Thursday, July 28, 2011

Gassy Babies Best Formula: Enfamil Gentlease Review

For those of you that had fussy gassy babies like I had, there is hope. After experimenting with different bottles and switching from Enfamil Newborn (Enfamil Newborn Infant formula Tub, 0-3 Months, 23.4-Ounce) to Enfamil Infant (Enfamil Premium Infant Formula, For Babies 0-12 Months, 23.4-Ounce), I finally found a formula that made Damon less gassy and therefore less fussy. This formula is generally the same price anywhere I have gotten it as the other formulas. It honestly helps with gas. I highly recommend this product.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Gripe Water: for Gas? Hiccups? Crying?

Damon has been a pretty gassy baby, but not necessarily in a bad way. He did, however, get really bad hiccups and would get fussy from gas occasionally. I decided to buy this to help. It cures hiccups instantly. I have not seen it really work with gas too much, but he has not had too many issues with that. If your child has really bad hiccups I would recommend it; however, it is not always easy to find. Amazon does have this one (the one I have) and several other brands.

Gerber Bottles (for Moms on a budget)

These bottles have been great the past few weeks. We had to add cereal to Damon's bottles. Instead of spending a lot more money to buy the 3+ nipples for avent, we decided to widen our own and use these bottles which can be as cheap as $1.50-$2.00. They work well. They don't make him gassy, and I don't freak out about losing them since they are not $8/ bottle.

Favorite Featured Item of the Week for Baby: Huggies Jean Diapers

I LOVE these diapers. They are not only as good as any other Huggies diaper I have used, they are adorable. They are the same price as the normal Huggies (even cheaper sometimes because they are on sale). Also, proceeds go to help diaper babies in need. Stylish diapers that help benefit a good cause....definitely worth my time and money! The other benefit to ordering through Amazon is that you can sign up for monthly deliveries, and they will take a percentage off your items.

Bright Starts Bounce Bounce Baby Activity Center

Okay, so I was a little skeptical when I first saw the price of this, but so far the price is definitely worth it. It was relatively easy to put together (mommie did it all by herself!). Damon loves it! The bottom reaches his tippy toes now, but he likes it. All the toys on it he can reach- at only 4 mos. They are all pretty fun, and only one piece on it uses batteries. I would definitely buy this over and over again. Worth every penny. For this price I could also get a door jumper or two for the same price as most activity centers.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Reflecting on Bottles at Almost 3 months- Best Bottles...

      So now that our son has reached almost 3 mos., my opinions on bottles and the ones I like has specified and changed slightly. For one, the MAM bottles (Mam Anti-Colic Bottle Boy, 3 Pack, 8 Ounce, Colors May Vary) have some leaking problems. The nipple is not one Damon particularly likes anymore and has problems with it when he is fussy.
      The bottles we have been using from the beginning, the AVENT bottles (Philips AVENT BPA Free Infant Bottle Starter Set) are not the worst, but I have had serious leaking issues with one of the bottles that really infuriates me. They are also some of the more expensive bottles. Despite this, we are still regularly using these.
      I have added another bottle to the mix. I do like the NUK bottles (NUK My First Nuk 0+ Months Nature Design Starter Set, Blue).You have to use a cap that goes in the bottle to shake it and then take it out. I thought this would be annoying, but it prevents ANY leaking. They also have designs, which is cute, and they are significantly cheaper than AVENT without sacrificing any quality.
      Bottles to stay away from: Evenflo bottles. We had some glass ones (Evenflo 6 Pack Classic Glass Bottle, 4-Ounce), but our son got pretty colicky with these. I also received some NFL bottles (NFL New Orleans Saints 2 Pack Bottles) as a gift, and thought they were awesome. They were not awful, but the nipple collapsed into the bottle. So, in this case, you do not want to be too cheap when it comes to bottles. These bottles aren't as expensive, but cause many more headaches.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Bouncer

Mommy's Review: I love this bouncer. It holds weight better than other bouncers I have used. It vibrates, plays music, makes water noises, and lights up. It is great for keeping my son occupied; though, it does sometimes overwhelm him. Best quality bouncer I have seen yet.
Baby's Review: Ooooo.....Aaaahhhhhhh......

Friday, May 6, 2011

Top 10 Baby Items for Newborns

Here is the list of Must-Have baby items for you and your newborn to make life a little easier.

  1. Safety 1st Premier Play Yard: Best Play Yard and Bassinet EVER. Shelving and hamper make       organization easy.
  2. Fisher Price Cradle Swing: The only way you may get to eat a hot meal.
  3. Swaddle-Me Blankets: Keeps baby wrapped up tight and ensures the blanket doesn't cover their face.
  4. The First Years Night and Day Bottle Warmer System: Saves those trips to the kitchen. Even more imperative in a multi-level home.
  5. Infant Car Seat: Graco, Chicco, Max Cosi, whatever you choose....This will make life much easier.
  6. Bugaboo Cameleon with bassinet piece: Easily personalized and good in any weather and as comfy as the crib for baby.  Definitely worth the splurge for all the little extras this stroller has.
  7. Boppy: Great for propping baby and a way for them to be close, without being too close.
  8. Fisher Price Infant Seat: Folds up, really cradles baby, vibrates, and plays music.
  9. Disposible Pads: great for changing on or off the changing pad, sitting baby anywhere, whatever you can think of...
  10. Zippered Sleep and Plays: Much easier to change in and out of, especially in the middle of the night!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Night Light Turtle

This item is a great addition to a nursery. It projects stars in 3 different color schemes. It helps the baby fall asleep, or it at least gives them something to look at while lying awake. The added benefit for parents is it also serves as a night light to help see during those middle-of-the-night feedings.

Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light, Turtle

Car Seats, Car Seats, and More Car Seats!




         Car seat shopping can be over-whelming, especially when one looks at the prices. The logical choice seems to be to buy a convertible car seat like the one seen left and here (Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat in Triton). Most of these claim that they carry a minimum weight of 5lbs. This is true, but there is something you are not told. Many hospitals will not allow babies to go home in these, since they are not really meant for newborns. There is one for newborns that Graco makes, but you will have to be willing to part with $300. For that, you could get a convertible one, as well as an infant car seat.
         I was very reluctant to buy an infant car seat because it would only fit my child for a matter of months. The money almost did not seem worth it. I did change my mind after finding out that I could not technically bring my son home in the other car seat. I had been ignoring the ease that comes with these carrier car seat (Safety 1st Designer 22 Infant Car Seat, Nordica). They can be carried anywhere without disturbing the baby, whether it be the pediatricians, a restuarant, or the grocery store. Multiple bases or buckets can be purchased (Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat Base, Silver). Also, stroller frames can be purchased if you did not purchase a travel system (Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame). My regret is not getting one that is compatible with my Bugaboo stroller (Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller - Dark Grey Base/Orange Canvas Tailored Fabric Set). Bugaboo has car seat adapters for Graco (Bugaboo Cameleon Adapter for Graco Car Seat) and Max Cosi (Bugaboo Car Seat Adapter For Maxi Cosi Mico Car Seats) car seats. This would allow me to simply take Damon out of the car and snap him into the stroller. In the end, it definitely is worth it to get the infant carrier car seat for your own sanity and simply convenience.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Eddie Bauer Play Yard

Eddie Bauer Play Yard - Westlake
Mommy's Review- My mom got this play yard for her house before I even got pregnant because several of her friends had babies. This is not the most ideal play yard. It looks nice. The bassinet curves, which does not seems comfortable for baby. The changing table tilts with weight. So, it is pretty much useless. It only works well as a play yard with the mattress piece on the bottom. It also vibrates, plays music, and has a mobile which is nice. Overall, not awful. You pretty much get what you pay for. I would recommend the Safety 1st play yard listed, but for the money, this one is not too bad.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Best Burp Cloths

Gerber 12-Pack Prefold Birdseye 3-Ply Cloth Diapers, White
I am not sure how many people know about these, but I had several friends who did not; so, I decided to post on these. Don't waste your money on other types of burp cloths that may charge double for the same thing. Those are essentially small blankets. These cloth diapers work wonderfully as burp rags, and you don't worry about them getting messed up. They are super absorbent, and they are big enough to help wipe baby's face while they're eating. The price is reasonable, and they are super easy to wash and dry.

Pregnancy Pillow - A Life Saver

Boppy Total Body Pillow, Neutral
This pillow is a life saver! I was not sleeping well from pretty much the fourth month on. I just could not get comfortable. This pillow changed everything. It is super soft and fits perfectly to your body whether you're not showing at all or about to pop. It even stops your arm from falling asleep as what would happen with a normal pillow. I had gotten other body pillows, but this is the best. My husband even tried to nap with it while I was gone one day. The price is beyond reasonable. A must-have if you have any issues sleeping during pregnancy or not.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Where have the comfy baby blankets gone?

So I am the oldest child. My baby sister is almost a decade younger than me. I remember that when my sister was a baby, my mom had very comfy cotton blankets (not flannel). When I got pregnant, I looked desperately for these blankets, but I could only the flannel receiving blankets. On a rare occasion, I would find maybe one for $15 but no multi-packs. My husband's staff sent us a basket after Damon was born. In it were these thermal blankets made of a waffle-like material. These by far have been the best. They are a great size and swaddle wonderfully. For warmth, I also really like the velour blankets.
Gerber 2-Pack Thermal Blanket - Boy 2009
Carters Keep Me Close Blanket, Ecru
Carters Snuggle Me Boa Blanket, Green

Belly Bandit

Nude Original Belly Bandit - MediumLimited Edition Kourtney Kardashian Belly Bandit - Size M
Belly Bandit Couture, Nude/Plaid, Medium
Belly Bandit Couture, Black/Pink Hearts, Medium

Mommy's Review- Okay Moms. No one likes the post-pregnancy belly. This is your solution. This not only lends support for those that had C-sections, but it helps flatten your tummy. I used it for the first two weeks after I had the baby. I noticed immediate results. On the first day, I could hardly close it. By a week, it closed with no problem, and I almost had to drop a size. It also goes okay under your clothes, and it is not that noticeable. I got the original one, but they make ones with cute designs as well. As for comfort, it is pretty comfortable. It just gets a little hot after wearing it all day. It also just helps you feel better about yourself since your deflated tummy is not poking out.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Swaddleme Blankets....Worth it or Waste?

Swaddleme blankets make swaddling very easy, but are they worth the price? I would have to say yes. Though it becomes easy to swaddle after doing it multiple times, this blanket offers another perk. Several times in the middle of the night, I awoke to Damon crying. When I went in, I found him with his blanket wide open. He had managed to completely open his swaddle. He could not do this with these blankets. Moreover, getting his hands out does not mean the whole thing falls apart. I would order up a size though. Babies grow quickly, and these blankets are not heavy. On a cold night, we double swaddled with this blanket over a regular one. Another perk is that there is an opening in the back for safety belts to go through. Overall, these blankets are worth it, but do not bother with getting more than a couple, especially since your baby will only use it for the first few months.

Formula: Warm, Room Temperature, or Cold?

My mother and mother-in-law swore that formula had to be warm. Initially, I cringed when I saw friends giving their baby room temperature formula. However, middle of the night feedings quickly changed my mind. More traditional mothers will insist a cold bottle would cause gas. There is NO science that backs this. In fact, at times my son will prefer a colder bottle, especially if he is warm. The truth is if your child is not picky and will take their bottle any way, consider yourself lucky. One difference I have found is that Damon may take a little longer with a cold bottle if he is not warm, but overall, I have yet to see a real difference. The choice is up to you, but there is no need to lose sleep (literally) over giving your child a warm bottle when a cold one will reach the same goal- a full and happy baby.

Enfamil Premium Infant Formula, For Babies 0-12 Months, 23.4-Ounce
Enfamil Newborn Infant formula Tub, 0-3 Months, 23.4-Ounce
Similac Advance Early Shield Baby Formula, Ready to Feed, 32-Fluid Ounces (Pack of 6)
Similac Advance Early Shield, Formula, Powder, 23.2-Ounces (Pack of 6)
Gerber Good Start Protect PLUS, Powder, Case Pack 24-Ounce Can (Pack of 6)
Gerber Good Start Gentle Plus Formula, 8.45 Ounce Cans (Pack of 24)