Like many babies, my daughter absolutely loves being outside. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, she just prefers the outdoors. She is the kind that will wallow in dirt, pick flowers, get into the water even though it is cold, and will choose sticks and stones over shiny plastic toys. For all the reasons above I was excited to find out about Tuffo and two of their three products: the Muddy Buddy and the Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket (they also make a Family Car Organizer). They were generous to let Eco-Babyz try both!
Ease of use: I love how both the Muddy Buddy and the Outdoor Blanket come in an easy-to-take-along package with their own totes. The Muddy Buddy is super easy to put on and a piece of cake to clean since you can just rinse it (it is machine washable if the baby should get into a big mess)! The outdoor blanket can be thrown in the wash. What I really love is that nothing sticks to the underside when you put it on the ground. So unless you get it dirty on top, it pretty much stays clean after outdoor use!
Quality & value: The Muddy Buddy is well made and has sealed seams so that water can't get in. It is a very light material yet sturdy enough to withstand even the most active of toddlers. It has some heavy duty zippers that will serve you well. The knees and seat are a heavier weave of nylon for extra durability. Likewise the Outdoor Blanket is a nylon material that will not rip easily and should last a while with regular outdoor use. You can buy the Muddy Buddy for around $30 and the blanket for about $30 to $40.
How is this green: Did you know that most children's rain gear is made from vinyl/PVC? Do you have any ideajust how toxic that material is? I know many parents are interested in finding more non-toxic and safe rain gear. The Muddy Buddy is made from nylon with a polyurethane coating. Though it is still a chemical, it is inert. It is also used in modern cloth diaper coatings and is a better alternative. Nylon with a polyurethane coating is a much greener and healthier option than PVC.
Fit & design: The Muddy Buddy is unique because it is a one piece rain suit. Unlike a single rain coat or even a rain and pant set, it keeps the baby warm and dry no matter what. My baby is 15 months and it is spring right now, though the 18 months size is pretty huge on her, she can still comfortably wear it. Best of all, we get some bang for the buck as I am pretty sure it will still fit this fall and next spring! It can also double as a suit for messy art projects. :)
The best thing about the blanket is the water resistant nylon backing. So even if the ground is slightly damp or has dew on it, you'll be alright. There is also some polyester backing on the inside to give you some cushioning - though I do wish it was a bit thicker still. It fits nicely folded into the carry case which also has storage pockets for your sunscreen and accessories.
Both the Muddy Buddy and the Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket are a great addition to any active family with small children who love the outdoors. This will accompany us on all beach trips, vacations, and maybe even camping!
One Eco-Babyz reader will be a proud owner of the Muddy Buddy and Outdoor Blanket from Tuffo!
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
MANDATORY ENTRY: Go to the Tuffo website and tell us in a comment what pattern blanket you would like and what color & size Muddy Buddy you need if you win.