Baby Gear

I have found with this new baby of mine, that he is not an easy sleeper. He is not one of those infants that you can put him down and he will just sleep. After 5-10 minutes in anything he cries. Vibrating seat? Boring. Swing? Okay for a while but then he is done. I wondered how I would ever get this baby to sleep and then I found pippalily slings.

Pippalily was started by a mom whose daughter always wanted to be worn. She couldn’t find the unique and stylish slings she wanted so she made them! These slings are pouches so they are easy to get baby in and out and there are no rings to adjust. Those rings confuse me anyway.
I love that this sling had a deeper “seat” for the baby. It makes me feel that my baby is more secure.
I wear my baby all the time at parties, to the park, it is easy for me to use, K loves it and I have my hands free for my other two kids.

The thing I love most about these slings is that all of the fabric and patterns are simply gorgeous. The silk brocade is fancy enough to wear to a wedding or any other event as well as to the playground. I have received so many compliments on my Chocolate Brown Dragon sling! I love the Morning Glory Coral sling too. I want them all!

Get one for your husband for Father’s Day! Pippalily makes great slings in a masculine camouflage print or a plain black cotton sling. Don’t know how to use a sling? Don’t worry they have instructional how-to videos online for you.
These are going to be my new gift to get for baby showers.

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Summer vacation is 9 days away for our kids and we plan on visiting our new state’s beaches this summer. We love the beach, the sun and the sand as much as our kids do. There are some challenges with a baby on the beach, but we found some new products that are great for the beach and for our family.

Surfer’s Secrets was invented by two moms and a a dermatologist and it removes the moisture between your child’s skin and the sand, allowing you to just wipe away the sand easily without using water! I couldn’t believe how easy this was. No more waiting for the showers to be free to rinse off my kids, and ourselves. No more trying to rub off the sand with towels leaving my kid’s skin irratated, and best yet, no more sand all over my car!
Surfers Secrets is Talc free and has grape seed oil and aloe vera in it to help sun exposed skin. Go try some and I know it will be a staple in your beach bag like it is in mine!

The one thing I hate about all the strollers I have had, it that when the baby is reclined, the shade never fully covers the baby. I am forced to put a blanket over the baby to shade him from the sun but it is hot! Protect-a-Bub is a great sun shade that protects baby from the sun’s harmful rays with its 50 SPF protection!
Easy to use, this shade covers baby’s entire body. No more blankets that fall off or making sure you have a shady spot to park under. These great shades will fit any size stroller you have. Protect-a bub also offers shades for car seats. Also check out their blankets, swimwear and hats!

These are terrific products for all of your family’s fun in the sun!

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Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags are just as gorgeous as they are truly practical. Using the latest technology in anti-stick and anti-microbial coatings, these bags are treated so they clean up easily and fight germs! The great people at Ju-Ju-Be think of everything like light colored linings of the bags so you can quickly find your stuff.
There are even pockets with Thinsulate to keep your bottles and sippy cups cool. And with pockets galore, there is always room for your “stuff”.

The Be Prepared bag is THE bag to carry when you need to pack a lot. Perfect for an overnight bag, twins or you just like to be prepared (rim shot!) this is the bag for you.
The Be Spicy, great for all of the essentials. There’s a pocket for everything you can imagine and a comfortable shoulder strap. This bag also has crumb drains to get rid of all those crumbs that are always in the bottom of your bag!
I love my reversible Be Light diaper bag for quick trips out and days when I don’t want to lug a big bag around.
Both of these diaper bags come with stroller clips and with a memory foam changing pad that matches the bag. All hardware is customized metal and all bags have lots of cute details like fun jewels on the zipper pulls and stars on the labels. Ju-Ju-Be bags are machine washable.

There are a variety of different prints and solids to suit every taste, and even a few new patterns!

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When it comes to diaper bags, I like them to be big, but not too big and I want them to be able to carry all that I want to pack- which is usually a lot. I have been liking what I have been seeing from Skip*Hop lately.

The Duo is the go-to bag for new moms, I have seen that bag everywhere! It does its job and is perfect for a mom or a dad to carry.
All of their bags are great for organizing everything baby and mom needs.

The bag I have had my eye on now is the Skip*Hop Studio Tote. It is a big (but not too big) tote bag with tons of pockets and storage. It is something I can see myself carrying after I am done with diapers.

The exterior of the bag has 2 insulated bottle pockets, a zippered anti-microbial-treated pocket and an open pocket. The interior of the bag has 2 bottle-sized pockets, 4 larger pockets that easily fit diapers and wipes and a side zip pocket to hold accessories. It also has a key clip and closes with a zipper and it comes with a padded changing pad in the same color as the interior of the bag.
While these are not inexpensive bags, I do think a bag for under $100 that will last 4+ years is a pretty good deal.
Now Target now sells Skip*Hop diaper bags!

Do you have a Skip*Hop bag, or what is your favorite diaper bag?

[tags] Skip*Hop, diaper bags, pregnancy, baby shower gifts, baby gifts, new moms, new mom gift ideas, diaper tote bags, must-haves for baby [tags]

From the Munchkin site:
The Snack Catcher - No more spilled snacks on the floor or car seat. Our clever Snack Catcher cup keeps bite-sized snacks inside the container until little fingers pull them out. Even if it tips over! The soft flaps make it easy to access and the little finger cleaning bumps are a special plus for keeping nearby surfaces cleaner. This is one snack holder that will catch your attention…and keeps messes to a minimum!

Domed container holds 9 oz. of dry snacks
Protective bottom keeps tabletops scratch-free
A place to write child’s name on the bottom
Pack of 1 or 2 Snack Catchers

The Mighty Grip™ 10 oz. Straw Cup is a must have for families on the go. Just think, a toddler cup that won’t spill when it falls…not even the slightest leak out of the straw. Thanks to our brilliantly designed straw valve and uniquely contoured shape, this cup and its contents will stay put in little hands. The straw is made of soft silicone for comfortable drinking. Cheers to care-free sipping!
Holds 10 oz. of liquid
Top rack dishwasher safe
For kids 2+ years

Munchkin offers many products not just for feeding baby but for the bath and more. Munchkin seems to be sold everywhere and I am pleased to say now offers many BPA free products (which is all I buy).
I would love to know what Munchkin products do you own and how do you like them?

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My kids have been potty trained for about three years now, but when I first trained them I worried about our long trips to my hometown. I bought one of these portable pottys.

They come with liners with an absorbent pad on the bottom, when you are done the sides tie up and throw it away!
I haven’t been able to find replacement bags but I use small garbage bags and you can use any sort of sanitary pads in the bottom if you are worried about leaks.
It is convenient for long trips, for the beach or anywhere the bathroom isn’t close enough or available at all.
It comes with a carrying case and fits nicely in my trunk. I don’t go anywhere without it still, because my son is notorious for telling me he has to go to the bathroom 3 seconds before he actually does!

If you travel often this is a great investment.

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I am a stroller fanatic. I have had A LOT of strollers come through this house. If I haven’t owned them, I have tried them out in the store and checked them out online. You never want to go cheap with a stroller you will be using it very often. If you buy the right stroller one is all you will need.
If you are a stroller novice you will want to read this article, or if you have a pregnant friend or family member pass it along. This is a great what you need in a stroller.

What you need for a newborn:
Because your baby can’t sit up yet, a fully reclining stroller is best, or if you want buy a stroller with a travel system (A car seat, stroller and base). A bare frame that will support your infant car seat.
I love the infant head/neck insert some stroller come with but you can always buy that separately if your stoller doesn’t have one.

What you need for a long term stroller:
A big canopy is a must! To protect your baby from sunlight or weather.
Easy to open and fold Look for something you can do with one hand so you can do it while holding your baby.
Adjustable handlebars are a great feature in a stoller. It is a must have on my list because my husband is very tall and most strollers are uncomfortable for him to push.

Make sure you look for a stroller that meets the American Society Testing and Materials and that is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Test drive a stroller before you purchase it, wheel it around the store, test the brakes and make sure it will fit in your trunk.
Lastly you can check out Consumer Reports for stroller safety.

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My baby is 8 months old and when we go visiting our family and friends we have to bring a flurry of things for my baby to do or sit in. We end up bringing a blanket for the floor, toys, something for him to sit in to eat, by the time we are ready to leave there is no room in the car for us! The PopATot by Kiddy Creations is one of those ” I wish I thought of that” inventions.

The PopATot is a PVC-free activity center supported by a folding steel tubing frame, much like a camp chair. Think of it as a stationary activity saucer. It measures 27″x27″x24″ and collapses into a shoulder bag that is VERY slim, 5 inches wide and 36 inches long! You can open it with one hand, then you place your 6 to 18 month old (up to 33lbs) in the center seat. You can attach toys to five loops on the top using standard plastic baby rings (a pack of rings comes with the PopATot!). There are even two sippy cup holders.
The floor of the PopATot is removable and machine washable and the top you will need to spot wash.

This was a delight to review. It is fun, easy to set up and close up, very compact to store and perfect for when we travel. I love the PopATot for family vacations, visiting, the beach, camping or for the backyard. We will use ours this Thanksgiving at my sister in law’s house.
It is regulary priced at $59.99 but if you purchase now through the end of the year, you pay only $49.99!

This is one of my new favorite baby gear must haves and I think it is perfect for new moms, baby shower gifts, outdoor lovers and anyone with a small child!
Expecting moms can register for the PopATot at myregistry.com.

WIN IT! One lucky reviewing Baby Gear reader will win a PopATot! To win this fatastic prize tell me why you need a PopATot or who in your life needs one and why.
For an extra entry twitter about this giveaway and leave a separate comment with your twitter name.
For US addresses only, giveaway ends on December 2nd at 12 midnight est.

WINNER IS MELISSA! CONGRATS AND KEEP COMING BACK TO REVIEWINGBABYGEAR.COM AND PARENTINGOURCHILDREN.COM FOR MORE GIVEAWAYS THIS MONTH!

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Since I have had baby K, I have tried lots of carriers and slings. some I liked, some- not so much. I had come across the ERGObaby carrier on the internet and it looked much different from other carriers on the market. Most of all, it looked very comfortable for me and my baby.

The ERGObaby carrier is made from 100% cotton canvas on the outside, padded with 100% cotton batting and lined with a 100% cotton poplin fabric. They also now offer organic fabric carriers.
I wanted a carrier that I or my husband could use and my husband preferred to carry the baby on his back. With the Ergo carrier yu cna carry baby on the front, back or you can use a hip hold!
The carrier is so lightweight it is an amazing alternative to heavy framed backpack carriers.
The padded hip belt is comfortable and even distributes the weight so no one part of your body holds all the weight and gets sore.

Your baby rides facing you in the front position in the Ergo, so that your baby is supported in a natural, seated position which does not put strain on the crotch or spine. The ERGObaby carrier has a sleeping hood so you can secure your baby’s head while he/she sleeps on your back.
The ERGObaby can carry newborns (with infant insert), babies, and toddlers (up to 40 lbs.) - so you only need one carrier for your child’s early years!

Another thing that sets this carrier apart from other carriers is that it has various accessories like the infant insert, sucking pads, extension belt, matching pouch/purse, and also a back pack that can be added on to the Ergo.

Since I have had the opportunity to try this carrier out I have been asked about it everywehre I go. I am now the ERGO’s biggest fan and try to convert other sling and carrier parents.
Also check out the ERGObaby doll carrier for a child who wants to carry their baby like their mom!
Perfect for a new mom, baby shower gift or for any parent of a little one!

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I have tried many strollers in my years as a parent. Some were good, some were terrible and very few were excellent. Everyone wants something different in a stroller and I have found one stroller that has what every parent needs - even if they don’t know they need it!

The BOB Revolution Stroller is revolutionary in strollers. It has so many awesome features, I am not sure where to start. It has a front wheel that rotates for improved maneuverability and handling or locks out for safer running or off-road use. Off-roading or off-sidewalking in this stroller is amazing. it makes going to fairs, carnivals even a boardwalk a breeze!
The revolving 12-inch front wheel takes the place of the usual fixed wheel, which makes other strollers so difficult to maneuver and turn corners, moms you know what I am talking about.
This state-of-the-art stroller also features superior suspension, with two settings for smaller and larger children. It is not super heavy like other bulky strollers (I am looking at you Graco!) and weighs only 22.6 pounds.

It didn’t take up too much room in my compact SUV because it folds in two different places and is really compact. I think it will fit in a car trunk just as easy. My favorite thing about the BOB Revolution Stroller is the extra large sunshade, no sun would be found in my child’s face in this stroller!
It is also safe because the stroller comes with a five point harness, plus it comes in a double, perfect for my twins.

I thought this stroller was only for smaller babies but the revolution holds kids up to 70 lbs. I could put one of my five year old twins in this!
It was also easy for my husband to assemble, which is a huge plus in our book.
I thought the storage under the seat could have been bigger, but it is not a bad size.

This stroller is made for everyone, but does not come cheap. The price does reflect the great quality though. The revolution or any of their other great strollers are perfect for first time parents, city dwellers, joggers and well, everyone.
Now I am off to add the Revolution to my Christmas wish list.

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Mothers, I know your frustration. You just want a diaper bag that can keep up and be as tough as you are. You need it to go from a play date to the park, from Gymboree to the beach and you want it to hold everything you need. I have been through many diaper bags in the past so I know what I am looking for and is just a matter of finding it.

Enter the Lands’ End Messenger Diaper Bag. This diaper bag can do it all!
It is made from durable 100% cotton canvas with nylon lining for easy cleaning. If you are looking for storage this diaper bag has it with a total of eleven pockets inside and out! I was really impressed with the two insulated bottle pockets on the outside. It also has interior pockets that are labeled: snacks, toys, wipes, diapers and they are clear pockets so they are easy to find things, which is ingenious! No more digging your hand in and rooting around for that pacifier or toy.

The storage doesn’t stop there, even the changing pad has two pockets to store diapers and wipes. It comes with a key fob, a wipes case and a clear zippered storage bag to keep all of your wet items separate or to keep your lotions and creams so they don’t open and ruin everything in your bag.
This is not a lightweight, thin diaper bag, this is an everyday/travel diaper bag that measures 15″Wx 11 1/2″Hx 5″D.

Win it! I have a Lands’ End Messenger Diaper Bag in Lighthouse Navy a $59.00 value to giveaway to one lucky reader! Go over to the Lands’ End site and leave a comment with another diaper bag you like from the Lands’ End.
For additional entries, twitter or blog about this contest and leave another comment with the URL for up to two additional entries!
Contest ends on October 31st at midnight and is open to US residents only.

Check out the other great giveaways here!

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It is hard to feel stylish when you are a new mom. Your body is different, the usual time for your hair, nails and grooming are now spent grooming your new baby. I know that I don’t feel cool or stylish when I am carrying a big pink or blue diaper bag! Itzy ritzy is to the rescue, they have gorgeous stylish products made not just for baby for moms in mind too!

Looking for a great nursing covers? These are beautiful lucite buckle and feminine tapered design, so you’re not wearing a d-ring apron! They are machine washable, rigid neckline & lush baby Bamboo serves as built in burp cloth. The best part is you can wear the cover over front baby carriers to block out sun & wind - baby bamboo has an inherent UV protection factor! Itsy Ritsy also makes a smaller version so your daughter can “nurse” her baby too, how cute is that?

They also offer burp clothes, infant car seat covers, toddler seat covers, blankets and shopping cart covers. I have to get my hands on one of their Bitsy Blankets, they look so divine!
If you have not tried bamboo yet, you are missing out it is so soft and luscious. Bamboo is an eco-friendly fabric, as bamboo is sustainable and grown without pesticides and fungicides and is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and deodorizing. Bamboo needs no harsh chemicals that can irritate tender skin.
All of these products are sweatshop free, thay are made right here in the USA!
They also offer free domestic shipping on all orders over $150.00.
Think of itzy ritzy next time you are looking for a fun, functional and stylish baby gift. In honor of Itzy Ritzy’s appearance on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch tomorrow night on CNBC, they are offering customers 20% off when you enter the coupon code of “DONNY” through the end of October

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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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Are you looking for a new diaper bag? Maybe you want one that doesn’t really look like a diaper bag? perhaps you want a smaller one for your potty training child? The new Ju-Ju-Be Be light is perfect for you.

Ju-Ju-Be bags are amazing because they are loaded with fabulous features that every mom wants and needs. The Be Light bags are no exception. They are smaller than a traditional diaper bag, they measure 11×12.5×1.5, lightweight (only 6.4 ounces!) and easy to carry. The straps can be tied short or long in a variety of different positions so that the bag can be carried over the shoulder, or messenger style. Just because this is a smaller and lighter bag doesn’t mean it is light on storage. This bag has two exterior front pockets, a back pocket with the changing pad which is included and various interior pockets that are perfect for diapers, wipes, toys, phones and keys. Everything you need to leave the house with your baby or toddler.
The best part? It is reversible! It is like having two diaper bags in one.

The Ju-Ju-Be Be light comes in eleven colors and patterns. It is machine washable because we all know how gross the bottom of a diaper bag can get! It is hip and stylish perfect for a new mom, a baby shower gift or a mom that doesn’t need to carry that much “stuff” anymore. Yay for Ju-Ju-Be!

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I am always on the lookout for a great diaper bag. I can never find one that is big enough, has enough pockets and is stylish enough. You can find a terrific “green” diaper bag that is for a great cause at Wee Generation.

The Wee Generation eco-diaper bag has great features like:
Designer upholstery fabric made out of 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles (Cradle-To-Cradle Certified fabric by Designtex)
Waterproof bottom
Padded back panel
Rear zipper compartment
PVC-free waterproof liner
Removable inserts include an insulated feeding tote, changing tote and changing pad
Detachable insulated bottle holder and zip pouch
External quick-access zip pocket with organizer pockets
Deluxe adjustable comfort strap with quick release cam buckle
Two exterior front zip pockets with key tether Stroller attachment straps
Front flap secures with Velcro and magnetic closure as well as dual buckles
Two front exterior zipper pockets with key tether

What can be better than that? Well, 100% of the profits go to Wee Generation profit partner Healthy Child Healthy World. Go buy one for yourself or for someone else, this makes a great gift!

Giveaway! I have one Seventh Generation (awesome company!) Natural Baby Starter Kit to giveaway to one lucky reader. This awesome bag includes:
-2 packages Size 1 Chlorine-Free Diapers (8-14 lbs.)
- 1 Tub Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes
- Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes Refill
- Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
- Seventh Generation tote
This is something I would love to have so I know you will too!

To win, visit Wee Generation and come back and leave a comment with one fact you learned about them and the great work they are doing. Giveaway will end on Friday August 15th at 8pm est.
*For an additional entry subscribe to reviewing baby gear and leave a separate comment telling me that you have subscribed.

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