Best Baby Stuff

Table Topper

Maisie — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:26:20 +0000

Product Overview
Table Topper is a disposable “stick in place” place mat for children. These place mats provide a sanitary eating surface for your little one. They come in fun colors and designs which keep your child occupied. They are also BPA-Free, PVC-Free, and phthalate-Free.

Why I Like It
You go to a restaurant and you see the bus boy quickly wipe down the table with a wet rag. I’ve worked in the food industry. Those rags are not clean by any means. In fact they are probably spreading more germs over the table! Instead of whipping out my sanitary wipes and disinfecting the entire table, I grab one of my Table Topper place mats and stick it on the table.

I love that the Table Topper sticks in place, because little hands like to grab and throw things! Think of the paper place mats restaurants have. There’s no way that my daughter will sit through a meal and still have that on the table. The Table Topper is tacky enough to stick in place but will also release easily so that you don’t have to pick it off the table with your nails.

The bright and colorful designs are great for keeping my daughter occupied while we eat. I can rest easy knowing that at least her part of the table is germ free!

Where to Buy
Amazon - Pack of 20 ($7.99 + shipping)
Target - Pack of 50 ($16.99 + shipping)
Walmart - Pack of 50 ($17.88 + free site-to-store 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

The Baby Book

Maisie — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:19:58 +0000

Product Overview
William and Martha Sears, a pediatrician and a registered nurse, team up their two sons to update their guide to “attachment parenting.” This team of authors teach new parents how to bond with their babies through seven fundamental behaviors, including breastfeeding and “babywearing”. This book covers everything from birth to two years and includes tips for getting your baby to sleep and feeding him the “right fats,” to information about early health concerns, the major steps in infant development and troublesome but typical toddler behavior. Authors share from their experience as parents and offer reassuring help to new parents.

Why I Like It
When I was pregnant I read all the books like What to Expect When You Are Expecting and The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, however I forgot to read the books about how to care for your baby! Two weeks after my daughter was born I went on the hunt for a good baby care book and found The Baby Book. The information in the book proved to be invaluable. I found that the information about “babywearing” and the chart for developmental milestones to be extremely helpful. I also use this book to find information on minor medical questions I have. Since the authors of this book are pediatricians and a registered nurse I can count on them to provide accurate medical information.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($14.95 + shipping) Best Price
Better World Books ($19.48 + free shipping)
Barnes and Noble ($15.39 + shipping)

Pacifier Pod by JJ Cole

Maisie — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:35:15 +0000

Product Overview
The pacifier pod provides a way to finally keep those pacifiers clean and easily accessible. The pod comes with an “attach anywhere” handle so it can be kept on your diaper bag, belt loop, car seat, stroller…basically anywhere!. The pocket is large enough to store two pacifiers and comes with an easy-close fastener.

Why I Like It
I cringe at the thought of just throwing pacifiers into my diaper bag, then having to try to fish it out once my baby starts crying. I could be hunting for the pacifier for days! I attach the pacifier pod to the handle of my diaper bag so that it’s easy to access. I have also attached the pod to my baby wrap, which works great! Besides storing pacifiers, I also use it to store my nipple shield so that it also has a clean home on the go.

Where to Buy
Baby Center ($7.16 + shipping) Best Price
Baby Earth ($7.95 + shipping)
Target ($7.99 + shipping)

PeaPod Travel Bed by KidCo

Maisie — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:57:05 +0000

Product Overview
This ultra portable infant travel bed creates a clean and safe environment for your baby to sleep or play. The tent like structure provides shelter from wind and UV rays and features zippered panels for easy access. The frame folds for storage. The bed includes an inflatable mattress, air pump and washable sleeping pad. Folded dimensions: 19″L x 6 1/2″W x 19″H, Open dimensions: 47 1/2″L x 30″W x 19″H

Why I Like It
With airlines cutting back on baggage allowances I had to find an ultra portable infant bed for my daughter when we traveled. I debated on whether to purchase one that was really only a little mattress with some side rails or this PeaPod Travel Bed. I went with this travel bed because I can continue to use it as she gets older and starts to crawl. This bed will keep her contained at night.

The bed folds small enough to pack in a suitcase and is easy to set up. I’ve heard some parents complain about how difficult it is to fold, however I had no problems folding the bed. It took me less than a minute. When you are folding the frame, think of it the same as those pop open car shades that fold. The principle to folding this bed is the same.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($45.81 + shipping) Best Price
Baby Center ($47.96 + shipping)
Target ($49.99 + shipping)

Bazzle Baby Banda Bib

Maisie — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:40:39 +0000

Product Overview
This ultra chic bib is made of 50 % cotton and 50 % flannel. The bib has two snap closures which allows the bib to be fit close to your baby’s chin. The absorbent material is ideal for dribbles and spills and is the perfect accessory in your baby’s wardrobe.

Why I Like It
I have never been a fan of the traditional bibs with the somewhat cheesy sayings on them. The Banda Bib is a nontraditional looking bib that spruces up any outfit! The bib fits close to my baby’s chin and helps to keep her cute outfits clean and dry. Plus, I love the way the bib looks on her. Super cute!

Where to Buy
Amazon ($13.99 for set of two + shipping)
Target ($13.99 for set of two + shipping)

Amazon orders for this product are fulfilled by Target therefore the price is the same at both stores.

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

Quick Zip Crib Sheet

Maisie — Mon, 26 May 2008 01:38:49 +0000

Product Overview
The Quick Zip Crib Sheet is the world’s easiest crib sheet! There are two components to the crib sheet, the base and the zip top sheet. Place the mattress in the zipper base, then place a mattress pad on top of the mattress then zip on the top sheet. To change the sheets, simply unzip the top and zip on a clean sheet. The zipper base fully covers the bottom and four sides of the mattress so it stays in place and the covered zipper never touches your baby.

Why I Like It
As a new parent I did not realize that it would take me such a long time to change crib sheets! I have to untie the crib bumper, then somehow get the mattress propped up to put a new crib sheet on, put the mattress back down, then straighten the bed skirt, and finally tie the crib bumper back on. It’s quite the process! Plus with a baby spitting up in bed, I end up changing the sheets on a frequent basis.

When I learned about the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, I wondered why I had not come up with that myself! The concept is so simple. The Quick Zip Crib Sheet will save you tons of time and make sheet changes that much easier.

Be sure to purchase a flat mattress pad (not mattress pad that goes around the mattress, but one that is just a pad and can lay flat) to use with the Quick Zip Crib Sheet.

Where to Buy
CloudsandStars.com ($32.99 for a solid color starter set consisting of zipper base and sheet top)

12 Hours by 12 Weeks

Maisie — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:45:56 +0000

Product Overview
Written by Suzy Giordano (The Baby Coach) with Lisa Abidin, this short, easy to read book teaches parents the secret of getting babies to sleep a full 12 hours by 12 weeks old, with 4 feedings per day and a napping schedule. Parents will be able to read the key portions of this book in 1-2 hours. This book was featured in the Washington Post.

Why I Like It
I originally got this book for free when I ordered another product. Since it was so short I decided to read it one day while my newborn daughter was napping. The principles in it are so simple and helped me understand how to get my daughter on a feeding and napping schedule, something that I was in desperate need of since I was about to start working from home again. Suzy clearly outlines a schedule and gives tips on how to get your baby to sleep through the night by 12 weeks.

I followed the guidelines in the book when my daughter was 6 weeks old and by 8 weeks she was already sleeping 10 hours at night! This book also helped me get on a schedule, so now it’s easier to get things done, and my daughter is happier now that she knows when she gets to feed next, when it’s time to play and when it’s time to sleep. I highly recommend this book for soon-to-be parents, or sleep-deprived new parents.

Where to Buy
Amazon (from $1.27 used + shipping) Best Price
BabyCoach.net ($3.99 + shipping)
Barnes & Noble ($15.16 hardcover + shipping)