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.

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.

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.

Swaddleme Blankets....Worth it or Waste?

 

Summer Infant 3 Pack Cotton Knit Swaddleme, Blue/ White 

Summer Infant 3 Pack Cotton Knit Swaddleme, Green/Tan 

Summer Infant 3 Pack Cotton Knit Swaddleme, Pink/White 

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)

Newborn and Size 1: Huggies vs. Pampers

So, we tried to figure out which diaper was best. My mom swore by pampers. Plus, that is what the hospital gives you. We started with Pampers. When my son continually wet himself everywhere, I decided to try out Huggies. We later found out the problem was more how we were diapering him (boy parts facing down). However, I do prefer the Huggies for a few reasons. Both diapers have a line on their newborn "swaddler" or "snuggler" diapers which changes color when they are wet. Huggies has a cutout for the umbilical cord; so, you don't have to fold the diaper down. Huggies are more decorative. Most importantly, though, the Pampers almost feels wet on the outside where the Huggies do not when the diaper has been wet. That may be a personal preference, but I liked Huggies more for that reason. Finally, Huggies has easier tabs to work than Pampers. As for which one has less leaks, I found they are pretty much equal in those terms. Anyway, I hope this was helpful.

Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers, Size 1, 168 Count
Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers, Newborn, 84 Count
Pampers Swaddlers Dry Max Diapers, Size N, 84 Count
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 1, 234 Count

MAM Bottles

Mam Anti-Colic Bottle Boy, 3 Pack, 8 Ounce, Colors May VaryMommy's Review- I do like these bottles. They have all of the features of the other bottles, but they are a good bit cheaper. They also are decorated, which is cute. They self-sterilize in the microwave. They also hold a little more formula than the standard size bottles, which is great for when they are not necessarily eating 4 oz. or 8 oz. They occasionally leak. This bottle's flow is a little much for a newborn as well. Overall, I like these bottles.
Baby's Review- I do like these bottles, but I try to eat out of them too quickly.

Avent Bottles

Philips AVENT BPA Free Infant Bottle Starter Set



Mommy's Review- These bottles are all right. Damon loves them. They can leak. The key is to shake them upside-down. They do work well. I like the size and shape. They have your standard features of anti-colic and supposedly do not leak. There are not as many pieces as Dr. Brown's bottles. They are easy to clean. The pacifiers are great and they work with most pacifier clips. Overall, I would buy these bottles again.
Baby's Review- I love these bottles! They are my favorite.

The First Years Night and Day Bottle Warmer System

The First Years Night and Day Bottle Warmer SystemMommy's Review- Many people told me not to buy this, but with my husband's bad eye sight and a townhouse with a kitchen 2 flights of stairs down, I had to give it a try. It has been great. The back has a cooler space that comes with its own ice pack which will hold 2 bottles (I use , Evenflo, and MAM bottles). The warmer works okay to get it to at least room temperature, and it does not take more than a minute or so. You just have to remember to take the lid off of the bottle. There were many complaints on this item, but I cannot figure out why unless they are not following instructions. I would definitely say this is worth it, especially if you live in a multi-level home.
Baby's Review- This item cuts my screaming time in half since Mommy and Daddy do not have to go to the kitchen to get and warm up my bottle.

Infantino Swift Carrier

Infantino Swift CarrierMommy's Review- This carrier is easy to use and convenient. It is pretty comfortable and washable. The bib is also interchangeable. It can be worn with the baby facing you or the world. It will fit as small as  8lbs. That combined with its price makes this a real steal. Why would you bother with a Baby Bjorn?
Baby's Review- I generally like this. It keeps me close to Mommy or Daddy when we go shopping. I get a little fussy getting in, but once I am in there I am fine.

The First Years 2 Receiver Baby Monitor

The First Years Two Receiver 49 MHz Monitor
Mommy's Review- This monitor works pretty well. We live in a townhouse next to some other young families; so, we get a good bit of feedback. The key is to not turn up the volume too high. I can hear Damon breathing and sighing; so, I guess it works pretty well. Overall, I am happy with this product and it gets the job done.

The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD

 

The Happiest Baby on the Block - The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer (DVD)

Mommy's Review- The Holy Grail of baby advice. This DVD teaches you 5 things that will calm your baby instantly. I honestly did not believe it until I tried it on Damon. Miraculously, it worked! It also teaches the proper way to swaddle; so, it does not come undone as easily. I sent this to my pregnant sister-in-law I was so happy with it. Also, much easier than reading a long book. Plus, you get to watch everything as they demonstrate it to you multiple times.

Safety 1st Baby Gate

Safety 1st Perfect Fit Gate
Mommy's Review- These gates work pretty well. They are not quite for Damon yet. Instead, they keep our two pugs from being able to go anywhere in the house. They give you the option of a swinging open or close or open like a traditional baby gate. They are relatively easy to open and close, but not very easy. My husband also says they are easy to install. They are some of the best gates on the market, though.

Chicco Infant Car Seat

 

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat Midori - Chicco 04061472630070

Chicco KeyFit & KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat Base - Anthracite 

Mommy's Review- I was not sure I wanted to bother getting an infant car seat, since they can only be in it for less than 1 year. We went ahead and got a convertible one. However, my cousin got me this one. It is very easy to install in many different cars, including a VW Beetle convertible. It makes going anywhere a breeze. You just pack the baby up however, and they usually sleep. It double clicks into the base very easily, and off you go. It's not too heavy, and the belts are very easy to adjust to baby's size. I also believe Chicco got some sort of safety rating for the Keyfit.
Baby'a Review-ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzz

Bugaboo Cameleon

Bugaboo Cameleon All Black Special Edition Us
Bugaboo Cameleon Adapter for Graco Car Seat
Bugaboo Cameleon Tailored Fabric
Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller - Dark Grey Base - Blue Canvas

Mommy's Review- BEST STROLLER EVER! I did over 2 weeks worth of research on what stroller to get my son. We debated between the Orbit Travel System (another 500 more), Uppababy, Peg Perego, and many more. I went to see this in person, originally planning on buying the Bugaboo Bee. After I saw this, I WAS SOLD. The Cameleon has a bassinet piece as well as a normal seat (they do use the same frame though). The material comes off; so, it is washable. It pushes like a dream and will turn on a dime. It is not too heavy. The wheels are filled with foam; so, they do not go flat. The handle bars switch sides and adjust up and down. The suspension makes sure the baby does not feel anything. I have pushed this through grass with no problem, and Damon did not even stir. It protects well from the weather. The cover even zips off, and it makes a great makeshift changing table. You can get other colors for less than 100 dollars, making it easy to personalize for each child. There are many add-ons like cup holders and a pedal for an older child to stand on while you push baby. The one thing people complain about is that it folds in two pieces, but it does not bother me. I would suggest, however, getting the Graco or Max Cosi car seat adapter and car seat to make life a little easier earlier on. Also, people complain about the minimal space for storage. I did not find this to be a problem for a standard diaper bag. Bugaboo also sells one which goes on the handles. While researching, I read that someone's child was hit by a car in this stroller, and the child did not have a mark on them (a drunk driver had run off the road). If that does not help sell it for safety, I do not know what will. Well worth the money. This stroller will last forever!
Baby's Review- Do Not Disturb! Sleeping while Mommy pushes me around town.