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 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 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 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!
by Sarah on 7. February 2012 in Parenting | Pregnancy | Well-Being
It seems like positive attention is spoon fed to you during your many months of pregnancy. In addition to the marvel and wonderment others look at you with, there is plenty of talk on how to feel great and look your best while you’re pregnant. However, shortly after you little bundle of joy arrives, the focus changes, and it’s easy to feel negativity come creeping in. Combine sleep deprivation, your changed body, lack of time, and a number of awkward transitions… it’s not uncommon for those joyous feelings of pregnancy to be clouded by a postpartum funk. As much as a new mother relishes the time with her sweet newborn, we understand that feeling great about yourself post-delivery isn’t always the easiest feat. Here are some tips that may help you to fully enjoy this unique time and to feel great about yourself… no matter what size jeans you’re wearing or if your life resembles that of a zombie!
:: Be Real. Be Prepared.
As excited as you may be to rid your wardrobe of maternity gear, it’s important to recognize that most likely you won’t be jumping into your favorite jeans for a few weeks, months, or longer! This is normal! When you think of all that your body has been through, it only stands to reason that it won’t bounce back to normal overnight. They say it takes 4-6 weeks just for your uterus to return back to normal shape—give your body and yourself a break—and be ok with wearing pants that may be a size or two bigger than normal. In the very beginning, allow yourself to revisit your maternity jeans from your first trimester. There is nothing wrong with this, and in all reality will look better for a short while until your body starts to recover. Resist the urge to continue this habit longer than necessary, and if needed, invest in some bigger pants to get you through the transition. Saying goodbye to the panel will boost your spirits no matter what size you’re wearing!
We suggest investing in a few mix-n-match staples for the weeks following pregnancy to help you through this awkward fashion time. While comfort is still key, you can still look put together. We suggest stocking up with items like Maxi skirts, nice fitting tanks or layering camisoles, longer cardigans, and some stylish active wear. Also equipping yourself with some fun accessories can help you to feel like you still have some fashion sense. Jewelry, scarves, or a cute new pair of shoes can do wonders for your slimming black wardrobe for a while! Prepare yourself with a few of these items before baby arrives… consider it a gift waiting for you at home after the hospital!
:: Take Time for Yourself
As mothers here at Oilo, we understand that there is a very real period of time after baby comes home where routines seem to fly out of the window. Cut yourself some slack about this, and just try your best to create new (possibly short lasting) routines that work for your new situation. One habit we feel is absolutely worth getting into is to take a little bit of time for yourself every single day. It may require forcing your tired self out of bed 10 minutes earlier, or accepting some help with baby (even if it is in the form of a baby swing)! The power of getting yourself up, dressed, and ready for a day is real. Some days you may only have the time to pull your hair back, put on some quick mascara, clean clothes, and lip gloss… but, you will feel better about yourself and the day ahead of you having taken this time to take care of yourself.
:: Be Confident
Firstly, there is a very real and proven connection between looking and feeling good. Even if you are competing with a less than desirable roll around the mid-section, you can still look good and have confidence. There is no reason that just because you recently had a baby, you have to forfeit doing the things that make you feel better about yourself. Get your hair cut/colored, indulge in a mani/pedi, or have a relaxing facial. Feeling good about how you look can help ward off those post-baby blues…it’s worth investing in!
Most importantly, find confidence in yourself and the fact that you just brought another life into this world. Your body is amazing, no matter its shape…and you have a darling child to remind you of that every time you hold him/her. Force yourself to admire what you have been through. Grant yourself the confidence that you deserve in your new role as a parent. Trust your decisions, your abilities, and yourself as a mother. Let go (for now) of how you used to look, and embrace the “scars” left and the beautiful time that is those precious days after baby arrives.
by Sarah on 31. January 2012 in Parenting | Pregnancy | Trends
A few months ago, I wrote a post titled, The Name Game, about some of the complexities and solutions of naming your baby. As of late, I am reminded of just how many complexities there are! Weeks away from my baby being born, I still whole heartedly agree with my earlier advice from that post. The only problem is that I forgot to address one major issue in the dilemma. What do you do when you can’t even think of a name?
Truthfully, I can think of a name I would consider using… but not one more. My husband hates my choice of name, and can only offer silly suggestions in return… so here we are…with a list that is blank. I have found myself in desperation turning to cyberspace for answers…name suggestions…anything to help me out through this process! Heavens, I audibly gasped when I humored myself by playing on BabyNameGenie.com, and the animated genie randomly suggested my one name choice as “the one” meant for my child. Surely that was a sign…or, maybe not. After this experience, I had to really come to grips with letting my desired name go, because when a genie couldn’t even convince my husband of it, I knew I didn’t stand a chance!
I’ve visited name generating sites for suggestions, turned to lists of the latest celebrity naming trends, looked to 2011’s most popular lists, and read up on finding true baby name happiness…and still… I am left searching.
I suppose when it comes down to it, baby can’t go on forever without a name…and I need to be at peace with not having this figured out today. Maybe I just need to turn my faith on a good old fashioned parenting game of Rock-Paper-Scissors to settle this dispute with my spouse…and just maybe I’ll get my name after all! In all truthfulness, I do believe there is something to be said for meeting your child before choosing their name…and when the pressure is truly on…I’m sure it’ll all be settled.
In the meantime, I’ll keep looking for my inspiration in the form of a Google search!
Are you also looking for a perfect name? Here are some of my recent site-searches for some help on the matter (even if they don’t give you the perfect name… they’ll surely entertain you!)
Name of the Year
This website is naming entertainment at its finest! The mission of Name of the Year is to discover, verify, nominate, and elect some of the most unique names you’ll ever find. With chart toppers (all real names) such as Honka Monka, and Nojah Nimpson—you’ll quickly see what I mean by entertainment. You’ll be shocked to hear some of these real names…there seems to be far more possibilities than I was even aware of!
Nymbler Name Generator
Nymbler allows you to choose several names based on your liking, and then it offers endless suggestions influenced by your taste.
Baby Name Generator Genie
Truly entertaining (and my only name ally at this point), this Genie pumps out name combinations to go with your last name.
Baby Center’s Top 100 Names of 2011
Browse 2011’s top picks for baby names, and learn about their popularity over time.
Article: 5 Routes to Baby Name Happiness
This Nameberry article confronts common struggles that come with naming baby and offers some viable solutions.
The Nameberry website also offers several guides and lists when it comes to choosing the perfect name for baby!
You can also read our earlier Name Game Post here.
by Sarah on 24. January 2012 in Good to Know | Pregnancy | Well-Being
Among the seemingly endless list of to-do’s in preparation for baby, is the task of getting your bag ready for your anticipated delivery and hospital stay. Below you will find our checklist of must haves when packing this infamous bag. There are obviously several things that will need to be thrown in at the last minute, but there are even more things that can be prepared and packed weeks ahead of time…just in case!
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS:
When your find yourself in labor, scrambling to find your insurance cards is probably the last thing you’ll feel like doing! Have these following items on hand and ready to eliminate unnecessary last-minute stress.
:: Insurance Cards
:: ID
:: Hospital Paperwork
:: Birth Plan (if you have one)
:: Wallet with Checkbook, Credit Card, Spare Cash/Change
PERSONAL ITEMS FOR MOMMY (and a few for DADDY):
While there are many things that the hospital will provide for you, being prepared with your own personal items can only enrich the hospital experience and help you to feel all the more like yourself during this time of transition. We are firm believers that taking good care of yourself at this time will only make you feel better faster! Plus, with constant photo opts, and endless visitors, it’s always nice to feel put together (or somewhat…at least!).
:: Toiletries:
Soap
Shampoo
Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Hairdryer
Light Makeup
Razor
Hair Bands
Deodorant
Your Favorite Lotion
Lip Balm
:: Electronics:
Cell Phone
iPod and Earphones
Camera
Video Camera
Batteries
Chargers/Cords
:: Nursing Pads/ Nipple Cream
:: Nursing Bra/Sports Bra
:: Flip Flops (For Showering)
:: Nice Socks or Slippers
:: Sleepwear: Nightgowns or Comfy Pajamas, Bathrobe
You’re sure to feel better after changing out of that revealing hospital gown!
:: LIGHT Reading Material
Grab a People Magazine or two…save your deep reading for later!
:: Music
Prepare a few playlists ahead of time… during labor or restless nights recovering, music just might be your saving grace!
:: Snacks
Of course there will be food to be found at the hospital, but having a few of your favorite snacks on hand is always nice for both parents at any stage of the hospital stay.
:: Notebook/Journal
Have a book set aside to record your birth story, feelings, gifts given, and hospital visitors.
:: Thank You Cards
You may find yourself with more time while you’re in the hospital to get through writing thank you notes than once you are home. They are also nice to have on hand if you have a particular doctor or nurse you’d like to thank before leaving the hospital.
FOR BABY:
When it comes to baby, the hospital will provide essentially everything you need during your stay. Here are a few items you’ll need to have on hand when you make that journey home from the hospital.
:: Swaddling/Receiving Blanket(s)
:: Soft, Warm Outfit for Baby to Travel Home In (see our Oilo Layette Sets here.)
:: Infant Car Seat
by Sarah on 10. January 2012 in Pregnancy | Well-Being
During the last couple of weeks as my family and friends have been making their resolutions for the New Year, I found myself opting out… I am pregnant after all. In many avenues I feel like I’m on a hormonal planet of my own where opting out of normal activities seems normal. Truth be told, being pregnant serves as a pretty good excuse for sitting a lot of things out. However, I have recently decided that there is probably no better time to jump on the resolution bandwagon than when I am pregnant!
As all expecting mothers know, health and wellness during these vital 40 weeks is of utmost importance. So, for my resolutions, I am looking to recommit myself to bettering my overall health and wellness for both myself and my baby. I've decided on 3 main goals, and have provided some tools below to help any of you expectant moms out there as well!
1. Maintain Good Nutrition
At my current stage of pregnancy, I am always hungry and always able to eat plenty! With this said, it can become pretty easy to let good nutrition slide. While the old “eating for two” theory holds some merit, it’s important not to use it as an excuse to allow yourself to eat whatever, whenever! Making sure that you are getting the right nutrients each day will not only be a gift to yourself, but to your baby as well.
The American Pregnancy Association provides a valuable guide for pregnancy nutrition…what you should be eating, and how much of it you need to ensure that you’re getting all the essentials needed for you and baby. You can find their guidelines here.
I also love the article, Organized Eats from Pregnancy and Newborn…offering a week’s worth of realistic meals, broken down to help you cover all of your food group and caloric bases.
2. Participate in Daily Exercise/Stretching
I wish I could say that I have been as diligent with exercise this pregnancy as I was with my first. Feeling sick combined with cold weather have served as decent excuses, at best. Now I’m feeling the urge to improve in this avenue. Better late than never, right?
I’m going to commit to making a physical effort during my final trimester, and the following workout plan from the Bump seems like one I can actually follow and maintain. I can do just about anything for 20-30 minutes a day! Check out their plan here.
3. Enjoy the Ride
It’s incredibly easy to find displeasure in pregnancy, with unbelievable body transformation, unattractive side effects, and less than becoming moods. However, my goal to enjoy the ride of pregnancy is one to benefit my overall wellness and level of happiness at this stage of my life.
If I have learned anything from being a mother to my oldest, it is that time goes fast. I know that the second this baby is born, the myriad of milestones in his life will come and pass with increasing speed no matter how hard I try to slow it down. I am committed to remind myself that every time I get to hear my baby’s heartbeat, or feel his movements inside me, that this too will be a phase that shall pass, and will truly be missed. I am going to love being pregnant, even when I feel like I don’t. Being uncomfortable cannot mask the fact that carrying a baby is a truly wonderful and unique experience… one that can never be replaced or fully described.
As I work to embrace my growing belly, I want to stop to appreciate the strength and capacity of my body. Not only will I relish this unique time with my baby, I am consciously trying to recognize the value of this precious time with my first born, with my spouse, and with my pregnant self.
Check out what a group of What to Expect mamas love most about pregnancy here.
by Sarah on 6. November 2011 in As Seen In | Our Favorites | Parenting | Pregnancy
We were honored to have recently been the recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award in the bedding category for the 2011 SheKnows Parenting Awards! Thanks to all of our fans who took the time to vote!
To take a closer look at other products highlighted in the SheKnows Parenting 2011 Awards, visit www.sheknows.com/parenting/awards/parenting-awards-2011/.
As a parent, and parent-to-be, I had a lot of fun looking through the wonderful products, and am excited to check some out further. Here are a few other products that also received the Editor’s Choice Award for their given category that I’m anxious to try out!
Category: Nursery Accessories
Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin
“The Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail is designed specifically with parents in mind. Bags are easy to load for quick and easy diaper disposal. A full cartridge lasts more than 90 days and refills without needing a new deodorizer. Each disposable bag holds up to 25 diapers and is easy to snap, seal and toss away when full – a much-needed product for all new parents.”
Category: Morning Sickness Remedy
PSI Bands
“Psi Bands (pronounced "sigh bands") are stylish, FDA-cleared acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (as well as motion sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia). These bands are drug free, waterproof, reusable, adjustable and -- best of all -- affordable! Psi Bands are so good they have been featured in O Magazine! You can get them in many different colors and prints to fit your own style.”
Category: Activity Centers
Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station
“Bright Starts Doodle Bugs Around We Go Activity Station is an award winning product that is designed to grow with your child through their toddler years. The seat rotates 360 degrees allowing your little one to walk all around the play table keeping them occupied for hours.”
Category: Eco-Toys
Yellow Label Kids Rattles
“Yellow Label Kids specializes in making products that are organic and produced in compliance with the Fair Trade Conditions Act. Their rattles come in beautiful designs that are made with organic bamboo yarn; this means no more hard plastic rattles during playtime. Instead, you will be placing a softer item in your baby's hand that is still easy to clean. Choose from owls, birds, ice cream cones, donuts, vegetables and more to find your baby's favorite shaped rattles!”
Category: Lullabies
Baby Blanket Music
“Baby Blanket Music is still providing soothing lullabies for your little one. This year two new albums have been released featuring Michael Jackson and Madonna who join the current artists lullabies by Simon & Garfunkel, Billy Joel, and John Mayer. Baby Blanket Music was founded by Josh Rutt who is based in NY. A teacher, performer and composer, Rutt takes great care in producing the music that helps your little ones to relax.”
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