Must Haves for the Post Baby Mom

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)

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Tags: delivery, gifts, hospital, postpartum, reviews, tips

Great Finds for Newborns

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.

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Tags: baby, essentials, gifts, products, reviews

Keeping Track of Baby Milestones

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.

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Tags: baby, books, essentials

SheKnows Parenting Month-Long Baby Shower

by Sarah on 14. February 2012 in As Seen In | Our Favorites | Our Products

Throughout the entire month of February, SheKnows.com is having a baby shower- and you’re invited! You can enter to win over 30 gender neutral prizes on their site… and for most products… you can enter as often as you like between now and February 29^th!

Here are just a few of my favorites…however, they are all fantastic!

:: Oilo Bundle- Layette + Play Blanket

An obvious favorite… enter to win our yummy 3-piece layette set (cotton zippered one-piece, fitted hat, and snuggle-friendly swaddling blanket), along with one of our new play blankets!