I love bags. That is probably no surprise to you – as a mom, you may love bags too. There are so many different types! Diaper bags are in their own little world. When I had just one baby I was able to get by with a small diaper bag, but having 2 kids in diapers definitely changed things. I needed to carry more diapers ( & more stuff) around plus my two kids! Hands-free & lots of space are so important with diaper bags! I tried using several different bags I already had, but nothing was working!

I finally found something that I absolutely love, holds everything I need and is stylish! I received the  timi & leslie Metro Messenger diaper bag in Barcelona to review and it’s perfect!

After using this bag, I have fallen in love with the style, pockets, and ease of use!

timi & leslie say this about their bag:

“Be sophisticated and organized with the Metro Messenger bag.  The Metro Messenger bag has a roomy interior with multiple compartments to fit all of your and baby’s essentials. Always be in style and never sacrifice function with the Metro Messenger bag!”

The Metro Messenger is not just a bag-  you get all of these accessories with the bag:

1. Changing pad with diapers/wipes pocket
2. Stroller Straps
3. Adjustable shoulder strap
4. Two insulated pockets for bottles & 6 internal organizational pockets
5. Large back zipper pocket
6. PVC free bag (vegan faux leather) with custom hardware in an antique brass finish
7. Inside key fob

This bag holds a lot. On a daily basis, I tote around 4 cloth diapers, a package of wipes, wet bag, a toy or two, some food pouches, water bottle, and my own wallet/phone/mommy supplies. For a few day trips, we have packed the bag with 5-6 diapers even plus wipes, toys & a lulujo blanket. Even fully packed, the bag is not bulky and doesn’t seem over-stuffed.

I am not a 1-shoulder bag girl. I feel like I have the wrong type of shoulders and bags always fall off. That is why I love messenger-style bags! Easy to wear, and you can adjust whether you wear it on the side, front, or even back! Additionally, since the bag is all vegan faux-leather, my husband will gladly grab & carry the diaper bag for me! I cannot say this about some of the other bags I have used. Lastly, since the strap length is adjustable, its SO SO easy to wear while baby wearing! It never interferes with the carrier or the kids!

I love love that timi & leslie bags come with stroller straps! Carrying a bag and pushing a stroller is not always the easiest task! I love that I can just secure the bag to the stroller and go! We can easily get to the bag, get things in & out, and go about our stroll! Here is how we place the bag on our Britax b-Agile double.

My favorite features on the bag, are the zipper pockets on the inside front for me to keep my wallet & goodies, and the zipper pockets on the outside! Easy for storing a phone, binkies, pouches, toys or anything you want to access quickly! The light colored interior allows me to easily see things inside the bag and find anything that may have gotten dropped down in there! timi & leslie makes their bags super easy to care for as well – you just wipe it down with a damp cloth and it comes clean! I know we will be using this bag for a long time, and we likely will be trying several other styles!

Head over and tell me what your favorite timi & lesile bag?

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner so share this post with your loved ones as a hint!

Wouldn’t it be nice if kids were born with everything they needed? Well, that is one of our jobs as parents, to make sure they have everything they need and then some, right? Well, one of the hardest times to travel with the kiddos is during the holiday season. You are trying to remember everything you need for your travels. I have prepared an awesome post to help make traveling easier with young kids during the holidays. Let’s check out this awesome gear.

Ju Ju Be Be Prepared – $180

This is like the mother of all diaper bags. I have found that this Be Prepared diaper bag from Ju Ju Be can fit all of my kids’ stuff, plus mine own. How awesome is that? Oh and let’s talk about the fashion forward designs for a moment, simply awesome! There are pockets to organize everything. I like to refer to this as my Mary Poppins bag because I can seriously carry everything I need for myself and the kids! It’s got insulated bottle pockets, crumb drains (yes that is a real thing), structured feet on the bottom, and anti-microbial lining to keep nasty germs away. Now you can be prepared and stylish during your holiday travels with little ones.

Quinny Yezz – $279.99

Traveling can be tough if you don’t have the right equipment, which is why the Quinny Yezz is a must have for travel with littles. This is an easy to use buggy, it’s light (12lbs), compact, and even comes with a carry strap so you can just toss it on your back and still be hands free! Or it can stand on it’s own when it’s folded (again to keep your hands free.) The hammock style seat is super comfy, and you can seriously push this stroller with ONE finger!! Your kid will stay comfy and you’ll have no worries about carrying a bulky stroller around. Go mom go!

Lillebaby COMPLETE – $120+

Are you ready to carry your baby in style? Now you can with this baby carrier. The Lillebaby COMPLETE is a 6 in 1 baby carrier and it’s adjustable for both baby and his/her parents. Plus the lumbar support is a must have especially when you are carrying everything else and running through airports! With no infant insert needed you won’t have to get anything extra to go with this carrier!

Traveling with young kids? Check out this list of gear to make it SO MUCH easier!! #travel #family
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Britax Car Seat Travel Car – $79.99

Are you ready to make travel really easy on yourself? The Car Seat Travel Cart from Britax is pure genius. You don’t have to carry around your car seat as you travel anymore! Just strap it on and pull it behind you like a suitcase! You can store the cart in the overhead compartment and use the seat on the plane!

Cares Harness – $74.95

First and foremost, a car seat is always your safest bet, but if you decide not to bring one with you the Cares Harness is awesome. This harness is great for kids ages 22-44 pounds and is ideal when they’re sitting in their own seat. I love this as this helps to keep them safe and keeps some of the wiggles at bay. That’s my little man when he was 2 in this harness. We have used it so many times!

Baby Travel Play – $24.95

No one wants to put their baby on those gross floors, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. Well, now you can start using the Rume Baby Travel Play. This device is perfect for travel. You simply spread it out and baby can play on it. Genius in my opinion. Plus it folds up into nearly nothing and you can store it in your diaper bag!

Covered Goods 4-in-1 Cover – $34.99

This is a great option to help keep the germs away from your precious little one. I love that you can use the Covered Goods 4-in-1 Cover in so many ways. You can use it as a nursing cover, blanket, car seat cover, or on grocery carts. Plus it too folds into nearly nothing taking up practically no space in your diaper bag!

Each one of these items are great for traveling with little ones. I encourage you to check them out and maybe even purchase them for your holiday travels.

Do you have a suggestion for must-have travel gear with young kids? Let me know!

Probiotics are becoming more and more of a favorite among parents. We have been using probiotics with Hannah for over a year. Teddy has had a very sensitive tummy and some other digestion issues. One of the things which was recommended to help with some of his issues were probiotics. When Mommy’s Bliss contacted me to review their newly released Baby Probiotic Drops,

Mommy’s Bliss has recently released Baby Probiotic drops. This product is pediatrician-recommended, 100% vegan and vegetarian, formulated with non-GMO Corn Oil and the live culture Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. Mommy’s Bliss recommends it can safely and effectively ease babies digestion.

“Probiotics are living microorganisms that scientific research has shown to benefit human health. Most commonly these are bacteria, but they may also be yeasts. Many probiotics were originally isolated from common fermented foods such as yogurt. In some cases they are similar to, or the same as, the microbes already found in a healthy digestive tract.”

Does your family use probiotics? 

I can’t believe this was my 4th ABC Kids Expo! In some ways I like to compare it to childbirth. The days leading up are filled with nervous energy and lots of last minute preparations. Then the big day arrives and it’s a lot of walking, pacing, and welcoming new gear into the baby/kid world. For four days you walk the floor trying to soak in every single thing, and there is never enough time to do it all. During the event you wonder how you forgot that it was super exhausting, and then when it’s over you are ready to do it all over again!

Each year I go in with a few goals in mind. I try to keep my focus on the age range in my blog and of my readers. This was my first ABC Expo where I wasn’t really focused on breastfeeding/maternity gear as I’m not pregnant or nursing and neither are any of my contributors, but you can check out my “Breast in Show” from last years expo if you are.

This year I tried to find fun toys for kids, as well as check out what’s new in strollers and car seats.  Of course I kept my eyes open for babywearing must haves!

Overall, it was a great show. We will have a few fun round ups from ABC coming at you over the next week including Best in “back to school”, “art/crafts” and “toys”! I met so many amazing companies and saw a lot of really cute stuff. This list is what I thought really stood out from the crowds as far as new, must have, and innovative products!

ABCKids14 10 Best In Show!

1. Motorola MBP33HD Digital Video Baby Monitor with Wi-Fi Internet Viewing
   
   Coming in January of 2015 this baby monitor does what no other monitor on the market can! It gives parents the ability to see baby on the parent unit as well as on your phone/computer. It has so many other great features like picture/picture capability (so you can see multiple rooms at once), in app video recording, and pan/tilt/zoom abilities. It will start at $229.99
2. lillebaby Carry On Toddler Carriers & Teething drool pads!
   It’s no secret that I have a serious crush on lillebaby. Big things are in the works for them! The biggest buzz being around the new Carry On toddler carriers! There will be 2 types available very soon! The Airflow Toddler Carry On carrier will be available starting in November and the Woven version will be available some time in early 2015. Baby D got to try on one of the sample ‘prototype’ woven carriers and it was HEAVENLY. I’m so glad I’ve held out from buying any other toddler carrier – this version has everything we know and love from lillebaby plus a few new extras such as dual adjusting straps, and a huge front pocket! The toddler Carry On will accommodate around 50lbs. It’s isn’t so much the weight limit that is changing, but more so the seat is wider and the back is taller to keep toddlers close and comfortable longer!
   
   The other product that stood out to me from lillebaby was their new drool pads. Since I first met the lillebaby team in 2013 they have been talking about redesigning their drool pads. I for one think they nailed it by providing babywearers a product that is unique to the market. The drool pads and bibs both have silicone teethers attached so now instead of soaking our strap, baby can actually have something that will help ease the teething pain!
3. Swizz-Style Stadler Form IONIC Silver Cube.
   
   I’ve seen a lot of humidifiers in my day. I’ve also owned several since becoming a mom in 2009. Each year I pledge to never leave water in my humidifier, and each year I fail and have the task of scraping off hard water or replacing them. Stadler Form may have forever solved this issue for parents. Using a their unique IONIC silver cube you can finally keep your humidifier clean and hygienic – even when you forget to change the water. Pair this with one of their smartly designed humidifiers and you have a winning combination in function and style! Or you can simply use the cube with your current favorite brand of humidifier as it works with most brands on the market!
4. Armadillo Flip
   
   You may remember I fell in love last year with the debut of the Mamas & Papas Armadillo. Well, they did it again. Everything I loved from Armadillo they used added everything that was missing into the Armadillo Flip. I could explain it, but watching my video might be easier!
5. Shugabebe Breastfeeding Pillow
   
   I’ve seen and used a lot of breastfeeding pillows in my day, and while I wasn’t going to keep my eyes open for breastfeeding and maternity items this show, the Shugabebe was unmissable in my opinion! Finally the nursing pillow has been re-invented, and not just a different version of everything else on the market. While it’s a bit pricy, I can tell you it is worth the price. I sat down with it at the show and thought to myself “This is what I tried to do with 12 throw pillows smashed all over me!” It’s the right height, the right support, and it’s really cute!
6. Puj cups
   
   Coming in early 2015 the Puj filla is something every parent will want in their home!  My son is 5, and he goes through at least 3 cups if not more daily. Mostly because he puts them in the sink after every use and they get dirty. Each Puj cup is made with a friendly loop that hangs from a corresponding Nub. And since the Nubs adhere to any smooth surface using 3M adhesive and leave no permanent damage you can hang these right from your fridge, allowing your child to get a drink without the help of a parent. The cup is made from silicone and food-safe non-leaching polypropylene and is dishwasher safe. They will be available in early 2015 and as soon as they are they will be in my home!
7. The Britax “Game Changers”
   
   One of the leaders in the car seat market has just changed the game when it comes to installing car seats. Finally the sweat free install I first showed you in the Britax Frontier is now available in 3 convertible car seats: The Marathon, The Boulevard, and The Advocate. I’m so excited about this change. I love our Frontier and I can not wait to share a review one on of these convertible seats as well. Check out the click tight technology in action!
8. The Little Linen Company Airwrap Bumpers
   
   Launching this December, The Little Linen Company has a new line of safe crib liners called Airwrap. The breathable four peace system allows a really tight fit as well as for air to flow through to lower CO2 levels. I can’t wait for these to launch, I’ve never seen anything like them with fashion to boot!
9. Bubber from Waba Fun
   
   From the makers of Kinetic Sand comes Bubber!  Bubber is the lightest weight molding compound of the market! It’s insanely fun to play with (I spent a good 30-40 minutes doing just that at the ABC show), makes crisp lines, molds into anything you can dream to make, NEVER dries out, and is gluten free! Kids of all ages will love Bubber!
10. Cybex Cloud Q
    
    The Cybex Cloud Q was actually the JPMA’s winner for Best In Show at the ABC Kids Expo 2014 and with good reason! It is the first car seat to come to the US market that actually reclines flat when not in use as a car seat. If that sounds familiar to you, it’s because kiddy debuted a similar seat last year, but they have not been able to make the transition into the US market yet. So why is it important that a seat can recline? When baby isn’t riding in the car it is important for their little airways that they aren’t curled up. Laying flat allows them to get the most oxygen to their body. Parents can now recline the seat when it’s not installed in the car. (NOTE: It will not snap into the base or allow a belt to be thread for installation in a car when it is in recline mode.)

There were so many amazing products at the show, to narrow it down to 10 was nearly impossible.  I easily could do another list of 10 of my favorites! Instead of that, I will be sharing with you our list for BEST IN SCHOOL, and BEST IN PLAY so stay tuned!!

Check out more posts from this and past ABC Kids Expos!

Which of these 10 products has you the most interested in learning more?

If you are unfamiliar with Joovy (Joo-vee) they are a gear company that designs products for active families and kids in 8 main categories with an emphasis on durability, utility, and quality products.

As Baby D gets older I really wanted a stroller that was compact and easy to use, but didn’t sacrifice comfort or basket space. The Joovy Scooter is the answer!  This is the NEW 2014 Joovy Scooter. This year they completely redesigned the stroller and there is very little I could find to complain about (and as my husband will tell you, I’m pretty picky!)

The Joovy Scooter stroller is designed for babies 3 months + and has a weight limit of 55 lbs. (To give you an idea of just how high of a weight limit that is – my 5 year old can still sit in this stroller if he wanted to!)

Video Review:

Assembly:

The Joovy Scooter took me about 15 minutes to assemble. The directions were very clear with both written directions and pictures to follow. I’m not good at assembly, so if I can put it together quickly, that means it’s pretty easy to do!

Features:

10 Point Adjustable Handle Bar – this is great for a few reasons. I’m 5’9 and my husband is 6’1. We are both able to push this stroller without bumping our feet or legs. And at 46″ tall my 5 year old can also help push the stroller (with parental supervision of course!)

HUGE Canopy – I have pushed a lot of strollers in my life, and very few have a canopy that rivals the Joovy Scooter. Living in the desert I really appreciate the added protection from the elements! It also makes naps a lot easier. There is a peek-a-boo window as well.

Comfortable Seat & Near Flat Recline – The seat offers a nearly flat 149° for easy naps, and infinite recline positions in between as you can customize it to your child’s comfort. The Scooter also comes with a removable/reversible back padding. The nylon side helps to keep baby cool, and the fleece side offers warmth.  The seat also has 2 mesh side pockets which are perfect for baby’s toys, sippy cups, or bottles.

Large Basket + Easy Access – The underneath of the stroller has a very sizable basket. They even added zippered entry in two places for ease of access when the baby is reclined/napping.

Adjustable 2-position Footrest – This is great for younger babies!

Machine Washable – The stroller is covered with 600D nylon fabric that is machine washable including the removable back padding. This is huge must have in any stroller I buy. Too many times my children have gotten sick, spit up, or spilled on the stroller. There is nothing worse than scrubbing and hand washing a stroller.

4-Wheel Suspension – The wheels are rubber and all have suspension in them which absorbs some of the shock. The front wheels lock to allow you to move over gravel, mulch, or grass. This is not an all terrain stroller however. It is REALLY easy to push!

Parent Organizer – A mesh bottle holder, large zippered pocket, and a clip on bottle holder make it easy to have all your supplies in hands reach.

Compact Fold – This fold is pretty darn compact! It surprised me as it’s not something you expect with a large canopy or huge storage basket. The stroller can also stand when it’s folded. This is nice for loading and unloading the stroller, and the carry strap in the seat is really nice too (watch my video to see how this stroller folds).

The newly designed Joovy Scooter certainly doesn’t disappoint! I’m hard pressed to find any complains/cons at all. The $299 price tag is a bit steep, but this stroller is made to last. It doesn’t have the option to parent face, but the large canopy almost makes up for that. You can purchase the car seat attachment and snack tray separately.

Clearly baby D thinks the Joovy Scooter is a winner!

What I wouldn’t give to sleep so soundly!

What feature is your favorite?

Learn more about Joovy by following them on Facebook and Twitter!  You can purchase the Joovy Scooter on the Joovy website or Amazon.

As a Joovy Mom I am offered the opportunity to review Joovy products. I don’t review products my family doesn’t use or enjoy. As always this review was my 100% honest opinion.

On this edition of Friday Favorites I wanted to share some products that I absolutely love and must have when it comes to cloth diapering.  Some of the products were sent to me to review, but I love all of them and couldn’t imagine cloth diapering without them!

1. EcoSprout’s Coconut Stick – $9.95

I have used coconut oil as a barrier cream and to soothe diaper rash on both of my boys, and until I was sent the EcoSprout Coconut Stick to review, I used coconut oil in a tiny Tupperware.  While this wasn’t a super big inconvenience, I never liked getting it under my nails, and my husband refused to use it.  He wanted something he didn’t have to touch at all.

EcoSprout’s new product, The Coconut Stick, takes the mess out of using coconut oil. No more scooping coconut oil out of a jar with your fingers, the Coconut Stick is a 2-ounce twist-up stick of oil.  It is made with 100% organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil blended with beeswax and Vitamin E oil, and it really couldn’t be easier to use.  My husband asked when we got it why I didn’t buy it with our first son!  It’s easy to see he’s a fan of it.

You can also use The Coconut Stick for a variety of other things including: bug bite, eczema, dry skin, stretch marks, cradle cap, and chapped lips. Head over to EcoSpout to pick up a stick of your own.

2. Applecheeks Gentle Cleanse Solution – $9.95

It’s not secret I’m a huge fan on Applecheeks Cloth Diapers, but I have to tell you I absolutely love this spray.  I never used cloth wipes with K because I was a bit overwhelmed by it.  When Baby D was 10 months old I was given a bottle of the gentle cleanse solution to try at the ABC Kids Expo.  While there I purchase my first cloth wipes, and it was seriously love at first spray!!  The solution contains tea tree oil (which is antibacterial) and lavender.  Not only do I love using it to clean bums, but it’s great to throw into the diaper bag and use to clean dirty hands after the park, and it’s a perfect all purpose spray to travel with.

Check out how I travel with my Applecheeks Gentle Cleanse Solution:

3. Rockin Green Hard Rock – $15.95

When I dove into cloth diapering our second baby it was my first time washing our own diapers.  I tried several different detergents, but when I started having stink issues, I asked my fellow cloth diapering moms what they use.  Overwhelmingly I heard Rockin Green Hard Rock – especially for our hard water here in Las Vegas.  So I figured I’d give it a go.  I purchased my first bag of Rockin Green Hard Rock and it was love at first wash.  Well, actually it was love for 90 washes!!  That one bag of $16 detergent lasted me for 9 months! I’m currently using our second bag of Rockin Green that I received to review and have been doing so for 5 months!  It took awhile to figure out what wash routine worked for us, but Rockin Green was a key piece to figuring that out.

Why do I love Rockin Green?

• It’s affordable – Just $0.16 a load.
• It smells great – I’ve the Lavender Mint Revival, Motley Clean, and plan on buying Smashing Watermelons for my next bag.
• It’s Vegan and Gluten Free – Perfect for Baby D’s sensitive skin.
• I don’t have cloth diaper stink anymore!
• I rarely have to strip my diapers because Rockin Green doesn’t build up the way other detergents did for us.

It’s safe to say it has earned a forever spot in our cloth diaper laundry routine! I usually buy mine on Amazon.

4. Jackson Reese Wipes – $4.87

I’d love to say I use cloth wipes full time, but I don’t.  Sometimes I run out of cloth wipes.  Sometimes I don’t bring them in my diaper bag, and sometimes I just really want to use my Jackson Reese wipes!  I have been using these for 4 years now.  I was first introduced to Jackson Reese Wipes via my cloth diaper service I used with K, and we bought them by the case load.  Now I order them by the case on Amazon.  I no problem justifying the nearly $5 per package price on these wipes because they are just that awesome!  Since I buy them 10 packs at a time, instead of paying nearly $8 we get them for $4.87 each.  With these wipes I do not have to use as many wipes as we do with other popular brands.  They seriously clean up the mess with less wipes.  Plus they are vegan (again great for D’s allergies), made with Tea Tree Oil, Ylang-Ylang, Saline, and Aloe Vera.  But my favorite thing about these wipes is that they are 100% biodegradable.  They are made from chlorine-free, compostable wood pulp and the packaging is made from recyclable film, making them a really eco-friendly option for those of us who aren’t or can’t use cloth wipes all the time.

5. Ikea Octopus Drying Hanger- $12.98

I’m not sure if you can find the Octopus drying hanger at Ikea anymore, but I do know it’s on ebay and amazon.  When I first saw these I knew they’d be perfect for us.  I don’t have a clothing line outside here in Las Vegas, and frankly I’m tired of my covers blowing on the ground.  I just washed them afterall!  So this was my perfect alternative.

I hang it in the bathroom over the shower curtain, but I’m also considering getting a extended hook for our laundry room.  It’s got 16 hooks, and it folds up when it’s not in use so it’s a total space saver.  Plus it’s pretty darn cute too!

So those are 5 of my favorite cloth diaper accessories and must haves!

Do you have a favorite product for helping you cloth diaper?  Let me know in the comments below!

Disclosure: Some of the products were provided for my review, others contain affiliate links.  All opinions are my own – I don’t recommend anything we don’t love. I should mention we recently had to stop using the coconut stick – not because it wasn’t awesome but because we believe coconut may be a possible trigger for Baby D’s fpies.

Less than 2 days into reviewing the Dohmie by Marpac sleep machine I wondered how on earth I lived without this machine in my life for so long!  Let me tell you a bit about our sleep problems and how the helped our whole family sleep easier!

I always knew having a baby means getting less sleep.  I mean I had already been through it with one child.  I had NO idea how little sleep I would be getting when we had our second child.

The first few months seemed like standard newborn/infant sleep issues, but as my second baby got older instead of sleeping longer, he was sleeping less and less.

Most of his sleep issues it turned out were related to his FPIES.  He was uncomfortable so he was having a hard time sleeping.  Every time I laid him down the house went on lock down. Not only was he a light sleeper, but since he was getting such little sleep everyone was afraid to wake him up.  His room shares a wall with our kitchen and another with our garage.  That meant no one could do dishes, get ice, or even open the garage door without waking him up.  We all felt like prisoners around his sleep schedule.

Just when I thought I had tried everything the Dohm came into my life.

The Dohm creates a natural white noise to help babies fall and stay asleep.  Finally the rest of the family to sleep easier and carry on with normal household activities. The Dohm’s sound is seamless, adjustable, and continuous.  It utilizes electromechanical technology to create the natural sound of rushing air, unlike other white noise machines that work on a digital loop and cut off after a set period of time.

The Dohm is lightweight, easy-to-use and can travel with you where you go. I love that it plugs into the wall and doesn’t rely on batteries like so many other sleep machine. It couldn’t be easier to use either!  Simply turn it on and pick the level of noise that works for you.  All you have to do to adjust the noise is turn the dohm itself.

The sound it makes is similar to the womb or my husband thinks it sounds like a long car drive. The Dohmie by Marpac Serious Sleep Baby Bundle comes with the sleep machine and a book that both my boys enjoyed reading.  We always read books before bed.  Then the boys get tucked in and the Dohm get’s turned on!

The Dohmie by Marpac didn’t fully solve Baby D’s sleep issues, but it was a major piece to getting there.  Simply feeling like we don’t have to tip toe around when he goes to sleep really has been something the whole family is excited about. Now I just need to buy one to drown out my husband’s snoring!

The Dohmie Serious Sleep Baby Bundle by Marpac is available at baby retailers such as ToysRUS.  For more information visit

Connect and start sleeping better today!

– Facebook – –

 This was a sponsored post by Marpac via Mom It Forward Blogger Network. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.

Product was provided for my review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Did you know that in May of 2011 the WHO (World Health Organization) reclassified Cell Phone Radiation in the same potentially carcinogenic category as chloroform, engine exhaust, and lead?  So what does that mean?  We live in a generation that in the past 10 years has become dependent on technology and in doing so we now have technology in the palm of our hands every single day.  From cell phones, iPads, Tablets, and laptops, we simply don’t know how the everyday radiation we are exposed to will impact us.

As expectant and new mothers we take precautions everyday to help prevent health issues for us and our babies.  With each year that passes new information about how our environment affects our unborn and new babies given to us and we adapt by changing how we behave during pregnancy.  For example 10-20 years ago there weren’t nearly as many forbidden foods or drugs during pregnancy.  When I was pregnant with K I was given a whole sheet of foods and drugs to avoid and the reasons why.

As we learn more about the exposure of everyday radiation we still have no idea the impact it has on fertility, pregnancy, and growing children.  The owner of Belly Armor saw a need to create a product that would help those trying to conceive, pregnant, and new parents shield their bodies and their baby’s  bodies from potentially harmful radiation.

When I was at the ABC show I got a chance to sit and talk with the company’s founder Aileen and learn her story and more about the products she provided.

“When I became pregnant with my first child, I was a banking executive who was constantly connected to my mobile phone, smart phone and laptop. Like most expectant mothers, I researched extensively on how to give my child the best start in life. All sources advised pregnant women to eat healthy, exercise, and avoid toxins like alcohol and certain chemicals – all of which I did diligently. However, one obvious component in my everyday life which concerned me, about which there was little advice, was the radiation-emitting devices that surrounded me at home and at work. What were the health impacts of those? I researched more into this “everyday radiation” exposure, and was shocked at what I discovered. …In light of the emerging evidence and advice from health experts, I felt that more people, particularly those with children, needed to know. Concerned with the lack of awareness and options, my co-founders and I launched Belly Armor with a two-fold mission: (1) To increase awareness of this health issue so others can make more informed decisions for themselves and their families, and (2) to provide effective solutions and simple tips for those who want to lower their exposure.”

I am so glad I sat and talked with her.  Like many people my concern was that Belly Armor was going to be bulky or uncomfortable.  I was surprised to touch and feel it that it was as light as cotton and super soft.  With both my pregnancies – more so with Baby D – I often put my laptop on my belly and worked away not thinking of the potential risks involved.  After listening to her research, doing a bit of my own, and feeling the products I can say with 100% certainty for my next pregnancy I will be using the luxe blanket as a barrier between my belly and my technology.  Even now I use it when I am nursing and reading or catching up on old TV shows via iPad.  The blanket is soft and doesn’t bother baby D in the slightest, but I have the piece of mind knowing that I’m protecting his little growing body from extra exposure.

Okay, but how do I know it’s working?

Belly Armor uses RadiaShield which is a highly conductive silver material.  It’s soft like cotton, lightweight, and thin, yet it has the same shielding properties to a 1/4-inch thick sheet of aluminum!  Plus it’s machine washable and won’t lose effectiveness through washings.  I put the material to the test using a bag created with the same silver material.  I put my cell phone inside it and with in 30-45 seconds my bars had dropped to only 1 on the extended network with flickerings of “searching”!  That was proof of it blocking signal that I could actually see!

Aileen also mentioned that for men that struggle with fertility this is a great product for them.  They can place it on their laps and not worry that they are harming themselves through extra radiation exposure.

I think Belly Armor is a wonderful product, and something that you will see take off quickly as more research is done on everyday exposure, especially by concerned parents like myself. One of my all time favorite quotes comes from Maya Angelou who said “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”  Knowing that I can protect my baby – even just until they are old enough to operate and use technology themselves, and in the most critical developing times of their lives, why wouldn’t I want to do that for them?

My Review:

I received the Belly Armor Luxe blanket to review and it is perfect for me.

I use it by laying it on top of baby while I’m nursing him if I know I’m going to be on my phone or reading a book on my iPad (which I do a lot during our frequent evening nursing sessions).  It’s really lightweight and soft.  I also plan on using this with my next pregnancy by draping it over my belly to block baby from excessive everyday radiation exposure.

Another concern I had that was quickly put to rest by the founder of Belly Armor was the material itself.  Would it have any harmful impact on baby or myself?  The answer is no. It’s free of heavy metals, dyes, and allergens and has gone through much independent testing. The results are all available on Belly Armor’s webpage.  Plus the blanket is machine washable and won’t lose any effectiveness through washing!

All in all I’m thrilled with Belly Armor and the Luxe Blanket.

Buy It!

The Belly Armor luxe blanket retails for $109 and can be found on CVS.com or drugstore.com as well as Amazon.

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I was provided a media sample for my review – as always all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

It’s not secret I am a huge fan of Tiny Love and all the amazing baby products they make.

From the Super Mat, to the Gymini we have many Tiny Love products and we love them all!  Recently we were given the opportunity to test out the new Tiny Love Take Along Bouncer.

One thing you don’t expect when you have a baby is how much stuff goes a long with them.  A simple trip for the holidays to means an abundance of gear, and that gear always takes up so much room!!  We always celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with family friends who live in Vegas.  We know when we go over there we have to bring a safe place for baby.  In the past I have grabbed our Tiny Love Gymini Bouncer, but it takes up a lot of room, so I was really excited to check out the Take Along Bouncer.

The Take Along Bouncer’s innovative light-weight design allows parents to easily fold the seat and pack it in the included carry case which can be slung over the shoulder or conveniently packed away. It is ideal for at home, the park, grandma’s house or wherever the road takes the family.

Seriously this bouncer is lightweight and folds down as quickly as it pops up!  Where was this product four years ago!! The product is fully assembled right out of the box and comes with a convenient carrying case that makes it easy to take back and forth and keeps your hands free for the important things – like your baby!

I would have loved to have this earlier when Baby D was younger.  While it worked to give him a nice place to relax at our friends house he is a bit too big for it at 12 months.  It would have been perfect to take to parks with us when Baby D was younger!! My brother and his wife are due to have a baby this spring and I think it will be perfect for them.  They are always concerned about things taking up too much room in their smaller home, and this will be nice for trips to Grandma’s house as well!

Check out the Tiny Love Take Along Bouncer – it’s really a must have for any parent who is on the go.  It would make a great baby shower gift priced at $44.99.

Connect with Tiny Love:

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Any parent will tell you baby’s come with a lot of gear.  That gear can get in the way, take up space, and often be an eye sore.  Joovy is always thinking of their customers when they design baby gear, and they really knocked it out of the park when they designed the Joovy Nook Highchair.

As part of the Joovy Mom program I received the Joovy Orangie Leatherette Nook Highchair for review,  and I was pleased with it right out of the box! (So much so I added it to my Holiday Gift Guide!) 

Usually when you buy big baby gear items you can spend upwards of 30-60 minutes assembling them.  The Joovy Nook came full assembled right out of the box!! All I had to do was use one hand to open it up!!

Check out my Video Review:

I have a lot of features that I like on this highchair and two that I love!

• I love the one handed slim/compact fold so I can store the highchair out of the way when it’s not in use, and in between children it won’t take up a ton of room in our garage.
• I love the swing release tray.  With our first highchair (that broke after a year) I either had to leave the tray on and squeeze my son’s fat little baby thighs in/out or take the tray off, turn away from my son and try to find a clean spot on the counter.  Because the tray didn’t sit flat, it often fell on the floor splattering food everywhere…  With the swing out tray I don’t have to worry about fat baby thighs or falling trays. It swings out of the way and out of mind.
• I like the plastic tray liner that is dishwasher safe.
• I like how sleek and clean this highchair looks while still being very practical for kitchen use.
• I like that there are no sharp corners for baby food to get stuck in.  The rounded corners make wiping up easy.
• I like that the leatherette is easily wiped down and can be thrown in the washer on gentle for bigger messes.
• I like the weight limit is up to 50 lbs.  This means that I don’t need to buy a high chair, then a booster, and finally move my son to a big boy chair.  It’s highchair to family chair with the Joovy Nook.
• I like that it only weighs 15lbs so it’s easy for me to move around as I need to.
• I like the color choices.  They are fun yet sophisticated.

The only downside I thought I might have with this highchair is that it is lower to the ground.  Being 5’9 I have to either sit down to feed the baby or bend down.  However, once I started to use it I realized this really isn’t an issue.  I’m already focusing all my attention on baby so I might as well sit and relax while I do it.  Plus it’s at the perfect height for big brother to help play/feed his brother!

Baby D unfortunately can’t eat food yet due to his FPIES.  So we mainly use the highchair for him to watch me in the kitchen or play while we are eating.  He loves it, and when he’s done I can fold it down and tuck it away until we need it again.  We have allowed friends to feed their babies in it when they come over to play with the boys and they have certainly put it to good use!  Thankfully clean up was a breeze and it still looks good as new!

Buy It!

The Joovy Leatheretter Nook Highchair comes in Orangie, Greenie, White, and Black and retails for $149.99.  It’s very sturdy and well made so you won’t have to buy a new highchair with each kid.

Connect:

Follow Joovy on Facebook and Twitter to stay on top of all their products, sales, and giveaways.

Disclosure: I was sent the following product for review purposes at no cost to myself.  Any opinions expressed are honest and are my own.