: Like the Sassy teething feeder!]
• measuring cups!?!
• Silicone kitchen utensils nice and rubbery.
• Peppa Bonding Dolls [Cuddly Bunny says: Peppa Bonding Dolls are the best! Fairtrade, organic AND last a lifetime for only 9.99. One of my favorite gifts to give!]
• Amber resin necklace!  [Cuddly Bunny says: hm....have you been reading my mind...maybe just maybe something to watch for coming soon ]
• Cold wet washcloth to chew
• Herbs for Kids Gumomile oil
• Funky shaped chewey binkies or Chewie Tubes (tossed in the fridge to get cold of course)
• For older tots: frozen blueberries with or w/out a mesh feeder.
• Hyland’s Homeopathic Teething Remedy!
• Salt herring
• Moose bones
• Ear plugs!
• Wooden teething ring  [Cuddly Bunny says: As in the Crazy Baby maple wooden teether ring ]
• Camilia [Cuddly Bunny says: recommended by two! something to learn about!]
• Sophie the Giraffe

New to the extensive Cloth Diaper Collection at the Cuddly Bunny Online Baby Store and the Cuddly Bunny Storefront are Berry Plush All in One Cloth Diapers!

How Gorgeous. I am in love. If ANY cloth diaper was going to woo one into cloth diapering, it would be this. These are DIVINE.

I could see myself using these paired under a dress, even IF I was using disposables! They make a great diaper cover for cloth of course.

The Berry Blush All in One  is a complete all in one with an ample amount of absorption. An ‘All in One’ (or AIO) diaper means that its a complete DIAPER system: cover and diaper that absorbs, you don’t need any bits or bobs. I truly wish I had met these diapers back in my cloth diapering glory. Being a collector of many diapers, the Berry Plush is unlike any diaper I have in cloth diaper stash. They glow amoungst the pretty colors of the other diapers in The Cuddly Bunny cloth diaper collection.

A Cool video from the manufacturer explains it all

The Cuddly Bunny Berry Plush inventory is small  as we try this one out. We’ve sold half before even putting them out on the shelf, so nab yours quick LOL (and maybe we’ll be tempted to bring them in as a staple )

The Cuddly Bunny Color Selections of the Berry Plush All in Ones include:

Featuring the Sweetest ingredients and manufactured locally in Toronto Ontario, Substance is a goreous line that smells like everything baby should.

Take a peek at the collection at The Cuddly Bunny Online Baby Store!

Matter Company is a distinctly Canadian company that provides a line of premium natural skin care products that balance the needs of our urban lives with our North American connection to the outdoors.

Based on contemporary Phytotherapy principles, and infused with the wisdom of traditional herbalism, each item represents a distillation of the living essences of plants, which have been known through the ages to encourage human health.

Each formula slow-cooked to extract the essential properties of the botanical formulation into the product. Our traditional methods of extraction preserve their beneficial properties and all recipes are made in small batches to ensure the highest quality.

The ingredients are the product, our tag line, is synonymous with a commitment to purity and quality in the ingredients we use. Pure essential oils are added to create a ‘scent story’ that is not only indulgent, but enhances the therapeutic value of each product.

Over the past nine years, Matter Company has been at the forefront of natural personal care product development. A truly unique concept, Matter Company is rooted in a commitment to the environment, and an understanding of our connection to all living things. Thus, the “Matter” behind the company lies within the products, and is the foundation to the philosophy and ethics that drive its culture.

Sarita Baby stuffed giraffe plushy toy. The ribbons give baby a great sensory, tactile experience.

My name is Sarah Gaylor and I am the owner, creator, crafter of Sarita Baby, which is a line of modern funky baby accessories, made out of designer fabrics.

My favorite medium [to work with] is cotton fabric. I am totally obsessed with finding new prints and what to make with them. My sewing room is like a fabric store.

The most interesting thing about me and my business is that I, a stay at home Mom, personally handcraft each item in Canada. I am totally blessed that I am able to stay home with my 2 kids (but it is sometimes hard to find the time to sew.)

I draw inspiration from being a mother: what I would want to use for and put on my children. I am currently inspired by Amy Butler’s Lotus print collection of fabric. It has just been reprinted, much to my amusement! In the past my inspiration was what I knew how to sew, but now I feel I could sew almost anything.

I remember at a very young age loving craft time in school. I was forever stockpiling scraps of everything in hopes of making something new out of them. I took a fashion course in High School that really allowed me to be more comfortable around a sewing machine and being creative. I am forever trying and making new things to keep things fresh, otherwise it can be very repetitive.

I started doing my craft after my Daughter was born almost 3 years ago. I saw an episode of Martha Stewart where a crafter was on talking about a webiste called “Etsy” a handmade marketplace and decided I could possibly make money making baby accessories and the rest is history.

Mod pinafore dress that recently added to the Sarita Baby line. The dress goes from size 0-3 months up to 5T and can be custom ordered in a variety of prints.

My local community has a lot of crafters that I am in contact with, including Sarah from Crazy Baby. It is great to communicate with people that know exactly what you are doing and going through.

[I] value… selling products [while] providing great customer service and to ensuring optimal quality. I want people to be comfortable buying my products.

I first connected with the Cuddly Bunny about a month or two before [their] move to the Queen St. Commons. I knew that Sarita Baby and The Cuddly Bunny would be a good fit and I’m forever greatful to all the wonderful staff at the store!

The Sarita Baby display at the Cuddly Bunny Grand Reopening in October 2009

The Cuddly Bunny is such a great place to shop because [The Cuddly Bunny] promotes Mompreneurs and hancrafted items from Canada. There is such an amazing mix of products from birth and up. The knowledge that the staff at the store possess is absolutely amazing, especially when it comes to babywearing.

I see myself headed in a great direction with doing more large shows and getting my name out there. I would like to be able to get into more stores and to have more free time to sew.       —Sarah of Sarita Baby

Excited  to introduce our feature contest this month! A Sarita Baby bib and giraffe!

Ultra cute giraffe would be a wonderful gift for a baby shower.
Measures 12″ x 9″ This is the perfect cuddle toy to take on the go to keep little ones hands busy. Just toss into your diaper bag. Ribbons are triple stitched in for added durability. The giraffe is stuffed with poly-fill.

Enter to win a Sock Monkey Bib and Matching Toy Giraffe handcrafted by Sarita Baby!
Simply submit the entry form for an entry!

To earn yet ANOTHER entry, refer a friend to enter the contest. Have your friend input YOUR name into the ‘Which Contest are you Entering’ field.

You will then be granted another entry to the contest. You can earn an entry for every new friend who has not already entered the contest, that enters your name into the Contest Field!

Ju Ju Be Preorder!

Preorder your Ju Ju Be items with the Cuddly Bunny Co and receive 15% off! [/B]

Simply view the JuJuBe catalog and send us an email by May 28 FRIDAY MORNING with your address and selections. You will be invoiced actual cost of shipping.

View the JuJuBe Catalog here: http://www.ju-ju-be.com/

Email: info@cuddlybunny.com