If you have a toddler in the house, I’d like to introduce you to your new favorite group The Fresh Beat Band! By “favorite” I don’t mean that you’ll look forward to new releases or attending live events, but “favorite” in the way that you’ll soon spend more time watching and listening to the new Nick Jr. sensation than any other band in your music collection.

At first-glance, the squeaky-clean musical foursome (Marina, Kiki, Twist, and Shout) make the Wiggles look like street thugs. One visit to Twist’s room poster on NickJr.com, and you’ll see what I mean. If Twist is the band’s “sweet beat-boxer and rapper“, Nick Jr. might have a hard time introducing this group to parents that grew up with rap. On the other hand, the 20 episode series is marketed as a means to teach music appreciation and self-expression through music. Yesterday’s press release calls The Fresh Beat Band an “original live-action music comedy series” which makes me wonder if it might actually be tolerable. If they can mix a little content into the show that adults will find funny (à la SpongeBob Squarepants), they just might have something here. If not, we’re all in for a rough couple of years because Nickelodeon knows how to market to kids and the kids are going to love it either way.

In case you are wondering when your new super-fan status will begin, that would be on the band’s August 24th premiere. They are releasing two back-to-back episodes which will be followed by multiple encore presentations on NOGGIN…so don’t think for a second that you’ll be able to keep this one from the kids.

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

If you have a toddler in the house, you’ve already seen what a huge mess small hands can make of your electronic equipment. This is why Ifrogz created a rugged case and clear protective screen called tadpole! Made from 100% silicone, the tadpole has big easy-to-grip handles, optional ifrogz Screenz to protect your screen, and fun decals to

customize the click-wheel. It’s a great deal at under $20 for the set and tadpole headphones (for kids 3-8 years) can be added for and additional $7.99. That’s money well spent compared to the price of an iPod…if they could only make one to protect the cat.

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

Looking for a little inspiration to help you get up and moving this Monday morning? Today’s healthy dose of fun was sent in by a new mom and her baby girl Scarlett from Northern California. Thanks for the great link guys, it’s just what the moose doctor ordered!

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

:::: This Giveaway is Now Closed ::::

This week’s Dear Dr.MOZ giveaway includes three copies of Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner Lisa Monet’s new CD My Best Friend! All you need to do to enter is click on the comment bubble to access the text box below, and tell us what state (or country) you are in. Three lucky winners will receive:

• My Best Friend: Called “instantly likeable” by Billboard Magazine, My Best Friend is packed with a whopping 19 tracks and makes a great gift for kids 4 and up! Available on CD in eco-friendly digipaks or by MP3 download!
• Blogger Bonus: Leave a link in your comment showing your post about the giveaway, or a link pointing to Dear Dr.MOZ (http://www.deardrmoz.com) from your blog, website, or twitter account, and your chances of winning will double!

This giveaway is open to worldwide contestants and will accept entries until Sunday March 15th at 6pm PST! Dear Dr.MOZ is moderated throughout the day, so don’t worry if your entry isn’t instantly viewable. Special thanks to Circle Sound Productions and Lisa Monet (www.lisamonetmusic.com) for sponsoring this week’s giveaway!

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

::::: This Giveaway is Now Closed. Please Check Inbox to see if you have won! :::::

We’ll have multiple winners with this week’s giveaway which includes CDs for kids and parents from the award winning singer and songwriter Dennis Caraher! Called a brilliant songwriter by the Boston Globe and heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, Dennis is sure

to be a family favorite. You’ll have two chances to win:

• 1st Prize: The all new “I Miss the Mud” CD for kids and “Radio Boy” for adults, both by Dennis Caraher!
• 2nd Prize: “Bow Wow Baby” CD for kids by Dennis Caraher!
• To enter: leave a comment with your kid’s all-time favorite song.
• For a Double Entry: let us know in your comment if you posted about the contest or provided a link to the Dear Dr.MOZ baby blog (http://www.deardrmoz.com) from your blog or website and your chances of winning will double.

This is a global giveaway ending Monday, February 23rd at 12:00 noon PST. Dear Dr.MOZ is moderated throughout the day, so don’t worry if your entry isn’t instantly viewable.

Good luck!
Dr.MOZ

Do you have a little Beethoven in the house, but no room for the Viennese? If so, the Fingertip Keyboard Gloves could be the perfect solution! The keyboard gloves are made of non-toxic and hypoallergenic polyester for children’s hands (7 and up) and play musical

notes when tapped on a flat surface. Glove details:

• each glove plays an entire octave in C; pressing on the heel of the hand changes the middle three fingers to the final notes A, B, and C
• equipped with learning and demonstration functions for children
• eight tones including piano, violin, mandolin, and more
• six different percussion tones and 30 rhythms
• includes a cable for recharging using a USB port

The keyboard gloves will begin shipping in a few weeks, so this could be a great opportunity to introduce music to the kids. You know, before someone buys them drums…not that there’s anything wrong with drums…in other houses.

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

(thanks to Random Good Stuff)