Hollow Woodworks- simply the best

One day Jim began building a deck he designed for the back of his house. In the middle of his deck building project, Jim needed to take a trip to the hardware store. After gathering the supplies he needed, Jim made his way to the check-out. While waiting in line, he found a “How to Make a USA Puzzle” catalog and just had to buy it, not knowing that this would mark the beginning of his woodworking journey. That was twenty-five years ago.

For fun, Jim began making puzzles and name stools for his family and friends. Soon enough he was doing local art and craft shows where his custom woodworking skills and products really became popular. Hollow Woodworks was born. While I was talking to Jim this afternoon, he said something that really caught my attention. “I have so much fun doing what I love. It really is the best job in the world,” says Jim.

In an effort to support our country and people here in the USA, all of the Hollow Woodworks supplies are from the USA. Hollow Woodworks uses primarily sustainable maple wood and occasionally sustainable birch wood. The paint used on all the Hollow Woodworks pieces is made right outside of Detroit and is water based acrylic paint safe for kids and safe for the environment.

Not only does Jim love his company and his job but he also believes that Hollow Woodworks is truly the best. There are a few things that make Hollow Woodworks truly special.

First, whatever the customer wants, Hollow Woodworks can make it. They are always striving to have new products and ideas and they love customer input. Second, Hollow Woodworks products are of the highest quality all the way down to the nails used to hold the pieces together. Everything is made in the USA! “Quality lasts a lot longer, even if it means paying a little bit more. You’re paying for the quality of the craftsmanship.” Jim says. And this is true. Hollow Woodworks even replaces lost pieces for free!

Hollow Woodworks is best known for their super awesome Name Stools! Personally, the name stool is my favorite item Hollow Woodworks offers. Each stool has a puzzle of the child’s name cut out on it. The best part is that it is a puzzle! This is great for little ones to begin recognizing the letters in their own name and even basic colors too. Hollow Woodworks offers many more items other than the name stool such as toy boxes, flip step stools, a variety of educational puzzles to name rocking chairs, all which are available to purchase at the Summer For Kids store. So if you are looking for a fun, cool, personal great quality gift your child will appreciate forever, I recommend any of the Hollow Woodworks products.

Custom Name Stools starting at $59.00

All Hollow Woodworks items are made with love in Ferguson, Missouri.

For more information about Hollow Woodworks products or to place an order please visit the

Summer For Kids
1235 Coast Village Road Suite C
Montecito, CA93108

Call (805) 565- 2277
email to: store@summerforkids.com

stop online www.summerforkids.com

Mattress Buying Tips

Are you ready to buy a crib mattress?

Here are some buying tips ....

When you're shopping for a crib, you'll also need to choose a mattress. Don't underestimate this purchase; a mattress is as important as the crib. After all, your baby will spend a lot of time snoozing--up to 18 hours a day initially--so it's essential to select the best.

Check for firmness. Buy a firm mattress. Don't worry that it may feel too firm. Press on the mattress in the center and at the edges. It should snap back readily and should not conform to the shape of your hand. If a mattress is too soft, it can conform to your baby's shape, causing a risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Test the fit. By law, all full-size crib mattresses must be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than six inches thick. If you can squeeze more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, the mattress is too small and it can leave gaps in the crib that could trap and endanger your baby.

Don't worry about warranties. Some mattresses offer a one-year, a seven-year, or even a lifetime warranty. Don't be swayed by a long warranty, and don't pay extra for a mattress with a warranty. In general, you can expect any quality crib mattress to last as long as you're going to use it, provided that the cover hasn't become ripped or torn and that it's been used properly.

Organic. Non-organic mattresses have chemicals that can create allergen problems and issues with immunity development and reproductive systems. These mattresses are also covered in secondary chemicals to decrease their flammability. These chemicals have been linked to the increase in hyperactivity and neurobehavioral alterations in children. Babies spend hours sleeping in their beds and breathing in these poisons.

The baby’s bed should be a safe place. The use of organic cotton and wool work to decrease dust mites, contain a resistance to bacteria and are more flame retardant.

A mattress wrapped in wool complies with the Federal fire retardant rules/regulations. Wool is a sustainable raw material (sheep only get a haircut), not harmful to the environment, and is actually healthy for the body. Furthermore, wool is naturally dust mite free, resists molds, and is naturally hypo-allergenic.

Read more about NaturaMat Mattresses and Wool on our blog

We proudly carry Natural Mat Mattress and Naturepedic and Holy Lamb

The Great WOOL

True wool allergy is quite rare.


 Many people with chemical sensitivities have found relief with wool. Many wool sensitivities arise from the harsh chemical processing agents that whiten, clean, remove oils and add color to the wool. Many who previously believed that they were allergic to wool have found that our wool products do not irritate them at all.

Dust-mite allergies and asthma


Wool bedding, mattresses, changing tables are ideal for everyone and especially those with asthma and dust-mite allergies. Dust-mites are a common bedroom allergen and cause respiratory irritation for many people. Wool bedding will not support the growth of dust-mites like other bedding will. Wool fibers inhibit mold, mildew or bacterial growth — all of which are common bedroom allergens.

Benefits of Wool:

o Wool resists dust - mites.

o Wool resists bacteria.

o Wool is fire resistant.

o Wool is cool in the summer yet warm in the winter ~ it is a breathable material.

o Unlike down bedding which shifts over time (ie. bare spots in a comforter), wool stays in place.

o With proper care your woolen bedding can last for decades.

o Unlike bedding that uses plucked down feathers, a sheep grows a coat of wool annually and is not harmed during sheering.

o Wool is a sustainable product helping small farmers make a living.


Wool Batting: Our comforters and pillows use pure and natural wool batting. Wool comes from sheep. They grow a coat of wool each year, which is sheered (like a haircut) in the spring. Our wool comes from a local woolen mill in the Pacific Northwest where the long fibers are carded using old turn of the century machines. We are proud to support American sheep farmers.

No Dyes, No Chemicals, No synthetic fills

Summer For Kids carries everything from Nursing pillow, Changing pads, Pillows, Duvet covers through mattresses and more....

If you need a custom sizing, please Contact us at info@summerforkids.com or 805-565-2277

How to Choose the Right Pillow...

...It's important for proper neck support to choose the right pillow thickness.

Bed Pillow LIGHT: Recommended for people who sleep on their stomach.

Bed Pillow REGULAR: Recommended for people who sleep on their sides or back.

Bed Pillow EXTRA: Recommended for people who sleep on their sides or back.

You know yourself the best. If you are the kind of person who likes a thicker pillow try our EXTRA. Conversely, if you tend to favor a thinner pillow try our LIGHT. If neither the EXTRA or LIGHT pillows appeal to you, then you are better suited for our REGULAR. * Pillows may settle (up to 15%) until they conform to the weight of your head.

Hand made in Oakville, WA
by Holy Lamb Organics

Summer For Kids

www.summerforkids.com

info@summerforkids.com

BREAST FEEDING AND BABIES

WHY BABIES NEED TO BE BREASTFED!

Give your baby the best care you can. And one of the best things that only you can do is to breastfeed for as long as possible.

BENEFITS FOR BABY:
A mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for baby's growth and development. Breast milk has agents called antibodies (proteins made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Antibodies neutralize or destroy antigens) in it to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses and to help them fight off infection and disease.

Therefore Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses. About 80% of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Breastfed babies are protected in varying degrees from a number of illnesses including, pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles. Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to whatever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight diseases their babies are exposed to as well.

Formula does not provide any of the disease-protective factors present in human milk. Infants artificially fed infants are generally sicker and sick more often. They are three to four times more likely to have an ear infection or diarrhea and ten times more likely to be admitted to a hospital for bacterial infections.

Breastfeeding reduces or even eliminates food allergies & eczema.
Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile. Breast Milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. Breast milk is free!

Babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula. Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant. When a formula fed baby gets a gastrointestinal ailment they are usually put on an artificial electrolyte solution because formula is too hard for them to digest. Breast milk, however, is easily digested, and soothing to the intestines, so there is no need for artificial and expensive electrolyte solutions. If a baby gets a respiratory illness, formula may cause even more mucus. In contrast, breast milk contains antibodies to these ailments, as well as being highly digestible and not contributing to excess mucous formation.

Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby. All babies need to be held. There is no more comforting feeling for an infant of any age than being held close and cuddled while breastfeeding. In fact, studies have shown that premature babies are more likely to die if they are not held or stroked. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother's body. It is now well established that oxytocin, as well as stimulating uterine contractions and milk ejection, promotes the development of maternal behavior and also bonding between mother and offspring.

Breastfed infants grow exactly the way they should. They tend to gain less unnecessary weight and to be leaner. This may result in being less overweight later in life. Premature babies do better when breast-fed.

Breastfed babies are slightly higher in IQ tests, especially babies who were born pre-maturely.
Failure to breastfeed is also one of the risk factors believed to contribute to

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and increases the risk for some immune-system diseases in adulthood. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed for at least one year.

Breast milk provides natural pain relief for baby
Breast milk actually contains chemicals that suppress pain (endorphins). Aside from this, the comfort a baby derives from being held close and suckling is remarkable. Many a bruise or scrape has been soothed away almost instantly by a few moments of nursing. If you choose to have your child vaccinated, it is a good idea to nurse immediately after he/she receives a vaccination. This soothes the hurt, as well as enhancing the vaccine's effectiveness.

BENEFITS FOR MOM:
Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to get back to its original size and lessens any bleeding a woman may have after giving birth.

Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding (no supplementing with formula), delays the return of normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. (However, you should still talk with your doctor or nurse about birth control choices.)

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and possibly the risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause.

A mother can give her baby immediate satisfaction by providing her breast milk when her baby is hungry.

Breastfeeding requires a mother to take some quiet relaxed time for herself and her baby.

Breastfeeding helps a mother to bond with her baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and helps them feel more secure, warm and comforted.

Mothers who artificially feed are at greater risk of excessive bleeding after birth, ovarian cancer and premenopausal

breast cancer. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing endometrial cancer. 
A World Health Organization study has shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the less likely she is to get endometrial cancer.

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