Archive for September, 2007

My Baby Nest

September 27, 2007 · Filed under Slings & Carriers

Originally Reviewed – July 26 2007

I am a confessed sling junkie. I have 7? 8? So many I can’t even keep track! When it comes to carriers there are five main types, front pack (think Baby Bjorn, Snugli, etc.) pouch (Hotsling is the most well known here,) ring slings (like the Maya Wrap, and many many others,) Asian (Mei Tais, Podaegas, etc)and Wraps (Moby Wrap, Didymos, etc) To me every carrier has it’s uses, except the front pack, of those I am not a fan, but all the slings are so useful, that’s why I have so many. Wraps are especially useful for sleeping babies, newborns, and wearing the baby for a long period of time. The downside of the wrap is tyeing time. Granted the more use to it you are the faster you can do it. I can tie on a standard wrap in the time it takes for my husband to get the baby out of the car seat! BUT even simpler still is the My Baby Nest carrier. Like all wraps the Baby Nest distributes the weight over both shoulders evenly for ultimate comfort. Safe for premature babies because of the lack of buckles or rings, and able to hold up to 35 pounds this carrier has a lot of great features.

My Baby Nest takes comfort and support of the wrap and simplifies it! Instead of one insanely long piece of cloth the My Baby Nest is a combination of two rings and a belt. Made from a stretchy material similar to your most comfy T-Shirt the comfort is amazing. I read one review that said the cloth was TO stretchy, but I had NO such problem. The stretchiness does take some getting used to, because most wraps have no stretch or just the tiniest amount. It isn’t so stretchy that you fear your baby falling out. And I was carrying around a 17 pound 4 month old! In most carriers the code for comfort is baby above the belly button. Because of the stretch Blu did sit much lower on my body then he would in any other wrap, but it was still super comfy.

The My Baby Nest gives your 5 carry options. The Cradle, for newborns and small babies, and also for discreet nursing. This is the one carry I didn’t utilize. Blu is just to big. I can tell however that it would be comfy and secure. The Facing Forward option is nice, and was comfy for me anyway. No matter what wrap I try Blu just doesn’t like this carry. He always keeps his legs straight out like he is sitting on a chair. Which makes it very difficult for me to move around without bumping into things.

The tummy to tummy and hip positions are very similar. Tummy to Tummy is my very favorite for a sleeping baby, and was the main one I used when Blu was a newborn. The hip position in this particular carrier is just utilized by shifting the baby from the tummy to tummy position to the hip. It’s that simple. These are great positions for shopping, all day events, etc.

Just added to the website and not yet in the instruction book is the back carry. I can picture this being very comfortable, but I chose not to use back carries at this point in time. I just feel Blu is still to young, not to mention he’d probably just eat all my hair while he was back there.

The neatest features of the wrap, besides just the uniqueness and ease of use, is the front pocket and carry bag! On the belt part of the carrier is a small stretchy pocket. I found it to be PERFECT for my cellphone. I also tucked my library card in for one quick trip. The carry bag is neat not only for keeping the carrier together with the belt, or for tucking it in your diaper bag, but also for all sorts of little gadgets. I find it nice to carry toys, etc in while I wear him in the carrier, take him out of the carrier, give him the toys and the bag is empty for the carrier again! Made it quite easy for a play group! Walk to the group wearing him, carrying his stuff in the bag, then just switch it out!

Like any carrier it requires a little practice. While learning to use it I did get it twisted once or twice, but that pales in comparision to the 20+ times I got it on perfectly. And even if I got it twisted I can probably still get it off and back on faster that I can put on some carriers to begin with.  It does have an insturction book. Just remembe rlike all slings and carriers you should ALWAYS practice with a stuffed animal or doll first. Be sure that you understand what you are doing, and can do it well before putting your baby in the carrier! Safety first!

Available in six colors, red, pink, baby blue, navy, tan, or black. $54 Specialty Retailers across the country or at My Baby Nest

My only complaints? It’s so comfy you don’t want to take it off! And more colors (like green!) would be awesome, that way I could have a different one for every day of the week!

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If you give A Mabel a Label

September 27, 2007 · Filed under Everyday Stuff

Originally Reviewed – July 12 2007

It will stick to anything!!! I’m not exactly sure who Mabel is, but I know Mabel’s Labels are no joke! Made for “the stuff kids lose,” they will stick to anything! When I heard of Mabel’s and we were working out a review I was seriously expecting labels printed onto regular ol’ Avery labels like anyone can print at home, but they most definitely are not! They are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, fade resistant, and more!

I started out with some Classic Stickies, with Blu on them, some Skinny-Minis, with my name on them, and some Tag-Mates, with Blu on them. I stuck them on everything I could think of! His toys, bottles, wipes carrier, and more all have Classic Stickies. I labeled my camera, good thinking that already was useful at a family get together, my cell phone, and all sorts of household items. I labeled a fork. Yeah, a fork. His clothes will be outgrown long before his Tag-Mates come off, and I even used one on a cloth diaper cover! That cover has been washed at least 15-20 times and it’s label is holding strong!

Mabel’s Labels makes a special shoe sticker, but to test the strength of their regular labels I stuck on in my sandal. At the heel part of my sandal there is a label, it has been there over a month, it has been at the beach, slipped on an off, and even hosed down. I have washed the sand of my feet with my shoes on. I have worn no shoes besides those sandals all summer long. And? The label is still holding strong! It’s a little gunky and gross, time for another sandal hosing, but is still holding strong!

I was at a playgroup recently where two little girls had insisted on having the same exact style of sippy cup, and low and behold they both showed up to the group with the same color and all. All I could think was “Those Moms need Mabels!” Most sippy cups only come in so many colors to begin with, so you’re bound to run into another child with the same cup eventually!

Besides the classic labels I’ve been trying they also offer shoe labels, crafter labels, canister and spice labels, and other neat freak labels. They even offer a “Neat Freak Combo” that has bin labels (think clothing, décor, seasonal items, etc,) canister labels (rice, nuts, oatmeal, tea, etc,) and spice labels!

Especially important are their “Allergy Warning” labels. As anyone with a food allergy knows other people need to be aware! Label cups, containers and more to bring attention to the fact that your child CANNOT have peanuts! Or any other food allergen! They are custom printed so any allergy can be listed, up to six allergens! I can’t help but imagine a boy (or girl) on a camping trip, with a warning label on their backpack, inside their hat, on their vest , etc that says in bold letters “I’m allergic to bees!”

Labels are $16-18 a pack, including the Neat Freak Combo! There are also combo packs that are $29, and $40 to prepare everything for school or camp. Crafter Labels are only $10.50. Most labels come in a variety of colors, and include text plus a small graphic.

I think I could easily make a list of AT LEAST 101 places to use a Mabel’s Label. Yeah Really.

The only downside I can see is that the labels are SO sticky! Tag-mates will make hand-me downs more difficult! And any idea how to get a skinny mini OFF of my fork so I can actually use it at a dinner party?

I think everyone, and I mean EVERYONE needs Mabel’s Labels!

I just wanted to add that as I transfer my orginal review to my new sit, it is September 27 2007, and the labels are still in my shoe, on my cup, and my fork! Can you imagine how many times those labels have been washed, scrubbed, stepped on, but they are still holding strong! They aren’t showing any sign of letting go anytime soon either!

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Miss Picture Perfect

September 27, 2007 · Filed under Baby, Everyday Stuff

Originally Reviewed – July 12 2007

“Transform your ordinary photos into extraordinary photos!” That’s what this website does. I can only imagine the many uses of these great cards. Announce a birth, a birthday, send as a holiday card, and more! They aren’t just for kids either! Announce a surpise party for your husband! An anniversary party for your parents, and more!

For $39.95 Miss Picture Perfect will collage your photos, add all the details, and give you a printer ready collage. Or get them printed for as little as $1.50 each! I remember shopping for birth announcements and getting a good one, much less one this nice, was impossible for $1.50!

I printed them out on my photo printer, but I think they’d still be gorgeous if printed on quality cardstock or photo paper on a regular printer! Just make sure you have it set to the highest ink quality!

Imagine announcing a birthday with one of these great cards!

So if cards is what you are shopping for check out Miss Picture Perfect!!

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You put Your Right Brain in, You Put Your Left Brain Out

September 27, 2007 · Filed under Entertainment

Originally Reviewed – July 4 2007

You put them both together and you shake them all about. Okay well maybe you don’t shake them. Never shake them. BUT you can get them moving with Right Brain and Left Brain dvds from Brainy Baby.

Each dvd is made to invlove and develop one particular side of a babies mind. The Right Brain dvd features lots of art, colors, and creative thinking. The Left Brain dvd features numbers, letters, and logical thought.

Brainy Baby dvds are much longer then the competitors, so you tend to get more for your money, but they can be a little harder to find. It seems at though the competitors can be found in every store! I’d say it’s definently worth it to track down Brainy Baby.

I’ve watched lots of baby dvds. Some even entertain me! Brainy baby doesn’t really entertain me very much, but I can SEE how it is educational. A lot of baby dvds I may be cracking up laughing, yeah I really do, BUT I just wonder how is that helping an infant learn anything? Sure it’s cute, but I want Blu to learn!

Brainy Baby features real babies and kids, actual toys, and clear speaking adult voices. It doesn’t have cartoons, or puppets that babies can’t really identify with.

Now while I may not just sit down and watch a Brainy Baby dvd, I LOVE to put them in for Blu to watch.

Just remember TV is never a babysitter! Sit with your child, talk to them about the activities. Recreate some of the things you see in your home. And you’ll truly end up with a brainy baby!

Grab Right Brain, Left brain and other great Brainy Baby stuff at specialty stores, like baby stores or teacher supply stores, or at Brainy Baby. Be sure to check out their simple tab books as well.

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A Negative Review of “Mothers & Others Guide To Natural baby Care”

September 27, 2007 · Filed under Books

Originally Reviewed – June 27 2007

Okay first let me say I was actually determined to never do a negative review, because I understand things I might hate others may love, and vice versa, but I absolutely MUST give a negative review to this book. I am what some would call "Crunchy," we lead a pretty natural lifestyle, I use ONLY cloth diapers, etc but I remain objective on this site. However when I checked this book out at the library it took no time for me to pray that people are not actually using this book to educate themselves. The full title is: Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet Guide to Natural Baby Care. On some stuff they have there facts straight, and they tell you without using scare tactics, in some areas I wondered if they have even had kids in the last 10 years. They actually reference convertible carseats having "Overheads and T-Shields" which haven’t been on seats for many many years now. I believe they were taken off in the early ninetys if not earlier then that!  When I reached the cloth diaper section I had to put the book down, down in my return immediately to the library stack. Their information is so drastically incorrect. Their first mistake, saying cloth diapers cost about $20 each! While they can cost that much, or more, a better price quote would be maybe $12 for one prefold and one cover, essentially one diaper. I purchased 5 dozen prefolds, 9 different covers, a diaper pail, pail liner, and more for $220. That’s obivously much more then the 11 diapers they say I could have gotten. Their second mistake, saying that cloth can be the same cost as disposables, which several studies have shown to be untrue. Even with a diaper service cloth diapers average $500 less a year then disposables, and then is standard disposables not the more expensive organic ones the book recommends. Cloth diapers washed at home can save you well over a $1000 a year. But they make it sound as though the price difference is slim if it even exists. $500 is in no way slim. Then continue with many more mistakes. Such as saying you need a dozen diaper covers! You only need 3 or 4, and any cloth diapering parent will tell you that. A reference that prefold diapers cost about $30 for six, when infact they are $20 or so a dozen, for quality Chinese Prefolds. Then they misquote the price of covers.

I just get so angry when any resource that is meant to educate has incorrect information. People trust books like this to educate themselves, and instead of doing that this book is MIS-educating all who read it.

This book is defiently NOT a Baby Joy. I can’t even think of a catchy phrase to title such a waste of paper. If they really cared about the environment they wouldn’t waste paper on their uneducated blabber.

Please also keep in mind that while I use only cloth, this review is not intended to bash disposable users. I feel that is a choice every parent must make. I don’t mean to preach on the cheaper price of cloth, or make anyone feel as though they must switch, that is just my best example of what is wrong with this book. If I had something else to compare in this book with as much education as I have on cloth diapers I honestly would have picked it instead.

Now let’s hope this is the only negative review I’ll ever do.

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