by Sarah on 15. May 2012 in Good to Know | Our Favorites | Pregnancy
Post pregnancy days can be filled with ups and downs, unpredictable behavior, and confusing emotions for a new mom. Two things I could be certain to count on during the early days of postpartum, were my Zella Live-In Leggings, and my Shimera PJ’s! Trust me when I say that stocking your arsenal with these items before baby comes will be one of the best things you can do for yourself.
:: Shimera Pajamas
After the arrival of baby, sleep becomes a precious commodity. Why not ensure the most comfortable sleep possible with the wonderful pajama options from Shimera? Plus- in the early days of motherhood, you never know just who might be seeing you in your jammies. Feel good about yourself any time of day in these awesome pieces.
The Shimera Everyday Pants are soft, fluid, and perfect for lounging without feeling sloppy. They are ultra-comfortable and non-constricting, making them perfect after delivery. One touch of these pants and you’ll quickly understand why they are a must-have! ($42 Nordstrom)
The Shimera Boxy Tee is the perfect complement to the Everyday Pants. It’s loose and light, with super-soft material… perfect for lounging or layering while still looking stylish! ($34 Nordstrom)
Lastly, every mommy-to-be needs a good bathrobe! Shimera’s Lightweight Knit Robe is made from the same high-quality fabric, is relaxed for a classic fit, and is just the right length! ($58 Nordstrom)
:: Zella Live-In Leggings
The Zella Live-In Leggings were my staple for the first 8 weeks after my baby was born! They are by far the most high-quality legging I have ever worn! Perfect for postpartum, they have a high waistband that holds you in comfortably. These leggings are reversible, don’t stretch out, and are flattering on all body types! These leggings are so versatile; you can literally wear them to work or to the gym! These just may be the best purchase you can make for yourself and your post-baby wardrobe! (Nordstrom $52)
by Sarah on 1. May 2012 in Good to Know | Our Favorites | Our Products
With the recent arrival of my second baby, I have been unexpectedly thrilled with several products that are new to me this time around. It always amazes me how fast things change and improve in the baby product world! If only I had known about these awesome products with my first baby!
Here are a few of these recent finds that I have loved during the first weeks of my little one’s life!
:: Boba Wrap
The Boba Wrap (previously called the Sleepy Wrap) is a sling wrap for carrying babies from birth to 18 months. With no buckles, straps, or snaps, this wrap is comfortable for both you and your baby. It is worn snug against your body, giving your baby the reminiscent feeling of the womb. My baby absolutely loves moving around with me… all nestled in just like old times! The sling supports baby’s head and neck with the custom fit, and also braces hips and legs in a natural way. For my newborn, the Boba Wrap is an instant comforter. For me, it is a perfect way to soothe and/or carry my baby- while still being able to get around and use both of my hands!
Check out the Boba Wrap here.
:: Mama Roo
The Mama Roo by 4 Moms is a wonderful alternative to a swing. This comfortable chair has five different motions: Car Ride, Kangaroo, Tree Swing, Rock-a-Bye, and Ocean Wave. The Mama Roo was designed to move less like a swing and more like you do… offering a wonderful device for soothing that gives your arms a break! It also comes with 5 natural sound settings and the capability of connecting an MP3 player with your own favorite baby tunes. You’ll be amazed at the movement of this device as baby nestles right in for a comfy and content ride.
Visit 4 Moms and take a closer look at the Mama Roo here.
:: Luvable Friends Newborn Socks
If you’ve ever had a newborn, you probably know that finding socks that stay on is no easy task! Not only do they constantly fall off of your baby’s tiny feet, finding them in plain, neutral colors is nearly impossible. While there are several options out there for darling patterned and colored infant socks, I have always struggled to find basic white ones that don’t clash with my newborn’s wardrobe. Thankfully, on baby number two, I found a solution to both problems with Luvable Friend’s Newborn Socks. You can buy these white socks in a pack of 4 (in a washable sack, no less) for an incredibly affordable price, and I promise you….THEY STAY ON!
You can see more Luvable Friends products here.
Purchase this 4-Pack of White Luvable Friends socks on Amazon here.
:: Oilo Car Seat Canopy
This may seem like a shameless plug for a company that I obviously endorse, but truly, the Oilo Car Seat Canopy is on my list of essential faves this time around. Not only do I constantly receive compliments for the design, it also covers and protects my baby from the elements, peering strangers, and unwanted disturbances! I have so loved the elastic that fits snuggly against the back of the car seat and keeps the canopy securely in place. I also love how the material is long enough to not only cover the car seat, but can also be draped over a large part of my car seat- compatible-stroller as well.
* Available in Cobblestone-Taupe (pictured) and Modern Berries- Spring Green.
To get your own Oilo car seat canopy, visit here.
by Sarah on 17. April 2012 in As Seen In | Design | Our Products | Trends
How exciting! Oilo was featured on the popular HGTV blog, Design Happens this week in an article titled, Online Obsession for Nursery Design: Oilo Studio written by Brian Patrick Flynn. Brian is an interior design expert- known in the design field for his bold use of color and graphic statements. His indoor and outdoor spaces are often featured in leading American home and garden publications, he is a featured HGTV blogger, and you may also know him from HGTV’s series, Decorating Cents. We were thrilled to get a fantastic review from such a design pro!
Here’s a bit of what Brian had to say about our products:
“…When it comes to baby rooms that break the mold, those outfitted with shades of green, grey and/or taupe are fresh, surprisingly classic and also pretty darn adaptable; all three colors can grow with a child, and take on totally different characteristics — both feminine and/or masculine. Much to my surprise, I stumbled across an excellent online source for nursery furniture, Oilo Studio. Designers, parents, and designing parents are certain to become fans as well. Although the company offers everything from crib bedding to throw pillows to wall art, I especially fell in love with their gliders and pendants. Anyone else looking to trick out their own tot’s digs, or designers/decorators in the mood for something new, take a look at all Oilo Studio has to offer.”
 “The fabric-covered cylinder pendants are graphic and certain for a baby to rest his/her eyes on with adoration, plus they’re classic in style — an excellent combination to add something to a nursery which parents can enjoy every bit as much as their mini-me’s.”
“The very first item which drew me to Oilo Studio was the Cohen Glider which is a mashup of transitional, Hollywood Regency and contemporary styles..."
"...Check out its low-sloping arms; this detail is fantastic for spatially-challenged nurseries since the low, light appeal of its lines seem to take up less visual space.”
“Then there’s the Penelope Glider. Gigantic hit..HUGE here with my clients and colleagues in Los Angeles. Perhaps what resonates so well with people is the fact that it’s simple and traditional, yet with a twist. Its wingback style is totally classic; however, its clean upholstery and the graphic impact of its contrasting welt cord make it totally modern.”
“When it comes to original prints, Oilo Studio has it down to a science. Their patterns are medium to large in scale, super easy for a baby to read from different vantage points in a room.”
To read the article in its entirety, click here.
Thanks HGTV!
by Sarah on 9. April 2012 in Good to Know | Pregnancy | Well-Being
The period of time after baby arrives is not only an incredibly joyous one, but can also be confusing for a new mother. With fluctuations in hormones, sleep deprivation, body issues, and a myriad of new roles…mom can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed with meeting the needs of her family and herself.
Below you will find links to some wonderful articles from Pregnancy & Newborn that are worth reading if you are a mom trying to wade your way through the days after baby is born. Also- scroll a little further for a classic post over at Pregnant Chicken: Happily Giving Birth- 10 Things They Don’t Tell You!
:: Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Partner
Mother Lover: Keeping Your Relationship Strong by Sarah Granger
:: When Baby Has an Older Sibling
And Baby Makes Four by Sarah Granger
:: Navigating the First 7 Days with Baby
Beyond the Belly by Meredith Parker Toy
:: Dealing with Postpartum Hormones
Emotional Overload by Molly Jones
:: Easy Steps to Losing Baby Weight
5 Steps to Lose the Baby Weight by Lissa Harnish Poirot
:: Find Some Humor...
Happily Giving Birth-10 Things They Don’t Tell You: Pregnant Chicken
by Sarah on 26. March 2012 in As Seen In | Our Products | What's New
We were tickled to be featured in a detailed article on Kobiso.com this week. Kobiso is where “Technology and fashion meet,” and the newest and most sought after products from electronics to style are featured and recommended to other fashion forward women.
Here’s what they had to say about Oilo:
“Oilo is a fresh new approach to style setting nursery décor, chic baby bedding and designer home furnishing that are absolutely stunning.”
“My initial attraction to Oilo was their designs, they are fresh, clean, stylish, and modern. Their designs are simple but have a large pop to them with color. They are basic patterns that flair with color.”
They also had this to say about our new Play Blankets:
“With the weather being quite nice outside lately we have been using the blanket outside a lot so grass stains, which are tough to get out, were on this blanket. I just threw it in the machine and it was just like new. It washes very well and gets softer with each washing as well.”
"It makes a great throw blanket for the chair or back of the couch as well as a play blanket for the kids. The blanket is versatile and functional not to mention gorgeous! It holds up well to the wear and tear of being a play blanket and still keeps its quality and beauty. This is one of my must haves for every new mom. While the cost might be a bit higher it is well worth it because I know this blanket will last for generations to come and its multiple uses make it a fantastic buy.
To read the Kobiso article in its entirety, see here.
To see all of our Play Blanket designs, see here.
From high heels to strollers, Mom Trends helps mom stay in the loop with all things stylish and cool. That is why we were also delighted to be featured in a Nursery Essentials spotlight by Mom Trends this month.
Some of what they had to say…
“Oilo is one company where you can find all of the essentials for your baby’s room while also discovering classic and crisp designs that you will love.”
"While viewing a selection of their bedding options, changing pads, blankets and car seat canopies I was struck by the gender-neutral color palette that includes tan, taupe, aqua, spring green, stone, citron and brown. I loved the gentle tones that weren’t super bright or featured characters. The prints that they include are all about the design and keeping things simple and classic."
To read the full Mom Trends article, visit here.
by Sarah on 19. March 2012 in Our Favorites | Parenting
From the time your baby is born, important milestones seem to happen nearly every day.
While it’s probably not necessary to document every feeding and diaper change, there ar important milestones you’ll want to keep track of along the way. Having specific documentation of baby’s first year(s) will come in handy for many reasons. Not only is it a fun way to remember and to teach your child about their days as baby, it will also serve as a useful tool for you as a parent as you raise future children. Although it may seem you will always remember the details of your baby’s early days… you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to blur dates and exaggerate details! A few short years into baby’s life, you will see the value in having a detailed record of your child’s first years…and will be grateful for the keepsake.
Obviously, there is no limit to the milestones you choose to keep record of. A few examples of some important ones you’ll want to document are:
:: Sleeping Patterns
:: First Time Sitting Up/Rolling Over
:: Crawling/Walking Dates
:: Language Milestones
:: Growth Statistics/Percentiles
There are many options when it comes to how you choose to record your baby’s milestones. Depending on your personality, you may choose one or multiple forms of journaling when it comes to detailing the important dates of your child’s first year or two. A few ways we suggest considering are:
:: Baby’s First Year Calendar
These calendars provide blank dates to be filled in so that you can start at the beginning no matter what month baby is born. Most of these calendars come with stickers highlighting common milestones, fill-in-the-blank prompts, and spots for accompanying photographs.
A favorite option of ours is from Pepper Pot, and can be found here.
:: Baby Memory Book
Baby Memory Books are available in an extensive variety. Many of these books are in question and answer form, giving parents meaningful prompts for jotting down important memories and information about baby. These books often have sufficient room for photos and other keepsakes.
Pepper Pot also makes a darling Baby Memory Book that can be seen here.
Another fun option for a baby book is 2 Giggles’ The Story of Me Baby Journal. Check it out here.
:: Memory Box
Less organization, but more versatility... a memory box can be any container set aside for keeping valuable items and photographs from baby’s young days. From hospital bracelets to first locks of hair, a memory box is a great way to keep these mementos safe.
:: Journal
Some parents enjoy having a blank journal on hand for regular writing about their baby’s progress. With this, there are no limits to what to include…and while there is less of a format with a blank journal, there is also more flexibility for including feelings and extra thoughts about baby and the experience of being a new parent.
:: Newspapers
Starting on the day your baby is born, and continuing the tradition with each birthday, collecting a newspaper on the day of your child’s birth is a fun way to document the current events through each year of your child’s life. Not only will they be able to see notable happenings on the day they were born, they will also see the changes in the world as they, too, grow.
:: Digital Photo Files
In this day in age, there is really no reason to print all of your millions of pictures of baby. We recommend keeping an organized system of digital files categorizing baby’s big days electronically. Compiling monthly/yearly discs of baby’s years is a wonderful way to preserve your photos and memories.
:: Foot and Handprints
Several products can be found to assist you in making molds and imprints of your baby’s tiny feet and hands. It may feel like they will be little forever, but you’ll be amazed at how fast you can see the growth from their first days.
We are fans of Pearhead’s Baby Prints Kits… which can be found here.
by Sarah on 13. March 2012 in Pregnancy | Well-Being
Are you in the final stretch of your pregnancy, wondering when you will finally be holding that baby in your arms? Have you recently found yourself taking intentionally bumpy car rides, eating spicy food, and even drinking Castor Oil with your breakfast to try and speed things along? You are not alone!
The final days leading up to delivery day can be long…full of anxiety, excitement, discomfort, and curiosity as to how and when baby will finally make their debut. However, the reality is that baby will come in their own due time…and coming to grips with this is the first step to effectively passing the time. Truthfully, it’s probably much easier to be nine months pregnant than meeting the demands of a new baby, so try to spend your final pregnant days enjoying this unique stage.
If you have found yourself with everything ready for baby, time off of work, and all the time in the world to try and fill…here are 15 ways to not only pass the time, but to embrace the wait!
1. READ
It may be your best time to catch up on some books you’ve been putting of reading & to also sneak in a few more baby books to help prepare you for what lies ahead!
2. TAKE LONG SHOWERS/BATHS
Indulge in lengthy bath time…it might be hard to come by for a few months after baby is born. Take your time to relax…and then take your time to get ready without baby’s needs interrupting your personal time.
3. CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS
Meet for lunch dates or catch up on phone calls…nothing passes the time better than spending it with friends!
4. BUY A BABY BOOK
If you haven’t already, researching and finding the perfect baby book will be something you’ll be glad to have on hand when the baby arrives. Being able to start documenting milestones and memories from day #1 will be one thing you’ll never regret doing!
5. GET YOUR HAIR DONE
There are few better ways to pass the time than to get a fresh haircut/color/style. Treat yourself to a day at the salon…you’ve earned it!
6. WATCH MOVIES
Before your repertoire of movies turns into all things animated, enjoy going out to the movies or catch up on the latest rentals for days when you’d rather stay at home.
7. LOOK AT BIRTH ANNOUNCMENTS
Hours pass quickly when sifting through all of the darling birth announcements available online. Take some time now to pick out ones that you like. Then, when you are ready to fill in the blanks and buy them…you’ll be a quick click away from finished!
8. GET A PEDICURE
Not only will you love having freshly painted toenails…your doctors, nurses, and hospital visitors will appreciate your freshly groomed feet!
9. DO NOTHING
It may seem excruciating while you are playing the waiting game, but embrace the ability to do nothing for a while. Sit in a quiet place, observe, and enjoy the simplicity of doing nothing but feeling your baby move! Soon it won’t be a likely option!
10. GO OUT TO EAT
It’s no surprise that eating out can be tricky with little ones. Enjoy the time you have now to visit your favorite restaurants…uninterrupted and with a hearty appetite!
11. SLEEP
Take a nap…or multiple naps throughout the day! Even if all you do is dream about the arrival of your new baby…it’s a great way to pass the time and store up some energy you’ll soon be in need of!
12. BABYMOON
If baby is truly set to arrive any day… embarking on an extravagant babymoon probably isn’t in the cards for you and your partner. Consider just spending the night in a nearby town at a nice hotel or resort so that you can still enjoy getting away, while staying close enough to your doctor/hospital. You can read more about babymooning here.
13. PLAN SPECIAL OUTINGS
Find a local museum, exhibit, or new store in town that you haven’t had the chance to visit yet. Plan special outings for several days to give yourself something to look forward to on the calendar.
14. SPEND VALUABLE TIME WITH YOUR SPOUSE
Soak up the days before baby makes three. While parenting will be a wonderful time as partners, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of the time when you can just be adults together. Fit in a few more visits to your favorite places…eat out…be spontaneous!
15. SPEND VALUABLE TIME WITH YOUR OLDER CHILDREN
You may already be the mom to other children, and the long days before baby arrives can be a perfect time to spend some quality time with them. Play their favorite games, read books together, and use the time to reassure them that they too are important!
by Sarah on 6. March 2012 in As Seen In | Design | Our Products | Trends | What's New
We are thrilled to have some of our newest products featured in two great magazines this month!
You can see our new Freesia-Blush Crib Set and Modern Berries Play Blanket featured in Palm Beach Parenting Magazine PB Picks Page, and enjoy the rest of their wonderful articles on their online version of the March issue here. It’s a great magazine to take a look at… we LOVED their articles titled, “Baby’s Here: Now What Do I Do?” and “Exercising While Pregnant.”
You can also check out our Diaper Changing Pad Cover and Topper in the March issue of American Baby Magazine. This month’s issue also has a wonderful article on how to soothe a crying baby: “Crying Times: How to Soothe Your Baby,” as well as a spotlight with a hip new mama: “Staying Chic with Rachel Zoe.” Check out the online version of these articles by clicking on the titles.
by Sarah on 28. February 2012 in Good to Know | Pregnancy | Well-Being
It’s a time of utter exhaustion, when it seems that sleep should be easy to come by. Unfortunately, however, pregnancy can offer all sorts of obstacles when it comes to getting a good (and comfortable) night’s sleep! Between hormones, anxiety, stress, physical discomfort, and an increasingly cramped bladder… an uninterrupted night of sleep is usually highly unlikely- especially as you get further into your pregnancy. Maybe it’s Mother Nature’s way of preparing new moms for sleepless nights to come?!
Luckily, there are a few things you can try to make your sleepy time a more pleasant one.
:: STAY HYDRATED (but not too close to bedtime)
Drinking plenty of fluids, mainly water, during the day can greatly improve how you feel at all times of the day. Staying well hydrated can reduce your chances of muscle cramping, and improve the function of all of your organs. Just be careful not to drink too much for the few hours before bedtime. Chances are, you’ll be tending to your bladder at some point in the night anyway… try not to add unnecessary trips to the bathroom during the night!
:: EXERCISE REGULARLY
For optimum health, and to improve your circulation… frequent (and appropriate) exercise when pregnant can help your sleep patterns tremendously. Try not to exercise right before bed, though, as it may increase your adrenaline and make it hard for you to settle into sleep.
:: REDUCE STRESS & ANXIETY
Find ways throughout your day to reduce stress and anxiety, so that when bedtime comes, your mind is at ease and can concentrate only on pleasant dreams!
A few tips for reducing stress and anxiety:
1. Find people you can talk to and commiserate with.
2. Make lists to prepare for baby, and find peace in checking them off each day.
3. Give yourself a break…take a short nap during the day.
:: FIND COMFORT
While comfort is hardly a word used to describe pregnancy, you can at least improve your level of comfort when it comes to sleep. Make pillows your friend, and experiment with ways to position them in order to achieve some support and relief from the weight of baby. Pregnancy or body pillows can be particularly helpful, while regular pillows can typically do the trick with some adapting. A pillow between bent knees, and one behind your back is one position that has been known to provide some relief for those expecting. Also, if you’re feeling like baby is restricting your breathing, you can alleviate pressure on the lungs by propping yourself into a semi-sitting position with pillows.
Keep in mind that it is recommended that expectant moms sleep on their left side for best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys. It is best to avoid lying flat on your back for a long period of time. However, don’t lose even more sleep worrying about accidently rolling on your back. Most likely, the discomfort will awaken you anyway.
:: ESTABLISH A BEDTIME ROUTINE
Just as important as it is to establish nighttime rituals when baby arrives, is establishing your own routine before bedtime. Try to decompress about 45 minutes before lying down. Try prenatal yoga, take a bath, or read a book to get your body and mind ready to settle down for sleep. Use a favorite lotion, massage your feet and hands, or light a calming candle. You can avoid restless (and awkward) tossing and turning, by preparing yourself for sleep before ever entering your bed.
Sources:
:: http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/812876/better-sleep-tips-for-pregnant-women
:: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/sleep/
:: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/landing-page.aspx
:: http://busymommymedia.com/2010/11/pregnancy-guide-week-20/
* image from busymommymedia.com
by Sarah on 21. February 2012 in Good to Know | Pregnancy | Well-Being
Somewhere between 5 months and your due date, you have most likely found yourself with an uncontrollable urge to get things done! Whether it is deep cleaning, organizing, or tying up loose ends, one thing many soon-to-be moms have in common is the primal instinct to nest. Have you found yourself irrationally demanding that every square inch of your home be cleaned? You’re not alone. It’s a true fact—females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need to ensure that their offspring will be cared for properly after birth.
The experience of nesting is different for all women, and although your hormonal fluctuations may make you act in crazy ways…the sudden burst of energy you may experience when nesting can be a great time to get things accomplished. It’s important, however, that you keep your own health in mind first and foremost…and try not to over-do.
Trying to make some sense of how to put this altered state to the best use? We have included a list below of worthwhile tasks to devote your nesting energy into without pushing yourself too hard. Nesting can be one of the most rewarding parts of pregnancy—and it can also be a bit overwhelming. We suggest making short and long-term lists to help yourself feel like you’re accomplishing tasks without overwhelming yourself and your body by trying to get it all done at once. Remember that part of nesting can also be mastering the art of a really good honey-do list!
:: Equip Baby
After you have put the final touches on baby’s room, stock your nursery with all of the baby essentials…. clothes, diapers, baby soap, baby thermometer, nasal syringe, nail clippers, bottles, formula, etc. Most likely you won’t feel like running to the store multiple times a day, and you’ll be at ease knowing you have these things on hand when they’re needed.
For a great list of baby essentials… check out the What to Expect Buying for Baby Worksheet here .
:: Equip Self
While you’re busy supplying baby’s needs, don’t forget your own! In a fit of nesting, get your hospital bag packed and ready to go! Read our recent Oilo blog post about hospital bag essentials here.
While you’re at it- stock your personals with post-baby essentials such as post-partum clothing, nursing bras, nursing pads and all of your regular personal care products. Trust us- sending daddy to the store to buy cosmetics (or worse) is not ideal!
Lastly, equipping yourself and your growing family with a good camera/video camera option during this time is something you will so appreciate having done when baby decides to make his/her arrival.
:: Equip Home
Nesting is a wonderful time to deep clean and organize your home. It’s also a great time to stock your house with essential s such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, laundering products, etc. You’ll be grateful to have plenty of these products on hand- especially if you’re lucky enough to have the helping hands of others for the first little while.
In addition to these household items, it’s also a great idea to stock your pantry with staples that your family uses often. Grocery store runs will probably be one of the last things you want consuming your time- and having your favorite snacks and meals stock piled is an easy way to eliminate some stress. During the final weeks of your pregnancy when nesting can be at its most powerful peak- cooking in quantity and freezing extra servings of your favorite meals can be the ultimate convenience shortly after baby is born!
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