Press

April 1, 2013

Million Dollar Blanket - Woombie Featured in The National Enquirer

The National Enquirer features Karen Barski, inventor of the Woombie telling the story of how she built a million dollar company by accident when she made a baby swaddle that solved a common parenting problem.

Read more on page 8 of The National Enquirer here.

March 7, 2013

Mommy Spotlight: Karen Barski of Woombie

“It’s been awhile since I last shared a Mommy Spotlight, and today, I’m featuring Tyckled Tales’ latest Mommy Spotlight with Karen Barski, founder of Woombie. Woombie is the original cocoon-like swaddle, recommended by doctors, nurses, doulas and countless moms and dads. Swaddling, which we’ve mentioned, is very instrumental during the 4th trimester (click here to read more).

Some parents, who struggle with traditional swaddlers, feel it may be too tiresome to keep having to rewrapp their babies, so the innovative Woombie has a zipper to zip up your baby snugly – keeping them comfortably warm and safe.

Woombie has 18 different swaddles for parents to choose from, and they have other juvenile products, including their most recent release of a new educational toy for toddlers, called Time IN Dolls.

In this Mommy Spotlight, Karen shares her personal journey as a mother of FIVE and as the creator behind Woombie…”

Read complete interview on Tyckled Tales, a mommy blog for parents.

March 6, 2013

Better CT: Teaching the Concept of Time to Kids with Time-In Dolls

Karen Barski, mom of five, 19-year nurse and mom'preneur, along with her husband, Stash Barski, visit Better CT studios to showcase their newest invention, the Time IN Dolls, a new educational toy that teaches kids the concept of time and patience in a fun, natural way!

Watch the Better CT TV video here.

February 21, 2013

New Ventilated Baby Swaddle -- Mom/Nurse Invented

Trumbull, CT -- Feb 21, 2013 / (http://www.myprgenie.com) -- Karen Barski, Mom of five and 19-year Nurse, has invented a breathable swaddle for babies that allows for proper ventilation and helps regulation of body temperature. Swaddling is a great way to help babies sleep and is used to calm fussy babies, but often times babies get hot underneath in the traditional swaddle wraps. Karen's pioneer swaddle invention, the Woombie, has been coupled with her new Tru AirTM Technology to create the "Woombie Air." Over a half million happy babies and parents to date have used the Woombie baby swaddle... and counting! The unique peanut-shaped design requires no wrapping and is the safest and most comfortable swaddle for baby.

Read entire release in the Woombie MY PR Genie newsroom.

February 16, 2013

Woombie Review by The Baby Bottom Line

"…I like that there are 2 zippers for quick changes in the dark... we keep a blue night light on in his room...and I feed and change him by that light so this feature came in handy for me...didn't have to play around too much for the early morning feedings. T gets pretty fussy with swaddling....I liked that he didn't fit me too much with this, because he still could wiggle a bit but remain comfortable and have the ability to stretch out a bit…"

Read entire review here on the Baby Bottom Line.

January 23, 2013

Woombie Baby Swaddle Review by Nate & Racheal

"It's foolproof. When it comes to swaddling, I'm a complete fool. But even I can't mess this up. And that, I believe, is the Woombie's greatest strength. Lay the baby down, zip it up, done!..."

Read entire review for the Convertible Woombie Swaddle here.

January 8, 2013

Woombie Air Review – Video by Christy Is TTC

Mommy Vlogger, Christy Geiss from ChristyisTTC reviews the Woombie Air baby swaddle with her baby.

Watch the video blog here.

January 5, 2013

Woombie Inventor Teams up with Babies"R"Us - Seminar on how to calm a crying/fussy baby and help baby sleep

Bridgeport, CT -- Jan 05, 2013 -- Karen Barski, nurse and mom inventor of the Woombie and Mod'Swad baby swaddles, will be hosting a seminar at Babies"R"Us located at 1522 Boston Post Roadin Milford, Connecticut at 7:00PM on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. As a Certified Infant Care Specialist and Instructor, Infant Sleep and Parenting Consultant, and Happiest Baby on the Block Educator, Karen will be discussing Dr. Harvey Karp's 5 S's which work amazingly well to calm your crying baby and in many cases help your baby go to sleep with no fuss. Karen will also teach and demonstrate easy and effective swaddling methods. The seminar is offered at no cost.

Read entire release here in the MY PR GENIE Woombie baby swaddle newsroom.

December 13, 2012

Woombie Air Review – The RJ and Jessie Blog

“…It's very easy to use! You just put the baby on top of it, put their feet in, snap the top button and zip it up! I really like the design. It's really simple to unzip and change his diaper int he middle of the night. I also love the price at only $26. I am definitely going to buy the next size up for him. They have a ton of different cute prints to choose from. I think I want the green elephant pattern next. I have been putting Lincoln in the Woombie each time he was going to nap. He was upset at first that he couldn't move his arms but he calmed down quickly and fell asleep. He seemed to nap longer than he has been while wearing it. He usually wakes up quite a bit, cries and has to be rocked back to sleep. He hasn't had that problem while wearing the swaddle. Now during his nap times he wakes up, eats and falls right back to sleep. I love that the mesh keeps him nice and cool since we live in very Southeast GA. We are 3 miles from Florida so it's hot, even this time of year. He also is warm tempered like Brayden is so it's nice that he doesn't overheat being wrapped up in the Woombie. I can just add clothing underneath if it happens to be cold. I love the Woombie and I am very impressed by this company. I suggest every new/expecting parent get one of these. It would be a great baby shower gift!...”

Read more on the RJ and Jessie Blog here.

December 4, 2012

Woombie Air Review – The Proverbs31 Mama Blog

“…Now, if you've never heard of the Woombie before, let me just tell you - It's AWESOME!!!! The Woombie was designed by a RN & Certified Infant Care Specialist, providing the safest and most comfortable swaddle for your baby. Gently hugging the shoulders & tummy, the Woombie allows for natural movement of the arms, legs and hips- softly cocooning baby without restricting mobility or development. I was thrilled when the Woombie AIR arrived! I mean, look how cute it is!!!!!!!!!...”

Read entire review on the Proverbs31 Mama blog here.

December 1, 2012

Winter Holiday HOT Product Winners on Good Things Utah ABC

Top products chosen by moms are presented as winter holiday HOT products to buy on Good Things Utah (ABC) - Woombie is one of them!

Click here to watch the video on ABC.

October 26, 2012

Mom Made Easy

Mom Made Easy is a blog dedicated to making moms' lives easier with new and fun ideas. Moms' can browse recipes, crafts, toddler/infant ideas and tricks, as well as preschool activities and ways to prepare your child for school.

Visit www.mommadeeasy.weebly.com.

October 26, 2012

The Woombie: A Better Way to Swaddle? Test Lab Review by Lauren Pavao

“THE BOTTOM LINE: If your baby likes being swaddled she will like the Woombie, and you will like how quickly and easily it goes on and comes off. It is a quality product and well worth the price. In fact, I recommend owning two.

PROS:
· Many varieties and color options
· Easy to clean in the washing machine and dryer
· Faster and easier that swaddling with a blanket
· Helps baby regulate temperature while sleeping
CONS:
· None!

Our Rating:
Strongly Recommended…”

Read entire review on Apartment Therapy here.

October 23, 2012

Tyckled Tales: Mommy Spotlight: Lacey Moler of BellyBallot

Lacey from Belly Ballot, a popular baby naming social site, is interviewed by Tyckled Tales and names the Woombie baby swaddle as a top 10 essential baby product.

Read entire interview here on Tyckled Tales.

October 9, 2012

Baby Shower Gift Guide: Gifts For a First-Time Mom

Mod'Swad was chosen by Bump to Baby Gear as a top 10 baby shower gift (#1 actually)! "A ModSwad is a new parent's dream swaddling solution. Just zip it up and you're done. The new ModSwad is the fashionable sister of the popular Woombie…"

Read entire article here on Bump to Baby Gear.

October 9, 2012

Bump to Baby Gear Gift Guide – Mod'Swad #1

"First-time moms tend to have either a small registry or an enormous one. And that's because they're usually not sure what they really need. We have selected 10 gifts that are supremely useful for a first-time mom who is trying to figure out this whole motherhood thing. Visit the main page of our Baby Shower Gift Guide to view picks for every mom…"

View the Baby Shower Gift Guide here.

October 5, 2012

Bamboo Mod Swad Review by The Family Review Center

"Swaddling is by far one of the best ways to make a baby feel secure. They feel as though they are still in the womb, where they have been kept securely for nine months. This makes for a happy, content and secure infant who will usually calm faster and sleep better.

The Mod Swad is for babies prior to when they begin rolling over. You simply tie it one inch below their heel, so it is totally adjustable. It is lightweight and breathable, which will help regulate body temps. These are fashionable, and easy to use, which makes for a winning combination… "

Read entire review at The Family Review Center website.

October 2012

Baby & Kids Magazine

Two of Woombie’s new baby swaddles, the Woombie AirTM with its new Tru AirTM Technology to promote proper ventilation for swaddled babies and the Woombie PlusTM – a new no-roll swaddle that has bilateral, fixed rolls sewn into the Woombie Air swaddle.

See page 34 and page 60 in the October 2012 Baby & Kids Magazine issue here.

October 2, 2012 Maternity & Newborn 360

New trends and forecasts.
Woombie on page 41!

Click here to browse the digital issue now.

September 19, 2012

Woombie Swaddle Review by Open Hands

"…When I was given the chance to review a swaddle from Woombie I was thrilled! We were sent the Ballet Pink Ruffles Woombie, I have to say this is so much cuter than the typical blanket you would use to swaddle your baby in. Best part, not only is it adorable to look at, it is super easy to use! No more waking up in the middle of the night just to swaddle your baby again…"

Read entire woombie swaddle review on Open Hands mommy blog.

September 17, 2012

A Trumbull Mom Takes Swaddling To New Level With The Woombie

“With five kids, the eldest entering college and youngest two are starting pre-school, Karen Barski knows a little about mothering. So when the household routine was being completely disrupted by the loud, nighttime crying of a new baby, she put her experience to work.

‘The Woombie was born when my daughter, Bella, who is now almost six, had trouble sleeping,’ says this industrious Trumbull mom, who took to her sewing machine. She tapped into her creative side and her professional expertise as a registered nurse and invented the Woombie, a zip-up swaddler for babies ages 3 to 6 months that saves new parents from needing to learn the old-fashioned wrap and tuck method. Five years later, Barski's idea has become a profitable business that is debuting two new designs in October…”

Read more and watch the video TV segment here.

September 17, 2012 - Woombie on TV

Sarah Cody's Mommy Minute: The Woombie

Sarah tells us about this innovative mother of five, who created a womb-like onesie to comfort your baby into a warm sleep.

Watch the full TV segment here.

New York September 13, 2012

Woombie Baby Swaddle Giveaway on Baby Names Dot Net aka BellyBallot

Summary: Baby Swaddle giveaway on BellyBallot, a popular baby names website where you can win baby products by getting the most votes for your baby name. Founder Lacey loves the Woombie baby swaddle and connected with Woombie to cross-promote.

“New York, NY, September 13, 2012 —Today is the last day to win a Woombie baby swaddle on http://www.babynames.net. This unique swaddler has a peanut shaped design that imitates the comfort and security of the womb while allowing baby to stretch and move naturally – resulting in better sleep for babies (and parents). BellyBallot offers a fun and interactive new way for parents to name their baby…and through voting can win weekly baby product giveaways…”

Click here to read entire press release about the Woombie swaddle giveaway on Baby Names dot net.

September 12, 2012

Woombie Lil' Peanut Doll - Review by The Proverbs 31 Mama Blog

“Some of you may remember my previous review of a wonderful product called the Woombie Toddler Eco Donut. It’s a FABULOUS travel bed for toddlers that we just love!!! Well, I've got another wonderful Woombie swaddle product to review today! - The Woombie Lil' Peanut Doll!!!

The website states: ‘Lucy is looking for a big brother or sister to take care of her! Lucy requires: Lots of love, Gentle rocks, Sweet songs, Tucking into bed at night, Kisses, Occasional diaper changes, Soft hugs, Her Woombie swaddle. The perfect gift for the NEW big brother or sister…’”

Read entire review on The Proverbs 31 Mama Blog here.

August 24, 2012

Mommy Mandy – Mod'Swad Review!

"Now that Shelby is older she does not like being swaddling much (sniff) but I still want her to stay warm and comfy so I love the Mod Sleeper by the Mod Swad.

Sleep with style and sophistication! At Mod'Swad, we offer modern, vintage & fashion forward sleepwear for your baby. With our stunning look & soft pure fibers, what more could you expect? Our Organic Bamboo/Spandex blend will cradle your baby in comfort and luxury…"

Read more on Mommy Mandy

August 23, 2012

Curly Girl Braids and More – Woombie Toddler Eco’Donut Review

“…Brea just started kindergarten and she had to have a mat to sleep on. Well last year we bought her one of those red and blue plastic mats for preschool and she hated it. It even tore up. Well this year we knew we wanted to find her a beautiful and comfortable mat. I was so amazed at how beautiful and fluffy the eco toddler donut looked on the website. When we got it Brea and I were so happy…

Read more on Curly Girl Braids and More here.

July 18, 2012

The Lexi Awards! Best baby items {0-3 months}

By Melissa Curtin

The Art of Marking a Baby names Mod'Swad as the winner of: Best Organic Non-Muslin Swaddle. "This has been our savior. You can read a full review here, but ModSwad swaddles are one of the pieces in the puzzle that I've been putting together since Lexi was born, the puzzle named:"SLEEP". Her naps became so much better after I bought my first Modswad. She slepts for 2 hours, the first time in her life. I won't go on. If you're interested, read the details here…"

Read entire article here on The Art of Making a Baby.

July 12, 2012 - Sweet T Makes Three

Woombie Review & Giveaway

“We are all about sleep-training in this household, but unfortunately the rules don’t apply to newborns! That means running on much less sleep than I’m used to in the coming months. While newborns can’t be expected to adhere to a schedule right away, there are a few things Mom and Dad can do to help baby sleep as well and as much as possible. Swaddling is one of those things. The Woombie helps parents swaddle baby safely and prevents issues such as startling, face scratching, overheating, and dangerous loose unraveled blankets. It comforts, softly confines arms, hugs the tummy (great for colic) and gently cocoons baby’s unique curves encouraging them to softly stretch while still feeling the comfort and confinement of the womb…”

Read more on Sweet T Makes Three.

July 8, 2012

Swaddled, Woombie Style
Actress Kate Clark - Look Here Daily Blog

"I found the solution! The solution to getting more sleep with a newborn in the house.

I hear people all the time say their newborn (or sometimes older) keeps them up all night. There are several solutions for that (more on this later), but one of them is keeping your little one swaddled. But not just swaddled, swaddled well. How do you do that?...

And I found it. It’s called a Woombie and it’s genius! It zips up nice and snug and doesn’t come undone.

Now if Sarah wakes up to eat at 2:00am, there’s no re-swaddling to do and we can both just go right back to sleep. Genius."

Read entire review on Look Here Daily.

June 21, 2012

Baby Month: Woombie Swaddler Review & Giveaway

“…We were sent a "Key Lime Original Woombie Swaddle" in the Newborn size (fits babies weighing 5-13 lbs.) for Jacob to try out. The Woombie is made of a stretchy cotton/spandex blend so Jacob was able to still move his arms and legs around slightly, but yet still stay swaddled. The fabric is also very soft! As I said, the Woombie is also the easiest way to swaddle a baby, since you just have to zip it up! No tricky folds or wrapping. Seeing him in the Woombie, I can honestly see why babies like it! It certainly looks womb-like! Jacob has been a much fussier baby than his sister was, but we have found that swaddling him really seems to make him calm down…”

Read more on Thrifty Nifty Mom.

St. Louis - June 18, 2012

Baby Planner and Sleep Consultant Recommends Woombie to Help New Baby Sleep (KMOV.com - Channel 4 St. Louis)

Erin Meckfessel from Pickles & Ice Cream Baby Planning answers some of the most common questions from new parents including Woombie demo!

Click to watch video here.

June 17, 2012 – Ask Miss A

Recap: Celebrities Spend Time With Kids At The Wonderland Suite To Benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

By Melissa Curtin

“…All of the adorable babies at the party were gifted with modern and vintage baby fashions courtesy of MOD’Swad and the safest and softest baby swaddles by Woombie. MOD’Swad and Woombie creator Karen Koslov-Barski also had her husband Stash onsite to gift his super cool Sneaker Kandy to all of the kids at the party so they can personalize their kicks…”

Read entire article on askmissa.com.

June 14, 2012

The Woombie Swaddler Review

“…Overall, we all really enjoyed that fact that the Woombie really calmed down Blake, and helped him to fall into a deep four-hour stretch of sleep. He has never slept so soundly before being in his safe, comforting, innovative swaddler. I also really enjoy the fact that he cannot cover his face with blankets, overheat, scratch himself, or startle himself. Being in a Woombie reminds babies of the safe environment they know best-the woombie. I highly recommend the Woombie to any parent of an infant whom seeks sleep!!...”

Read more on www.savvysavingcouple.net

June 11, 2012 – Examiner.com

Children's Hospital Los Angeles enjoy a magical day in Wonderland.

"On Saturday, June 2, 2012 Hollywood's brightest stars joined Trueheart Events in hosting The Wonderland Suite to benefit Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Over four hundred guests visited the magical world of Wonderland and enjoyed a fun filled day of activities, entertainment, fabulous gifting and delicious treats and sweets at hotspot Tru Hollywood…"

Read entire article on examiner.com.

Atlanta - June 7, 2012

Woombie Swaddle & The Baby Sleep Whisperer Speaking at World’s Largest Baby Shower Expo June 9-10 in Atlanta

Summary: Karen Barski, CEO of KB Designs / Woombie Swaddle / Mod’Swad will exhibit and speak with Ingrid Prueher, Founder of The Baby Sleep Whisperer, at the Baby Shower Expo in Atlanta, GA on June 9th and 10th (booth 868).

"Atlanta, GA, June 7, 2012 — Woombie and ModSwad will be exhibiting at the World’s Largest Baby Shower in Atlanta, GA at booth 868 this weekend. Founder Karen Barski and Woombie’s resident sleep expert, Ingrid Prueher of The Baby Sleep Whisperer (aka Savvy Mom on Call), will be featured speakers amongst celebrity experts – Dr. Oz and Lisa Oz – and other guest speakers. Barski and Prueher will speak about safe swaddling, keeping the nursery safe, easy tips for colicky babies and more baby sleep tips. Additionally, they will be doing a swaddle demonstration and hand out followed by a Q&A session. Speaking slot is Saturday, June 9th at 1:00 p.m..."

Click here to read entire press release about Woombie Swaddle.

June 5, 2012 – Young Hollywood Life

Hollywood's brightest stars joined Trueheart Events in hosting The Wonderland Suite to benefit Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

"Magical sets by Green Set and floral design by Lily Lodge; Mad Hatter's Tea Party hosted by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a Wonderland theme photo booth courtesy of Pix In The Box; Queen of Hearts' Sweets Table courtesy of Kt's Kakes; Face painting courtesy of MOD'swad and Woombie; a Children's Accessories Lounge hosted by ViaCord; and coloring and tabletop games in the Plum Organics Lounge; Schoolbags for Kids debuted and gifted their "Learning Tree" backpack T-shirts by Hank Player; baby gear by MOD'swad; the softest and safest baby swaddle by Woombie; couture fashions for babies and kids from Born 4 Couture; and adorable eco-chic baby fashions by Shinobi Baby; Alice, The Mad Hatter and The Queen of Hearts will appear courtesy of Party Princess Productions; performance troupe, Lucent Dossier Experience in their wonderland best, a juggler, clown, ballerina and more…"

Read entire article on Young Hollywood Life.

June 5, 2012 – LA Splash Magazines

Wonderland Suite - Stars Share a Magical Day With The Kids of Children's Hospital Los at Trueheart Events' 1st Annual Wonderland Suite

By Lawrence Davis

"On Saturday, June 2, 2012 Hollywood's brightest stars joined Trueheart Events in hosting The Wonderland Suite to benefit Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Over four hundred guests visited the magical world of Wonderland and enjoyed a fun filled day of activities, entertainment, fabulous gifting and delicious treats and sweets at hot spot Tru Hollywood…"

Read entire article on La Splash Magazines.

June 4, 2012 – CNN iReport

Wonderland in Hollywood

Children's Hospital LA patients are treated to a day of fun and stars. Stephanie Savage reports.

Click here to watch CNN video.

Perezitos – May 28, 2012

Resource Advice for Pregnant Mommies

“Is being preggers making you feel overwhelmed?

Don't worry!

You're not alone.

In fact a woman named Preggers In Philly is feeling the same way!

So she wrote to our pro party planner, organizer, and all around motherhood expert Amy Malin, asking:

Question:

Hi Amy. I'm four months pregnant, I'm about to be a first time Mom and I have to admit I'm a bit overwhelmed. Everyone is telling me what to eat, what to read, what baby gear to buy, but honestly I don't know how to cut through all of the clutter and weed out the good information from the bad. Are there resources for pregnant Mommies to help make sense of it all?

Preggers in Philly.

And here's what Amy had to say in response…”

Read Amy Malin’s response on Perezitos here.

CT Post - May 23, 2012

Trumbull woman creates swaddling contraption for babies

"They say necessity is the mother of invention. But, sometimes, mothers are the mother of invention.

That was certainly the case for Karen Barski, a mother of five living in Trumbull. When her third child, Bella, was a baby, she had a Houdini-like gift for unfurling the blankets her mother swathed her in to keep her contained at night. "I would find her with her swaddle blanket unraveled several nights in a row," said Barski, 40. Even worse, Bella would often get the blanket up around her face and Barski, a nurse, feared the child would accidentally hurt herself.

Barski tried a variety of swaddling contraptions before realizing she had enough sewing skills to make what she needed. She unearthed her grandma's sewing machine and got to work. After a few failed attempts, Barski crafted the Woombie, an ergonomic, peanut-shaped swaddling product that keeps babies secured, while allowing them to move their arms..."

Read entire article on CT Post.

May 20, 2012

Mod'Swad Exhibits at New York Baby Show

Mod'Swad Baby Swaddle exhibited at the NYC Baby Show May 19th & 20th. CEO Karen Barski displayed her new baby swaddle line including Bamboo, Muslin and Merino Mod'Swad, Bamboo & Merino Mod Sleeper, Le'Sac, Tru'Aire, Venti'Flo, Mod Hats, Mod Plushies and Mod Mats.

Click here to read more

May 19, 2012

NYC Baby Show

"They say necessity is the mother of invention. But, sometimes, mothers are the mother of invention.

The 5 S's. Meet The Baby Sleep Whisperer! Woombie's new resident sleep expert, Ingrid Prueher (Savvy Mom on Call).

Visit www.savvymomoncall.com.

May 18, 2012

Woombie / Mod’Swad Swaddle at NYC Baby Show May 19 & 20, 2012

Summary: Karen Barski, CEO of KB Designs / Woombie / Mod’Swad along with Ingrid Prueher, The Baby Sleep Whisperer, will exhibit at the New York Baby Show in NYC on May 19th & 20th (booth 216)

"The New York Baby Show is a fun and educational “mega-event” for expectant and new parents – and their infants and toddlers too! It’s the baby event of the year with keynote speaker Dr. Harvey Karp and Celebrity host and Mompreneur, Ali Landry. The Woombie and Mod’Swad baby swaddle brands will be at booth 216, Saturday and Sunday, May 19th & 20th on Pier 92 in NYC from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Woombie’s resident child sleep expert, Ingrid Prueher, known as The Baby Sleep Whisperer, will be also be attending..."

Click here to read entire press release.

May, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA

Ali Landry and Karen at the Pregnancy Awareness Month event

April 27, 2012

Woombie / Mod'Swad baby swaddle exhibiting at Pregnancy Awareness Month's Celebrate Mama free kickoff event May 6th at the Skirball Center in LA

Trumbull, CT, April 27, 2012 — The Woombie / Mod'Swad baby swaddle will exhibit at the Pregnancy Awareness Month (PAM) annual Celebrate Mama kick-off event Sunday, May 6thfrom 12PM- 4PM a the Skirball Center in Los Angeles, CA. This is a free event open to the public with a special musical performance by Lisa Loeb. Other highlights include a Mommy Pampering Spa; Children's activities; over 25 booths with samples / giveaways; fashion by BumpitUpStyle; a birth planning station and more. Event will stream live via twitter in real time…

Read entire press release here.

Trumbull Patch April 26, 2012

Local Connecticut Mom Builds Million Dollar Company From One Idea & Her Grandmother's Sewing Machine

Karen Barski - a mom from Trumbull, CT - built a million dollar company from one idea and her grandmother's sewing machine.

How it all started...

Her then newborn Bella was born 5 weeks early and due to her super startle reflex paired with mighty-mouse strength, she unraveled her swaddle within 15 minutes...ALL NIGHT LONG. Karen found Bella time and time again with the swaddle blanket unwrapped and up over her face making her hot and red - very scary to say the least.

Read entire article on The Trumbull Patch website.

Woombie Baby Swaddle Chosen as Top Colic Product

Summary: The Woombie swaddle chosen as a top colic product to help calm and soothe fussy babies. Announcement made by The Fussy Baby Site.

Trumbull, CT, March 29, 2012 — Calming and soothing fussy babies or babies with colic is not easy. Caring for a colicky baby is frustrating, but there are some products that can help – one of which is the Woombie baby swaddle, recently voted a top colic product by The Fussy Baby Site.

Click here to read entire press release.

Top Colic Products: The Fussy Baby Site

"...The Woombie replicates the experience of the womb more fully than any swaddler I've tested. The soft, stretchy fabric allows some movement, while still providing a feeling of snugness and security. Comes in a variety of thicknesses and various levels of stretchiness, depending on how snug your baby likes to be swaddled.:

Click here to read more

“I knew I could successfully sell the product to the world.”
By M.O.

“...MO:Were you always interested in entrepreneurism or did you have an 'aha' moment that inspired you to launch your business?

Karen:My AHA moment came when I could not find a safe swaddle for my baby girl. She came five weeks early and had a super startle reflex with mighty-mouse strength. We tried every swaddle we could find; even the ones with Velcro – nothing worked. She unraveled herself within 15 minutes…ALL NIGHT LONG, EVERY NIGHT. I found Bella time and time again with the swaddle blanket unwrapped and up over her face making her hot and red – very scary to say the least.

Clearly there was a need for a different solution. So, I used my nursing background to design a safer alternative to swaddle blankets in the market. One sleepless night, I took out my grandmother’s sewing machine and created the first Woombie. I sewed and sewed until my daughter was gently 'contained' in a peanut-shaped cocoon. She stayed intact and snug, but at the same time she could stretch if needed and the fabric would then automatically re-conform to the snug cocoon – just like in the womb. After the product worked miracles, I knew I could successfully sell the product to the world...”

Click here to read more

Woombie Swaddle Review
By Marcie at Obviously Marvelous

“I have mentioned many times throughout the Obviously Baby event how much all three of my kids loved to be swaddled. There were no super handy products on the market during this time aside from the usual receiving blankets and the occasional velcro type swaddle device. By the time I had Bub in 2008, I still wasn’t too impressed with the items that were on the market. Luckily for me I wasn’t the only one…”

Click here to read more

New baby Swaddle Brand - KB Designs Introduces Mod'Swad

Summary:  "Karen Barski, CEO and Founder of KB Designs creator of the Woombie baby swaddle, is known for designing unique baby products. Her newest innovation – Mod’Swad – is an upscale, eco’friendly and functional baby swaddle made from heathered bamboo, Muslin, Cotton and 100% Australian Merino Wool. Also, there is a fashionable knot to customize length as baby grows.

'Mod’Swad offers a signature look that creates a perfect blend of high-end fashion with the same benefits of a great swaddle,' said Barski. 'Parents can now enjoy a fashion forward swaddle blanket ‘where modern meets vintage.’'
Mod’Swad was recently showcased at the NYC International Gift Fair catching the attention of Babies R Us and many other interested buyers, and will be a vendor at Pregnancy Awareness Month’s May launch event in LA: 'Celebrate Mamas...'"

Click here to read entire press release. 

Woombie Swaddle is January Spotlight for Pregnancy Awareness Month

Summary: Pregnancy Awareness Month (PregnancyAwareness.com) is featuring the Woombie Baby Swaddle this month. Gift Basket Giveaway ends 1/20/12. Twitter Party on 1/24 with more giveaways!

New York, NY, January 20, 2012 — The Woombie swaddle is the Monthly Spotlight Sponsor for Pregnancy Awareness Month® (PAM) for the month of January. Today (1/12/12) is the last day to enter in baby swaddle gift set giveaway. On 1/24/12 PAM is hosting a Twitter party, from 7-8PM PST. Party theme is “A Baby’s Sleep: The Benefits of Swaddling.” Woombie giveaway every 15 minutes and guest expert Ingrid Prueher, Founder of Savvy Mom On Call, who is a Child Sleep Consultant.

A Peek Inside the Barski Home Where the Woombie Was Born

I wear many hats - mother of five, wife, nurse, Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor, Infant Sleep Consultant, Parenting Consultant, Entrepreneur - but first and foremost I am a mom. A mother to five beautiful children my husband and I are blessed with. The Woombie was built around our family, for our family and by our family.  This journey has brought us even closer together and knowing that we help other families with their problems and needs makes it all very rewarding...

Unique Holiday Gifts for Expecting Moms and Babies.

Summary: "Nurse and mom invented, over a half a million babies and parents to date have used the Woombie swaddle for babies. The Woombie sleep sac is a unique baby swaddle that is a perfect holiday gift for expecting moms and babies. The Woombie baby swaddle was designed by Karen Barski - a Registered Nurse & Certified Infant Care Specialist. The swaddler sleep sac provides the safest and most comfortable swaddle for your baby. The peanut shaped design gently hugs the shoulders, tummy and hips allowing for natural movement, softly cocooning your baby without restricting mobility or development... just like the womb! This is the perfect holiday gift for expecting moms and newborn babies to help with a smooth transition from womb to home.

The Woombie swaddle has been shown to promote a more natural and peaceful sleep environment for infants resulting in longer periods of sleep with less restlessness - which is why Infant Care Experts recommend the Woombie to institute successful sleep patterns from birth to 6 months. The Woombie swaddle also prevents issues such as startling, face scratching, overheating and dangerous loose unraveled blankets from covering baby's face.

In addition to these benefits, the designs, styles and color options are great."

Family Gift Guide

Mod'Swad was chosen to be in The Baby Scoop's special edition gift guide!

KB Designs Announces Launch of New Woombie Baby Swaddle Website

Summary: KB Designs launches new website for popular baby swaddle brand, Woombie. New site offers easy shopping navigation, "Karen & Co." blog with Q&A forum and a completely new look (http://www.woombie.com).

Trumbull, CT (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

In an effort to re-brand the popular baby swaddle, Woombie, KB designs launched a new website with a completely new design and features to enhance the Woombie swaddler experience. Karen Barski, Founder and CEO, wanted a website that was warm, inviting and easy to use; a site that mirrors the Woombie brand with its tagline: "Swaddle. Snuggle. Sleep." The new baby swaddle website is getting rave reviews already:

"The new Woombie swaddle website is strikingly different in a great way!" said Natascia Hyde, mother of 3. "It is inviting, easy to use, the new products such as the Daddy and Mommy Time Dolls and the Ultra Sleeper are wonderful additions, the design is outstanding, and the new blog offers such useful information..."

45+ Best Assets Women Bring to Business

"...41. Be Assertive

I believe the best asset women entrepreneurs bring to business is being assertive. Assertive women simply state their opinions, while being respectful of others. Being assertive, rather than passive or aggressive, allows a more effective flow in your business and allows for overall growth.

Thanks to Karen Barksi of KB Designs/Woombie/Mod'Swad..."

Goodbye Blankies

Aside from being captivated by the photo of this beautiful baby, this little slice of fashion is as practical as it is good looking. Created by the makers of the Woombie Swaddle, this peanut-shaped swaddle is a more stylish, eco-friendly way to keep baby comfy and warm. Expected on the market in January 2012, the Modswad is a comfy blend of bamboo and merino wool, with a knot to customize length. So clever. Good for babies up to 9 months.

The Only Swaddler that Truly Mimics the Womb - The Woombie

I've heard that swaddling has been proven to help babies sleep better, longer, and safer. It reduces incidences of SIDS, colic and fussiness, and it can help make breastfeeding easier. I understand the benefits of swaddling but, as a first time mother, I question how should I swaddle my baby? How tight should the swaddle be? How can I maximize the effects of the swaddle? Basically, how do I know if I'm doing it right? The Woombie is a safe, comfortable, and effective way to swaddle my baby, encouraging her to softly stretch extremities as needed, just like in the womb. It's an effective way to know I'm doing it right because all I need to do is zipper it up and tuck in the zipper.

Thanks to Karen Barksi of KB Designs/Woombie/Mod'Swad..."

Baby buzz

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. To minimize your baby’s risk of SIDS, follow these tips from First Candle, a nonprofit organization working to increase public participation and support in the fight against stillbirth, SIDS and other causes of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

ABC Kids Show and Expo - should you exhibit next year?

As an entrepreneur with a product-based company, there are many ways that you can spread the word about your products. There are trade shows like the ABC Kids Show and Expo, there are showrooms, there are sales reps and there is social media or advertising, among others. But trade shows are expensive and you often wonder if the return on investment is worth all the time and money you spent.

So I talked to some entrepreneurs who just returned from ABC Kids show and expo, which took place last week in Louisville, KY, to get the scoop on whether it's wise to attend or not.

Woombie Featured in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine

Find the Woombie in the Fall Buyer's Guide issue of Pregnancy & Newborn magazine. P&N can be found at your local newsstands, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Babies"R"Us, and select Target, Whole Foods and CVS stores.

Woombie Returns to ABC Kids Expo to Release New Swaddle Products

Since first exhibiting at the ABC Kids Expo in 2009, the Woombie (http://www.woombie.com) has succeeded in getting its popular swaddle in over 200 baby boutiques as well as Babies-R-Us.com, BuyBuyBaby, and Amazon.com. This year the Woombie will be booth at 1147 - twice the size as last year - showcasing current swaddling products as well as new baby products such as the Ultra Sleeper, Eco Donut, Woombie Mox Mittens, and Mo'Mo Friends.

Woombie Swaddle and Sleep Donut Featured in Tot Trends Weekly Magazine

"...Need a soft place to change baby at Grandmas or in the car? The Baby Eco' Donut by Woombie has you covered. The donut is a large cushy portable multi-use mat. Great for letting infants play on their back, easy to move from room to room, the donut folds up and has handles for easy carrying as well. We love how easy this is to pack up and throw in the car for trips to places that might not be as child friendly as your own home! Super light weight and easy to carry makes this the perfect item to keep with your diaper bag for those last minute visits and stops! Completely glue, foam, odor, lead and pthalate free you can trust that the Eco' Donut is made of materials good for your baby and for the environment. Not recommended for sleeping.

This unique swaddler from Woombie is shaped like a peanut, and keeps your peanut's little arms from flailing. The Woombie swaddler has a great 4 way stretch fabric that snugs baby's arms right across the chest making baby less likely to startle himself awake. This great swaddler also has double ended zippers so that changing diapers is a breeze. No folding, pulling or frustration necessary when trying to swaddle your little bundle of joy!..."

Karen Barksi Featured on Venturemom.com

What to do when you're newborn won't stay swaddled and ends up crying and with a blanket covering her face? Out of frustration, Karen Barski, got out her sewing machine and created a stretchy sack that zipped up and gave the baby some room to move, but kept her snuggled. She called it a "Woombie" because the idea was to simulate the womb that the newborn was missing. And it worked – her baby Bella, who was five weeks premature, slept through the night and she and her husband were able to get some much needed rest.

Got Sleep?
The Woombie Baby Swaddle Sponsors Swap The Biz NYC Networking Event

The Woombie (http://www.woombie.com), a popular swaddling solution for parents, launches "Got Sleep?" campaign targeting professional parents who are in dire need of more sleep! The Woombie is an official sponsor of Swap The Biz; the NYC event planning organizers love the baby swaddle sack!