Best Baby Stuff » Breastfeeding

Medela Quick Clean Bags

Maisie — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:33:01 +0000

Product Overview
Medela’s powerful Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags use steam-cleaning to disinfect breastpump parts and feeding accessories like bottles and pacifiers. These bags are proven to eliminate harmful bacteria and germs by 99.9%. A complete cleaning can be done in 3 minutes using just a microwave and a little water. Each bag will hold two breastshield and valve assemblies or two, 5oz collection bottles and caps. Each bag can be used 20 times.

Why I Like It
For me, pumping is not the greatest part of the day. Not only did it make me feel literally like a milk cow, but it takes time out of my day and my time is extremely valuable to me. At least these steam bags make clean up a breeze. Imagine how much more time it would take to sanitize breastpump parts in a pot of water! With the Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags and a powerful microwave, my breastpump parts are cleaned and sanitized in a minute and a half.

Some microwaves will require 3 minutes for the bag. Be careful when opening the bag as the steam release is extremely hot. Each bag can be used 20 times and there are checkboxes on the bag to help you track how many times you have used the bag. These bags are easy to fold and put into your pump bag and takes up almost no space at all.

Where to Buy
Amazon
Babies R Us
Target

Medela Pump and Save Bags

Maisie — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:36:37 +0000

Product Overview
Medela’s Pump and Save bags will store up to 5 ounces of pumped breast milk. The bags are double-walled making it safe for long term breast milk storage. The pre-sterilized bags come with a zipper top that will not leak. The no-spill, stand-up bottom makes it easy to use. The bags are BPA-free and are compatible with all Medela pumps except for the Freestyle.

Why I Like It
I started storing breast milk in little bottles at first. After I ran out of little bottles I did not want to spend the money purchasing more little bottles. These bags are cost effective and easy to use. If you own a Medela pump these bags will attach to your pump so that you can pump directly into the bag. Even though I use a Medela Freestyle pump that the bags do not attach to, I still used these bags by transferring pumped milk into the bags. The stand-up bottom made it easy to transfer the pumped milk.

I freeze the bags as flat as I can and store them in a deep freezer. These bags take up a lot less room than the bottles I was originally using. Defrosting the bags is easy as well. Just place the frozen bag into a warm bowl of water.

You can purchase these bags in 20 or 50 quantities.

Where to Buy
Target.com
Amazon.com
BabiesRUs.com

ITZBEEN™ Baby Care Timer

Maisie — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:32:41 +0000

Product Overview:
ITZBEEN™ Baby Care Timer invented by sleep-deprived parents, this multi-purpose nursery tool helps new parents remember details of baby care such as feedings, medications and nap times. This little gadget takes the place of paper charts and has four timers that count up with a touch of a button. With this tool new parents will always know “how long it’s been”. This gadget comes in 3 different colors.

Why I Like It:
This product was recommended to me by another new mommy. She started using it when her son was first born and it helped her to remember feedings and when to give him medication. If her son was ever fussy, she would be able to take one glance at the ITZBEEN and know that he was either fussy because he needed a nap, needed to eat or it was time for his medication. This little gadget is simple and easy to use and replaces the need for keeping your charts and pen handy.

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Lansinoh Nursing Pads

Maisie — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:43:07 +0000

Product Overview
These ultra-thin pads allow nursing mothers to continue their active lifestyle without embarrassing leakage. The pads come with nonslip adhesive tape and its contoured shape allows for a discreet fit. The soft stay-dry lining wicks moisture away from skin and its super-absorbent polymer core keeps skin dry. The pads are individually wrapped for cleanliness and convenience.

Why I Like It
I originally purchase LilyPadz because I thought the idea of having reusable nursing pads would save me money. After I started using them, I realized that it was healthier to have a breathable pad. I tried Gerber nursing pads and Playtex nursing pads, but one didn’t stay in place and the other was too bulky.

The Lansinoh pad is super thin, stays in place and absorbs extremely well.

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Wet Happened? Wet Bag

Maisie — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:46:59 +0000

Product Overview
The Wet Happened? Wet Bag is made with a stylish designer cotton prints, then lined with a thick and soft Polyurethane Laminate. The two layers sewn are separately and closes with a zippered top that secures contents and keep smells where they belong. The bag is double sewn to help prevent wicking. It is easily washable and re-usable. The wet bags are available in two sizes: 11 x 14 (about 3-5 diapers) & 14 x 17 (about 6-8 diapers).

Why I like It
When using cloth diapers on the go, it’s hard to know what to do with those dirty diapers. I originally used plastic bags, however the odors permeated though the plastic. This wet bag is perfect for my diaper bag first because it’s super cute and because it helps to keep smells contained. I love that it’s easy to wash and re-use. The PUL lining is attached to the cotton exterior so that the two layers will no separate in the wash. Purchase two wet bags, one to use and one to wash. I like the larger size because I can fit more diapers in there. The wet bag is also perfect for dirty clothes or wet swimsuits.

Where to Buy
Mom4Life ($17.95 for reg, $21.95 for lg + free shipping)
WetHappened.com ($17.95 for reg, $21.95 for lg + 15% off with code WETBAG + free shipping) Best Price

Medela Freestyle Breastpump

Maisie — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:57:40 +0000

Product Overview
Created by Medela, the Freestyle breast pump is their first hands-free, double-electric pump. This pump comes with a pump that fits in the palm of your hand with a rechargeable battery and powerful performance. It includes features that provide truly hands-free pumping and mobility.

Why I Like It
I purchased the Playtex Petite Double Pump and did not have a pumping bra. So, whenever I pumped, I’d be plugged into a wall and had to hold the pumps in place. It would also take 30 plus minutes to pump. When Medela came out with the Freestyle breast pump I was so excited because this pump is battery operated and comes with accessories to make the pump hands-free, without the need to purchase a pumping bra. The accessories will adapt to just about any nursing bra. I also like the two-phase pumping that all the Medela pumps feature. This two-phase pumping simulates your baby’s suck. Medela is also known for their powerful pumps which allow for a shorter pumping session. I was amazed when I tried out the Freestyle. I could complete a pumping session in just about 15 minutes! That’s half the time that I spent with my Playtex pump.

Being a hands-free pump and battery operated, I’m able to walk around the house, or work on my computer while I’m pumping, making me a truly multi-tasking mom!

Where to Buy
Amazon ($499.00 + shipping)
Drugstore.com ($349.99 + shipping) Best Price

milkscreen™

Maisie — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:24:42 +0000

Product Overview
milkscreen™ is simple and accurate way to let a mom know if her breast milk contains a level of alcohol that may negatively impact her baby. This is a simple, two-minute test that detects for volume of alcohol that is concentrated in breast milk. The milkscreen™ test will show a color change at .02% alcohol concentration.

Why I Like It
In the past there have only been general guidelines for drinking alcohol when breast feeding. With this test moms can know for sure when their breast milk is safe for a baby and can also use it as a guide to know how much alcohol will be affecting breast milk.

Every woman metabolizes alcohol differently, so guidelines can sometimes be incorrect for a woman. This test will put your mind at ease by giving you the tools to know when your breast milk is safe for your baby.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($9.99 and up + shipping)
Babies R Us ($19.99 for 20 tests + shipping)
Mom 4 Life ($4.99 and up + free shipping) Best Price

Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover

Maisie — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:58:39 +0000

Product Overview
These nursing covers come in a variety of different fabrics and designs and include a terrycloth pocket for quick cleanup or storage of breast pads or pacifiers. The neckline is rigid which allows for ventilation and allows you to see your baby and achieve proper latch on. The nursing cover has a generous amount of fabric which will keep you completely covered during nursing. It is machine washable for easy care.

Why I Like It
I originally made my own nursing cover by using clips and a string on a receiving blanket. I quickly learned that I needed to see my baby while nursing and blankets did not provide enough coverage for me. I love the Bebe Au Lait nursing cover because of the neckline which stays open enough for me to see my baby. The fabric is also lightweight and breathable which is important during the summer months. The terrycloth pocket has also proven useful for wiping up little spills.

I also use this cover as a blanket or stroller cover, which allows me to keep less items in my diaper bag.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($35.00 and up + shipping)
Baby Center ($35.00 and up + shipping)
Mom 4 Life ($35.00 and up + free shipping) Best Price

Boppy® Pillow

Maisie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:00:41 +0000

Product Overview
The Boppy® pillow is a must-have item for every mommy-to-be. The pillow features a new Miracle Middle® stretch panel to fit every waist size, so that every mom and dad can feed their baby in an ergonomically correct position. It provides support for arms and necks and is a great product for babies to lay, play and learn to sit. There are a variety of slipcovers, ranging from everyday material to designer fabrics.

Why I Like It
This should be the first product you purchase! It is so easy to use and provides great support while breastfeeding or bottle feeding. I can rest my arms on the pillow and my baby has a comfy, cozy place to feed. I use this pillow along with a firm standard pillow behind my back which allows for correct posture when feeding. This makes meal-times much more comfortable for both my baby and I.

I also use the Boppy for tummy time. I just place my baby on her tummy, with the pillow under her armpits and she’s able to reach the toys in front of her and hold her head up high.

Be sure to purchase two slipcovers, one to use and one to wash.

Where to Buy (without slip cover)
Amazon ($24.99 + shipping)
Baby Center ($24.95 + shipping) Best Price
Target ($24.99 + shipping)

Medela Contact Nipple Shield

Maisie — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:02:39 +0000

Product Overview
The Medela Contact Nipple Shield is an effective tool for moms to manage infants with latch-on problems. It also assists moms with overactive let-downs or for flat, inverted and sore nipples. The Contact Nipple Shield provide skin-to-skin contact for important mom/baby bonding. The shield is made from 100% silicone.

Why I Like It
I never expected breastfeeding to be as challenging as it was. My daughter had trouble breastfeeding, but I did not want to bottle feed her. Three days after she was born I saw a lactation consultant who told me I had inverted nipples which was why my daughter was not feeding from the breast. The consultant suggested several things, which I tried and ended up even more frustrated. Finally my pediatrician told me about nipple shields. After researching it, I found the Medela Contact Nipple Shield and was finally able to breastfeed. An added bonus is that I don’t have to worry about chapped or sore nipples!

Medela also has a regular nipple shield however I prefer the contact nipple shield so that I get some skin-to-skin contact with my baby.

There are some people who say that the nipple shield will decrease your milk production, however, after talking to my health care provider I can tell you that is not true. In fact many moms have used the nipple shield as long as they are breastfeeding and have never experienced any problems.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($6.05 + shipping)
Babies R Us ($5.99 + shipping)
BabyCenter ($7.16 + shipping)
Target ($5.99 + shipping)
Both Target and Babies R Us are comparable in price. Check shipping costs to your location to determine which has the best price.