baby goodies
Showing posts with label baby goodies. Show all posts
baby goodies
Product Review
Tackling Motherhood and How to Make it a Breeze
Is that an oxymoron or what? I don't think Motherhood could ever be a breeze because kids quite simply keep us busy and on our toes but in general, there are tools and resources we can put in place that make it a touch more smooth. Since having two little ones, I'm all about adapting them to my daily life and that means errands, making plans, needing to get things done and while doing so, I need them contained.
That's why I love the invention of a double stroller. The Maxi-Cosi Dana For2 makes trips out with the girls a whole lot easier than if I didn't have gear containing them. Two seats, two large storage baskets, a cup holder for my giant coffee and the ability to recline their seats when nap time hits.
See?? Motherhood can be a breeze when companies think of functionality when designing baby gear!
Can we also talk about these shoes? They popped up on my instagram feed when I was scrolling a few weeks back being at Target and naturally, I'm at Target every other day, I looked and looked and kept checking back and finally found them at a Target further from our home. Snagged them, love them and tell everyone they should pick some up too.
Honestly, I didn't think I would wear them too often but still wanted to add them to my closet and I find myself grabbing for them more than my trusty sneaks or strappy sandals. Win win win, y'all.
baby goodies
Baby Bath Time!
bubble bath, body wash- Tubby Todd | knit doll- Cuddle + Kind | jammies- KicKee Pants | backsplash- B Darling
It's not a lie we are sent PR goodies all the time and some of those end up in a box going to donations or to a women's shelter while others are used continually and I'm then buying after the fact because I love them. I am an open book and will only share the latter with things I personally tell everyone about and am keeping stocked after the fact and a recent package from Tubby Todd is one of those things!
I haven't been a die hard only one bath wash, kind of mama with the kids - I try a lot and haven't found one I have continually purchased but I will be buying Tubby Todd from now on! It's natural, safe and gentle for sensitive skin and smells incredible!
I lather my babies up with the lotion after baths and can't stop smelling them because I love it so much. I'm also soaking up sink baths as long as I can with the bubble bath because that will end sooner than later and I need my babies to stay babies foreverrrr!
photography // Kourtney Marie Photography
baby goodies
Celebrating Baby Safety Month with Summer Infant
September was Baby Safety Month and although it's now October, I had this post on my mind throughout September. I was sent over an article with a detailed list of ways to keep your little one safe from Summer Infant and it was such a great read! Some things I had no idea about so I encourage you to check the list out and see if you have things you can adjust, like I did, to keep your little ones safer.
Here are three things we're doing around our home to keep Hollyn safe-
BABY GATE ::
Now that we're in a single story home, I didn't think much of a baby gate but as I've established a work routine and as Hollyn has grown and started exploring more and more, it was apparent we needed something. Personally, I needed it to keep Hollyn in one designated space and my nanny needed it to help corral the kids into the main living space and away from the hallway, close to my office.
Not all baby gates are beautiful. To be honest, most of them aren't stylish and accommodating to home decor at all but Summer Infant recently launched this stunning Classic Home gate with white and wooden touches that perfect pair with our home and decor style. It's now a seamless piece incorporated that not only serves a great purpose of keeping baby safe in specific areas but it's beautiful too! I'm also loving this option!
SWADDLE VS BLANKET ::
Lately, I've come across one too many stories of babies losing their lives to a blanket around their head or suffocation in their bumpers and call me paranoid, but suddenly I removed it all. I didn't have a care in the world with Emery and I let her snuggle her blanket (or two) away while she slept peacefully but this time around, I nixed it all.
I've been a whole lot more anxious as a person in general since Hollyn was born so maybe that's my reasoning behind making this switch but I'm so appreciative of products like the SwaddleMe Love Sack allowing for comfort and warmth while keep baby secure and arms free as they grow. Hollyn isn't quite at the stage of really comprehending she can move her blanket or she can adjust if she's uncomfortable so this eliminates a lot of unease and keeps me peaceful while she sleeps.
PROPER BEDDING ::
Nurseries sure look cute and curated when the crib is decked out in an entire bed set but let's be open about that hazard- it's not safe. We use a crib sheets and a bumper at the top of the railing but nothing surrounding the bottom for her to nestle into. She does sleep with a pacifier that's a wubbanub with a little animal attached and that's like a comfort/security to her. She loves that thing!
___
What are some things you do around your home to keep your little one safe?
baby goodies
The Car Seat Upgrade!
My baby is growing... womp womp womp! We just upgraded her to a convertible car seat with our beloved Maxi-Cosi Pria 85. We have used this brand exclusively for both girls because they're safe, durable, beautiful and machine washable. I love when brands think of lifestyle when creating product so they're a perfect marriage of stylish while also being functional.
I opted to get both the girls new car seats because Emery deals with car sickness and rotating seats when that happens is a nice luxury. We've always done black and while I love the simple, clean look that gives I went a bit out of my comfort zone and chose this beautiful sand color. Even having these the last few weeks, the girls have spilled milk and iced tea and each were washed and cleaned up perfectly! I seriously love that about these babies.
As Emery has grown, she's become well beyond Miss Independent yet could never buckle herself but the Nomad Collection features a ClipQuik chest clip basically meaning it's magnetic and snaps easily and she's able to get herself buckled in now- her dream come true!
I just feel like the milestone of Hollyn in a big girl seat and Emmy now able to buckle herself, I blinked and they're basically heading off to college. Dramatic much? ;)
SHOP THE POST
baby goodies
Motherhood
Our Nursing Journey
I've been open about my struggle with nursing and how that journey went with Emery. I was determined it wouldn't end the same with Hollyn and I was defeated around 8 weeks when it did, indeed, end the same with Hollyn.
Shortly after having her, I posted our "cocktail" of trying to get my supply movin' and groovin' and with so much support from other moms, it helped make the transition from nursing to solely formula fed, easier. Fed is best. Amen and amen.
baby goodies
Pretty in Pink
Remember that time I said I have an obsession with car seats? Well it's gotten worse. We have multiple cars and it's nice for us to have a set of car seats for each of the girls in each vehicle so when Maxi-Cosi launched their Mico Max 30 sweater knit collection... in PINK! I just had to get it in my hands. You all seemed to love it as much as I do from the comments on my instagram post yesterday!
baby goodies
Making the Sleep Transition
Well, we've made the switch! Hollyn is solely sleeping in her bedroom through the night and during nap times. It's always so nice getting a grunting little babe out of your room for better sleep but also terrifying because of all the risks that brings not having them at arms reach if something we're to happen.
baby goodies
Prepping for Baby
we did also get the matching convertible seat for Emery, the Pria 85.
Talk about a list, yeah? I've been collecting my thoughts on a few things we've purchased and used the first time around as well as ones we haven't yet but are excited to try with Hollyn so compiling it all in a post has been on my to-do for quite some time.
What are some things you used and couldn't live without when a newborn joined the fam? Either for mama or baby...?
baby goodies
Bath Time Necessities (for us!)
BATH TOWEL- $31 | WASHCLOTH- $15 | HONEST BUBBLE BATH- $13.67 | TODDLER SOFT BRISTLE TOOTHBRUSH- $9.92 | MUSTELA STELATOPIA MILKY BATH OIL- $16.50
baby goodies
The Gap Valentine Shop is 30% off right now, prices marked or you can use code HAPPY for 40% off elsewhere!
Valentine Finds for Littles
The fun thing about kids and each holiday is getting cute new jammies or clothing items corresponding to the holiday we're celebrating. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do but because of that, I like to shop it early to ensure we're getting good use out of each piece we snag. Here are a few favorites of mine for Valentine's Day coming up!
The Gap Valentine Shop is 30% off right now, prices marked or you can use code HAPPY for 40% off elsewhere!
baby goodies
Eczema Awareness Month
October is eczema awareness month and it's something I'm super passionate about having suffered with that skin issue my whole life. I was praying Emery wouldn't struggle from eczema like I do but it became apparent to us about 4 months in that she did, indeed, have eczema like her mama. Sad day, you guys! At the time I was new to Mustela and their company but I had read about their Stelatopia line which is built to combat sensitive, dry skin and I thought, why not? We went ahead with the lotion for after baths and the milky bath oil to help keep Emery's skin nice and moisturized.
Within about 3 days of us beginning that regimen, her skin cleared up tremendously! Within a week, there wasn't an eczema patch in sight so I felt like it was a great move and investment to continue with the line and hope we didn't see flare ups over time.
It's now starting to get slightly cooler (and when I say cooler, I mean 90's) in PHX so it's the time I normally start to notice my skin getting sensitive and irritated, which has 100% happened but Emery's hasn't! Lucky lady! I am convinced it's because of the Stelatopia line and I even stole her milky bath oil recently to help soothe my patches. It's been a dream!
From one mama to another, I've had such a great experience with Mustela in general, so I recommend it for sure! They're running a fun contest right now where they're giving away 5 Eczema Essential Bundles to 5 lucky winners- check it out and enter, here! Additionally, you can use code "FRIENDS" for 20% off until October 14, 2015!
P H O T O G R A P H Y
baby goodies
Remedies for a Sick Baby
Okay, so I'm not saying at all that I'm a pro here but over this first year of Emery's life we've dealt with her being sick a good handful of times. I feel I've gotten into a good routine with how to combat it quickly and effectively so she's healed and happy in no time. I remember when I first had her, I was clueless and so on edge with what to do and give her so all the advice for fellow (experienced) mama's was welcomed. That being said, I wanted to share what we've learned over time! Again, all babies are different but it's worth a try if other things aren't working, yes?
One last recommendation, Amazon Prime.
It's worth it.
baby goodies
Are they sold in stores or only online?
I believe only online right now. You can order, here!
FOLLOW MAGIC SLEEPSUIT HERE //
facebook - twitter - pinterest - instagram
There you have it friends. I tried pulling from all your comments and questions on IG about this baby because I really love it and feel it's worth ordering and testing for yourself! If there's something I didn't cover here, please comment and I'll get back to you (if you're a reply-commenter) as soon as possible! Happy sleeping!
The Sleep Details
Every time I post Emery sleeping or about her sleep routine, a lot of people ask me the tricks I'm using to get her sleeping through the night. I am by no means an expert and I feel we totally lucked out with an easy baby on her sleep but I wanted to share what I've found to work for us with her and her sleep schedule.
Let me start with some back story for you.... we went about 3 weeks of her not sleeping at all at night. Legitimately, she'd get about an hour all split up with a few minutes here and there. I struggled and cried and hated life and thought I made a huge mistake jumping into parenting but I prayed and talked to trusted friends and family and we figured out what was wrong. My supply. We then started exclusively pumping and adding formula so her bottles were larger and sleep finally happened. With that alone, she started sleeping 8pm-1am up to feed until about 1:45am and would then sleep until 6am. That to me was huge! Around week 5, I decided to start implementing a bedtime routine with books, bath, play time and bottle so she had consistency and when we did this, she switched to sleeping 8pm- 6am.
Fast forward 3 more weeks of consistency like this I was ready to have her moved into her crib from the bassinet in our bedroom. I knew I had to be gentle with myself because I thought it would take us back to square one. I started implementing her crib more and more at nap time so it wasn't foreign to her and stored the bassinet so I couldn't revert back to it in the middle of the night when i was weak... ha! We had 2 nights of 3am wake ups but then all clicked and she was again, sleeping through the night.
At 12 weeks old, I was over the swaddle because the only swaddle method that she stayed in was the Super Swaddle and that was just too much work for sitters putting her down or for when I wasn't home and Andrew needed to get her to bed. She was becoming fully dependent on me personally and I was really needing to find solutions to getting her routine more "user friendly", if you will. So I ordered the Zipadee Zip. Um, that was a nightmare. The problem is that she hates having her arms free! She would much rather be contained and tight probably because she feels most secure this way so the Zipadee gave her too much movement. I tried the Woombie, sleep sacks...etc and nothing was working.
I was then introduced to the Magic Sleepsuit from a mama on IG who happened to comment about it and I was desperate. I figured I've tried a few things so what could hurt? It arrived in record time, which was awesome and the first nap we tried it with was hugely successful! I had intended on introducing only for naps and about a week later, adding it at bedtime but we tried it the same day we got it and she slept 8pm-7:30am! I was shocked. Here we are, 5 weeks later and she's now sleeping 7:30pm-7:30am like a champ! She sometimes wakes at 6:30 when her brother gets up for school but I snag her and put her in bed with me and she falls right back asleep for an hour or two.
Basically, I was sold. I know how hard it can be navigating this parenthood thing and some things work for people while it doesn't for others but I've heard nothing but rave reviews on the Magic Sleepsuit so I felt it was definitely a must-share.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS VIA INSTAGRAM //
Doesn't she get hot?
This was brought up often on IG with people accusing me of not being a good mom because "clearly, she's overheating". Well, I'm not dumb friends, and I am her mom who gets to make the decisions for her right now, just as you are your babies mama and can decide what's right for them. Yes?
End rant.
I have a child who runs so hot (those Kinch genes!) so I was worried about this and thought this through prior to ordering. I did opt to start putting her fan on low in her room but she still wakes up normal. Never warm or sweating, but just like she's cozy! I also keep her in her jammies while she is in this and it's never an issue.
What style did you get? Cotton or fleece?
I chose cotton! I felt it would be more breathable and better for our AZ climate. I mean, it's already in the 80's here so I'll only increase the fan speed over time, I'm sure.
Do you put her in for naps and bedtime?
Yes! I decided if we're doing this, I want consistency. Obviously, if she's napping in her carseat, she isn't in this but if she's at home or at grandparents where she's laid down, I send it with her or she's in it.
Is it soft and flexible for movement?
Totally! It looks like Randy from a Christmas Story (I can't put my arms down!) but she can move and squish and even suck her hands still.
Are they sold in stores or only online?
I believe only online right now. You can order, here!
FOLLOW MAGIC SLEEPSUIT HERE //
facebook - twitter - pinterest - instagram
There you have it friends. I tried pulling from all your comments and questions on IG about this baby because I really love it and feel it's worth ordering and testing for yourself! If there's something I didn't cover here, please comment and I'll get back to you (if you're a reply-commenter) as soon as possible! Happy sleeping!
baby goodies
Motherhood
Mommy Favorites
Here we are a few months into being a mommy and I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of a routine. I may not have all the answers or really the chaos under control but living our day to day life, I've found some items I can't live without and products that will definitely be used for future babies and recommended to all my fellow pregnant mamas! Let's recap, shall we?
THE HONEST COMPANY // All the hype about The Honest Company is legit. I was hesitant to even give the diapers a try because knowing how much I love style, I thought I'd be wasting my money on diapers that essentially are worn for 2 hours tops at a time. Well, I did some research, budgeted a bit and found that when I bundle my diapers and wipes with Honest, I'm saving money! Coming from someone who was buying those at Costco, I think that's an amazing deal and better yet, I get to pick all the cute patterns for the babe!
COMOTOMO BOTTLES // I had the hardest time trying to find a bottle I was happy with! Who knew it would be so hard to come by one that didn't leak, collapse or cause air pockets...? My goodness! I finally chose to splurge a little and ordered a set of 2 of these to try and soon fell in love. They're silicone so they are so easy to clean and closer to a natural breast so Emery really transitioned well with these. We have both green and pink lids!
LOU LOU & COMPANY BLANKETS // When we brought Emery home, she hated being swaddled so over time I forced it and now she can't be without it. I've debated getting her used to not being swaddled but after finding these knit blankets, I've decided to let her stay swaddled and secure as long as it's not posing a threat to her because it's what she loves. These blankets are literally the bees knees. So soft, so flexible and perfection for wrapping my little baby into a burrito. I love them for throwing over her car seat while out too to protect from the sun or even laying them down for her to play on. Confession: I have 6 now. Oye!
SLEEP SHEEP // I sort of thought white noise was shenanigans until we were going about our business throughout the house and every damn noise woke E from her slumber. Since then, I snagged this baby and throw it on when I lay her down for 45 minutes and it's been a dream. Even when the house is quiet, I think the variation of noise it offers gives her some peace and calming while lulling her to sleep so I would definitely recommend it!
NUK PACIFIERS // We were huge fans of the Wubbanub paci when Emery was little younger (and still are) but she tends to keep the NUK pacis in her mouth better during the night. Most of the time, I try to lay her down without her paci but if she isn't quite out yet, she likes it and this stays put. It's also great for being in the car and such as well because I know it stays in place with it forming to her face better and the colors offered are so fun!
By no means am I a pro or really even know what the heck I'm doing but over the last couple months, I've been reaching for these goodies time and time again. Ranging in cost from minor to splurging, I know they might differ for each persons budget but I can't recommend them all enough. I hope this helps all you new mommies or old ones that are searching for some goodies for your Littles!
baby goodies
Shopping for Emery
It's no lie I love shopping and doing it for a daughter now is even better! When I was pregnant, I splurged on a few items for her I had seen roaming around the web but I felt a little silly spending too much knowing how quickly she'd grow out of everything. The tricky part is I'm not one to buy Walmart cheap-o stuff because I feel like the quality is just blah so in between my splurges at J.Crew and Gap while they're having sales, Old Navy (coupon code DASHER for 30% off) and Target (use code JOY30 for 30% off) are my go-to places!
Since she's transitioning out of all her newborn items into 0-3 months right now (so sad she doesn't fit in this anymore!), I just recently stocked up on a few more things (dying over this sleeper!) and wanted to share here along with some items I've found to be a necessity for survival! Make sure to use code JINGLE for purchasing at J.Crew for 30% off and code GIFT at Gap!
Since she's transitioning out of all her newborn items into 0-3 months right now (so sad she doesn't fit in this anymore!), I just recently stocked up on a few more things (dying over this sleeper!) and wanted to share here along with some items I've found to be a necessity for survival! Make sure to use code JINGLE for purchasing at J.Crew for 30% off and code GIFT at Gap!
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