Baby Gear

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.

PopATot, baby gear, baby must-haves, baby gear reviews, activity centers, traveling with baby, portable baby gear, babies, infants

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!

ERGO, ERGO baby carrier, babywearing, slings, baby carriers, infants, toddlers, backpack carrier, baby shower gift ideas, new mom gift

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.

BOB strollers, BOB Revolution, jogging strollers, strollers, stroller reviews, baby gear, babies, infants, baby gear reviews, shower gifts, baby registry, baby gifts

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!

Lands’ End, Lands End diaper bags, Lands End Messenger Diaper Bag, diaper bags, diaper bag reviews, baby gear, baby gear reviews, baby gifts, baby shower gifts, new moms, giveaways, contests, baby gear giveaway

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

itzy ritzy, burp clothes, eco-freindly baby products, baby gifts, baby gear, baby gear reviews, nurshing covers, bamboo baby, burp cloths, car seat covers

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.

Trista Baby, diaper bags, baby shower gifts, baby gifts, eco-friendly diaper bags, new moms, babies, Trista baby diaper bags

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!

Ju-Ju-Be, Be Light, Ju-Ju-Be Be light diaper bags, diaper bags, light diaper bags, toddlers, babies, moms, new moms, baby shower gifts

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.

giveaways, Seventh Generation, Wee Generation, diaper bags, baby gear

We still have a good month of summer left here in New Jersey before summer starts. One thing we are planning on doing before our kids enter kindergarten is more days at the beach. We love the beach, the sun and the sand as much as our kids do. There are some challenges with a newborn on the beach, but we found some new products that are great for the beach for your family.

Surfers 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!

parenting, babies, summer must haves, Surfer’s Secrets, Protect-a-bub, stroller shades, kids, beach gear, baby gear

Sometimes companies just get it. They understand what parents need, and how to make something functional and do it right. Honeywear is one such company. This company “founded upon the nurturing of children and the environment, our two most important and precious resources.” They make a baby sling that is simple to use and elegant all at the same time.

Honeywear was started by 2 mothers (you know how I love to support mom owned businesses!) who wanted to create an easy to use and fully adjustable baby sling. The Baby Bee sling is one size fits all. Perfect for Moms, Dads and Grandparents! It adjusts easily with the pull cord system on the pouch with allows for different hold positions for your growing baby and toddler (up to 30 pounds). There is also a buckle on the shoulder strap that allows for easy transfer from parent to parent without disturbing a sleeping baby.

All of their slings are lined with organic cotton and they are always constructed from natural and sustainable materials. They are made locally in Asheville, North Carolina by seamstresses working for fair wages.

If you haven’t tried babywearing or you are pregnant, this is the sling for you. This allows you and your child to experience the benefits of babywearing and bonding. This sling can go with you from the grocery store to a upscale party.
I am in love with this sling and I know you will be too!

babywearing, slings, silk slings, honeywear, baby pouches, infants, new moms, baby gifts, baby gear, baby gear reviews, sling reviews

Finding the perfect stroller is a tough job, just ask any mom. You want it to be sturdy, look nice and have great features. Baby Planet is a fabulous company that not only makes great looking strollers, but it gives back by recycling your stroller once you and your children are done using it. If you feel there is still life left in your stroller, they will help you donate it to a family in need.
If your Baby Planet product is no longer road worthy or functional, they will show you how you can recycle it and keep your item out of a land fill! How amazing is that?

Not to mention, they do make a great stroller. The Solo Sport lightweight stroller is perfectly balanced within a lightweight aluminum and ultra compact frame. It is a dream to push and has great features like: a comfort-padded reclining seat, 5 point harness with comfort covers, adjustable leg support and a 2-position adult cup holder. The basket underneath could be a little bigger, but I have wanted a bigger basket on every stroller I have ever owned. It also folds so easily and compact.

The Baby Planet Max Pro Travel System is a stylish, simple, and affordable stroller that accepts most infant car seats on the market today, then converts to seated stroller with a 5-point harness.
(more…)

If diaper bags are the new designer handbags then strollers are the new, hottest cars. Moms no longer are willing to carry around an oversized, pastel diaper bag, and we don’t want a bulky, heavy, ugly stroller. Strollers are not just for the babies that ride in them anymore, if you are not aware of this fact, just look around the playground or mall. Strollers are getting lighter, faster and are mush easier to use.
Now I have found the Cadillac of all strollers, the Bumbleride.

I had the pleasure to try out the new Indie all-terrain stroller that is lighter and more compact than its cousin the Bumbleride Rocket is. I thought this stroller would be bulky and heavy and that could not be farther from the truth. The Indie is only 20 lbs, one of the lighter all terrain strollers, so it was perfect for everyday use, and use it every day we did!
We took this stroller everywhere, to the mall, to a Earth Day fair, for long walks around our neighborhood and we even circled the house in an effort to get our baby to sleep! This stroller handled better then any other stroller I have ever used including the overhyped Peg Perego and my beloved old Maclaren.

Just chillin’ in my awesome stroller

The aluminum frame, great seat padding and 12″ air filled tires make the ride smooth and easy to maneuver on our cracked sidewalks as well as off road. What takes a stroller from “okay” to “amazing” is the features and the Bumbleride is full of them. The Indie comes with: a padded handlebar to hang toys from, a footmuff to keep the little one warm, dual ratcheting canopy to keep sun off of the baby, adjustable handle height (a must for my 6 foot 2 inch husband), cup holder and oversized basket. The brake is easy to use and the Indie folds up so compact, perfect for any trunk space or storage area! The seat even reclines completely flat or in three other angles.

Check out their web site for all the amazing color choices, and styles of strollers. What makes their web site so special is that it has great features like a gallery and a faq section, but also a great video showing you how easy it is to use the stroller and all of its features.

I have had many strollers in my five years of being a mother and this by far is the best. I have never received compliments on my stroller before using the Indie but we had many people comment on it and ask what type it was and where they can get one. I should get a commission!
Overall, I could not recommend this stroller enough, I loved it, my husband loved it, our baby loved it and so did the many strangers on our outings. I can never go back to any old stroller now! Go Bumbleride!

strollers, Bumbleride strollers, Indie Stroller, all terrain strollers, light jogging strollers, jogging strollers, infants, baby gifts, baby shower gift, best stroller

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.

baby slings, slings, pippalily, baby pouches, baby gear, baby gear reviews, baby gifts, baby shower gifts, new baby gifts, infants, babies

I love that the trend these days is not just towards great baby gear, but great mommy gear as well. Designers are realizing that moms are the ones carrying the big diaper bags with cartoons on it and pushing the clunky strollers and they are changing the designs, making things more stylish and trendy. Mom inventors are leading this new trend, and thank goodness for that!

Goober Baby is no stranger to this idea. Goober Baby is the inspired offspring of two moms who wanted stylish everyday items to care for new little ones. They make awesome products like the Goober tote, a tote for the dads, gift sets and changing mats. Each come in great, bold modern colors and styles, perfect for moms! I had the pleasure to review the tote bag which is a great item for smaller things that tend to ‘disappear” in the bottom of your diaper bag or purse. It is great for things that can leak like lotions or medicine. I think it is great for transporting wet or messy clothes too. Don’t just use it for the diaper bag use it for your makeup or toiletries when you travel!

The change purse is perfect for when you want to run out of the door without the big diaper bag. Just the right size for a few diapers and some wipes. Goober baby has some of the greatest things for moms that they never knew they needed!
Thank you Goober baby!

goober baby, diaper bags, tote bags for moms, changing purses, infants, toddlers, baby gifts, baby gift ideas, baby shower gifts

If I don’t go into labor sooner, I will be having this baby via c-section this morning. Since I won’t be around for a while, while I take care of my newborn and five year old twins, I decided to share with you some of my favorite baby gear. Here are some reviews on things that I cannot live without and things I know you will enjoy:

I love this monitor and will use it for years, they are not just for newborns!

There is nothing like a good swaddling baby blanket.

This nest egg has helped me sleep at night which is a luxury when you are nine months pregnant. I think it will be a great help with breastfeeding too. Go get your own with the coupon, even if you are not pregnant this is great for kids or for travel!

We are trying to be more green in our house and what better timing then when a new baby comes!?

I love these products for Mom. The names and packaging are so cute that I would buy them for that alone! They really smell good too.

I think this is great for the summer. I know I would have to get it if I lived in a state that was hot all year round.

I love this thermometer and couldn’t live without it. Plus it is so much cheaper then it was new to the market and I bought it!

baby gear, reviewing baby gear, toys, swaddling blankets, green baby products, nesting egg, breastfeeding, shower gifts, new baby, infants, toddler gear, toddlers, pregnancy