Baby Gear

I was not so much of a nervous mother when I brought my babies home from the hospital, I had been around babies all of my life and I pretty much knew what to do and how to do it. A couple of things scared the bejesus out of me: giving the babies a bath and taking a temperature rectally.

My mother and mother in law helped with the baths and eventually I wasn’t so scared and I could finally actually put the baby into the bathtub instead of sponge bathing him/her on the bed. When it came time to do a rectal temperature taking? I was a wreck. I was nervous, am I doing it right, how far does it go in, how long does it stay in?
When I went to the doctor’s office that day I realized I did it all wrong and I vowed to never do it again.

Instead I bough this temporal thermometer. My doctor’s office uses it and it always came in very close if not exact to what the rectal thermometer said.
You run it along the child’s head starting in the middle of the forehead down to the temple. It takes seconds to read and give you a temperature. Perfect for kids who do not know how to hold a thermometer under their tongue and much more accurate then placing a thermometer under the arm.
It is non evasive and can be used on a sleeping baby, which I have done many, many times. You don’t need probe covers, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning it if your child has an ear infection or is sick.

When I purchased this, it was three times as much as they are selling for now, and they were not easy to get either. We use it for the entire family. It was one of my best purchases as a mother.

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When I went into the hospital to deliver my babies, the first thing I wanted to do after giving birth was change out of the hospital gowns. They were rough and I hung out in all the wrong places. Plus, it grossed me out a little to think about how many people have worn them and what they did when they were wearing them!

The Peanut Shell has just introduced a new line of chic and fashionable hospital gowns so you don’t have to wear that boring, rough gown that the hospital provides. They make seven different patterns and colors for the new mom. Each gown is 100% cotton with snap closures on both sides for easy breast feeding. It has snaps down the back for maximum coverage and a optional empire waist belt. They also have adjustable arm ties for the bigger or smaller pregnant mom. These gowns are also hand sewn in California.

These gowns are not cheap, they are each $89.00. A high cost for just a few days int eh hospital, but why can’t you wear these around the house after you give birth or as a nightgown? You can re-purpose this gown, which would be the only way I would buy it.
Do you need this? No, but it would make for a great shower gift for the mom who has everything or for a second time mom.

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I had the chance to review a great stroller from Baby Planet and I loved it as much as I loved the company. Baby Planet now has added something else to its resume besides great strollers, a bassinet. Not just any bassinet, the Eden is a convertible bassinet!

Bassinets tend to be pricey and the baby grows out of it within a few short months, the Eden bassinet converts to a toddler seat for extended use, up to two years! This bassinet has clean sleek lines and is beautifully modern, it will look good with any decor. The “Easy Release” hand grips have an internal trigger to release the bed from its latched position, on the base, allowing you to move it around the house! I love this idea because then you do not need a Moses basket or another bassinet downstairs. It has soothing, peaceful music and dual speed vibration to help your baby soothe himself to sleep. Below the bed is an easily accessible storage basket to keep essentials like burp cloths diapers and wipes.

The Eden also takes part in Baby Planet’s industry leading Recycling Program. When it has outlived its life, Baby Planet will take it back and disassemble the bassinet, so the parts can go to recycling centers and stay out of land fills. So eco-friendly!
I love that this bassinet is useful after your baby grows out of it and that the bassinet materials are machine washable, which anyone with a baby knows is so important.
Check out the Eden for your next baby shower!

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I am not a fan of most stuffed animals. My kids have a few that they are attached to and a few that they like but never play with. I hate to have things that just collect dust and are just taking up space. I have found a stuffed animal that is more though, one that is very special. Zoobie pets.

Zoobie was started by two brothers on a quest born out of a desire for innovation and a love of children. With a tag line of: Play. Sleep. Love., how can this company not be good? These are no ordinary animals, each pet is a plush toy, a soft pillow and a comfy blanket all in one!
Just detach the velcro and unzip a zipper and your stuffed animal can change into a pillow or blanket and back again. It is easy to use and safe for children.

How perfect is this for children to travel with? Instead of packing a lovie, a blanket and a pillow, you have it all in one with these soft, lovingly made zoobies. The signature faces on each animal all contain micro beads, making them extremely soft and each animal has its own definitive extra-soft-to-the-touch body texture, making for exceptionally comfy pillows. The inner blankets are made of extra soft and warm coral fleece.
Brand new to the Zoobie family are baby zoobies! This baby sized zoobie is perfect for infants and fits right into your diaper bag. The blanket is a generous size at 23″x29.5″ and has a comfort corner which is extra plush. My baby loves playing the plush blanket and eating our Jafaru the giraffe’s hoof.

The full size or baby Zoobies are perfect for baby showers, new baby gifts or for children who travel often, baby Zoobies are the newest hit on our block!

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One thing I hate to do with the kids or baby alone is bathe them. I was always too afraid to bathe the twins so I would wait until my husband came home. With baby K I have had to bathe him a few times by myself and although I am still scared that he will slip or fall into the water, I have to do it. Anything that makes bath time easier or safer for me or my baby is something I have to try.

No Slip Charlie Bathing Gloves by Mom Sense helps you take the worry out of your baby slipping right out of your hands in the bath. No Slip Charlie are fingerless gloves designed to improve your grip on a wet and slippery baby. No Slip Charlies are made of a soft poly/lycra fabric that gives you the extra grip you need without hurting or irritating baby’s skin.
The gloves have open fingertips that make it easy to wash they baby. They are a one size fits all glove for both mom and dad. No Slip Charlie also comes with 2 terry cloth wash mits that easily attach to the gloves to make washing the rest of baby a breeze. When you’re finished you can simply wash the gloves and hang to dry by their attached loop or the wash mitts can be thrown into the washing machine. Easy!

These come in pink or blue and are on sale right now for $16.00 so order yours today!

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Finding the right diaper bag has been tough with me. I went through three diaper bags with my twins and now this pregnancy? I couldn’t find a great bag to save my life. When I got the chance to review Trista Baby diaper bags, I thought maybe, I had stumbled onto a great find.

Trista Sutter of the Bachelorette fame has launched a new line of eco-friendly diaper bags. I’m have the Tulip Bloom Tote from her Trista Baby line and I am in love. Finally a stylish diaper bag with enough pockets, 5 interior pockets and 2 interior elastic bands, to fit all my “stuff” and is so easy to carry, no more straps that slip off my shoulder. The exterior is certified organic hemp canvas and has blooming tulips, crescent moons and gentle flourishes while the interior is easy to clean nylon.

It also has a large zippered outside pocket with the changing pad in it and the interior key hook. Nothing is getting lost at the bottom of this bag! What’s more: everything is designed in Colorado and manufactured at eco-conscious factories in the United States.
I have had many compliments on it and have to admit it is so cute, you can use it as your everyday bag, not just for a baby’s stuff!
Don’t just listen to me, these bags have great reviews on ebags.com. Chose from Trista Baby eight prints, I know you will love this bag for years after your baby is out of diapers.

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Potty training was my hardest parenting task to date. I had a hard time with the twins and really looking back I should have trained them separately, because my daughter was ready before my son. I wish I had the Huggies Potty Training Sucess DVD to help me when I was trying to train them!

Huggies knows how much we all want to get our kids out of diapers and pull ups, so they are offering this great free DVD to help you out.
When you watch the DVD you will discover techniques, tips, songs and games to help you and your child succeed in training. The approach to training is flexible and that is what every mother needs when getting ready to make the leap out of diapers.
When you get the DVD open it up even if you are not ready to train yet, they have great coupons inside!
On their site they also have articles, tips and tricks to help you get started or stay on course.

You can also read about my experiences with potty training multiples, and tips and tricks I have learned in my own. Also, potty seat shopping really can be fun, they have such neat, innovative products on the market now.

Moms are the best ones to ask so, how as your first potty training experience? Do you have any tips to share to make the transition easier for both mom and child?

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I LOVE promoting and supporting mom owned companies and Zooni is another great company I want you all to know about. Celebrating childhood is what Melissa and Michelle had in mind when they set out designing their great, unique, hand knit hats!
Zooni hats are made with a blend of natural cotton and micro polyester. Each lined hat offers a comfy, stretchy, and snug fit to keep your little ones toasty warm.

Zooni is also socially responsible, their facilities pay a fair living wage to their workers and abide by local and international safety standards.
Over 70% of their packaging comes from recycled, bio-degradable materials and they donate a portion of their profits to international children’s charities.

Not to mention their products are addicting, I want them all! Who could resist a puppy love hat, a chunky monkee or a furry firecracker hat. Sized 0-6 months to 24-36+ months, there is something for everyone child in your life.
Don’t forget to check out their mittens too! We have to get a pair of each for my kids. Perfect birthday, holiday or new baby gift, check out all of the Zooni products today.

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I am always on the lookout for a unique, fun baby gift. What do you give a baby that has everything? What about a Babie Plate.

BabiePlates are the trendy Swedish baby name license plate and the next smash hit baby accessory product from Sweden. These have been seen in Parents, Kiwi and American baby magazines. We were lucky enough to get one for baby K and it is adorable. You can personalize your BabiePlate with a name or a phrase and birth date for your baby stroller.
BabiePlates are made of aluminum with reflector foil, which gives a large, clear and original reflection. It measures 25 x 7.5 cm and you mount it using plastic straps that are included can attach to all models of baby strollers.
When your child is too old for a stroller you can use it for a child’s room or bed.

Perfect for a new baby gift, christening or just to identify your stroller in a crowd, this is a great idea!

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