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.