Teething Bling for Mom

My poor Tiffany necklace has been in the repair shop three times now from baby pulling and sucking on it. Usually third time is a charm, but in this case the third time was my cue to get a necklace that is primarily for teething. I did just a tiny bit of research finding that most options were not cute. I had to put any fashion sense on the back burner and go with functionality, which led me to this gem:



The Teething Bling Pendant - Donut Shape (Moonstone) by Smart Mom Jewelry. It is made from a food-safe, phthalate-free, federally-approved silicone. My daughter absolutely loves it. To tell you the truth its not that bad looking either. It lies right in the middle of my chest which is where she usually is when she is being carried or relaxing in my lap. A perfect fashion accessory for you and your teething baby.

Happy Blinging,
Jessica

Sleep Sack

Oh what a blessing they are! Sleep sacks have to be by the far one of my top items for baby gear. Not only do they leave the difficult task of making the perfect baby burrito possible they also make it easy to keep baby/toddler warm at night without the worry of a blanket over the face. I wasn't fortunate enough to have discovered these marvelous sleep sacks until baby number two. But since the discovery I am a true investor of this product.

With baby #1, I got a thorough 101 on how to swaddle my baby properly. With the lack of sleep and the not paying attention to detail, I never really was able to get the swaddle effect. Every time I wrapped my sweat baby, he was like a ninja and managed to be unswaddled as soon as I laid him down. Well, thanks to sleep sack I feel like a swaddle perfectionist. Genius I tell ya!


And if it didn't get any better they also have sleeps sacks they can grow into. Baby number two is nearly 8 months old and still in her sleep sack. I no longer worry about a blanket over her head, or an uncomfortable mishap with her blanket.

The sleep sack is a must for those who want the safest and most comfortable sleep accessory for their baby.

Teethers

Everyone has said that girls teeth better than boys, but that doesn't seem to be the case for us at this point. We've used all of our teethers from baby #1 (post from 2009), however they just don't seem to be the "one". It is true that these two kiddos are quit different especially in likes and dislikes. One thing I am thankful for is the fact that baby #2 is definitely taking on to teething toys. Here are a couple of our current favorites;

Tommee Tippee BPA Free Stage 1 Teether:



I love the design and the uniqueness about this one. Our baby really caught on to it. Here are the following specifications:

- Intuitively designed with a pediatric dentist.
- Supports jaw, lip & muscle development.
- Supports oral development, self soothing.
- Helps prepare baby to chew pureed foods.

So'Pure Sophie Giraffe Teething Ring:



Unlike the original (which I would like to think as a dog toy), it does not squeek and is a lot more dense and seems to have a lot more teething features, e.g. bumps and grooves that feels good on the gums. It is a 100% natural, food grade paint, and a variety of textures to relieve baby at different stages of teething.

There are many teethers out there, and hope these few help. Every baby is different and I've always found the good 'ol finger on the gums is the best.

Happy Teething,
Jessica

Double Stroller

Argh, the challenge of finding a descent double stroller that isn't too wide, too heavy, and okay for maneuverability. Well, having had my second child I've definitely put some strollers to the test. The first being an Ironman B.O.B. While being big and bulky, by far the best for running. It was difficult to go anywhere with the stroller due to width, but fantastic for an easy run.



Knowing I would be limited to where I could go with this WIDE stroller, I invested in a Mountain Buggy Duo. I first saw this stroller on the beach with a very fit mom pushing her two twins (age 3) along the beach with no problem. It first interested me due to how narrow the stroller was, it fits through doorways...WHAT! I'm in! So I purchased one. While not very easy to run with, at all, a definite for getting around town or traveling with. It does fold down completely but can be a bit heavy. They are very big in Europe.



However, being the runner I am I will vouche for once again, B.O.B.!!

Happy Strolling!

Diaper Bags II

In addition to my previous post regarding diaper bags, after becoming a true diaper bag user after 9 months, I have opted for a backpack of all things. Not just any, but the WONDERFUL Dakine Girl's Prom Pack. Plenty of pockets, plenty of room for diapers, wipes, toys, food, etc. Biggest perk, an insulated pocket to keep foods cool. In addition there is a water bottle side pocket, a padded sun glass pouch, and a padded laptop pocket which makes a great storage area for diapers. AMAZING! Plus easily wearable on the shoulder. Pockets on the side are also insulated. Best bag ever for baby.



Once again, happy totting.
Jessica

Sunscreen

Oh man, this one is huge for us. Originally from San Diego and having surfed my whole life we are HUGE beach people. I have fair skin and unsure at this point whether my son is fair skin or got lucky and has my husbands beautiful Brazilian skin. Either way, protecting his skin is very important to me as I have done enough damage to my own. It is also important that it doesn't run into his eyes and is VERY waterproof. We have only tried two, but got lucky on our first try thanks to a fellow mom with two little ones who spends a lot of time at the beach.

My favorite, proves to be very waterproof and has protected my suns skin. It has the highest rating of UV protection from the FDA.
It contains two formulas:
* Mango & Coconut scent with Aloe and Vitamins A & E
* Hypoallergenic & Fragrance Free
I purchased the SPF 50 and love it.


My second trial was with a lotion on sale. I HATE it. It burned my sons eyes SO bad. It also gave him a rash. Coppertone® Water BABIES® QuickCover® Lotion Spray SPF 50 was awful. Although I have trusted Coppertone for years out in the water for long hours, I will not use again for my baby.


Hope this help protect your baby when playing outside.

Happy sunning,
Jessica

My Review of BOB Ironman Stroller

Originally submitted at REI

BOB® Ironman is designed specifically for parents that're serious about running and training-- and it's B.O.B.'s lightest weight stroller!

BOB Ironman Stroller

Ideal for the long distance runner

By Surfkitten from Santa Clara, Ca on 3/24/2010

 

5out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Comfortable, Easily Stowed, Durable, Lightweight

Best Uses: Toddlers, Infants, Newborn

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Amazing for the serious runner. This is great for long mileage. Although not easy to maneuver around corners, due to stable front tire...absolutely amazing for streamlined, fast running.

(legalese)