Baby T's Water Birth Story

 [ten minutes after baby T was born]

I have a hard time believing I am a mom of two. I still feel like a little girl at times. We were so excited when we found out we would be adding another little human to our family. This second pregnancy flew by so fast, and now it seems the momentum is not ceasing, baby T will be already two weeks in just a couple of days. It seems that each baby propels life into an even faster whirlwind. 

As any mother, I just wanted a healthy birth. I had my birth preferences typed up, as with baby E. I was just hoping and praying everything goes well - and if it happened just the way I hoped, even better. With the first birth I learned that being in a hospital automatically set me up for 'warfare'. Simply put, my ideas of birth clashed with everyone there, including my OB. I could feel the tension and I wanted to avoid that with this birth, hence we chose to give birth at a small birth center with a midwife. 

What a huge difference! The moment I got there I knew this was going to be different. Everything was so peaceful. From the calm disposition of the midwife to the lights with dimmers, CD player with my favorite guitar music. A big full size bed where hubby and I could nap as my contractions progressed. A tub full of warm water. It all seemed too good to be true.

[the birth tub in the background and daddy with his baby boy]

It was midnight Thursday on the 17th of November. I just put my toddler to bed (yes, that late!) and I've been feeling something, couldn't tell exactly what. All evening I've had some tugging around the belly, I guess those were contractions. The baby was a week and a half overdue and I did not want to get an ultrasound (it would be the first) that Friday. I was dancing all evening with my toddler and bouncing on a balance ball in hopes of getting things going. As I lay down next to baby E, I felt what I knew was a contraction, I glanced at the clock. I timed them, they were eight minutes apart. My husband was supposed to be home from his second shift any minute. Around 12:30 am he walked in and I told him we were having the baby that night. 

I finished packing my toddler's bag and my hospital bag. That included all the food for my husband and I since we weren't in a hospital. Around 2 am we put our toddler in the car in her sleep sack, she was quite upset at being woken up in the middle of the night, of course. We arrived at the birth center at 2:45 am, my mother was waiting there for us to take baby E to her house. My concerns about having a baby en route vanished.

My contractions slowed down when I was put on the monitor for twenty minutes. Then the midwife left and my husband and I took a nap on the large bed. I woke up with each contraction, but they were not very strong. Then about an hour later I woke up to a really strong one and was happy things were progressing. I labored alone for about half an hour and then woke up my husband and called the midwife. It was so nice to have that quiet time alone, without interruptions from any nurses or staff. It was just the three of us in the building.

[snuggling skin to skin with baby boy]

I was ready to get in the tub and I didn't really know what to expect. The moment I got in, I knew it was worth the drive! It really took the edge off the labor. I could relax, I didn't have to hold on to my husband the way I did with the first birth (to the point that he had bruises!). The weightlessness made all the difference and I wouldn't have it any other way. My husband just sat right outside the tub, held my hand, encouraged me, and it was so relaxing for me to see him relaxed and not as worried as the first time. At 5:50 I started pushing and at 5:59 am our baby was born. Okay, so the water didn't really help much during the pushing part, I think they heard me screaming at the hospital across the street. The midwife pulled baby T up out of the water and right into my arms, what an amazing feeling! A few seconds later we realized we didn't even look to see who it was... My husband finally exclaimed "It's a boy!"

I got out of the tub, out came the placenta, I needed a few stitches (something I was really hoping to avoid, but alas not everything goes as planned), we snuggled in bed with our baby boy. We started munching on sandwiches I made and oatmeal raisin cookies. I was starving after all that work! I loved how little interference there was from the midwives, they basically came when I asked them to. Nine hours later we went home. With the first birth I couldn't walk for two days, the twelve hours of intense labor took its toll. This time I just felt great, it was such a relief! I was so happy to finally be holding this overdue baby in my arms!

Our BOY is finally here!

Timothy really took his time and was born a week and a half after his due date at 5:59 am on 11/17/11, weighing 7 lbs and 7 oz, 19.5 inches. It was an amazing birth experience that I can't wait to share more about with you! More photos coming soon and more details on the water birth, but for now we're taking a much needed break. Thank you all for stopping by Eco-Babyz!

Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker Review

I loved making my own baby food for baby E when she started solids. Sure it was a little extra work, but she ate a lot of what we ate - only in mashed form. I always wanted to try a one-step baby food maker to see how much time it would save. Of course there is nothing better than fresh for the baby, packaged baby food - even organic, isn't exactly fresh or the healthiest option. Only baby food made in your kitchen will have the biggest nutritional benefits - so important today when most produce is much lower in vitamins and nutrients than it was decades ago. 

Baby Brezza isn't just great for infants, toddlers will love to skip the chewing part! My toddler is a really lousy chewer, she doesn't nearly chew her food thoroughly enough. To get the most nutrition into your toddler, it helps to have a little kitchen helper such as the Baby Brezza. It's easy enough for my toddler to use (with me present of course). I love that I can steam and blend, or blend only - some veggies are just better fresh rather than steamed. I can pick the consistency of the blend and make it a little chunkier for my toddler. It is perfect to have on the go, I just use some reusable containers. 

When our next baby comes along (any minute now), I'm excited to have the Baby Brezza to save me time. With a toddler to take care of, you know there is no such thing as 'free time'. It's great to just be able to toss something in, press a button, and be done with it. That's the same reason why I love my bread maker so much! I am actually really liking the results myself, I don't think this is just for infants and toddlers - I'll eat baby E's blended veggies and fruits any day!

The Baby Brezza is really easy to wash and very low maintenance. There are only four dishwasher-safe parts, though I wash everything by hand. They carry a lot of really convenient containers to store the baby food you make, I received the Octo Storage System. It is perfect for little servings of baby food and it can be defrosted or reheated right in the Baby Brezza. Each little container even has a day of the week dial so you know when you made it. If you're looking more for something to use to blend your adult meals for an infant starting solids, you may want to try the Baby Brezza Quick Blend. I know many parents prefer to just start the baby on healthy food the family is eating on a daily basis anyway instead of making something separate.

Visit Baby Brezza Website

Connect on Facebook and Twitter 

Disclaimer: I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.

Bamboobies Nursing Pads Review, Discount, & Rafflecopter Giveaway

I'm looking forward to nursing again, I miss it. With baby E turning three in a couple of months, I really can't wait to hold a tiny, helpless newborn that depends on mommy for everything. Breastfeeding for the first time I used a lot of disposable nursing pads, as much as I didn't like them. Then I started using reusable ones, but they were plain cotton, not the best material for the purpose. Cold, wet, not waterproof, frayed edges after a few washes. Now I'm really excited to try Bamboobies bamboo nursing pads and I'm thankful they provided the Bamboobies Multi-pack for review. 

How are these different from the average reusable nursing pad? They will not leak, they are ultra thin and do not show under clothing, and they are made with organic bamboo fabric. Beyond organic, the fabric is certified free of harmful substances by Oeko-tex Standard 100. Soft doesn't even quite describe these nursing pads! They are so luxuriously plush, one mom put it well saying "Like a cashmere sweater for my boobies!" Behind the bamboo layer is a hidden layer of super absorbent hemp to contain the biggest of leaks. The outer layer is polyester with urethane coating, similar to waterproof cloth diapers.

Not only do Bamboobies feel absolutely incredible and are superior to disposables, they'll save you a ton of money! A nine month supply of disposable nursing pads will cost about $360, whereas the Bamboobies Multi-pack of four pairs (3 regular, one overnight) will only cost you $29. I nursed my first for two years, I would have spent a fortune on disposables! I think the math is pretty easy! Just like with cloth diapers. A no-brainer. Even if you buy two Multi-packs so you do not have to wash them as much, that's $58 - not $360. The argument for water and detergent cost doesn't apply here (as it does with cloth diapers) because obviously you wouldn't run a separate wash just for these, they just go in with your regular laundry. :)

Use the Bamboobies discount code BABYZ20 at check out to receive 20% off your purchase!

One of you will win $16.99 Bamboobies credit toward a purchase (enough for two pairs or toward other item of your choice). 

If you're lost with Rafflecopter or don't know how to use it, check out this 45 second Rafflecopter video, it's simple! If you don't see the widget, click Read More... to see the whole post!

Sprout Change Wool Diaper Review & Rafflecopter Giveaway

Since we're big fans of wool, I always love trying new wool products and cloth diapers. Recently we discovered the Sprout Change diapering system and I was surprised to find that their one-size shell also comes in a wool option. We received their wool shell and an organic fleece hemp prefold to try with our newborn due to arrive in a month. 

What is so different about Sprout Change diapers? It features an innovative one-size system that fits 5 to 40 pounds. I was surprised as how easy it is to adjust when it arrived. You pull just one elastic on each side and it automatically adjusts both the rise and the waist. So instead of four places to make an adjustment, there is just two. The elastics are secured with buttons, much like the adjustable waists on kids pants. The Sprout Change one-size diaper is reversible and the shell is reusable, you get two colors in one and more use out of it. It has gussets to prevent leaks and the diaper is very breathable, the wool shell even more so. 

For the absorbent diaper layer inside the shell you have many options. You can use the Sprout Change Super Saver Inserts which sell for $4.75 for the stay dry or $5.75 for organic. We chose the Organic Hemp Prefold pictured above, it comes in two sizes (size 1 for $6.25 and size 2 for $7.95). It is incredibly soft! Paired with the wool shell it is a very absorbent, highly breathable, and completely natural diapering option. 

The Sprout Change shells are priced at $16.95 each. Since they can be reused if the diaper isn't soiled, you don't need that many. You could stock up on your choice of prefolds or microfiber inserts, pair them with the shells, and you have a convenient system that fits from birth to potty training. 

PS: Sprout Change also has some awesome, custom fit training pants which work in a similar way to the diaper shells!

One of you will win a one-size Sprout Change Wool Shell and Organic Hemp Fleece Prefold (size 1 or two) for your little one!

If you're lost with Rafflecopter or don't know how to use it, check out this 45 second Rafflecopter video, it's simple! If you don't see the widget, click Read More... to see the whole post!

Welcome Baby: Bumbo Seat Cover and Play Tray Review & Rafflecopter Giveaway

When baby E started to have an interest in sitting up at four months, I found the Bumbo Seat extremely handy. She could do what she so badly wanted without me having to hold her for support the whole time. She tried her first solids sitting in the Bumbo, she watched me work while sitting in it, it was a very helpful parenting tool at that stage. Once she grew out of it, the seat ended up in the attic, sitting there for a couple of years. Now with the second baby coming I really want to use it again, I'm not a huge fan of the old mint green color though or the fact it's been used and abused by two babies! So we were sent a Bumbo Seat Cover and a Bumbo Play Tray for review to give it some new life and make it even more functional. 

If you have a previously used Bumbo seat, the covers are a perfect solution to make it like new again. They are also easily removable, washable, and you can match your decor better. We received the Stripes cover pictured above, but there are many options available to suit your taste and decor. The two side pockets are also really handy and perfect for that toy, snack, or sippy cup. The Bumbo Play Tray accessory makes the seat even more functional by giving your baby a surface for toys or snacks. It's really easy to clean and to attach to the seat. The covers retail for anywhere from $17.99 to $29.99 depending on the material/print and the tray is $11.99. 

One of you will win a Bumbo Seat Cover and Play Tray of your own!

If you're lost with Rafflecopter or don't know how to use it, check out this 45 second Rafflecopter video, it's simple! If you don't see the widget, click Read More... to see the whole post!

Welcome Baby: Juppy Baby Walker Review & Giveaway

Here is another great product on our gadget list that you'll do fine without but it is sure nice to have. The Juppy Walker is something I wouldn't think to buy, but boy do I wish I had one when our first baby started walking! We were sent a blue Juppy for review and I'm looking forward to using it with this coming baby when he/she starts learning to walk. 

You see, I didn't take very good care of my back during the first pregnancy. I didn't wear support belts and that kind of ruined it, my third trimester my belly was just too much to handle for my petite frame. Now with the second baby I'm trying to do whatever I can to save my back from too much strain. I'm much more conscious of what and how I pick things up. I also wear a pregnancy support belt for walks outdoors and when I'm walking a lot at home. The Juppy is a great back saving tool and indispensable in many situations such as:

• If you are pregnant and have a baby who is learning to walk at the same time (I sympathize with you!)
• If you have lower back problems or pain (who doesn't)
• If your special needs or preemie baby needs help learning to walk
• When you're teaching your baby to walk in unsafe surroundings (i.e. hard surfaces)

I have also heard personally from a relative who is a doctor about how unsafe it is to hold a baby by the hands/arms. It is very easy to accidentally dislocate or damage the baby's joints. The Juppy would eliminate that danger and that alone is worth the small investment. The baby walker is very durable, easy to clean, and fits babies of all sizes. Even my 26 pound toddler fit in it, of course she is running around like the wind already and doesn't need it! The straps are adjustable to accommodate a parent of any height. I also love how compactly it folds into the little pouch and takes up less space in my diaper bag than one cloth diaper. 

It may seem unnecessary because really, babies learn to walk so fast, you'll be using it for a pretty short time. But truth is, two to three months of bending over to hold your baby's arms to help them walk is enough to ruin your back and put some serious strain on it. It's also great for caregivers, especially grandparents who may have even worse back problems than us moms. It's not something that will break the bank, the Original Juppy Walker retails for only $19.95 and the regular Juppy is $29.95 - probably less than you spend on coffee each month. 

You can buy one  directly from Juppy or purchase on 

Amazon

with free shipping.

One of you will win a Juppy for your little one! Your choice of Pink or Blue! 

If you're lost with Rafflecopter or don't know how to use it, check out this 45 second Rafflecopter video, it's simple! If you don't see the widget, click Read More... to see the whole post!

Welcome Baby: Safe T Sleep Review

Among all the gadgets and tools created for parents and babies, how do you know what you would actually find useful and worthwhile? It isn't easy to decide, and it doesn't get easier with subsequent babies because there are more and more great innovative products on the market! I had the opportunity to receive the Safe T Sleep wrap for review, a product I wasn't quite sure I would need - but was curious to find out.

I personally go with the philosophy of "the baby just needs nurturing, diapers, warmth, and a breast". So I can't say this is a must have. But under certain circumstances this can be a very useful product. What is the Safe T Sleep wrap anyway? It's basically a large sheet that wraps around the mattress and it has a harness wrap in the middle where you place the baby and close the velcro. This can seem like a cruel baby restraining device at first glance! I agree it is if you use it for the cry-it-out method or ignore the baby when he is crying in it. But paired with nurturing, attachment parenting - here is how it can be helpful:

• Reduces risk of SIDS since the baby will not have their face in the mattress (especially with non-organic toxic mattresses that are treated with fire retardant chemicals)
• Great for reflux and colic to keep baby from sliding down if the mattress needs to be elevated at one end (something I wish I had with my first infant)
• Helps prevent falls from cribs and cots
• Paired with an extension it's the perfect, compact travel solution for safe sleep away from home

Personally I find this helpful in our situation. You see, we're co-sleeping and we've found that our weird arrangement works best for us - no cribs or beds, just mattresses on the floor (baby's crib mattress right next to ours without a gap). This is fine with a newborn when they can't really roll over anywhere and it is fine with a toddler who will not suffocate in bedding for example. For the in-between stage though I think this will be really helpful to keep the baby from being all over the place. I don't think it will be restricting to my practice of nursing the baby to sleep. My only concern is that opening the velcro would disturb the baby and wake him/her up. I would also love to see the Safe T Sleep wrap made from organic cotton, especially after going to such extents as to get an organic crib mattress and bedding for our babies. I do think that it is quite overpriced for such a simple device made of simple materials, I would not be able to justify such spending to my frugal husband! 

You can buy the Classic Safe T Sleep wrap at Shopping Moa for $89.99 with Free Shipping.
Use our exclusive code 9KYZIW20 at checkout to get $20 off!

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.

   

Welcome Baby Winners! First Round...

This is my favorite part! I get to give away free stuff to all of you fabulous readers and visitors! :) Here is the first round of winners for the Welcome Baby Event giveaways:

Belle Baby Carrier: entry #97 of 446 - Luda

The Little Bee Co. Diaper: entry #558 of 1872 - Julie G

Zutano $75 GC: entry #118 of 575 - Lisa B

Woombie: entry #310 of 1149 - Kathleen S

Little Bambino: entry #152 of 414 - Susan M

Ringley: entry #174 of 749 - Karla S

Babasling: entries #80 and #565 of 1220 - Holly W and Amy V

Milkin' Cookies: entry #229 of 321 - Jessica S

Milk Nursing Wear $40 GC: entry #303 of 861 - Julia Becker

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you and thank you so much for being part of Eco-Babyz!

If you haven't been notified by email yet, you will be within the next 24 hours, please respond!

Welcome Baby: Real Nappies Cloth Diapers Review

If you're looking for a simple cloth diapering system, you may want to check out Real Nappies reusable prefold diapers. We received the Newborn Essentials Pack for review with our new arrival this November. This simple system starts with the idea of old fashioned cloth diapers that your grandma used and modernizes it. Yes, it is still a prefold, but made of super soft 100% Indian cotton, covered with a modern easy-to-use cover, and with diaper liners to make clean up easier. Here is how it works:

This may not be for you if you want a one-step diapering system. It is however very cost efficient and easy to wash. The Essentials Pack we received includes 12 prefold cloth diapers, 3 snug wraps, roll of 100 Bioliners, and user guide. These come in four sizes. If you are more of a fan of AIO or pocket diapers, this may be a good solution for that newborn stage when a lot of modern diapers are just too big - especially the one-size diapers. The Essentials Pack retails for $69, which is great for 12 diaper changes!

Some of the features that we like about Real Nappies are the simplicity, price, the softness of the prefold, the fact that these are really easy to wash and will not hold stink, no need for a snappy or pins with the snug cover, and the easy clean up with the Bioliner. I can't wait to try these on our newborn! This will be my first time using prefolds, so you're sure to hear about it. I think I will either love it or hate it, we'll see!

You can purchase the diapers directly from Real Nappies

OR you can support Eco-Babyz and make your purchase at Amazon
 - free shipping! 

You can follow Real Nappies on Twitter and Facebook

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.

Welcome Baby: Greenbuds Organic Crib Mattresses Review

Of all the natural and organic products you can buy for a baby, I think a mattress is one of the most important. Babies spend much of their life sleeping, it's important to consider what they'll be breathing in when they sleep. Hopefully it isn't toxic chemicals and fire retardants. Finding an affordable crib mattress can be a challenge and it is hard to know which ones are truly non-toxic and organic inside and out. 

We are really excited to present Greenbuds to you today! Their line of organic crib mattresses, infant mattresses, and baby bedding has been created for those looking for more affordable options. No, a conventional toxic mattress that will off-gas for years would still be cheaper - but Greenbuds makes organic mattresses a little more affordable. We are really excited to have received one of their fabulous mattresses for review with our newborn due to arrive in November.

The two organic crib mattress options that Greenbuds offers retail for $339 (Primrose) and $389 (Magnolia). The primary difference between the two is simply the thickness (4.5" vs. 5.5"), by no means the quality. This is a U.S. made mattress - which is a rare find! It comes with a removable organic cotton cover which is naturally water repellent with 100% pure organic wool quilted into it. The mattress comes with 2 sleep surfaces in one - the firm side of natural Coconut Coir for infants to sleep on and a 1" layer of all-natural latex that's perfect for toddlers.

The Greenbuds mattresses are entirely flexible to fit your needs and budget. First you pick the mattress core and then you pair it with a cover. The covers virtually eliminate the need for a mattress protector since they are removable and washable. I have already mentioned the two core options above, the removable cover options are as follows:

• Organic Cotton Quilted Cover
• Organic Cotton Quilted with Organic Wool Fill
• 100% Waterproof Organic Cotton Cover with Food Grade Polyethelyne

In addition to mattresses you'll find affordable organic toddler pillows, currently available on Amazonfor $34.95. Also available are organic cotton crib sheets, crib mattress protectors, oval mattresses, cradle, and portable crib mattresses.

When we received the mattress it was easy to tell it wasn't the typical crib mattress - primarily by the smell. No toxic fumes and no need to air it out. It only had the slight smell of the latex, similar to the shredded latex pillows that we sleep on. This is a huge relief and I feel safe placing my baby to sleep on it! I hope they also consider making a twin size mattress in the future - our toddler will be switching to one soon...

Visit the Greenbuds website and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Use their Store Locator

Buy a 

Primrose

or

Magnolia

Crib Mattress Online

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.

Welcome Baby: The Organic Family Cookbook Review & Rafflecopter Giveaway

I love cooking from scratch for so many reasons. The two biggest ones being that it is healthy and it is cheaper. It also tastes way better! Lately though I've been stuck in a rut when it comes to meals. Primarily because I'm very pregnant (almost 8 months!) and most days I'm just too tired to cook up something new. I needed some inspiration! The Organic Family Cookbook arrived at my doorstep as a surprise just in time. Another book by Anni Daulter that we have absolutely fallen in love with. We are huge fans of Organically Raised and Ice Pop Joy, we use those two books regularly and have tried out many recipes. 

There are just too many things we love about this book, but here are a few:

• Gorgeous photography. Drool worthy photos that give you an extra kick to get started.
• Appealing layout. Easy to follow, easy to read, uncluttered, everything you want in a recipe book.
• Doable recipes. For the most part the recipes are not too time consuming and not intimidating. There are a few special ones that require extra time - but they certainly look like they are worth it! I save those for the weekends.
• Justifiable price. At $21.95 it isn't cheap, but once you try some recipes you'll realize it was worth it. Don't pay full price, you can get it on Amazonfor only $16.02 right now!
• Conscious, organic goodness. The ingredients are hand picked and perfect whether you grow your own, visit the farmers market, or buy at a health food store. You will not find objectionable, unhealthy things here. Only the best for your family!

If you are new to healthy cooking from scratch, I'll be honest, this book may be a stretch for you. But if you are the 'dive in head first' type - you'll come out fine! If you have already been cooking from scratch and want to step it up a notch, this cookbook is perfect. It will give you the inspiration you crave and the recipes are delicious beyond a doubt. 

We have tried a few recipes from this book and until today I haven't had a chance to photograph anything because it gets eaten right away. I've made the Simple Quinoa with Peas and Corn, it's a favorite of my toddler now! I actually scanned through the recipe once and then made it without the book in front of me, only later I realized that it was there that I got the idea. I also made my own version of the Mini Chicken Satay Bites since I didn't have all the ingredients, even then it came out a huge hit! 

Today we made the Nurturing Butternut Squash Soup and the On-the-Go 3-Cheese Savory Sconces pictured below. I went a little overboard trying to do both recipes at once before my husband had to leave for work, next time I'll be making the sconces in advance. My toddler enjoyed helping me! The soup wasn't a hit with my husband, he just doesn't like pureed soups, period. I had no nutmeg or rosemary on hand - but I still loved it. It was a great way to save the squash I had to use up somehow. We loved the scones, those will definitely be made again!

 

Check out Anni Daulter's Conscious Family Living Website. You can also follow Anni on Twitter and Facebook! HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COOKBOOK OF YOUR OWN!

If you're lost with Rafflecopter or don't know how to use it, check out this 45 second Rafflecopter video, it's simple! If you don't see the widget, click Read More... to see the whole post!

Welcome Baby: Babysleepbags.com Merino Sleep Sack Review

We live in the Northeast of the United States, winters do get quite chilly around here. We always keep our thermostat low (about 65-68 degrees) and use a space heater in the bedroom at night to save even more. This summer our entire HVAC unit broke, so we'll be heating with space heaters the whole winter (we can't fix/replace it at this time)! Needless to say, I have to think of ways to keep our newborn and toddler warm at night this season. Thankfully Babysleepbags.com came to our rescue and we received a Merino Kids Baby Sleep Sack for review. 

Baby sleep bags have been popular in Europe for decades but are relatively new here in the U.S. The genius contraption eliminates the constant need to cover your baby with a blanket throughout the night and it doesn't create a sleep hazard for young babies who can suffocate with a blanket. This merino sleep bag has a thin wool layer on the inside and a thick cotton layer on the outside, creating a breathable yet warm cocoon around your baby. Unlike synthetic sleep bags, it will not cause the baby to sweat or overheat. I love how soft it is inside and out and that it can be used in a car seat. We often travel to visit relatives and nearly always leave late, around kids bedtime - which means I take pajamas with us and put them on before we leave so I can just move the sleepy baby to bed when we get home. This sleep sack is perfect for that purpose! The sacks sell for $99.99 to $139.99 depending on size and print. We found that the 0-24 month size almost fits our 26 pound 2.7 year old, so you definitely get a lot of wear out of each size. Each size essentially gives you two years of use and is designed to be durable. Another benefit - it is naturally fire resistant.

Parents also boast about how well their kids sleep in these sleep sacks! With a comfortable temperature naturally regulated throughout the night, your baby is likely to sleep longer. You will not be waking up to cover them and it is a perfect solution for especially wiggly babies who get around theirs crib as if they're dancing. 

Babysleepbags.com doesn't just sell Merino Kids Baby Sleep Sacks, they also have a line of merino pajamas/sleepwear, and Cocooi Babywraps for infants. Every order ships free and there are always special deals to take advantage of. 

Visit Babysleepbags.com

Connect on Facebook and Twitter

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.

Welcome Baby: Kushies ZOLO Mobilo Review

I remember how exciting it was when our first baby started to recognize toys and grab on to them. She loved laying in the crib and looking at the mobile that was passed on to her from an older cousin. Even the plain, pastel colored toys held her attention for some time. That mobile has been dismantled by her when she got older and ended up in the trash. Our new baby will be looking at the fabulous ZOLO Mobilo instead, a mobile made by Kushies - yes, the same ones that make cloth diapers. 

First, we love that it is simple. There are no batteries to change, no music, and the wooden arm is simple to attach. I appreciate that there are no plastic parts, just wood and fabric. The great thing is that the whole mobile is made with highly contrasting colors, which is perfect for young babies since they only see black and white for a little while. The whimsical animals are totally adorable! My toddler loves them and she likes playing by naming all the various colors of their body parts. Another neat feature? There may be no music for entertainment, but wait until the baby sees the reflection of him/herself in the little mirrors! That will keep them entertained, babies love looking at baby faces. 

The colors of the crib mobile will match nearly any decor, though it will look better in a modern room rather than something classic. Another bonus, the toys are detachable. So if your little one loves these but is indifferent to pastel colored ones - you can detach them and use them in a bouncer or stroller and get even more use out this item. It certainly isn't the cheapest mobile at $77.99 - you can get it for a steal at Amazonfor only $59.99 with free shipping!

Visit Kushies ZOLO Toys

Connect on Facebook and Twitter

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.

Welcome Baby: Kokopax City Carrier Review

I already feel like I have my hands full, and I only have one child! How do you moms of 4, 5, or 6+ kids do it? I don't know. I'm excited for baby E to become a big sister soon, she'll finally have a play mate. I'll need all the help I can get, even if I get it from a baby carrier. I'll be trying out the Kokopax City Carrier in Fog (pictured above) sent to us for review with our new bundle. 

This Kokopax can be used with babies up to 35 pounds and I have already tried it with my two and a half year old who only weights 26 pounds. I was six months pregnant at the time, so that wasn't very easy. My immediate thought after carrying her for only five minutes - there is no way I would be able to carry a baby in it past 20 pounds or so. Granted I'm very slender and petite, I am only 5'2" and weight around 100 pounds myself normally. My husband would be able to comfortably carry our toddler in it. The fit was also pretty tight for her even though she is slim and small for her age. I don't think it would be very comfortable for very chubby, large babies. I think the ideal age for carrying a baby in the Kokopax is about 3 to 18 months, for myself personally.   

I love the design and the lightweight frame of the carrier. I can certainly see myself using it around the house, for food shopping, day trips, and travel. Because it is so lightweight, it doesn't seem cumbersome. the kickstand makes it fairly easy to put on with baby in it. The adjustable lumbar doesn't go quite high enough for my 5'2" height, but it's close. I love how it places the baby high to see the world, the simple modern design, and the price of this particular one at under $100 - less than most other framed carriers. It is available at many online retailers, including Amazon. 

Kokopax also makes the Classic Carrier ($149.99) and the Eco-Classic Carrier ($179.99), as well as cute totes, sunhats, and organic accessories. 

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Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are solely my own and your experience may differ.