The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer
Price: $19.99
I did alot of research while I was pregnant and found myself frequently on chat boards trying to find out what some of the "must haves" were and what some of the "waste of money" items were. I found that almost all breastfeeding moms said that bottle warmers were one of the biggest waste-of-money items out there. When it comes time to give your baby a bottle of pumped milk, they tell you to hold the bottle under running warm water until the milk is the desired temperature. Quick, easy & "free". Well, I went ahead and registered for a bottle warmer anyway. Turns out, Trent does not like cold, cool, or luke-warm milk - he likes WARM milk. Maybe we brought this on ourselves by using the bottle warmer from the beginning, but we'll never know for sure. Our daycare provider uses the ole running water trick and she says it takes approximately 8 minutes to get the bottle to the temperature Trent likes. The bottle warmer takes, oh, i don't know, 1-2 minutes. I'm very glad I went against the mob and registered for/got a bottle warmer. Of course Trent rarely gets a bottle from Kevin or myself these days, but it comes in handy for the babysitters; and it came in handy when Trent was younger.
Pros:
-pretty small
-easy to transport
-warms jars of food as well
-comes with a handy little chart and measuring cup
-light to let you know when its on and when its done
-accommodates all different style and size bottles
Cons:
-This thing can get HOT!!!! I've never had an issue with bottles burning, but i often worry that will happen. We usually take the bottle out of the warmer before its officially done.
Recommend: It got alot of mixed reviews on babiesrus.com but we like it....
8.24.2009
8.23.2009
Recommend: Baby Cache Nursery Furniture
Crib Price: $449.99
Dresser Price:$549.99
This is pretty much a repeat from a blog I posted previously in my OWN blog, but I'll highlight most of it here.
I saw this set one day while just walking through BRU. At the time I was not looking for a bed room set, but upon seeing this set I knew exactly what I wanted in my little man's room! Not only did this fit my visual requirements, but it also fit the other requirements I had for a bed room set in my mind (as highlighted below).
Pros:
- sturdy/well made
- drawers on dresser glide in and out easily
- attractive
- able to convert crib into a full size bed (with the purchase of bed rails)
- has two dresser options - we got the lower dresser because we wanted to use the top of the dresser as a changing station
- drawers are deep and hold quite a bit
- depending on your budget, I thought this was a reasonably priced set (last year Ryan and I had priced furniture for ourselves and a full bed was considerably higher than the price of this crib+ the running boards)
- the storage cabinet on the side of the dresser is convenient for bath supplies, first aide type items, wipes, etc and large enough to fit some canvas totes for organized storage.
Cons:
- drawers glide so smoothly that they some times bang when closing - I put some of Judes clothes away while he's asleep so can be bad!
- as I'm sure is typical with most cribs, it's a pain to change the crib sheet.
- because of the way the bars/panels are on the crib, some of your standard crib decor doesn't fit quite right (bumpers, mobiles, etc) - just make sure you check out the crib before buying any of these items!
- I remember when putting the crib together Ryan had a difficult time putting the metal mattress support portion together. I'm not sure if this is normal, but I remember my dad saying "make sure you read the instructions!" about the crib, so maybe it's no more difficult than any others.
Would I Recommend: Yes! So far I've loved this set! Part of my wishes I had purchased the second dresser as well, but really, we hardly fill the drawers we have so why bother? When/if there's a baby #2 I would without a doubt purchase another baby cache nursery set!
Dresser Price:$549.99
This is pretty much a repeat from a blog I posted previously in my OWN blog, but I'll highlight most of it here.
I saw this set one day while just walking through BRU. At the time I was not looking for a bed room set, but upon seeing this set I knew exactly what I wanted in my little man's room! Not only did this fit my visual requirements, but it also fit the other requirements I had for a bed room set in my mind (as highlighted below).
Pros:
- sturdy/well made
- drawers on dresser glide in and out easily
- attractive
- able to convert crib into a full size bed (with the purchase of bed rails)
- has two dresser options - we got the lower dresser because we wanted to use the top of the dresser as a changing station
- drawers are deep and hold quite a bit
- depending on your budget, I thought this was a reasonably priced set (last year Ryan and I had priced furniture for ourselves and a full bed was considerably higher than the price of this crib+ the running boards)
- the storage cabinet on the side of the dresser is convenient for bath supplies, first aide type items, wipes, etc and large enough to fit some canvas totes for organized storage.
Cons:
- drawers glide so smoothly that they some times bang when closing - I put some of Judes clothes away while he's asleep so can be bad!
- as I'm sure is typical with most cribs, it's a pain to change the crib sheet.
- because of the way the bars/panels are on the crib, some of your standard crib decor doesn't fit quite right (bumpers, mobiles, etc) - just make sure you check out the crib before buying any of these items!
- I remember when putting the crib together Ryan had a difficult time putting the metal mattress support portion together. I'm not sure if this is normal, but I remember my dad saying "make sure you read the instructions!" about the crib, so maybe it's no more difficult than any others.
Would I Recommend: Yes! So far I've loved this set! Part of my wishes I had purchased the second dresser as well, but really, we hardly fill the drawers we have so why bother? When/if there's a baby #2 I would without a doubt purchase another baby cache nursery set!
8.15.2009
Swings
Fisher-Price Rainforest Open Top Take Along SwingAnother Fisher Price Rainforest product. What can I say, it's an adorable line!
Pros:
-adjustable music volume
-easy to collapse and take places
-3 cute dangling toys
-adjustable harness system
-varying swing speeds (5)
-fun bright colors
-head cushion for added comfort
-fabric is easy to remove for washing
-the mobile swings, making it easy to get baby out of the seat
Cons:
-swing speed is too fast for a newborn
-batteries not included (four C)
-says its good for up to 25 lbs but at 8months old and only 20 lbs I stopped putting my son in the swing. I found that he would lean himself forward so that his head was upside down, and then get himself stuck (if he wasn't strapped in, he would face plant or do a flip). It looked very uncomfortable - a little painful even. I'm not sure if its the swings fault for tipping forward easily, or not, but it's something I thought was worth noting.
Recommend: Absolutely. But again, the swing is a bit powerful for a newborn, in my opinion.
This is another item that was purchased mostly because of the pattern. It matched all the other Deco items that would be cluttering my living room, so why not?
Pros:
- Good brand name
- has a dial you can turn to adjust swing spead
- seat has a recline feature so they can sit up or recline back (good for different ages, with different amount of neck control, etc.
- has a cute hanging mobile (could be more attractive and eye catching) and fun toys on the tray in front
- when the chair rocks, it sets the mobile in motion
- plays through a series of classical style songs or you can play nature sounds.
- volume can be adjusted
- has a timer for the swing (I have never personally used it, so couldn't begin to tell you how it works)
- has 'soothing vibrations' in the seat
- when baby is older there's a spot on the tray in front of him for snack, etc
- seems to be large enough for older infants.
Cons:
- expensive in comparison to the travel swing above
- larger than travel swings (not transportable and harder to move around the house)
- Tray in front needs to be opened to put the baby inside and usually knocks into the mobile when opening. (a minor annoyance)
Would I Recommend: Jude personally is not a huge fan of the swing. He's used it a small handful of times since he's been home. I hope that as he gets older he gets some use out of it because of the price. But I've heard some kids love the swing and others hate it, if he never grows to like it, maybe #2 will. As far as quality and whether I would purchase it for a child who did like the swing, I'd say sure! It could be brighter and more eye catching/entertaining, but I like that it goes with my set and has a lot of nice features. In general, there aren't many graco products I have that I wouldn't recommend.
When I first saw this, I immediately fell in love with the idea of it. Basically you set your infant car seat in the frame and it turns your travel system car seat into a travel swing.
I have honestly NEVER used it. I originally got it because I thought not only would it be great for if he's a sleep when we come home, but it'd be nice for when I walk in the door and need to let Buddy out. We could have this by the door and drop Jude in it while I run out to let Buddy out in the front yard. Really, Jude has not been much of a swinger, so it never got used. That being said, I won't have much to say about how it functions.
Pros:
- Folds up small for cramped quarters
- fits a variety of size car seats
- keeps car seat off the ground (as I type this I plan to pull it out of the closet because I hate having my car seat just sit on the ground - at least it will get SOME use)
Cons:
- In my case, because it folds up so small I threw it in a closet and forgot all about it.
- was a little difficult putting it together. It's a series of gray bars that all looked a like and therefore made it difficult to determine which went where.
Would I Recommend: I plan to pull this out in the next few days and I'll come back to update whether I recommend this item. It seems very practical though for a small space and a baby who likes the swing.
I have honestly NEVER used it. I originally got it because I thought not only would it be great for if he's a sleep when we come home, but it'd be nice for when I walk in the door and need to let Buddy out. We could have this by the door and drop Jude in it while I run out to let Buddy out in the front yard. Really, Jude has not been much of a swinger, so it never got used. That being said, I won't have much to say about how it functions.
Pros:
- Folds up small for cramped quarters
- fits a variety of size car seats
- keeps car seat off the ground (as I type this I plan to pull it out of the closet because I hate having my car seat just sit on the ground - at least it will get SOME use)
Cons:
- In my case, because it folds up so small I threw it in a closet and forgot all about it.
- was a little difficult putting it together. It's a series of gray bars that all looked a like and therefore made it difficult to determine which went where.
Would I Recommend: I plan to pull this out in the next few days and I'll come back to update whether I recommend this item. It seems very practical though for a small space and a baby who likes the swing.
8.11.2009
Recommend: Trent's Nursery (part 2)
Glider
Shermag White Glider w/ ottoman= $299.99
(im 85% sure this is the price we paid)
(from BRU)
My glider was an item I didn't jump right in to. Literally. When I was in the hospital first learning how to get Trent to latch on properly I was always sitting up in the bed with pillows propped around us. When I first got home I did much of the same. I would sit up on the couch or bed and prop pillows around me. It took me a few weeks to even sit in my brand new glider. The first few times I used the glider I didn't even like it. I felt like the baby was too high up when sitting on the boppy pillow. After just a couple days it was like a light switched was turned on. All of a sudden I was addicted to my glider. I didn't want to nurse him anyplace else. It was just so comfortable. We kept the glider in the living room while I was on maternity leave for convenience sake. When I returned to work we put the glider in the nursery. To this day I use the glider at least once a day....and it's not uncommon to see Kevin rocking Trent in the glider too. My biggest complaint (and it's a pretty big one) is that the locking mechanism on the side will lock on its own VERY OFTEN. Be it mid rock, or as I'm getting up. It wouldn't be TOO big a deal if it wasn't loud when it locked! I always worry it will wake the baby. It's very annoying!!! Perhaps an upholstered chair would have been a better choice. Or maybe we should look into fixing/removing the lock all together. Another thing I should note - these gliders are not designed for big people. They are just too narrow for a wide person to sit in. I don't know what Shermag was thinking.
Would I recommend: I don't know if the locking issue we're having is a defect on our chair in particular or not, so it's very hard for me to say. If I were you, I'd go to a few stores and try a few out.
_______________________________________________
Cordless Blinds
(from JCPenney.com)
Price= I got it on sale for $37.99. They are
originally $70.00
A cousin of mine (also a mother) recommended I get cordless blinds for the nursery. Cordless blinds are just that, cordless. By going cordless you don't have to worry about a child choking on, or hanging from, the cord that often dangles from traditional blinds. You can get cordless blinds in several different styles, from several different stores. I went with a roman shade simply because I like the look. I ordered the shade from the internet, and I've never played with cordless blinds before, so I really didn't know what to expect. Kevin and I (probably more Kevin) hung the shade and were both very impressed by the functionality of it (for that price we better be impressed, right?). There is a little plastic clip in the center of the blind at the bottom that you hold and either push up or pull down. It's super easy. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone.
_______________________________________________
Closet Organizer
(from lowes)
No idea how much we spent but I'd guess it was between $50-$100
Lowes has a whole aisle dedicated to closet organization. From the cheaper stuff (pictured) to fancy wood systems. You can purchase something like I have pictured in either a kit or individual pieces. We went with a kit. It comes with everything you need except a few tools. I can remember using a measuring tape, pencil, drill, saw, and marker. You have to cut all the shelf pieces, allowing you to semi-customize the closet to fit your own needs. Of course I did some math wrong and ruined a few pieces, so we had to go back to Lowes. Like I said, they sell many of the piece individually, so it was very nice to only buy what we needed and not have to purchase a second kit. There are a few different styles and designs to choose one so make sure you look at all of the options. And make sure you measure your closet beforehand, just so you can be 100% sure you are buying the right material for your space. I love that we re-did this closet - it's so much more practical than what we had before!
Shermag White Glider w/ ottoman= $299.99
(im 85% sure this is the price we paid)
(from BRU)
My glider was an item I didn't jump right in to. Literally. When I was in the hospital first learning how to get Trent to latch on properly I was always sitting up in the bed with pillows propped around us. When I first got home I did much of the same. I would sit up on the couch or bed and prop pillows around me. It took me a few weeks to even sit in my brand new glider. The first few times I used the glider I didn't even like it. I felt like the baby was too high up when sitting on the boppy pillow. After just a couple days it was like a light switched was turned on. All of a sudden I was addicted to my glider. I didn't want to nurse him anyplace else. It was just so comfortable. We kept the glider in the living room while I was on maternity leave for convenience sake. When I returned to work we put the glider in the nursery. To this day I use the glider at least once a day....and it's not uncommon to see Kevin rocking Trent in the glider too. My biggest complaint (and it's a pretty big one) is that the locking mechanism on the side will lock on its own VERY OFTEN. Be it mid rock, or as I'm getting up. It wouldn't be TOO big a deal if it wasn't loud when it locked! I always worry it will wake the baby. It's very annoying!!! Perhaps an upholstered chair would have been a better choice. Or maybe we should look into fixing/removing the lock all together. Another thing I should note - these gliders are not designed for big people. They are just too narrow for a wide person to sit in. I don't know what Shermag was thinking.Would I recommend: I don't know if the locking issue we're having is a defect on our chair in particular or not, so it's very hard for me to say. If I were you, I'd go to a few stores and try a few out.
_______________________________________________
Cordless Blinds
(from JCPenney.com)
Price= I got it on sale for $37.99. They are
originally $70.00A cousin of mine (also a mother) recommended I get cordless blinds for the nursery. Cordless blinds are just that, cordless. By going cordless you don't have to worry about a child choking on, or hanging from, the cord that often dangles from traditional blinds. You can get cordless blinds in several different styles, from several different stores. I went with a roman shade simply because I like the look. I ordered the shade from the internet, and I've never played with cordless blinds before, so I really didn't know what to expect. Kevin and I (probably more Kevin) hung the shade and were both very impressed by the functionality of it (for that price we better be impressed, right?). There is a little plastic clip in the center of the blind at the bottom that you hold and either push up or pull down. It's super easy. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone.
_______________________________________________
Closet Organizer
(from lowes)No idea how much we spent but I'd guess it was between $50-$100
Lowes has a whole aisle dedicated to closet organization. From the cheaper stuff (pictured) to fancy wood systems. You can purchase something like I have pictured in either a kit or individual pieces. We went with a kit. It comes with everything you need except a few tools. I can remember using a measuring tape, pencil, drill, saw, and marker. You have to cut all the shelf pieces, allowing you to semi-customize the closet to fit your own needs. Of course I did some math wrong and ruined a few pieces, so we had to go back to Lowes. Like I said, they sell many of the piece individually, so it was very nice to only buy what we needed and not have to purchase a second kit. There are a few different styles and designs to choose one so make sure you look at all of the options. And make sure you measure your closet beforehand, just so you can be 100% sure you are buying the right material for your space. I love that we re-did this closet - it's so much more practical than what we had before!
Here is our "before"
8.10.2009
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags vs Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags - A Double Take
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags
Price: $8.99 or $18.99
Quantity in Pack: 20 or 50
Barbie's Take: When registering for storage bags I decided to go with a couple different brands. To my surprise, I received both brands at my baby shower. Since everything else I was using was Medela, I went ahead and used my my medela bags first.
Alicia's Take: I purchased the Medela storage bags first because I purchased all my other breast pump items in the Medela brand. When I first used them, I thought I loved them but decided later they weren't the best.
Pros:
- conveniently hang from the Medela breast pump to pump directly into the bag.
- have a tab at the top of the bag to label with date, name, and number of ounces in the bag.
- Stand up nicely in the fridge for thawing frozen milk
Cons:
- short/fat structure take up extra space in the freezer.
- Only hold about 5 ounces (there was one point where I could get 6-7 ounces in one early morning pump)
- I have not seen them anywhere other than BRU.
-occasionally leak when thawing. tears "magically" appear sometime during the freezing stage. I now thaw all my bags in a bowl in the fridge because I got tired of wasting, and cleaning, the milk
________________________________________
Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags:
Price: $6.99 or $11.99
Quantity in Pack: 25 or 50
Barbie's Take: This was the second brand of storage bags I tried. It is also the brand I have continued to use over the last several months.
Alicia's Take: One day after running out of my Medela bags I was at the grocery store. I browsed the baby aisle to see if they carried breast milk storage bags and they did! It saved me a trip to BRU which was super!
Pros:
- double zipper at the top for extra secure closure
- labeled for up to 6 ounces, but if needed, you can store more.
- significantly larger bags which makes it easy to lay them flat to freeze for more storage space.
- convenient tab for name, date and number of ounces.
- available at my local grocery store.
- cheaper
Cons:
- do not hang from the breast pump to pump directly into the bag
-occasionally leak when thawing. tears "magically" appear sometime during the freezing stage. I now thaw all my bags in a bowl in the fridge because I got tired of wasting, and cleaning, the milk. I'm not sure if this is more common with Lansinoh bags but I've heard other women complain of this happening to them as well (Lansinoh specifically).
Price: $8.99 or $18.99
Quantity in Pack: 20 or 50
Barbie's Take: When registering for storage bags I decided to go with a couple different brands. To my surprise, I received both brands at my baby shower. Since everything else I was using was Medela, I went ahead and used my my medela bags first.
Alicia's Take: I purchased the Medela storage bags first because I purchased all my other breast pump items in the Medela brand. When I first used them, I thought I loved them but decided later they weren't the best.
Pros:
- conveniently hang from the Medela breast pump to pump directly into the bag.
- have a tab at the top of the bag to label with date, name, and number of ounces in the bag.
- Stand up nicely in the fridge for thawing frozen milk
Cons:
- short/fat structure take up extra space in the freezer.
- Only hold about 5 ounces (there was one point where I could get 6-7 ounces in one early morning pump)
- I have not seen them anywhere other than BRU.
-occasionally leak when thawing. tears "magically" appear sometime during the freezing stage. I now thaw all my bags in a bowl in the fridge because I got tired of wasting, and cleaning, the milk
________________________________________
Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags:
Price: $6.99 or $11.99
Quantity in Pack: 25 or 50
Barbie's Take: This was the second brand of storage bags I tried. It is also the brand I have continued to use over the last several months.
Alicia's Take: One day after running out of my Medela bags I was at the grocery store. I browsed the baby aisle to see if they carried breast milk storage bags and they did! It saved me a trip to BRU which was super!
Pros:
- double zipper at the top for extra secure closure
- labeled for up to 6 ounces, but if needed, you can store more.
- significantly larger bags which makes it easy to lay them flat to freeze for more storage space.
- convenient tab for name, date and number of ounces.
- available at my local grocery store.
- cheaper
Cons:
- do not hang from the breast pump to pump directly into the bag
-occasionally leak when thawing. tears "magically" appear sometime during the freezing stage. I now thaw all my bags in a bowl in the fridge because I got tired of wasting, and cleaning, the milk. I'm not sure if this is more common with Lansinoh bags but I've heard other women complain of this happening to them as well (Lansinoh specifically).
8.07.2009
Recommend: Jumperoo
Fisher-Price Rainforest JumperooPrice: $99.99
Another item I just love.
Pros:
-It's full of things for the baby to look at and play with.
-bright colors
-There are a couple catchy tunes you can play at different volumes.
-Adjustable straps for height (3 positions)
-pretty easy to remove the seat for washing
-toys at varying heights
-seat spins 360 degrees
-toys on all sides
-some lights to catch your baby's attention
-helps promote leg use and muscle development
Cons:
-just too large to fit through doors
-awkward to collapse
-not very travel-friendly
-the dragonfly toy does not stand up like its shown in the pictures. it just flops to the side
Recommend: Absolutely!!!!
Baby Books (Part 1)
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” a.k.a. WTEWYE (Pregnancy)
Alicia’s Take: I think that just about every woman has seen this book or at least heard of it. When I found out I was pregnant and raiding the Border’s book shelves, it was one of the first that I picked up. Personally I didn’t think it was that great of a book. I personally didn’t like the way it was broken down. When I was bored at night and didn’t have anything else to read I’d flip through it and catch up. Typically I’d scan the headlines and read anything that really stood out to me as interesting. In my opinion there are better books out there (see below) that accomplish the same goal: informing you about the status of your pregnancy.
Barbie's Take: Megan let me borrow her copy of this book pretty early on. I found myself referencing it every month. I'd read the entire chapter for whatever month I was just entering and then I'd give Kevin and break-down of what we could expect, or what the baby would be doing differently. Once in a blue moon I'd reference it for odd-ball things, like "is this normal". I definitely liked this book and will probably reference it again in the future.
__________________________________________________
“What to Expect the First Year” (Infant)
Alicia’s Take: “What to expect…” obviously used their already popular name and started a whole SERIES of “What to expect…” books. I’ve seen “what to expect…” for twins, babysitters, etc. I picked this up because I thought that it might be good to know what’s going on with Jude as he’s growing. It didn’t take long for it to start collection dust on my night stand. I read a few pages of the first month and Ryan had a great point that if you’re reading this and are checking his development by a book then you’ll drive yourself crazy. Every baby develops at a different pace and some can do things before others, after others or right on time and there could be nothing wrong with them.
In my opinion taking your baby to wellness visits on a regular basis is far more beneficial. The doctor will let you know if there’s something wrong and you need to be concerned. I think you’ll just make yourself crazy comparing your child to the average. I’d say to skip this book.
__________________________________________________
“Your Pregnancy Week by Week” (Pregnancy)
Alicia’s Take: This was the one pregnancy book that I loved. I looked forward to hitting my weekly marks to read what was going on in there. The first page or two of each section was dedicated to how big baby was, average weight gain, had pictures of what he/she looks like at that point, etc. In addition I felt that the rest of each chapter was broken up nicely highlighting possible issues at each stage, things to be on the look out for, etc.
I’m pretty sure that the same information was all covered in WTEWYE (see above), but in my opinion it was laid out much nicer here. Ryan also seemed to enjoy reading this one as in was not uncommon for it to be missing when I went to read it because he would pick it up and browse through.
__________________________________________________
“So That’s What They’re For” (Breastfeeding)
Alicia’s Take: A lot of information you read online tells you that breast feeding can be very difficult when you first start. I had heard of other people who had complications in the beginning, so I was determined to find out everything I could about how to get started and be successful. This book was not only pro-breast feeding, but VERY anti-formula. I remember when I was reading it, thinking that the lady who wrote it must be insane. Now that I’ve been BFing, I can understand her a little better, but still think she was pretty extreme.
However, I found some of her extreme-ness to be mildly entertaining (I can remember chuckling at some parts, thinking to my self “she can not be serious”) and might be part of the reason I read through the whole book. Reading about some of the “what if’s” can be a little boring if you have no real idea of what to expect, but other than that, the book was good. I was pretty successful getting started and feel like the book may have had something to do with it.
In addition, there’s a pretty good index/reference section in the back. I have only used it once or twice, but it was pretty easy to find exactly what section I was looking for, for a quick reference.
If you’re planning on breast feeding, this could be a great book to confirm that “yes, it is the best thing for my baby!” and help you gather some info – and even help you work through problems in the beginning. If you’re on the fence about breastfeeding, this book might scare you out of it and make you want to throw away the book and replace it with formula. I’m not sure if it’s out there, but if you’re on the fence you might want to find a book that’s a little less intimidating.
Barbie's Take: I knew early on that breast feeding was something I planned to do, but I had no idea what it was all about, so I took myself to Borders. I rummaged through the breast feeding book for a while before finally decided to get this book. Once home, I took my time and read the book almost page by page. I skipped the sections that had nothing to do with me (nursing twins, etc) but for the most part I read the entire book. The author is pretty hard-core. A little too hard-core for my liking. She made me believe the doctors and nurses at the hospital were going to be 100% against me, and basically force formula down my child's throat. At one point the author had me so scared that I went to Kevin and told him, "I don't think I am going to breast feed". All of the formula-bashing had me very intimidated. And don't even get me started on the "you will lose your friends who do not breast feed" section. All that aside, the book had a ton of really useful information. Using the index I found it very easy to go back to the book for quick answers and tips. I referenced the book several times in the early stages of breast feeding and was very glad I had it. I even recommended this book a friend.
__________________________________________________
“Happiest Baby on the Block” (Infant)
Alicia’s Take: I have heard people RAVE about this book. I personally only read the beginning of it and kind of gave up. This is basically a guide to over coming colic and helping you sooth a screaming baby. It discusses the natural reason for why swaddling works, what sounds work best to comfort a child and much more. It covers the 5 S’s and could be a life line for mothers with a baby with colic. I know the last thing you will have time to do when you have a baby with colic is read a book on colic, but I after reading the basics of the book, that’s exactly what I told myself I’d do. The book just started to get a little too detailed for me, so I put it down and never finished it. But the beginning portions I read were very helpful.
Having an understanding of why babies like/dislike certain things helped me at points. For example the security of the womb can be recreated by swaddling. Jude really was never a fan of swaddling, but if he’s upset, I’ll set him against my chest, scrunch up my legs and wrap my arms around him to get the same feeling. Usually this works wonders in calming him down and even putting him to sleep.
The book was in pretty lay terms and not too difficult to understand, so it was a pretty easy read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a baby who has colic and if you’re an expecting mother who’s terrified of mid-night screaming fits, this could sooth your mind that there are ways to over come it!
__________________________________________________
"Milk Memos" (pumping)
Barbie's Take: This is a book written by real working women who pumped on the job. There was an assigned "lactation room" in their corporate building for all of the pumping mothers to share. One of them decided to start a little journal to "introduce" herself to the other mothers (they all pumped at different times throughout the day). Over time several women were writing in this journal - giving updates about their child and telling stories. It gave them something to do while pumping, but it also gave me (the reader) a chance to hear from real women what pumping would be like in the workplace. I read it cover to cover while I was pregnant and found it to be a fairly easy read that was mildly entertaining and semi-informative. I kept telling myself I would go back and re-read it now that I actually AM pumping at work, but I haven't yet. I'm sure I would interpret the book differently now that I can relate to these women. I would definitely recommend this book to any other pumping mother, if for no other reason than so they can feel some sort of connection to someone else who pumps. Pumping mother's are growing in numbers but it's still common to be the first person to pump at your job.....or be the person who "introduces" pumping to coworkers who never knew it existed (which was the case for me).
Alicia’s Take: I think that just about every woman has seen this book or at least heard of it. When I found out I was pregnant and raiding the Border’s book shelves, it was one of the first that I picked up. Personally I didn’t think it was that great of a book. I personally didn’t like the way it was broken down. When I was bored at night and didn’t have anything else to read I’d flip through it and catch up. Typically I’d scan the headlines and read anything that really stood out to me as interesting. In my opinion there are better books out there (see below) that accomplish the same goal: informing you about the status of your pregnancy.
Barbie's Take: Megan let me borrow her copy of this book pretty early on. I found myself referencing it every month. I'd read the entire chapter for whatever month I was just entering and then I'd give Kevin and break-down of what we could expect, or what the baby would be doing differently. Once in a blue moon I'd reference it for odd-ball things, like "is this normal". I definitely liked this book and will probably reference it again in the future.
__________________________________________________
“What to Expect the First Year” (Infant)
Alicia’s Take: “What to expect…” obviously used their already popular name and started a whole SERIES of “What to expect…” books. I’ve seen “what to expect…” for twins, babysitters, etc. I picked this up because I thought that it might be good to know what’s going on with Jude as he’s growing. It didn’t take long for it to start collection dust on my night stand. I read a few pages of the first month and Ryan had a great point that if you’re reading this and are checking his development by a book then you’ll drive yourself crazy. Every baby develops at a different pace and some can do things before others, after others or right on time and there could be nothing wrong with them.
In my opinion taking your baby to wellness visits on a regular basis is far more beneficial. The doctor will let you know if there’s something wrong and you need to be concerned. I think you’ll just make yourself crazy comparing your child to the average. I’d say to skip this book.
__________________________________________________
“Your Pregnancy Week by Week” (Pregnancy)
Alicia’s Take: This was the one pregnancy book that I loved. I looked forward to hitting my weekly marks to read what was going on in there. The first page or two of each section was dedicated to how big baby was, average weight gain, had pictures of what he/she looks like at that point, etc. In addition I felt that the rest of each chapter was broken up nicely highlighting possible issues at each stage, things to be on the look out for, etc.
I’m pretty sure that the same information was all covered in WTEWYE (see above), but in my opinion it was laid out much nicer here. Ryan also seemed to enjoy reading this one as in was not uncommon for it to be missing when I went to read it because he would pick it up and browse through.
__________________________________________________
“So That’s What They’re For” (Breastfeeding)
Alicia’s Take: A lot of information you read online tells you that breast feeding can be very difficult when you first start. I had heard of other people who had complications in the beginning, so I was determined to find out everything I could about how to get started and be successful. This book was not only pro-breast feeding, but VERY anti-formula. I remember when I was reading it, thinking that the lady who wrote it must be insane. Now that I’ve been BFing, I can understand her a little better, but still think she was pretty extreme.
However, I found some of her extreme-ness to be mildly entertaining (I can remember chuckling at some parts, thinking to my self “she can not be serious”) and might be part of the reason I read through the whole book. Reading about some of the “what if’s” can be a little boring if you have no real idea of what to expect, but other than that, the book was good. I was pretty successful getting started and feel like the book may have had something to do with it.
In addition, there’s a pretty good index/reference section in the back. I have only used it once or twice, but it was pretty easy to find exactly what section I was looking for, for a quick reference.
If you’re planning on breast feeding, this could be a great book to confirm that “yes, it is the best thing for my baby!” and help you gather some info – and even help you work through problems in the beginning. If you’re on the fence about breastfeeding, this book might scare you out of it and make you want to throw away the book and replace it with formula. I’m not sure if it’s out there, but if you’re on the fence you might want to find a book that’s a little less intimidating.
Barbie's Take: I knew early on that breast feeding was something I planned to do, but I had no idea what it was all about, so I took myself to Borders. I rummaged through the breast feeding book for a while before finally decided to get this book. Once home, I took my time and read the book almost page by page. I skipped the sections that had nothing to do with me (nursing twins, etc) but for the most part I read the entire book. The author is pretty hard-core. A little too hard-core for my liking. She made me believe the doctors and nurses at the hospital were going to be 100% against me, and basically force formula down my child's throat. At one point the author had me so scared that I went to Kevin and told him, "I don't think I am going to breast feed". All of the formula-bashing had me very intimidated. And don't even get me started on the "you will lose your friends who do not breast feed" section. All that aside, the book had a ton of really useful information. Using the index I found it very easy to go back to the book for quick answers and tips. I referenced the book several times in the early stages of breast feeding and was very glad I had it. I even recommended this book a friend.
__________________________________________________
“Happiest Baby on the Block” (Infant)
Alicia’s Take: I have heard people RAVE about this book. I personally only read the beginning of it and kind of gave up. This is basically a guide to over coming colic and helping you sooth a screaming baby. It discusses the natural reason for why swaddling works, what sounds work best to comfort a child and much more. It covers the 5 S’s and could be a life line for mothers with a baby with colic. I know the last thing you will have time to do when you have a baby with colic is read a book on colic, but I after reading the basics of the book, that’s exactly what I told myself I’d do. The book just started to get a little too detailed for me, so I put it down and never finished it. But the beginning portions I read were very helpful.
Having an understanding of why babies like/dislike certain things helped me at points. For example the security of the womb can be recreated by swaddling. Jude really was never a fan of swaddling, but if he’s upset, I’ll set him against my chest, scrunch up my legs and wrap my arms around him to get the same feeling. Usually this works wonders in calming him down and even putting him to sleep.
The book was in pretty lay terms and not too difficult to understand, so it was a pretty easy read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a baby who has colic and if you’re an expecting mother who’s terrified of mid-night screaming fits, this could sooth your mind that there are ways to over come it!
__________________________________________________
"Milk Memos" (pumping)
Barbie's Take: This is a book written by real working women who pumped on the job. There was an assigned "lactation room" in their corporate building for all of the pumping mothers to share. One of them decided to start a little journal to "introduce" herself to the other mothers (they all pumped at different times throughout the day). Over time several women were writing in this journal - giving updates about their child and telling stories. It gave them something to do while pumping, but it also gave me (the reader) a chance to hear from real women what pumping would be like in the workplace. I read it cover to cover while I was pregnant and found it to be a fairly easy read that was mildly entertaining and semi-informative. I kept telling myself I would go back and re-read it now that I actually AM pumping at work, but I haven't yet. I'm sure I would interpret the book differently now that I can relate to these women. I would definitely recommend this book to any other pumping mother, if for no other reason than so they can feel some sort of connection to someone else who pumps. Pumping mother's are growing in numbers but it's still common to be the first person to pump at your job.....or be the person who "introduces" pumping to coworkers who never knew it existed (which was the case for me).
Recommend: Fisher-Price Rainforest Booster Seat
Fisher-Price Rainforest Booster SeatWhen registering I really didn't know if a booster seat was something I would really need, but i figured 'what the heck' and threw it on there. I chose this booster seat in particular because it has a removable toy tray insert that has tons of cool looking toys. My dear friend Michelle purchased it for me and I was reminded just how cute it was. Unfortunately, it sat in it's box for several months before we were able to actually use it. We've been using it now for several months and we just love it. Trent is very entertained by the toys when he's not eating and the tray is great for his puffs. We've taken it to restaurants with us several times and it's been wonderful. You can fold it up a little so that it's easier to take from place to place, and you can use the seat straps as carrying straps.
Pros:
-great toys
-reputable brand
-easy to transport
-adjustable safety buckle
-height adjustable
-tray is dishwasher safe
-straps to secure to chair
-apparently you can remove the back and tray all together once your child is older and use the seat as a big boy booster seat
Cons:
-a little bulky for taking places if you are bringing the toy insert along
-you may not use your high-chair much (this is a joke con, but a serious one. at almost 9 months old we never use our high chair...only this booster seat)
8.06.2009
Carter's Pop Floral Tote Diaper Bag vs J.J. Cole Method Stroller Bag vs Gap Bella Tuno Diaper Bag
Carter's Pop Floral Tote Diaper Bag:Price: my bag is no longer on BRU website but you can find it on other sites for $25-$30
Mine is very similar to the picture except it's all brown. I basically wanted something neutral in color that was easy to keep clean and has many pockets. This bag has 6 pockets on the outside, 1 zip compartment on the inside, and a divider in the inside creating 2 large compartments, and it zips shut. It also comes with a changing pad and an accessory pouch. Overall I really like it. It's a nylon material, so it's very easy to just wipe clean. The only problem I have is that sometimes the straps will slide off my shoulder and the bag will fall down to my elbow. This can be a pain when I'm carrying my son in my other arm. I think next time I will go for more of a messenger-style bag or possibly even a back-pack style.
Would I Recommend: Sure. It's been a great bag. If you're looking for a tote-style diaper bag, this one is great.
Would I Recommend: Sure. It's been a great bag. If you're looking for a tote-style diaper bag, this one is great.
This diaper bag was purchased as "ryan's" diaper bag. I (Alicia) had picked out my own more girly bag (see below), so Ryan and I headed over to BRU to find one that he would be comfortable carrying around when it's just him and Jude (if you ask Ryan though, he'll never admit that he 'tried on' a variety of bags to find the perfect one).
Pros:
Pros:
- made of a very durable (gender neutral) nylon material
- ooddles of pockets for storing multiple items inside and out of the bag
- perfect size for a quick trip out and about (not good for a full day trip)
- we have used it for purposes other than a diaper bag. It does not look very baby-ish so was perfect to tote things around on our own personal day trips.
- came with a changing pad (we didn't know this though and purchased our own changing pad)
- has attachments to easily hook to a stroller
- messenger bag style makes for easy access into the bag while holding baby
Cons:
Cons:
- on the smaller side of diaper bags so not good for long trips
Would I Recommend: Yes. If you won't be gone for long day trips, this is a great bag.
Gap Bella Tuno Diaper Bag:
Price: $69.99
Would I Recommend: Yes. If you won't be gone for long day trips, this is a great bag.
Gap Bella Tuno Diaper Bag:
Price: $69.99
I saw this bag while shopping around Gap Maternity and just HAD to have it. So, of course, I got it. It came in two color options (brown and green and blue and pink) and looked rather large.
Pros:
- Large enough to fit four (cloth) diapers, a changing pad, extra clothes, toys, sun block and much more.
- Very attractive! (in my opinion)
- I have it in the brown and green, so it’s pretty neutral and doesn’t “clash” with a lot of stuff.
- Wide straps spread the weight out on the shoulder, so it doesn’t weight you down
- Top can tie closed with ribbon, but doesn’t zipper for easy access into the bag.
- Large pockets on the outside for mom’s personal items or other supplies
Cons:
- Didn’t come with a changing pad or anything - I had to purchase these items separately (and for the price of the bag, I feel it should have had something)
- The shape of the bag is designed so it’s wider on the bottom than the top. It’s convenient for stacking items inside, but makes it more difficult to get things OUT of the bag.
- Shoulder style bag in general makes it more difficult to get things in/out with baby in your arms
Would I Recommend: I’m torn. Part of me says no, but part of me says yes. I carry this bag more often than our black messenger bag, but that’s mostly because of looks (and it’s usually prepacked). In general I love it, but I would also recommend that you look around at other options, try them on and think of the items you might be carrying with you on a regular basis and how easy it is to get in and out of the bag you’ve chosen before selecting one.
Pros:
- Large enough to fit four (cloth) diapers, a changing pad, extra clothes, toys, sun block and much more.
- Very attractive! (in my opinion)
- I have it in the brown and green, so it’s pretty neutral and doesn’t “clash” with a lot of stuff.
- Wide straps spread the weight out on the shoulder, so it doesn’t weight you down
- Top can tie closed with ribbon, but doesn’t zipper for easy access into the bag.
- Large pockets on the outside for mom’s personal items or other supplies
Cons:
- Didn’t come with a changing pad or anything - I had to purchase these items separately (and for the price of the bag, I feel it should have had something)
- The shape of the bag is designed so it’s wider on the bottom than the top. It’s convenient for stacking items inside, but makes it more difficult to get things OUT of the bag.
- Shoulder style bag in general makes it more difficult to get things in/out with baby in your arms
Would I Recommend: I’m torn. Part of me says no, but part of me says yes. I carry this bag more often than our black messenger bag, but that’s mostly because of looks (and it’s usually prepacked). In general I love it, but I would also recommend that you look around at other options, try them on and think of the items you might be carrying with you on a regular basis and how easy it is to get in and out of the bag you’ve chosen before selecting one.
Nursing Tank Tops and Bras
Alicia's Take:
I purchased 3 glamour mom nursing tanks from BRU ($19.99) before Jude was born and basically I rotated them for the first couple weeks or so of Jude’s life. I loved them. Since I was only wearing yoga pants, cotton skirts, etc. for the first week or so, they went great. I’d toss a ribbed tank top over it and was set. I loved them so much that not too much later I went out and bought a few more from Destination Maternity (I believe I have about 5 now in gray, black and white). They were the same style and brand. While out on maternity leave they were perfect. If I was out and needed to nurse, I didn’t have to worry about my exposed stomach area. Plus it was warm and not having to wear an actual bra reduced the number of layers.
For me, they were a pretty decent fit. I will say that they don’t offer the best support, but considering you’re being held up by a combination of cotton and elastic, I guess you can’t expect the best. I would say the support they offered was no different than what you’d get from any other shelf-bra tank on the market (nursing or non-nursing style)
Not too much longer after that I also purchased some nursing sports bras (also $19.99 at Destination Maternity – originally purchased at Macy’s for $24.99 – shop around!) which were great for returning to work to wear under more formal clothes. I bought these specifically because they were the cheapest bras they had and I didn’t even want to face buying a fitted bra. They offered extra support (compared to the nursing tank tops) and looked decent under clothes.
When faced with both of them, they both have their pros and cons. The tank tops have less support and the ‘flap’ that opens up to expose the breast can overlap and can be bulky and show through clothes if you don’t flatten it out right. Also, the tank tops are extra absorbent which means if you leak, it will most likely show through. The sports bra however offers extra support looks decent under clothing, but the straps are “racerback” style and if you wear a shirt with a wide neck the straps will without a doubt show. In addition, the bras are thicker and if you leak, it absorbs some of it and so won’t show through clothing as much.
I’ll say that I haven’t found the perfect nursing tops/bras yet, but I also haven’t spent much time looking. Both of the options I have are suiting me fine for now and I would recommend either of them to other nursing mothers to at least get started and you figure out which options work best for you (for example I plan to get nicer bras now because I seem to prefer them over wearing the tanks regularly - but I'm glad I didn't fork out 45+ for a bra that I wasn't sure about). In addition they were 2 of the most fairly priced options I could find which allowed me to buy multiples to rotate through instead of just having one that I’d die if I had to wash.
Victoria’s Secret offered nursing bras that I’d love to try, but they’re only available online. I’m very hesitant to pay shipping and the $45.00 for these and be dissatisfied - but I just might.
____________________________________________
Barbie's Take:
I own 3 Glamour Mom nursing tanks. I always heard these were the nursing tanks! I ordered two from their website at $34 a piece (plus shipping) and purchased the third from a local Babies R Us store ($19.99). I ordered the two from glamourmom.com in a size large since I am semi-large chested. Oddly enough, each of the two tanks fit me differently (despite the fact that they are the same style). One of them fits me good in the torso but is too small in the chest. The second one is way too big in the torso but still too small in the chest. Even though they are too small I can still tell they offer great support and are a very nice quality and design.
The third tank, the one I purchased from Babies R Us is a glamour mom tank as well, however it is totally different from the ones I got online. The overall style is the same, but the quality is completely different (which makes sense considering this tank only cost $19.99). I purchased a size small and it fits me better in the chest and in the torso than the larges from the internet. The support, however, is terrible.
I guess all I can tell you is to shop around and try different brands. I hear target has some great nursing tanks that are reasonably priced.
I purchased 3 glamour mom nursing tanks from BRU ($19.99) before Jude was born and basically I rotated them for the first couple weeks or so of Jude’s life. I loved them. Since I was only wearing yoga pants, cotton skirts, etc. for the first week or so, they went great. I’d toss a ribbed tank top over it and was set. I loved them so much that not too much later I went out and bought a few more from Destination Maternity (I believe I have about 5 now in gray, black and white). They were the same style and brand. While out on maternity leave they were perfect. If I was out and needed to nurse, I didn’t have to worry about my exposed stomach area. Plus it was warm and not having to wear an actual bra reduced the number of layers.
For me, they were a pretty decent fit. I will say that they don’t offer the best support, but considering you’re being held up by a combination of cotton and elastic, I guess you can’t expect the best. I would say the support they offered was no different than what you’d get from any other shelf-bra tank on the market (nursing or non-nursing style)
Not too much longer after that I also purchased some nursing sports bras (also $19.99 at Destination Maternity – originally purchased at Macy’s for $24.99 – shop around!) which were great for returning to work to wear under more formal clothes. I bought these specifically because they were the cheapest bras they had and I didn’t even want to face buying a fitted bra. They offered extra support (compared to the nursing tank tops) and looked decent under clothes.
When faced with both of them, they both have their pros and cons. The tank tops have less support and the ‘flap’ that opens up to expose the breast can overlap and can be bulky and show through clothes if you don’t flatten it out right. Also, the tank tops are extra absorbent which means if you leak, it will most likely show through. The sports bra however offers extra support looks decent under clothing, but the straps are “racerback” style and if you wear a shirt with a wide neck the straps will without a doubt show. In addition, the bras are thicker and if you leak, it absorbs some of it and so won’t show through clothing as much.
I’ll say that I haven’t found the perfect nursing tops/bras yet, but I also haven’t spent much time looking. Both of the options I have are suiting me fine for now and I would recommend either of them to other nursing mothers to at least get started and you figure out which options work best for you (for example I plan to get nicer bras now because I seem to prefer them over wearing the tanks regularly - but I'm glad I didn't fork out 45+ for a bra that I wasn't sure about). In addition they were 2 of the most fairly priced options I could find which allowed me to buy multiples to rotate through instead of just having one that I’d die if I had to wash.
Victoria’s Secret offered nursing bras that I’d love to try, but they’re only available online. I’m very hesitant to pay shipping and the $45.00 for these and be dissatisfied - but I just might.
____________________________________________
Barbie's Take:
I own 3 Glamour Mom nursing tanks. I always heard these were the nursing tanks! I ordered two from their website at $34 a piece (plus shipping) and purchased the third from a local Babies R Us store ($19.99). I ordered the two from glamourmom.com in a size large since I am semi-large chested. Oddly enough, each of the two tanks fit me differently (despite the fact that they are the same style). One of them fits me good in the torso but is too small in the chest. The second one is way too big in the torso but still too small in the chest. Even though they are too small I can still tell they offer great support and are a very nice quality and design.
The third tank, the one I purchased from Babies R Us is a glamour mom tank as well, however it is totally different from the ones I got online. The overall style is the same, but the quality is completely different (which makes sense considering this tank only cost $19.99). I purchased a size small and it fits me better in the chest and in the torso than the larges from the internet. The support, however, is terrible.
I guess all I can tell you is to shop around and try different brands. I hear target has some great nursing tanks that are reasonably priced.
Recommend: Stroller Hooks
Stroll'r Swivel'rsPrice= $5.99
This is another item I threw on my registry and received at my shower. I assumed they would come in handy whether the stroller I was using had storage or not (one of my strollers does, one doesn't). Sure enough, I've used them a handful of times! You can't hang anything too heavy from them or the stroller will become off balance, but they are great for light-medium bags. My diaper bag is usually the heaviest thing I carry around so I throw it in the storage compartment of the stroller and then hang the lighter bags from the hooks. They are great for free'ing up your arms. I imagine they will be great when the day comes that Trent wants me to hold him as we walk through the mall. It will be bad enough I still have to push the stroller, but at least I wont have to push the stroller, carry my bags, AND carry the heavy child. This is just one of those little items that it doesn't hurt to have. You may not use them often, but you'll be glad you have them when you do use them.
Pros:
-snaps onto most strollers
-the hooks swivel 360 degrees
-inexpensive
-they are made of plastic, so they are easy to clean
Cons:
-can be difficult to remove from stroller
-some reviews on BRU say they break easily (mine have held up well so far)
Recommend: Yes. I like them. They would make a good bow-alternative if you are giving a baby gift.
Do not recommend: food trays
Kidco Babysteps Freezer Storage TrayI bought this product on a whim from babies r us. I kept reading how people freeze baby food in these trays and simply thaw one or two at a time for the baby. The set comes with 2 trays and each tray has seven 2oz cubes.
Pros:
-freezes individual portions
-writing surface (if you have a dry erase marker) to mark dates & foods
-dishwasher safe
-stackable
-BPA free
Cons:
-when I measured each compartment I found that they are actually 1 ounce each, not 2 like they say
-my food was getting freezer burnt
Recommend: I could get over the fact that each compartment is only 1 ounce, but I did not like that the food was freezer burnt after just one night. If someone asked for my recommendation I would probably steer them in the direction of the Stay Fresh Baby Food Containers instead. For almost the same price you get more storage and less ice crystals.
UPDATE: Stay Fresh Baby Food Containers
Yesterday evening I sent One Step Ahead an email asking if these food containers are BPA free. I assumed they weren't since they are not marked as such, but being that almost everything is BPA free at this day and age, I had a hard time believing these weren't. I got a response this morning and I am very happy to announce that this product IS BPA free!!! Now I feel totally confident recommending them!!!!
Here is the email:
Dear Barbie,
Thank you for contacting us. Item #14361 Stay Fresh Baby Food Containers 12 pack are BPA free.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
*Please include original message with reply
Thank you for choosing One Step Ahead & Leaps and BoundsJanCustomer Care RepresentativeOSA Sales (800)274-8440 Open 24 HoursLAB Sales (800)477-2189 Open 24 Hours Customer Service (800)950-5120 or (888)203-2265 M-F, 7 am - 6 pm CSTFax One Step Ahead Orders (847)615-7236 Leaps and Bounds Orders (847)615-8478
Here is the email:
Dear Barbie,
Thank you for contacting us. Item #14361 Stay Fresh Baby Food Containers 12 pack are BPA free.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
*Please include original message with reply
Thank you for choosing One Step Ahead & Leaps and BoundsJanCustomer Care RepresentativeOSA Sales (800)274-8440 Open 24 HoursLAB Sales (800)477-2189 Open 24 Hours Customer Service (800)950-5120 or (888)203-2265 M-F, 7 am - 6 pm CSTFax One Step Ahead Orders (847)615-7236 Leaps and Bounds Orders (847)615-8478
Torn: Stay-Fresh Baby Food Containers
Stay-Fresh Baby Food Containers 12-Pack
Price: $9.95 for twelve containers and a tray
Since I make all of Trent's foods, I knew I needed a way to store it all. At first I used ice cube trays but they just weren't cutting it. I did some research and found a few different options, but they all seemed to be very poor quality. The Stay_Fresh baby food containers, however, really caught my eye. I got them in the mail in no time at all and was very pleased when I opened the package. The containers are stackable, dishwasher safe, freezer safe and microwave safe. Each container has a mark at 1 ounce and at 2 ounce. I put a piece of scotch tape on each container and label it with the contents. The tape comes off easily when its time to wash.
Pros:
-stackable, dishwasher safe, freezer safe and microwave safe
-the lids screw on!! this is a huge plus
-marked for 1 ounce or 2
-very portable
-inexpensive
-I've been using mine for only 2 months but they seem to hold up really well
-they do not take up alot of space in the freezer
-the tray is great for the freezer (our freezer has slatted shelves, so the containers would be off balance and take up more space if it weren't for the tray)
Cons:
-if you fill them above the 2 ounce line there is a good chance the lid will pop off in the freezer
-it's hard to read the 1 ounce/2 ounce marking
-exclusively from One Step Ahead - which means you will always have to pay shipping costs and wait for them to arrive
-they "only" hold 2 ounces. This could become an inconvenience if you're child is eating more than 2 ounces at a time
-they are not marked as being BPA free
Recommend: If they were BPA free I would definitely without a doubt recommend them. Since they aren't marked as being BPA free I have to assume they are not, and for this reason I would not recommend them :-(
I have an email into the customer service department of One Step Ahead. I will update if/when I get a clear answer.
UPDATE: Yesterday evening I sent One Step Ahead an email asking if these food containers are BPA free. I assumed they weren't since they are not marked as such, but being that almost everything is BPA free at this day and age, I had a hard time believing these weren't. I got a response this morning and I am very happy to announce that this product IS BPA free!!! Now I feel totally confident recommending them!!!!
8.05.2009
Do Not Recommend: Baby Einstein Take Along Caterpillar
Price: $16.99
When I first saw this item I fell in love with it! It looked so cute and interactive that I just had to have it! Unfortunately after a little time, my opinion changed.
Pros:
- Adorable design
- multiple interactive options - educational
- brand name product with a good reputation
Cons:
- there are two pieces that hang down for the baby to grab on to. Whenever you push the handle back to get the baby out of the car seat, the dangling parts smack him in the head
- music box feature no longer works properly. We have only used this a handful of times and it's already not working after 3 months
- velcro straps that hold it to the handle are not adjustable
- most of the interactive features are too high for the baby to reach (could change as he gets older)
- Sometimes when carrying my infant seat I try to grab it by putting my arm through the handle and holding it close to my body (as opposed to just holding it with my hand away from my body). This item gets in the way.
- even though Jude looks at and 'plays' with other toys, this hasn't really caught his eye (could change with age).
Would I Recommend: No. While it's fairly priced, I just don't think it's worth it. I've seen plenty of other car seat toys that seem to be just as adorable in the same price range that could be much more practical.
Homemade: Laundry Detergent
This is a homemade laundry detergent recipe I got from the Duggar Family website
How Much Does it Make: 10 gallons
Cost: Approximately $10 to get you started but breaks down to approximately $2 for every 10 gallons of detergent
Ingredients Needed:
4 Cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax
(I found these items in the laundry aisle of my local grocer)
Recipe:
How Much Does it Make: 10 gallons
Cost: Approximately $10 to get you started but breaks down to approximately $2 for every 10 gallons of detergent
Ingredients Needed:
4 Cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax
(I found these items in the laundry aisle of my local grocer)
Recipe:
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
- Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
- Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
- Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
- Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
- Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
- Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
(you can use Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars in place of the Fels-Naptha. Don't use heavily perfumed soaps. Alicia and Barbie used only the main 4 ingredients)
Alicia's Take: I have been pleased with it! It's so cheap and easy to make! When we first made it, I had a bunch of my previous detergent to finish up, so never got around to using it for awhile. It's not very appealing to the eye if it's been sitting awhile (can be a little clumping and starts to separate) so when I ran out of my old detergent, I was hesitant to give it it's first go. But since then I've been using it exclusively. With a baby in cloth diapers (and with a baby in general) you go through more detergent than ever and it's been fine to use on his clothing and linens as well.
Barbie's Take: I have been very pleased with our homemade detergent. It was quick and easy to make, and easy to store. We keep the main 10 gallon bucket in our garage and we simply fill up an old laundry detergent container whenever we need to. I love that it has only a mild scent to it....nothing overwhelming (by any means!!). It definitely get our clothes clean and it saves us so much money. I will continue to make this detergent in the future.
Pros:
-very inexpensive
-fairly easy to make
-it works
-good for the environment
Cons:
-could potentially be a pain to store the left-over detergent
Recommend: Summer Infant Bath Time Bubble Maker
Price: $9.99
Back when I was pregnant I registered for this item. I was a little leery about registering for it at first - it's been my experience that most bubble machines end up being a big disappointment (either the fan doesn't blow strong enough winds, or the bubbles are too cheap to actually generate bubbles that last longer than .5 seconds)- but i said 'what the hay'.
I ended up receiving this bubble maker at my baby shower. The next day I set it up - installed the batteries, poured in the bubbles - then walked away. I didn't even try it out - what was I thinking!
Stupid me didn't even use it once Trent arrived. As the months went on I guess the bubble maker turned into an accessory to the tub. One of those things you see every time you go in the room, but you don't really SEE it. Eventually, Kevin was giving Trent his bath and he yells to me to bring the camera up....Kevin finally used it!! Boy was I impressed. This thing really puts off some bubbles!!! At the time Trent didn't seem to notice the bubbles at all, but I kept that thing on for a good five minutes for my own entertainment. I honestly could not believe a cheap little kiddy bubble maker could put off that many of bubbles (re-reading this I realize how lame i sound...what 26 year old gets this excited over bubbles).
Unfortunately, it's hard to get a good quality photo in Trent's bathroom. I think it has to do with the insanely bright orange walls....but you get the idea.
Back when I was pregnant I registered for this item. I was a little leery about registering for it at first - it's been my experience that most bubble machines end up being a big disappointment (either the fan doesn't blow strong enough winds, or the bubbles are too cheap to actually generate bubbles that last longer than .5 seconds)- but i said 'what the hay'.I ended up receiving this bubble maker at my baby shower. The next day I set it up - installed the batteries, poured in the bubbles - then walked away. I didn't even try it out - what was I thinking!
Stupid me didn't even use it once Trent arrived. As the months went on I guess the bubble maker turned into an accessory to the tub. One of those things you see every time you go in the room, but you don't really SEE it. Eventually, Kevin was giving Trent his bath and he yells to me to bring the camera up....Kevin finally used it!! Boy was I impressed. This thing really puts off some bubbles!!! At the time Trent didn't seem to notice the bubbles at all, but I kept that thing on for a good five minutes for my own entertainment. I honestly could not believe a cheap little kiddy bubble maker could put off that many of bubbles (re-reading this I realize how lame i sound...what 26 year old gets this excited over bubbles).
Unfortunately, it's hard to get a good quality photo in Trent's bathroom. I think it has to do with the insanely bright orange walls....but you get the idea.
Once we ran out of bubbles I simply poured a little baby body wash/shampoo in the machine with some water and ta-da: more bubbles!
Pros:
-inexpensive
-comes with bubbles
-produces bubbles wonderfully
-not limited to Summer bubbles
-can be sat on edge of tub or attached to tub walls using provided suction cup (which appears to work well)
-there are a couple speed features (i've never played with this)
Cons:
-batteries not included
-noisy. There is a constant loud hum
-a little bulky in size
Do Not Recommend: Jeep Liberty
I bought my Jeep Liberty brand new in 2006 after Ryan and I got Zoey (our late Chocolate Lab) and got engaged. I excitedly traded in my Scion tC for this transition vehicle that I thought would be great to get us started with our family, tote the dog around in the back and be great for hauling things on our infrequent trips to NC (and other locations). Zoey never stayed in the back cargo area, so reason #1 was quickly foiled.
When buying it, I wasn’t too pleased that I wouldn’t be getting any of the fancy little odds and ends (it was a give and take deal – I really wanted a manual transmission and they all came without any extras) but sucked it up anyway. For the first couple of months I loved it, but after the initial new car excitement my thrill with the vehicle dropped quickly. I had a number of issues with the automatic windows (a factory recall issue that kept going bad), I missed having a sun roof and paying for more gas was just lame. Being that they have come out with newer models and the demand for SUV’s is dropping though, it’s no longer worth what I owe and so trading it in is not a simple feat.
Now that Jude is here and we’ve been using it as a family vehicle for the past 3 months, I have new complaints that go beyond my original dislikes:
Pros:
- A sufficient amount of storage in the rear of the vehicle
- Comes equipped with a full size spare
- Newer models come with a lifetime warranty
- Higher up than a sedan to make you ‘feel’ safer?
Cons:
- Car seat needs to be installed in the middle of the seat, but both of the “latch” system restraints are on the right and left seats – so you can’t utilize the latch system until you have two car seats (at which point I’m assuming it become ok for left or right seat installation). This isn’t too big of a deal though because you can use the middle seat restraint system.
- I’m not too tall (but I’m not too short either) and it’s difficult to reach into the middle to get Jude’s infant seat in and out of the vehicle.
- Rear storage is exposed (not like a normal trunk). We were told by the car seat safety expert at the DMV that in an accident those items stored in the back could roll over the seat and into your child, so everything in the trunk area needs to be restrained
- I believe my car seat is on the large size of infant seats, so this might not be an issue for all car seats, but currently the back seat is not large enough for the seat. The front seats can not recline nor be pushed back too far without hitting the back of the car seat so it could be cramped in the front seat (not an issue for Ryan and I, but for taller people it can be).
Would I Recommend: NO. Before I had a child I didn’t like it. Now that I have a child I dislike it even more. I’m currently looking to trade it in for a 4 door car that’s lower to the ground with a deeper/more spacious back seat. For anyone in the market for a car that would work with their family, I highly recommend trying your particular car seat in the back seat and checking out installation information before purchasing. Obviously 3 years ago this wasn’t something we were really thinking about, but now that I’m in the market for a new car it’s a big priority.
When buying it, I wasn’t too pleased that I wouldn’t be getting any of the fancy little odds and ends (it was a give and take deal – I really wanted a manual transmission and they all came without any extras) but sucked it up anyway. For the first couple of months I loved it, but after the initial new car excitement my thrill with the vehicle dropped quickly. I had a number of issues with the automatic windows (a factory recall issue that kept going bad), I missed having a sun roof and paying for more gas was just lame. Being that they have come out with newer models and the demand for SUV’s is dropping though, it’s no longer worth what I owe and so trading it in is not a simple feat.
Now that Jude is here and we’ve been using it as a family vehicle for the past 3 months, I have new complaints that go beyond my original dislikes:
Pros:
- A sufficient amount of storage in the rear of the vehicle
- Comes equipped with a full size spare
- Newer models come with a lifetime warranty
- Higher up than a sedan to make you ‘feel’ safer?
Cons:
- Car seat needs to be installed in the middle of the seat, but both of the “latch” system restraints are on the right and left seats – so you can’t utilize the latch system until you have two car seats (at which point I’m assuming it become ok for left or right seat installation). This isn’t too big of a deal though because you can use the middle seat restraint system.
- I’m not too tall (but I’m not too short either) and it’s difficult to reach into the middle to get Jude’s infant seat in and out of the vehicle.
- Rear storage is exposed (not like a normal trunk). We were told by the car seat safety expert at the DMV that in an accident those items stored in the back could roll over the seat and into your child, so everything in the trunk area needs to be restrained
- I believe my car seat is on the large size of infant seats, so this might not be an issue for all car seats, but currently the back seat is not large enough for the seat. The front seats can not recline nor be pushed back too far without hitting the back of the car seat so it could be cramped in the front seat (not an issue for Ryan and I, but for taller people it can be).
Would I Recommend: NO. Before I had a child I didn’t like it. Now that I have a child I dislike it even more. I’m currently looking to trade it in for a 4 door car that’s lower to the ground with a deeper/more spacious back seat. For anyone in the market for a car that would work with their family, I highly recommend trying your particular car seat in the back seat and checking out installation information before purchasing. Obviously 3 years ago this wasn’t something we were really thinking about, but now that I’m in the market for a new car it’s a big priority.
8.04.2009
Nursing Wraps
Basic Comfort Nursing Wrapprice: $10.99
Being that I am quite modest, a nursing wrap was a must for me. I registered for this wrap because it was reasonable priced and it seemed like a great idea. There is a special pocket at one corner of the wrap that contains a little weight. You are supposed to drape the weighted pocket over your shoulder so the wrap wouldn't slide off your shoulder and expose you. I used this wrap only twice but was very uncomfortable both times. Trent and I were new to nursing at the time, so I still needed to use both hands and my eyes to get him latched on. I ended up draping the wrap over my head so that I could get Trent latched. I looked ridiculous!! And I was very aware that I was not as covered as I would have liked to be. Once he was latched I peaked my head out from under the wrap and would continue to peak under to see how he was doing. While the weight definitely helped, it did not prevent slippage 100%. After using this wrap twice I went out and bought myself the "peanut shell" (see below)
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Peanut Shell
price: $29.99
Barbie's Take: The picture does not accurately show this wrap, in my opinion. There is a strap that goes around your neck, to keep it up, and a wire of sorts that creates a window for you to look down and see your baby. This is great for eye contact (bonding) and the baby gets more air flow (when compared to wraps like above, or a cloth diaper - which many people use). I would recommend this wrap to anyone who is modest and wants something more full-coverage. There are several different designs to choose from (especially if you would consider purchasing the wrap online). The only downfall, in my opinion, is that the wrap doesn't have enough fabric for a baby who likes to grab and pull. I find myself occasionally tugging after Trent's hands to keep myself concealed. I would like to try making my own with just a little more overall coverage.
Alicia's Take:When selecting a nursing wrap I remember browsing around at BRU and not being 100% sure which way to go – there were only so many options. After putting the standard nursing wrap (above) on my registry, Barbie told me it was a bad choice and to switch to the peanut shell, so I did! I found a pattern I liked (the vanilla bean design shown) and so was pleased with the overall quality. It came with a cute little burp cloth to match and an elastic band to hold the set together folded up tight.
Usually if I’m nursing outside of our home, I’m in my car in the depths of the parking lot (and when I’m not in the depths of the parking lot, I typically don’t care if someone’s staring through my tinted windows – don’t look if you don’t want to see), so a nursing wrap is not 100% necessary. In this situation, we get latched on and once we’re comfortable I toss a receiving blanket over my shoulder just in case someone walks by. However, the handful of times that I have used this nursing wrap I was pretty pleased with it. The little peep hole is convenient and much better than juggling baby and blanket while latching on.
As Barbie noted though, it could be bigger – and this is coming from two fairly small-medium sized women. If I’m not wearing a nursing tank top, then to get to the nursing bra my side-fat is exposed while my shirt’s up around my neck. I have contemplated purchasing a poncho style nursing wrap that goes all the way around my body to avoid the side-fat exposure, but considering how infrequently I use the wrap I currently have, I’m not sure that it’s worth the extra investment. All in all though I’d say the peanut shell wrap is worth the money and probably one of the best that BRU has to offer. If you’re shopping around online though, I’m sure you could find something with more coverage if that’s something you’re concerned with.
Recommend: Trent's Nursery (part 1)
Crib
Carter's Casual Convertible Crib
(from Babies R Us)
(from Babies R Us)
Price: $309.88
I don't really know what to say other than I love it. It's a great shade of white - not bright white but not dingy - and it was easy to put together. Since it's a convertible crib we had to purchase the side rails separately (to be used when we convert the crib into a full sized bed). Cribs from Babies R Us either have
coordinating metal rails (cheaper) or matching wood rails (more expensive). Since our rails were on the pricier end, we assumed they would be a nice matching white wood. Wrong. They are an ugly metal. Very disappointing.Bookcase
(from JCPenney.com)
I wanted a bookcase for extra storage for books and stuffed animals. Since we didn't know the sex of the baby, and since we had already chosen white furniture, I needed a bookcase that wasn't too curvy or feminine. I felt that this bookcase was just what I wanted. I put it together all by myself, which was slightly challenging, but it could have been worse. The back board is very cheap in quality but the rest of the case seems very sturdy. Overall I'm very happy with it.
Changing Table
price: I can not find it online but the table was around $150
We decided to refinish Kevin's old bureau from his childhood instead of purchasing a ne
w one for the nursery. I personally am not into the changing-table-pad-on-top-of-bureau look, so we needed something separate. There was a limited selection of white changing tables so we just chose the one we liked the most. I bought some canvas totes to line the shelves with and have since found the changing table to be great. We use it often and the added storage space is very helpful. The biggest downfall is that once we're out of the diaper phase we really won't have any use for the table. Boppy Pillow - A Double Take
Bare Pillow: $29.99Pillow Covers: $9.99-$25.99
Boppy w/Cover: $35.99 - $44.99
Alicia's Take: When I dropped the news that I was pregnant to a friend (a guy friend) the first thing he told me was “I’m going to buy you a boppy!”. Apparently he had one for his kids and swore by it (he never did buy it for me though). I personally have mainly used it for feedings, so I can not fully account for the other uses, but it was very helpful with feedings. When I first began breastfeeding, my husband and I had a system where I would sit down cross legged with the boppy on my legs and baby on top of the boppy. It put him at the perfect height for feedings and saved my arms from having to do all the work. Now that he is getting older we’ve gotten away from the regimented boppy feedings and I haven’t really touched the pillow much at all (mostly because the pillow is in his room and I do most of my feedings in the living room), but I still agree with many other parents that it really is a great product. For us, it really helped with the system and avoided needing three pillow to go around my body like some people told me they did.
Even though I very rarely used it for anything outside of feedings, the few times I put him in the center of the boppy while I was doing stuff around the house, it did give me piece of mind that he wouldn't roll off the couch or anything. So I could see why someone would love it for reasons beyond feeding.
As for the covers, mine came with a cover already on it. I have yet to wash it (does that make me dirty?), but I guess in my opinion it could be nice to have regardless. Specifically if your baby spits up on it – even though the pillow will still have the stain, at least your baby’s not laying directly on it AND can make cleaning quicker since pillows can take awhile to dry AND you can have one in the wash and a clean one on the pillow for much less than the cost of two pillows. Perhaps boppy should invest in making some water proof covers that absorb the mess, but keep it from getting on the pillow itself to make it a more practical purchase. _____________________________________________
Barbie's Take: I often hear people say, "the boppy pillow is god". While I do love my boppy, I do not feel like it is the #1 must-have of all time. Apparently Boppy pillows are great for helping an infant with tummy time and sitting up, but I never used it for these things. I used it solely for breast feeding. And like i said, I loved it! It allowed my hands to be free and it kept Trent high enough that I did not have to slouch (it saved my back!!!!). Mine was given to me (THANKS MEGAN!!) so I did not have to shell out any money, but based on the prices above I would definitely say they are reasonably priced and worth every penny....if you're going to breast feed. If you aren't, I wouldn't think it to be a top priority (again, this is just based on my experience. I've heard formula mothers swear by the boppy).
Often times my son would fall asleep right after nursing and I'd have to get up. The boppy, being a "C" shape, would fall to the floor. There are other nursing pillows out there (called My Breast Friend) that have a strap that goes all around mommy's torso, keeping the pillow in place. I have never tried this pillow but I would like to.
Bottom line is, if you're going to breast feed I would definitely recommend getting a nursing pillow of some sort, whether it's Boppy or not.
As for the boppy cases, I think they are unnecessary. I have one that I have never used. If spit up gets on the case it will soak through to the pillow, so you end up having to wash both items anyway. With that being said, my boppy is not plain white; it has a cute print on it. If yours is plain and you want to make it cute, by all means, get yourself a case.
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Pros:
- Helpful with feedings
- Many uses – feeding, sitting around, helps hold baby in cradle position, tummy time, etc.
- Reasonably priced
- Many attractive covers and options
- Appears to be durable and well made
Cons:
- Even with a cover, the spit up and other messes can leak through to the pillow
Do We Recommend: Yes.
Baby Bibs - A Double Take
Barbie's Take: In general I hate bibs. They cover cute outfits and my son used to like to put them over his face and then hyperventilate until we lowered it. But sometimes they are necessary. My son went through a big spit-up phase where he was wearing a bib almost all day long in an attempt to minimize outfit changes. Over time i realized the best bibs for spit-up and drooling are the Carter's Keep-Me-Clean bibs. The description says "they are constructed from cotton terry and feature an interlock lining with a water barrier interlining". Basically, liquid does not soak right through the entire bib. While it's not 100% water-proof, and your child's clothing will still get a little wet, its a much better alternative to your classic bib. I'm under the impression you can only get these bibs in a 3-pack, but they are all very cute designs. There are girly ones, boyish ones, and gender neutral designs to choose from. I should also mention they are fairly large in size as well (a plus for keeping clothes clean, but a con because it completely covers the top half of an outfit).
Alicia's Take: I remember when I was going through all of the outfits I got for my shower, I was amazed at how many of them came with coordinating bibs (and how many packs of bibs I got!). I separated the bibs from all the outfits though and put them all in a little canvas crate in his room for easy access after Jude was born. I maybe went back into that crate 2 or 3 times since then. I personally just never thought to put a bib on Jude and the few times I did, I thought they looked stupid and covered his adorable outfits. We personally had quite a few outfits that I put into Jude’s “too small” box unworn, so if he spit up on something I really didn’t mind changing his outfit because it was an excuse to circulate through more of his clothes before they no longer fit.
As Jude’s coming out of his spit up phase, he’s going into his drooling stage. It’s not uncommon for him to slobber all over the collars of his shirts. I’m sure if he was a winter/fall baby I’d be more concerned, but at a summer baby, it’s not like he’ll freeze to death if it’s a little wet and in the event it DOES get too wet I again, just change him.
Personally I just don’t see them being worth buying. But if they come with the outfit, it doesn’t hurt to have them hanging around just in case.
Alicia's Take: I remember when I was going through all of the outfits I got for my shower, I was amazed at how many of them came with coordinating bibs (and how many packs of bibs I got!). I separated the bibs from all the outfits though and put them all in a little canvas crate in his room for easy access after Jude was born. I maybe went back into that crate 2 or 3 times since then. I personally just never thought to put a bib on Jude and the few times I did, I thought they looked stupid and covered his adorable outfits. We personally had quite a few outfits that I put into Jude’s “too small” box unworn, so if he spit up on something I really didn’t mind changing his outfit because it was an excuse to circulate through more of his clothes before they no longer fit.
As Jude’s coming out of his spit up phase, he’s going into his drooling stage. It’s not uncommon for him to slobber all over the collars of his shirts. I’m sure if he was a winter/fall baby I’d be more concerned, but at a summer baby, it’s not like he’ll freeze to death if it’s a little wet and in the event it DOES get too wet I again, just change him.
Personally I just don’t see them being worth buying. But if they come with the outfit, it doesn’t hurt to have them hanging around just in case.
Recommend: Monitors (times 3)
We weren't sure which monitor to register for so we went ahead and registered for a "classic" monitor set and a video monitor. We've used each only a handful of times, so it may be hard for me to give a detailed review on either.
Fisher-Price Dual Private Connection Monitor
Price: $67.99
Pros:
-reasonably priced
-I don't think we've had any problems with interference or static
-comes with 2 receivers!
-clear reception
-10 channels to choose from
-has an LED light display on both sides of the monitor that allows you to see if your baby is crying. This comes in handy if you don't want the volume loud
-the handsets can be wireless or plugged in
-the batteries are rechargeable
-very user friendly screen.
Cons:
-I don't think the batteries were included, but I'm not positive
Recommend: Definitely. We've had no problems with this set at all. I especially like that it comes with 2 receivers!
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Summer Infant Day and Night Video Monitor
Price: $99.99
Pros:
-you can see your baby!
-you can see your baby even if he/she is in 100% darkness
-camera can be mounted almost anywhere
-camera is very adjustable
-has a light feature so you can see if your baby is crying. The light adjusts with the intensity of the cry.
-can buy a second camera for another room and use the same monitor. simply toggle between channels
-monitor screen is a very nice size
Cons:
-black and white picture
-takes 10-20 seconds for the monitor to kick in (which is normal, not a defect)
-volume is limiting. your options are a range from loud to very loud, or mute
-a noisy hum all the time unless it's on mute
-if you mount the camera it isn't easy to transport
-monitor is like a little tube tv. pretty bulky.
Recommend: Yes. We've had no real problems or complaints with this monitor at all. There are, however, other video monitor that got great marks on BRU's website that have handheld monitors that are more portable. Some even give a color picture. The downside is that the screens are much smaller.
If you're dead set on getting a video monitor I'd recommend you try to figure out how the monitor will be primarily used. If you think you'll leave the monitor on your night stand most of the time, consider getting my monitor with the large screen. If you think you will need to keep a constant eye on your baby when he/she is out of site, consider the others that you can clip to your pants and take anywhere.
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Safety 1st Hi-Def Monitor:
Price: $59.99
I got this monitor for no other reason than because it had "hi-def" in the name. My brother works for Comcast and I knew he'd swoon that we had a "hi-def" monitor. After adding it to my registry I remember reading the reviews and for the most part people seemed pleased.
Pros:
- long electric cords so they can stretch long distances from outlets - operate on a rechargeable battery so you don't have to buy batteries - and don't have to be constantly plugged in.
- we personally have never had issues with static or interference.
- I'm assuming it's the same for most monitors, but when you turn off the part that's in the baby's room, the parent side beeps (I guess in case someone breaks in??? I don't know, but it's nice to know if the other side is on)
- reasonable price
Cons:
- you have to hold the power button for a few seconds to get it to come on - I remember being confused at first how to get it on.
- can't have the two sides in the same room or it makes that terrible siren sound when they start picking up each others sounds.
- the outside of the monitor is a hard plastic case, but it's not liquid tight so stuff can get inside that you can't clean out.
Would I Recommend: I haven't had any issues and judging from all of the bad reviews on other monitors due to static, I'd say this is a great option.
Fisher-Price Dual Private Connection Monitor Price: $67.99
Pros:
-reasonably priced
-I don't think we've had any problems with interference or static
-comes with 2 receivers!
-clear reception
-10 channels to choose from
-has an LED light display on both sides of the monitor that allows you to see if your baby is crying. This comes in handy if you don't want the volume loud
-the handsets can be wireless or plugged in
-the batteries are rechargeable
-very user friendly screen.
Cons:
-I don't think the batteries were included, but I'm not positive
Recommend: Definitely. We've had no problems with this set at all. I especially like that it comes with 2 receivers!
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Summer Infant Day and Night Video MonitorPrice: $99.99
Pros:
-you can see your baby!
-you can see your baby even if he/she is in 100% darkness
-camera can be mounted almost anywhere
-camera is very adjustable
-has a light feature so you can see if your baby is crying. The light adjusts with the intensity of the cry.
-can buy a second camera for another room and use the same monitor. simply toggle between channels
-monitor screen is a very nice size
Cons:
-black and white picture
-takes 10-20 seconds for the monitor to kick in (which is normal, not a defect)
-volume is limiting. your options are a range from loud to very loud, or mute
-a noisy hum all the time unless it's on mute
-if you mount the camera it isn't easy to transport
-monitor is like a little tube tv. pretty bulky.
Recommend: Yes. We've had no real problems or complaints with this monitor at all. There are, however, other video monitor that got great marks on BRU's website that have handheld monitors that are more portable. Some even give a color picture. The downside is that the screens are much smaller.
If you're dead set on getting a video monitor I'd recommend you try to figure out how the monitor will be primarily used. If you think you'll leave the monitor on your night stand most of the time, consider getting my monitor with the large screen. If you think you will need to keep a constant eye on your baby when he/she is out of site, consider the others that you can clip to your pants and take anywhere.
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Safety 1st Hi-Def Monitor:Price: $59.99
I got this monitor for no other reason than because it had "hi-def" in the name. My brother works for Comcast and I knew he'd swoon that we had a "hi-def" monitor. After adding it to my registry I remember reading the reviews and for the most part people seemed pleased.
Pros:
- long electric cords so they can stretch long distances from outlets - operate on a rechargeable battery so you don't have to buy batteries - and don't have to be constantly plugged in.
- we personally have never had issues with static or interference.
- I'm assuming it's the same for most monitors, but when you turn off the part that's in the baby's room, the parent side beeps (I guess in case someone breaks in??? I don't know, but it's nice to know if the other side is on)
- reasonable price
Cons:
- you have to hold the power button for a few seconds to get it to come on - I remember being confused at first how to get it on.
- can't have the two sides in the same room or it makes that terrible siren sound when they start picking up each others sounds.
- the outside of the monitor is a hard plastic case, but it's not liquid tight so stuff can get inside that you can't clean out.
Would I Recommend: I haven't had any issues and judging from all of the bad reviews on other monitors due to static, I'd say this is a great option.
8.03.2009
Recommend: Lamaze Plush Toys
Price: average range is between $10 and $20
When I was pregnant and registering I remember quickly browsing the toy section but not really giving toys too much thought – there were plenty of other thing
s we needed more. After having Jude, we received a gift package from a friend with a collection of plush toys that I remember thinking were adorable and then got tossed in the toy box until he was able to use them. Recently Jude started to take blankets, his hand, anything and put it in his mouth. I thought it was the perfect time to introduce toys and went back to the toy box to pull out age appropriate items. This included a number of Lamaze Plush Toys. They were just as adorable when I pulled them out as I remembered them being when I first received them.
Pros:
- Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Bright colors and usually multiple features to stimulate a variety of your child’s senses (educational). For example: mirrors, multiple fabrics in different colors and textures, noise makers, etc.
- As with most children’s toys, they are typically labeled with the age group they are most appropriate for to make your selection easier.
- Smaller toys come with hooks to attach to strollers, car seats, diaper bags, etc to make it easier to tote around.
- Don’t require batteries (maybe a con for the items that do have some electronic parts?) – most of the noise features are not electronic (crinkles, rattles, squeakers etc)
- Seem to be well make – won’t fall apart easily
Cons:
- Because of all the noise parts and other attachments on them, they’re difficult to clean (when your baby puts them in their mouth it’d be nice to be able to clean first).
- Some of the smaller toys seem a little on the expensive side. I’ve seen the small toys for 14.99 and ones double their size for just over 20 dollars (when I’ve purchased them for myself, I always got the bigger toys for this reason). Considering the size difference it seems you get more bang-for-your-buck with the bigger options.
Would I Recommend: Yes! Jude seems to love them. Last night I put him on his tummy with a variety of the toys laying around him and he was very interested in what was happening.
Barbie agrees 100% with everything Alicia says. Trent absolutely loves his lamaza toys!
When I was pregnant and registering I remember quickly browsing the toy section but not really giving toys too much thought – there were plenty of other thing
s we needed more. After having Jude, we received a gift package from a friend with a collection of plush toys that I remember thinking were adorable and then got tossed in the toy box until he was able to use them. Recently Jude started to take blankets, his hand, anything and put it in his mouth. I thought it was the perfect time to introduce toys and went back to the toy box to pull out age appropriate items. This included a number of Lamaze Plush Toys. They were just as adorable when I pulled them out as I remembered them being when I first received them.
Pros:
- Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Bright colors and usually multiple features to stimulate a variety of your child’s senses (educational). For example: mirrors, multiple fabrics in different colors and textures, noise makers, etc.
- As with most children’s toys, they are typically labeled with the age group they are most appropriate for to make your selection easier.
- Smaller toys come with hooks to attach to strollers, car seats, diaper bags, etc to make it easier to tote around.
- Don’t require batteries (maybe a con for the items that do have some electronic parts?) – most of the noise features are not electronic (crinkles, rattles, squeakers etc)
- Seem to be well make – won’t fall apart easily
Cons:
- Because of all the noise parts and other attachments on them, they’re difficult to clean (when your baby puts them in their mouth it’d be nice to be able to clean first).
- Some of the smaller toys seem a little on the expensive side. I’ve seen the small toys for 14.99 and ones double their size for just over 20 dollars (when I’ve purchased them for myself, I always got the bigger toys for this reason). Considering the size difference it seems you get more bang-for-your-buck with the bigger options.
Would I Recommend: Yes! Jude seems to love them. Last night I put him on his tummy with a variety of the toys laying around him and he was very interested in what was happening.
Barbie agrees 100% with everything Alicia says. Trent absolutely loves his lamaza toys!
Do Not Recommend: Bebe Sounds Prenatal Heart Listener
Price: $19.99-39.99Shortly after finding out we were pregnant, Kevin and I made a couple trips to Babies R Us, just to try to figure out where to begin. During one of our first trips we found this item - its a little hand-held device that has a microphone on it, that comes with 2 sets of headphones. You press the microphone up to your belly and move it around - with practice and patience you will eventually hear the baby. At least that's what they tell ya. Kevin and I heard a whole bunch of noises, but none were the baby. For a while we actually thought we heard the baby swishing around in my belly, but were disappointed to hear the same exact noises when we put the microphone on Kevin's tummy.
Pros:
-you can buy the Heart Listener with just 1 set of headphones, 2 sets, or 2 sets and a audio recorder - depending on how much you want to spend
-you actually do hear a lot of noise
-includes a pamphlet that walks you through the process (from how you should lay, to the best time of day, to the different noises you could hear)
Cons:
-it does not work (not for us, at least)
It requires one 9v battery, but I can't honestly remember if the battery was included or not.
Recommend: NO. Just wait for your doctor to do the doppler on you. Or spend the money to purchase your own doppler. Ebay is rumored to be the place to go for them - i believe they are in the $100 ballpark.
8.01.2009
Skip Hop Outer Space Play Mat vs. Baby Einstein Neptune Ocean Environment Play Gym
- cute space theme
- mat easily detaches from hanging play-gym portion to be washed.
- each hanging toy does something different (one is a music box that plays twinkle twinkle, one's a rattle, one crinkles, etc)
- easily folds up to be stored or taken on trips
- hanging toys can be moved around and lowered closer to the mat when baby is sitting up.
- Skip Hop makes a series of other space themed toys that "go" with the mat.
- no batteries needed.
Cons:
- pretty expensive for such a simple item. There are no super "bells and whistles" that make it really worth 80 dollars.
- tummy time pillow was never used.
- While I find the colors to be appealing, they're not your standard bring colors and black and whites that generally attract young infant's attention.
Recommend: If it were on sale or you had a coupon I would without a doubt recommend this item. I personally love it and Jude can lay on his mat for an extended period of time entertaining himself. When I'm laying along side of him, he can enjoy it even longer as I make noises with all the hanging toys. There are many other play mat options though for much less, so do some shopping around before you pay full price.
______________________________________
Price: $69.99Pros:
-holds up well in the washer
-comes with an abundance of toys
-very interactive
-bright colors
-educational
-all toys can be moved around on mat, and can also be connected elsewhere for baby's entertainment
-comes with a mirrored toy that my son (and most babies?!) loved
-comes with a wonderful music box with lights and fun features
-music box can be detached and used elsewhere
Cons:
-music box is quite heavy
-we've had to change the batteries two or three times already (son is 8 months)
-the whale toy that is supposed to be use to help baby with tummy time and sitting up slides out from under baby. It's basically a waste
-batteries not included (3 AA)
-expensive
Recommend: I'd definitely recommend this item to someone who has a coupon! This play gym is among the most expensive play gyms on the market right now, but I think it's great. It's the only one I've ever used so I can't tell ya if the cheaper gyms are just as good.
Recommend: Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump
Price: $279.00 (available in shoulder bag and backpack style)Alicia's Take: I had no idea where to begin when picking out a breast pump. Not only that, I wasn't 100% sure that breast feeding would with out a doubt work for me, so that thought of spending mega money on a breast pump something I needed to give a lot of thought. However, when you walk into BRU there's a whole display of Medela products, so I started there. I found that it seemed to be a reputable brand, so I went for it. I ended up purchasing mine off of e-bay unopened (it's apparently a huge no-no to use a used breast pump). I can't exactly remember how much I paid, but looking back I probably could have gotten a better deal at BRU with sales and coupons (see below) and had the ability to return if unopened. Either way, it's pretty much been a life saver beginning when I was at home and felt slightly engorged all the way to now as I return to work.
Barbie's Take: In doing research on breast pumps I came to the conclusion that the Medela Pump In Style was the pump for me. Anyone I spoke to who had it recommended it. At my shower I was given a different pump, a pump I just would not settle for. I went out and bought myself the $279 pump I had already picked out. I was able to use coupons and got it down to $168. Of course I was worried at first that I wouldn't like the non-returnable machine, or that I wouldn't get my money out of it - but it's safe to say, at this point, the pump has paid for itself tenfold and I do not regret the purchase at all. This is an item I would recommend to any working mother who plans to pump.
Pros:
-wonderful overall
-you can find most of the replacement parts you may need right at BRU (easy to find additional breast shields, valves, membranes, etc to avoid cleaning between multiple pumps while at work).
-Medela is rumored to have awesome customer service
-discreet, easy to clean bag
-includes a battery pack (batteries not included)
-you have the option to purchase a car adapter separately
-comes with everything you need to get started
- motor is adjustable to mimic your baby's sucking
- comes with a black mini-cooler and ice pack to store milk in (perfect to put in the work fridge for storage during the day).
- back pack as a variety of pockets and storage space for pump parts, and other personal items you may need to carry.
Cons:
-the motor is a little noisy
-replacement tubing is hard to come by in stores. you have to go to a site like amazon.com or mybreastpump.com
-non returnable (if you're on the purchasing end this is a pro, lol)
- since all breast pump items are non-returnable, it can get costly to find the proper fitting breast shields.
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