Carriers, and wraps, and slings... oh my!

When it comes to carrying baby, sometimes your arms just wont do!  I used a carrier when I went for neighborhood walks in the winter (too cold for baby to be alone in the stroller), or when I had a second kid to push in the stroller.  Another great time to use a carrier is when the terrain doesn't allow for a stroller like on a hike.  I personally don't recommend carrying a little baby non-stop around the house or when they're sleeping unless you plan to keep up the practice for the next 18 years.

I have reviewed a few carriers for when the need arises...

Ergobaby Sport Baby Carrier

The "Ergobaby Sport Baby Carrier" is lightweight, pretty easy to load baby into, and can be used "from birth" when the baby is only 7 pounds.  This carrier is very comfortable with a little baby facing you while wearing it on the front.  When my baby got bigger, I wanted to wear him on the front but facing out and this carrier is not designed to do that.  Although this carrier can be used with a child up to 45 pounds, I don't know how to get baby in it when wearing it as a backpack if you're alone. I feel like it was grown out of really fast; especially for the price!  Retail price: $115

BABYBJoRN Active Cotton Mix Baby Carrier

First of all, the "active" in the name of this carrier refers to the added lumbar support for the parent.  The original BabyBijorn just has a crossed back.  This carrier is VERY comfy and supportive.  It's easy to get baby in, and you don't feel like baby is flopping around or that you need to keep your hand on him.  I loved this carrier in the winter but the extra back support is extra sweaty in summer.  I like that baby can face in when they're little and need head support and they can face out when they're older and want to see what's going on during your walk.  The biggest downside to this carrier is the price, but maybe you get what you pay for.  If I was an avid baby-wearer, the investment would be worth it.  Retail price: $130

Fleurville 3-Position Comfort Carrier

This is the carrier I actually decided on for my baby... the price was right!  This carrier can be worn on the front with baby facing you or out, and it can be worn back-pack style (those are the "3-positions").  The most disappointing thing about this carrier was how long it took my son to grow into it.  I couldn't use it until he was about 3 months old.  This is not the manufacturer's fault though, it just took him that long to get to the minimum weight; maybe this is why I didn't turn into the baby carrying type.  Anyway, this carrier does its job and works for both my husband and I.  The only thing that could be improved upon is its stability.  Even when you tighten the shoulder straps, it still feels like baby is leaning way out and "flopping around".  I liked it much better when I would wear a coat and zip it up over the carrier.  Like the Ergobaby, I have not used this wearing it backpack style because I just don't know how I'd load baby that way.  Retail price: $30

Seven Everyday Sling

I acquired this sling from a promo code for a free sling (just pay shipping) which was actually legit.  The "Seven Sling" is not adjustable or stretchy so it comes in several sizes.  You need to measure yourself to make sure you get the correct size.  I like this sling because I can easily fit it into my diaper bag in case I'm in a situation where I need to hold my son for an extended period of time.  They also have trendy fabrics, and my husband really likes the fit of this sling!  There are three ways to wear this sling but I only had luck with the hip carry position.  My son was too big to fit inside the sling even though he was younger and smaller than the suggested hip carry size.  This could have been my fault for not getting a big enough size (my chest took up most of the space that was supposed to be for him).  This sling is a really simple, easy idea and a great price.  The back support is limited.  Retail price: $48 (but there are always promo codes)

Baby money saving tips!

Remember, eBay and Amazon are your friends when buying baby stuff. Never pay full price for anything! If you don't like something and can't return it (like some diapers I've tried) sell them on eBay! Cloth diapers are soooo easy to resell and you rarely lose money.

If you "like" a company on Facebook such as Diaper Safari or Thanks Mama they frequently post coupon codes. You can also search coupon codes for any store on google.

Of course breast feeding gives you free food but if you have to or want to use formula, you can sign up with Similac, Enfamil, and Gerber (basically you're selling your email address to them so use one you don't mind getting junk at) and they'll send you $5 off coupons in the mail every month or two.

Babies R Us usually has deals if you buy diapers, wipes, and formula in bulk.

Target has a huge baby clearence in July and January before they put all the new stuff out. You can get big items like swings, high chairs, car seats, and strollers at 50% off or more!

Buy solid foods for your baby that aren't marketed as baby food. Examples are bananas, avocado, natural/no sugar added applesauce, 100% canned pumpkin (not pie mix), Cheerios, etc. It is also really easy to cook a bag of frozen veggies in the microwave then throw them in a blender.

For clothes, think ahead and buy clearance items for next year. Carters and Kohls often have baby clothes on sale along with coupons you can use in addition to the sale.

Review of "Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Stack & Roll Cups"

I bought this toy when my son was about 6 months.  He was a preemie so he goes to developmental assessments at 4, 12, and 24 months adjusted age.  He did really well and they recommended getting him something he could hold and pass back and forth between his hands.  They also used a little ball like the yellow one in this set while they were assessing him so I thought it looked great.

He is almost 11 months now and this is still his favorite toy.  He can chew on the pieces, bang them on things, crawl around with them, push them away and chase them, and when he's older he can stack them.  Our older niece (seen above) loved this toy too.  It's so inexpensive and simple! No music or flashing lights but definitely a favorite; we take a couple in the diaper bag everywhere we go too :)

Review of "Best Bottom cloth diaper cover"

I have about a million reviews to catch up on but I LOVE this diaper so I had to review it now.

I originally started reviewing diapers on my search for a diaper that wouldn't leak on skinny, preemie legs. We don't have access to those anymore, so this review is for an average size baby :)

These diaper covers are super thick PUL. They have double gussets at the legs and inside snaps to attach inserts. The first time I used this diaper was over night. I usually use disposables at night because cloth don't last long enough. I placed 2 generic inserts in the diaper and was surprised to find a dry baby in the morning! I have used this diaper since then, during the day, with an almost crawler, and still no leaks. Ever.

I usually use my pocket diapers as covers (I don't stuff them) so best bottoms was good for me. Some people say they don't like the cover right against their baby's skin where the insert doesn't touch but It hasn't caused any problems for us.

These diapers adjust size with front snaps (very easy and fit very well) and they cost about $16 without an insert. I wish all cloth diapers were under $10 but that just isn't plausible and these are at least worth it! Oh, and the prints are cute too!

Socks that Stay on!!! (review of Robeez baby socks)

If you have a baby who wears socks and those socks aren't Robeez, then you're probably putting them back on alllllllll day...

When starting this blog I really did not intend on writing reviews of socks, but finding socks that stayed on became a little bit of an obsession for me.

I originally bought Robeez because I saw them at TJ MAXX and they were red which was a sock color my son had been lacking.  I also picked up some with construction stuff because I knew my husband would like them.  It wasn't until I got home that I saw they said "kick proof". I thought "Yah right, I hate when products always make empty claims..."  Well, these socks really are kick proof.  You put these socks on ONCE each day and they stay there until you take them off; it's absolutely amazing!  I nanny a kid with regular socks that I am always picking up, putting on, readjusting; I'm almost tempted to buy him some Robeez to use while I'm there.

There is plenty to do when you have a baby and putting socks on several thousand times a day should not be something wasting your time.  I feel like a salesman for these socks, but I just love them and you need to try them.  They're apparently made by Stride Rite and can be found on their website HERE or if you're lucky you'll find them at places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx.

  

Review of "Kawaii Pure and Natural Pocket Diaper"

My original diaper stash was Kawaii baby one size pocket diapers but they were WAY too big; I still haven't started using them.  Anyway, I thought I would try these Kawaii "pure and natural" because they say they're for 6-22 pounds rather than 8-40 pounds.  When I first put them on at 7-8 pounds the waist was way too big.  I overlapped the tabs as much as I could but they were still too loose.  Once he got to 11-12 pounds, they fit great and don't leak for about 3 hours.  I even ordered more of these and use them whenever they're available.  They are a great price; about $7.