Posts Tagged“baby”

Potty Training Tips – High Fives & Pull-Ups #HuggiesWalmart

Huggies Pull-Ups and Potty Training Tips #HuggiesWalmart #CBias

My two older sons are 2 & 3 and are only 14 months apart in age. My two year old always wants to be like his big brother, do everything he does and follow his lead. My oldest has been pretty much potty-trained for awhile now and last week it was clear Chase wanted to be as well. One morning as Ethan got a new pair of underwear, Chase also got one, handed it to me and said he wanted to wear them too and be a ‘big boy like Ethan’. Throughout the day, he showed more signs of his readiness and eagerness to start his potty training journey. He would tell me when he wet his diaper and asked to sit on the potty a few times. I say it’s time for some training pants!

Boon Whale Pod – Drain and Storage Bath Toy Scoop {Review}

Boon LogoNormally if you would walk into our upstairs hall bathroom, you’d see foam bath letters and a few bath toys scattered in the bathtub. My two year old and three year old are really the only ones that use that bathroom, so I have been procrastinating in purchasing a toy storage for their bath toys. I have wanted one and know I need one. I have shopped around, but never found one that I thought was worth it. I receive a Boon Whale Pod that ended up working perfectly for my sons’ bathroom.

Bath Toy Storage Products

The installation of the Whale Pod was extremely simple with the easy-to-follow instructions. The whale is actually three pieces: the scoop, the head/top with built-in shelf, and the wall attachment piece. It comes with two options for mounting: hardware to screw it into the wall, or adhesive strips. I used the adhesive strips and had the wall piece up within minutes. As instructed, I waited 24 hours before attached the rest. The best part? I didn’t have to bother my husband to help me with it!

Boon Whale Pod Toy Storage

My sons were excited to have a new bath ‘toy’ to play with. Even though they were anxious, I had them wait until the end of bath time to use it and clean up all the bath letters. My three year old kept getting all the letters in the scoop, dumping them out, then repeating the cycle. He loved it. He also found it very entertaining to watching the water drain out of the scoop. My two year old found the most fun out of just moving it through the water. I have to say, it is a huge hit with the boys! Just seeing it hanging up get them excited.

Book Whale Pod ReviewThere are many features I love about the Whale Pod. It keeps the toys from just sitting in the bathtub and as it hangs on the wall, it has a sleek clean look. The slits on the bottom sides let the water drain out, which reduces of chance of mold and mildew on the bath toys. Another great benefit is that my sons learn to clean up their toys at the end of bath time and actually enjoy it. It is very durable and I know will last a long time through all three of my little guys.

Purchase the Whale Pod for just $34.99 on their site here or on Amazon.com.

Learn more about Boon, Inc products at Booninc.com. For the latest information and updates, follow Boon on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and follow their boards on Pinterest.


 

 

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

A Baby Must Have – Kidsme Silicone Food Feeder {Review}

Kidsme Logo
My youngest is almost seven months old and each little milestone he reaches is exciting but also a reminder of how fast our little ones grow up. I have waited longer to start solids with him than I did with his older brothers because I was still exclusively breastfeeding, and furthermore because I am having a difficult time coping with him growing up so fast. I want my little guy to stay a baby forever (don’t we all?). ‘Baby C’ has been very eager to eat solids and try new foods, as I frequently notice him staring eagerly at his older brothers as they eat. It was time. I  have started very slowly introducing solid foods into his daily diet the last couple of weeks. He has been doing extremely well being spoon fed and even reaches towards the spoon for more. Right as I was starting the transition, I was introduced to what is now one of my favorite baby products: Kidsme Food Feeder.

Kidsme Food Feeder Combo SetWhen I received the Food Feeder Weaning Set, which included two food feeders (one small and one large), a 6oz anti-colic bottle and a Multi-purpose brush, I couldn’t wait to use them.  I started with a small piece of banana in the small feeder. The feeder is simple to use, as you just put the food in the silicone sac and snap it closed. ‘Little C’ had no troubles holding it. After staring at it trying to figure out what it was, he started chewing and wouldn’t take it out of his mouth. He loved it! When he was ready for a refill,  he was pretty upset that I had to take it away from him to add more food.

Silicone Baby Food Feeder

I actually have a bigger love for the feeders. My poor little guy is currently cutting six teeth. I put frozen fruit pieces or fruit bars in the food feeders for him to chew on. The coldness makes his gums feel better while he is getting some nutrition at the same time. I think this is his favorite. But really it doesn’t matter what I put in it. When he sees me get the feeder out, he gets excited.

Silicone Infant Food Feeder

Clean up is easy with the feeders because they are top rack dishwasher safe. The food sac is silicone, removable and easy to hand-wash as well. The brush that comes with the set works great to clean the feeders. Replacement sacs in the different sizes (for different ages) can also be purchased on Amazon.com if needed. It is also convenient to keep one in my purse for when we are on the go.

The bottle that comes with the set is a 6oz anti-colic bottle that is specially designed to reduce colic by keeping air out. It has a silicone nipple with sensitive response to the baby’s pressure and will respond with the right amount of liquid. I have only used it once so far since I am slowly transitioning to formula, but I love the bottle and he had no problems using it. I think it really will help the transition to formula.

To learn more about Kidsme and BabySquare, visit them on their website and become a fan of Kidsme on Facebook.

BUY IT – You can purchase Kidsme Food Feeders and other feeding products on the Kidsme site or on Amazon.com.

 

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Babies R Us – $3 Huggies Santa Diapers (12/9-12/10)

Santa Diapers Deal

Babies R Us and Toys R Us are having a 2 day sale. This sale includes Huggies Santa Diapers for only $5. Get them for as low as $3.

Huggies Little Movers Santa Diapers 21-29ct $5.00
-$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers 11/20 SS
-$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 11/20 SS
=As low as $3

*Last time they had a deal similar to this, they sold out quickly, so you might want to call in advance if you plan on making a special trip just for the diapers*

View the flyer for more of their 2 day sales.

 

Preparing a Nursery for a New Baby

Baby Stork

One of the most exciting things for an expected mother is creating the perfect nursery for their little one. I have to admit, that process did not go smooth with my firstborn. We had to room cleared out, ready to paint, furniture still in the boxes, and clothing still in packages. We had plans to finish the room that weekend, but our son had other plans. He decided to arrive 3 weeks early. So during the two nights I was in the hospital, my wonderful husband, along with my dad, put together the entire nursery. That’s right, I had to trust two men to create the nursery for my first-born child. I will admit, they didn’t do that bad (even completing most of tips below). I just wanted to make sure I could come home from the hospital with our new little boy with everything ready to go.

Now with baby #3 due in January, I am already planning out the nursery. I have not started it, simply for the fact that we are moving into our new house in December. But I am getting everything ready, boxes labeled to move into the room, and decorations all planned out. That way I can get the room up quick after we move in. If you are an expecting Mom, here are my top ten tips for creating that perfect nursery.

1.  Decorations – Pick a theme for the nursery. I think it is easier to pick bedding first and go from there, since bedding options are more limited than other décor. Stick to light soft colors to keep the room relaxed and calm.

2.  Crib – The crib is the center and focal point of a nursery. Research cribs before you purchase one. There have been many recalls on cribs and you want to make sure you get a safe one. Also read reviews online and get opinions from current or former crib owners. I suggest getting a three-in-one convertible crib. These go from crib, to toddler bed, to daybed. This way you get a longer life out of it.

3.  Changing Table – When we got our first changing tables, we just got what matched the crib. After owning one, I recommend getting one that does not have railing around the time. After just a few months, your baby will be too big to lie on. Also get one with storage.

4.  Portable Changing Station – Put together a small carrying tote with a handful of diapers, small package of wipes, A/D or similar cream, and a change of clothes. This is good to have if you are downstairs or across the house from the nursery. It makes it quick and easy to change the baby.

5.  Glider/Rocker – I used mine a lot. It is a must have to stay comfortable while holding or nursing your newborn. My son loved to be rocked when he was a newborn.

6.  Baby Proof – It’s good to get this out of the way before your little one is crawling and starting to get into everything, because it will happen before you know it. This includes using outlet covers, remove breakables that are lower to the ground, and ensure there are no exposed wires or cords.

7.  Hand Sanitizer – Keep hand sanitizer near the changing table. You can just get a small travel size one.

8.  Clean all Surfaces – Wipes down all the surfaces in the nursery. Make sure there is no dust on the ceiling fan if there is one. It is a good idea to change to green cleaning products that are made with natural ingredients that are safer.

9.  Clothing – Wash all the clothing for your newborn. Don’t forget to also wash the bedding, towels, and baby blankets. Pick a detergent that is baby-safe and for sensitive skin.

10.  Diapers/Wipes – Have diapers and wipes out where they are easily accessible from the changing table and then the rest stored in a drawer, on a shelf, or in a closet. Seventh Generation has Free & Clear chlorine-free disposable diapers and baby wipes that are perfect for newborns.

Preparing for a new addition to your family can be overwhelming and stressful. Make it fun and enjoyable and take baby steps when preparing your home and the nursery by doing it little at a time. Don’t wait until the last minute like we did the first time.

Seventh Generation has many products that are perfect for a home with a newborn from diapers to cleaning products. To learn more about Seventh Generation products, visit their website at www.seventhgeneration.com, ‘like’ them on Facebook , or follow them on Twitter. You can also sign up for their Rewards Program to get coupons and savings.

Seventh Generation

 

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

 

How to Make a Hooded Towel for Kids

How to Make Hooded Towels

I received some hooded towels as a gift when my oldest was born. I fell in love with them and now they are all I use. When it was time to get some new ones, I realized it is much cheaper to just make my own.

NEED:

  • 1 bath towel
  • 1 hand towel (matching)
  • scissors
  • pins
  • thread and sewing machine

Step 1: Cut the hand towel in half, long ways

Step 2: Put a pin on the edge, in the middle of the hand towel and body towel length wise and line them up. Pin the rest together.

Step 3: Sew the two together

Step 4: Fold the hand towel in half to form the hood and stitch the top together

Nifty Tip:

Since you only use half of the hand towel, I bought 2 bath towels to easily make 2 hooded towels. Target and Wal-Mart frequently have towels on clearance. I got these for $3.00 each.