Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Kushies Cloth Diapers: Our adventure with cloth diapering

I was shocked at how many disposable diapers we were using per day for my two kids. Then I pictured all of those diapers in a landfill. Scary, huh? So, I decided to try cloth diapers from Kushies for our 5-month-old (and stepped up the potty training for my toddler). There are a few factors for me to consider when it comes to cloth diapering: We live in an apartment and we use coin operated washing machines in the basement. Due to schedules, I can only do laundry a few nights a week. What was I going to do with soiled diapers? How much was it going to cost to wash all these diapers and would I have to wash them multiple times? Since we had just gotten a new diaper pail, the Diaper Dékor Plus, I used it to store the soiled ones. When I needed to use a disposable diaper, I would just use my old pail.

I was really impressed with Kushies' Cloth Diapers. Baby Allegra loved them from the start -- they were so soft and comfortable for her. We tried the Classic Infant Diapers 5 pack ($57.25) and the Diaper Wraps ($8.60 each) -- which you can put over the diaper to give it a little extra absorbency during nighttime, naptime, etc. Kushies' diapers are made with 8 layers of 100% cotton flannelette. They have velcro tabs, so no diaper pins needed. They have a special flap allowing for more absorbency (folded in front for boys and in the middle for girls). The prints are very cute too. During the summer, they can even look like part of an outfit. I definitely had loads of questions - how to wash, etc., but I easily found the answers in their FAQ's.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the review & an exclusive coupon code.

Bravado! Designs: Tanks for the mammaries!

Okay, it’s no surprise that a baby would love a nursing top -- it gives her easy access to the things she loves most. But it is a surprise when she really, truly loves the top. When I wear my gorgeous new Nursing Bra Tank ($45; shown at left) by Bravado! Designs I swear to you my 4-month-old daughter’s eyes light up.

And when you add up the facts, you really can’t blame her -- the new sunset splash color is brilliant and very 'this season,' the cut and design are ridiculously flattering (I really didn’t know I could look this good!), and the full bra inside -- not just a shelf bra -- supports and shapes like you wouldn’t believe. It would seem my wee girl knows a thing or two about function and fashion. She makes her mama proud.

Moboleez Breastfeeding Hats: The Most Clever Cover-Up Ever!

I thought I had seen it all when it came to nursing cover ups. Basically I thought there were only three varieties: the apron, the blanket/shawl and the poncho. But I was wrong! Because a very, very clever mom has come up with a whole new way to cover up when nursing your baby in public. You might even say that she came up with it right off the top of her head ... the MoBoleez ($29.99) is brilliant!

All kidding aside, when I saw this product I had to crack a great big grin. I never would have thought of using a wide brimmed hat to cover my breast while nursing but it makes perfect sense. And it works just perfectly!

Click 'continue reading' for the entire MoBoleez review.

BOOB Nursing Tops: Stylish nursing mamas rejoice!

Even though I never thought it could be possible, my favorite nursing tops in the world just got even better. 

The Boob Nursing line has been my breastfeeding uniform since I discovered it three years ago after the birth of my son.  With the recent birth of my daughter, I get to wear their beautiful shirts all over again and I couldn’t be more excited.  The fact that there are organic options in their Spring line (only three items now, but Boob plans to have 25% of the line organic by the Fall season) and that the rest of the jersey used is now certified OEKO-Tex Standard 100 (a guarantee that the clothes are completely free from toxins) just makes me even more giddy.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the Boob review and a coupon code.

Peekaboobaby Nursing Covers: Let your baby dine while dashing

Peekaboobaby's motto is "hip nursing covers for moms on the go". Since I'm always on the go (with a very active toddler and a 3 month old) -- I grabbed the nursing cover that they sent me for review and out we went.

Peekaboobaby sent their nursing cover in the Pom Pom print (pictured to the left). 
I tested it last week at a birthday party -- I slipped it over my head and discreetly nursed on the couch.  The full coverage was great -- I was comfortable and Allegra was happily feeding away.  The cotton was soft and comfortable on my always overheating skin. I also liked being able to "peek" at Allegra as she ate (due to the boning in the neckline). When she was done, I wiped her mouth with the very convenient little terry cloth pocket in the bottom corner.  The adjustable d-ring strap holds the nursing cover on securely.

Click continue reading for the full Peekaboobaby review.

ERGObaby Sucking Pads: Sucky name, perfect design

By CBB Guest Reviewer: Stephanie

So, the name "ERGOBaby Sucking Pads" leaves a little something to be desired --  But it says it all.  And the product is something babywearing mamas have needed for a long time.  It’s a simple concept, really: 100% cotton terry cloth bands that Velcro around your ERGObaby carrier straps so that baby will always have something clean to suck on.

Every mama who has worn her baby knows that as soon as they’re old enough, they’ll start sucking on whatever bits of carrier they have access to.  All the toys in the world aren’t going to distract them from those nice cloth straps positioned right at mouth level.  So now we can protect our carriers and ensure that our babies are always sucking on something that’s clean (provided we remember to wash the Sucking Pads, that is!).

Click continue reading for the entire ERGOBaby Sucking Pads review.

Baby Nest: Comfy wrap-style carrier without all the wrapping

Have you always wanted to try a wrap carrier but been scared off by what looked like an entire bolt of fabric? Well then perhaps you need to try out a Baby Nest Carrier. These unique carriers offer all the benefits and comfort of the wrap carriers, without all of the "wrapping."

When I first started out in my journey to learn about babywearing, many people recommended wrap carriers to me. They swore that nothing was comfier for mom and baby. I was determined to give it a try but looking at the yards and yards of fabric that many wrap carrier systems were comprised of, I was a little unsure of how exactly I would manage. I did eventually try and love wrap carriers, but never loved the work involved in getting the baby in and out of the carrier. There had to be an easier way!

Apparently there is. I only wish I'd found Baby Nest Carriers sooner. Popular with celebs, these carriers were recently selected to be part of the Jewels and Pinstripes 2008 Celebrity BUMP bag and will be received by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba and Cate Blanchett. The system is super easy to use and lives up to the level of comfort promised.

The learning curve with these is anything but steep. If you can put on a t-shirt and fasten a belt, you can do this! Putting the carrier on is as simple as putting the two loops over your head and then sticking your arms between them so they form an x across your chest. Next you position your baby in front of you (for the basic position) and put on a wide belt to secure him/her in place. Viola! Instant bonding. Your hands are free and your baby is soothed by the closeness. And you can pat yourself on back for having mastered the art of baby wearing in mere moments. Go mommy!

Once you have mastered this basic position, you can try all five variations -- each is easy to accomplish. Click through to see photos of the Baby Nest worn with baby riding on the hip, back and more. No matter how you wear the baby, spreading the fabric out across your back and shoulders allows you to comfortably distribute the baby's weight across your body. This is the magical secret that makes wrap style carriers so comfortable and earns them all the positive press. Rest assured that your baby will also be comfortable in this carrier, thanks to the soft, stretchy, high-quality European fabric. I should also note that the fabric washes well and wears even better. The Baby Nest is suitable for infants from birth to 35 lbs.

Baby Nest carriers are particularly useful to wear when nursing a newborn as they provide extra support and ease of positioning. The Baby Nest folds up into its own pouch when you are not using it, so it is easy to bring along in your diaper bag. Choose from five colors when you buy your Baby Nest Carrier on the company's site.

Exclusively for Celebrity Baby Blog readers: Enter Coupon code "CBB12008" to save 10% off your order at mybabynest.com. Please note that your order will be adjusted after checkout.

Karma Baby holding Red and Pink Sale

Karma Baby Slings, one of our very favorite baby carriers, is holding a one-day only sale in honor of Valentine's Day. Enjoy 15% off all pink or red pouches on February 14th. Sale includes Whimsy Reversible, Maggie, Henna, Good Karma, Sweet Ema, Joy, or Sunrise water pouch.

If you can't shop on Thursday, use the coupon code KBSHIP08 for free domestic priority shipping between Feb 13th and Feb 29th!

The Peekaru Original: A 3-season babywearing vest

When my daughter was a baby I loved carrying her all over the place in one of the many different types of slings I had bought in anticipation of her birth. She was a summer baby and it was so easy to pop her in the sling and go enjoy the city with my new little buddy cozy against me. But as the weather turned colder I encountered the same dilemma that most babywearers do: how would I manage a coat and a sling at the same time?

Not willing to buy an expensive baby wearing coat I ended up buying a micro-fleece Peanut Shell in a size bigger than what I normally wore so that it would fit over my coat (which I found I had to button or else I’d be freezing by the end of my trip). It solved the problem but I really wish I had known about The Peekaru Original, a three season fleece baby carrier cover.

Read the rest of the Peekaru Originals review by clicking below.

The Very Best Last Minute Gift! Karma Baby Slings

Karma Baby Slings, one of our very favorite baby carriers, is taking orders until today only (12/18) with guaranteed shipment by Christmas and free gift wrapping! All reversible fleece slings are on sale for a limited time.

Best of all, they gave us a Free Shipping code exclusive to our readers! Use code: XMAS07 for free shipping!

Peanut Shell's New Nursing Covers and Baby Wraps

Danielle, our publisher, gave me my first pouch-style sling almost 2 years ago. It was a fleecy light green Peanut Shell Pouch-style Sling and I loved wearing my then- infant son in it.  She and our Reviews Editor, Teba, showed me how to wear it properly.   Marcia Cross, Brooke Shields, Dayna Devon, Jenna Elfman and Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) are all fans of the Peanut Shell Baby Slings.

Now, poised on the end of my second pregnancy, I was delighted to learn that the company now makes stylish nursing covers and baby wraps,  in addition to their gorgeous pouch-style slings. I recently tested out the Red Yoko Nursing Cover and the Girly Skull Baby Wrap.

The nursing cover in the Red Yoko print ($29) was adorable and very well made. The cover has light boning on the top (so you can see baby, but people can't see your goodies).It's is made of a light cotton fabric that was comfortable against my skin (and I'm sure it will be comfortable against my new baby's).  The bottom corners each have a storage pocket made of a soft cotton jersey fabric. The cover also comes with a matching burp cloth - how cool is that!!  I liked that you could match their nursing covers to the pouch slings.  I like to match things, so I will probably order the matching sling after baby comes.  The nursing cover folded up very small (as does the pouch sling), making it easy to tuck in your diaper bag. This nursing cover is perfect as a stocking stuffer or a belated Hanukkah present.

I also tested out the Girly Skull Baby Wrap ($99) - a voluminous black baby wrap with a girly skull applique. I liked this wrap a lot (having only used the Ultimate Baby Wrap before). According to the Peanut Shell's website, the wrap "utilizes both shoulders, for a 2 shouldered carry that evenly distributes the weight across both shoulders and your back. The design is a long cascade of specialty stretchy fabric that you wrap around your body to create the perfect carry for you and your baby."  Even being 8+ months pregnant when I tested this out, it held my 24 pound squirmy toddler sturdily and I still had fabric to spare. The 2 shouldered carry really supported his weight and took the natural strain of carrying him off my back and shoulders. Just remember to spread the fabric out over your back. Using the wrap to carry Ben was easier than carrying him around in my arms. I think a wrap is perfect to use with a newborn/infant, I intend to use this when my daughter arrives in January. Having my hands free will be great with a toddler! 

There are two other choices for wraps with appliques - Riding in Style - a blue, teal and crystal motorcycle image or Cupcake Couture. If you prefer, you can also get a black solid colored wrap for $69.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Order now through December 15th and use promo code PSWINTER for 10% off (retail only).    Valid through 12.15.07. 

Nubius Organics: Stylish Eco-Friendly Products

Nubius Organics offers eco-friendly products, including many adorable organic baby and kids clothes and toys. Their slogan is "Blending Style with Sustainability".

Check out their eco baby line. We saw one of their "Veggie Onesies" - made of organic cotton. So darling and it comes with an organic washbag. If you buy all three, you save 10% and pay $34.50. You may wonder, why is organic cotton better than regular cotton? According to the Nubius website, "It takes roughly one-third of a pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow enough cotton for just one T-shirt. In contrast, organic cotton has all the benefits of organic agriculture, in addition to providing stronger, healthier cotton. For now it costs a little more, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Organic clothing is particularly important for infants and children, as their bodies are more sensitive to the health risks posed from chemicals and pesticides." These onesies would look so cute paired with the Organic Veggie Hat (a bargain at $6.38) and a pair of their Egyptian cotton romper pants ($9).

They also carry the great Kate Quinn Organics Line. I love her Kimono style dresses, onesies and shirts. A lot of her clothes are on sale here. I'm loving the 3/4 sleeved Persimmon Kimono Dress ($26).

Nubius Organics also offers some sweet eco-friendly gifts and products. They carry the fab SIGG Sippy Bottles - durable, spill and leak proof, and has been tested to prove 0% leaching of aluminum or plastic products.  According to the Nubius Site, "Studies show that some plastics leach chemicals, specifically bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that mimics the hormone estrogen suspected of disrupting hormone functions: #3 (PVC), #6 (PS) and #7 ("Other," often polycarbonate). Our reusable (and recyclable!) stainless steel water bottles are a fun and stylish way to keep your beverages pure." I also loved the teething dolls ($10 each) and the veggie crate ($24.50)!  Check out the Mimi the Sardine Cloth Lunch Totes ($19.50) - pack your lunch, your baby's lunch or their bottles!

Looking for adult clothing, accessories, jewelry, bags, and lunch totes and "Green Gifts"? Nubius Organics can provide some great ideas for you. They have too many fabulous products for me to write about all of them, so log on to see for yourself.

Shop at nubiusorganics.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Get a 10% discount with code: PRD15!

Divas N Babes: One year old!

Celebrity (and Celebrity Baby Blog) favorite, Divas N Babes is celebrating their first birthday!

While most of their summer stuff is currently still on sale (enjoy up to 60% off of most items), they have also launched their Fall colors line of slings and they are gorgeous.

The apparel line designed for cool babies and haute mamas includes a line of shirts for the Divas (a.k.a Moms),  a line for the babes, a line for both mom and baby and a line of baby carriers (including both ring slings and mei tais).

Divas N Babes fans include Tori Spelling, Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie and Kim Porter.

Check out the huge selection  at www.divasnbabes.com and say Happy Birthday to a line we love!

Exclusive for CBB Reviews Readers: Use code CBB25 at checkout and receive 25% off. 

50% off select items at Divas N Babes!

DivasNbabes, who we have written about in the past, is showing their breastfeeding pride with a World Breastfeeding Week sale through August 7^th.  

Shop their Breastfeeding Collection designs such as I pump milk, not weights!, Breast friends, Bosom Buddies matching mommy and baby tees, Will work for milk, and their exclusive Drinks on Me Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank! Also, experience hands-free nursing and discreet breastfeeding on-the-go with their convenient and stylish DivaBabe Couture ring slings and mei tais!

From now through August 7^th, DivasNbabes is offering 50% off on select items.  Enter code FIFTY at checkout and receive 50% off two or more divas shirts, three or more babes shirts and each additional DivaBabe Couture ring sling or mei tai.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1st - August 7th in 120 countries with the goal of supporting and educating women worldwide on the importance of breastfeeding. This year's focus is the "power of one", which emphasizes the importance of nursing in a baby's first hour. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action says that the "initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth is the first and most vital step towards reducing infant and under-five mortality by reducing the overwhelmingly high neonatal mortality rate."

Sage Baby: Organic clothing and gifts

As a parent who has made a strong effort to go green, Sage Baby has become one of my favorite shopping destinations.  The eco-friendly baby store is a unique one stop resource for everything you need to create a totally green and stylish nursery. The shop owners only select products that are made to the highest 'green' standards and that are beautifully designed.

Sage Baby's product line includes everything from organic clothing, bedding and skincare to eco-friendly furniture, air purifiers and natural cleaning products.  The site also includes a registry.

Will Ferrell was gifted with both the Argington Galap rocker and Le Kit Francais for his son's birth. We also love the Organic Monkey Plush toy. 

Check out the complete selection, including a skin care, bedding and maternity line at www.sagebabynyc.com.

Divas N Babes: A celebrity mommy and baby favorite!

Catie’s little friend Declan is sporting a new t-shirt that has all the daycare ladies carrying him from room to room to show him off. It’s the I’m the Man onesie from Divas N Babes.

Divas N Babes, a new apparel line designed for cool babies (like Declan) and haute mamas (like his mommy, Brooke)! Moms everywhere have been raving about the line which includes a line of shirts for the Divas (a.k.a Moms), a line for the babes, a line for both mom and baby and a line of baby carriers (including both ring slings and mei tais).

Celebrity moms love the line as much as we do. Tori Spelling (pictured here) bought the I’m the Man onesie from hot boutique Intuition in L.A. while she was still pregnant to announce the gender of her baby boy! Divas N Babes gifted Liam after his birth with a Will Work for Milk onesie and Tori received the Tori Mei Tai cotton and duponi silk (designed in her nursery colors and also pictured here). Both mother and son got to enjoy the Diva/Babe mother/baby matching tees – how cute!

Other celebrities who love Divas N Babes include:

• Gwen Stefani, who was gifted with a Gwen Ring Sling and Mei Tai duponi silk and Chinese silk brocade baby carriers.Kingston owns both the Will Work for Milk and I’m the Man onesies. The mother/son duo also own Diva/Babe matching tees, as well as Bosom Buddies matching tees.
• Angelina Jolie was gifted with Angelina Ring Sling dupioni silk and Chinese silk brocade baby carrier.
• Kim Porter and D’Lila Star Combs and Jessie James Combs were gifted the adorable Babe A/Babe B onesies for twins, the Future Queen of Hearts/Future Queen of Diamonds sibling set onesies, the Diva/Babe  mommy and baby matching tees, the Born Yesterday newborn gowns and the High Fashion, High Maintenance, High Chair mommy tee for Kim. Diddy very politely wrote a thank you card to Divas N Babes owner Tonjia which said:Dear Tonjia, Thank you for the generous gift. Both Kim and I appreciate the thoughtfulness in selecting this gift and welcoming our daughters into the world. We wish you all the best in 2007. God Bless. How sweet!!! 

Check out the extensive Divas N Babes selection at www.divasnbabes.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: 25% off with code CBB25.

Enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Cotton Babies

Teba is obsessed with the site Diaper Swappers, a forum for discussing, buying, selling and trading cloth diapers.

They're having a contest where the grand prize is a $250 gift certificateand weekly prizes of $25 gift certificates  to Cotton Babies (which sells Teba's favorite brand, bumGenius, in addition to others and other products).  You need to join Diaper Swappers to enter (which is free).

Click here to enter now.

Reviews Roundup: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

With Mother’s Day less than two weeks away we thought we’d give our suggestions for some of our favorite mom-geared products around.

For the mom with a great sense of humor
Planet Mom, a line of t-shirts (and other goodies like yoga pants and hats) made especially for mom, bear witty lines like Whine? No. Wine? Yes. and PTA Reject among others.  Embroidered onto American Apparel t-shirts, the shirts are fitted and sexy.Celebrities like Brooke Shields, Sarah Jessica Parker and First Lady Laura Bush are fans of Planet Mom T-shirts!

Read our full review of Planet Mom T-shirts here.

For the girl's mom
With the summer quickly approaching, stylish moms want to look great on the beach – and they want their little girls to look great as well.  The mommy and me line of swimwear from Aqua Swimwear is perfect for mom and her little lady (or ladies)! This swimwear is actually really nicely made and you have your choice of a lot of different styles for each print which I love.   

Brooke Shields and her girls, Rowan and Grier, own the Greta’s Garden set in white!

For the boy's mom
Mommy and me clothing for moms of boys is hard to find but Tuni & G managed to make it not only workable, but irresistible as well. No mom of a little prince will be able to resist wearing the Boy Crazy (mom) and Crazy Boy (baby) set or, even better the Boys Mama (mom) and Mamas Boy (baby) set!

 

Boy mamas Tori Spelling, Britney Spears and Melania Trump are all fans of the line!

Read our complete review of the line here.

For the artsy mom
I rave about my thumbprint (ahem, toeprint) necklace from Magic Dog Studio to everyone I know. I wear mine everyday and everyday I get asked where I got it. It doesn’t only call attention because of its beauty, but also because of how incredibly unique it is.  Moms of older kids might be interested in something from the Off the Fridge and Out of the Drawer series (pictured here). I know that I am patiently awaiting the day that my daughter can draw our family so that I can get one made. No mom I know would be disappointed with this gift but artsy moms especially would be blown away. If you don’t have time to get a print, get a gift certificate instead.

Read my full review of Magic Dog Studio here.

For the pregnant mom
The Made it Past Third Base t-shirt from Georgie Tees is my favorite maternity shirt ever. It just makes me laugh hysterically every time I see it. Other great ones from the line include Does this shirt make me look fat? and No longer childproof. Pregnant moms who need a little pick-me-up would really appreciate these shirts.

Read my full review of the line here.

For the adopting mom
For the mom who is about to adopt, a shirt that says Pregnant on Paper or Bump Not Required like the ones from Not Showing is perfect. Adoption apparel is kind of rare and these are the cutest ones we've found. 

In anticipation of a Degeneres/DiRossi baby, Ellen Degeneres was gifted a shirt from the company!

Now through May 7th Not Showing is offering FREE SHIPPING!

For the lactivist mom
Nursing moms will find these Supply and Demand t-shirts from Milkdudz. Danielle and Anya (pictured) own a pair and love them.  So do Mariska Hargitay and Tori Spelling!

Read what Danielle had to say about the line here.

For the luxurious mom
Moms who like a little bling in their lives will love Tali Gillette's "mama" necklaces.  The 18k white gold diamond-encrusted circle necklace will run you $2,395 but more affordable pieces like non-diamond versions in white gold, and yellow or rose gold, as well as a vertical "bar" design are more affordable. 

A-list celebrity moms like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner (gifted by Alias co-star Kevin Wiseman), Sarah Jessica Parker, Courteney Cox-Arquette, Kate Hudson, Denise Richards and Maggie Gyllenhaal all own one.

Read Danielle's review of the line here.

Other products we recommend include the Moby Wrap, the Sweetness Sash, a Bumble Bag and a Kathy Lo Rocks necklace or bracelet.

If we've missed your favorite mom product, let us know!

Sakura Bloom: Slings are in bloom

Slings are one of the most sought after mommy-chic items in Hollywood these days, and Sakura Bloom makes one of the nicest we've seen. Sakura Bloom is a fresh new collection of baby slings noted for their striking color combinations and on-trend design. Created from dupioni silk, these soft, comfortable ring slings offer endless style, safety, and versatility.  Easy to use, fully reversible and fully washable, Sakura Bloom slings reinvent tradition to fit contemporary lifestyles. 

Hollywood moms who adore their Sakura Bloom slings include Marcia Cross, Tori Spelling, and Heidi Klum.

Exclusively for Celebrity Baby Blog Readers: Receive special Mother’s Day pricing at www.sakurabloom.com from May 1 through May 12 when you enter the discount code "celebrateMom" at checkout. Offered for a limited time at a special 25% discount, these lustrous, multi-colored baby slings are expected to sell through quickly.

Pictured is the Green Tea Artisan Sling.

Moby Wrap: Carry your baby in style

Danielle (as in Celebrity Baby Blog’s Danielle) first introduced me to wraps when my daughter was already 6-months. I was an immediate convert and fell in love with the Moby Wrap. Yes it is a bit difficult to figure out how to tie it at first, but once you have done it a few times you become an expert at it. Also, since the wrap is stretchy and has a slight give, you can keep it tied all day long and pop baby in and out of it.

The Moby Wrap is currently available is 10 vibrant colors - black, navy, forest, indigo, red, moss, natural, lilac, sienna and chocolate. They also recently released the Moby D, a high-end wrap with a center panel that is made from fleece, handwoven cotton or Asian brocade.

The very first Moby exercise DVD that is a collaboration with yogi Anna Getty (www.annagetty.com) was also recently released. Moby is represented in a section on doing yoga with your baby.

Brooke Shields is a fan of the Moby Wrap and has been quoted as saying that “the Moby Wrap is perfect and so comfortable. Rowan loves it and Mom’s back is not as twisted.” She was also photographed in In Touch magazine wearing Grier in a natural Moby Wrap.

If you are new to babywearing or if you are considering adding another carrier to your collection, you can find out more about the Moby Wrap at mobywrap.com. 

Until Kara: A natural baby blanket

A growing trend within parenting communities is to search for chemical free alternatives to baby products and this includes clothing and crib bedding as well. Until Kara is a company that was founded on that principle. Michelle Savin, the company’s owner, created a natural nursery for her son in 2001 after discovering his sensitivity to many chemicals he was being exposed to. Cut to the birth of her youngest daughter, Kara, and a company was born.

Using the finest organic cotton, Until Kara creates luxurious and hazard-free products for your baby. The company offers blankets, rattles and will be launching a bedding line this Spring. We can’t wait!

To purchase or to find out more visit www.untilkara.com.

DVD: The Real Deal on Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding moms everywhere know that it’s more than just about the baby in those first few weeks home – it’s also all about the boobs! Breastfeeding is great for both baby and mom but it is certainly not always easy. As someone who couldn’t get her daughter to latch on for the first ten days of her life, I only wish I had gotten my hands on a copy of The REAL DEAL on Breastfeeding.

Created by two NYC moms, film/TV producers, the hilarious, hip and helpful video uses sophisticated production values (read: no cheesy-looking, frumpy moms in this video), a funky score and a bevy of experts and real women revealing the “real deal” on breastfeeding. Moms get a lactation consultant, a breastfeeding support group and a one-on-one latch-on lesson all in one 25-minute video along with some much-needed laughs.

I found myself shaking my head a lot during the video and there were times when I would have high-fived some of those moms given the chance. I thought they did a good job of showing latch and though I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the techniques (a lot of use of pillows and lifting of the breast) I think that is a matter of style. I am a personal fan of the lactation consultant, Heather Kelly, who is a NYC local as well and I thought she did a great job and was really thorough. I really do think this is a must-have if you are serious about breastfeeding, especially if it is something you didn’t grow up around.

LivTyler, Stella McCartney and Maggie Gyllenhaal were all gifted with the REAL DEAL DVD.

Order the REAL DEAL DVD through their website, www.realdealvideos.com and use coupon code CBB for a 15% discount!

bumGenius!: Genius diapers

Update: I spoke to the founder and creator of bumGenius! diapers this afternoon and she told me that bumGenius! products will be available at Whole Foods starting this month -- I can't wait!

We began cloth diapering Catie with traditional pre-folds (the kind of diapers most of us think of when we think of cloth diapers) but quickly discovered that in today’s world, there are many types of diapers to choose from. We started experimenting with different covers in cute girly prints and then started venturing out even further. There are a lot of types of cloth diapers. You can get a quick tutorial here.

People who are new to the cloth diapering (or CDing as it is known on the Internet) world will often find those of us who do use cloth on our kids can seemingly talk about nothing else. That’s because there are so many different types of dipes available today – from mom-made ones to bigger name brands – and once you find one that you like, you want to let everyone in on your discovery.

I had been hearing nothing but excellent things about bumGenius! one-size pocket diapers from Cotton Babies so I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to test drive them with Catie. What makes these pocket diapers so unique is the snap-down design on the front of the diaper that allows you to adjust the size so that it grows with your baby (from newborn to 30 pounds). A diaper that I could use on my 26lb toddler and then again on my future children seemed too good to be true but I was willing to take the challenge.

We first used these during the day but I soon started using them overnight. The good thing about pocket diapers is that you can double up on inserts if you have a heavy wetter (which Catie is at night). These particular diapers actually come with a Cotton Babies insert specific to them (it has a snap so that you can shorten it when you’re using them on a newborn) that can supposedly absorb 15 ounces. Just for good measure I stuffed a Cotton Babies Diaper Doubler that I already owned in there as well.

These diapers absolutely did the trick. Mornings soon became my favorite part of the day because I was fascinated by the fact that even though the inserts were sopping wet, the lining (which by the way, is super, super soft) had wicked away all the moisture and was completely dry. This is after 12 hours in the same diaper!

After finding myself doing the wash everyday just so that I could use these diapers again, I finally bought some more. These diapers will cost you $17.95 and are worth every single penny. I personally know a lot of parents who love them and I know people with babies as small as 9lbs who have used them successfully.  (Note: Since we first tested out these diapers bumGenius! has come out with an improved version of these diapers. We have not personally tested them but have heard great things about them as well. And I for one love the fact that they added a pink diaper to their selection!)

The bumGenius! fitted diapers made it on my must-have list too. These diapers are made of bamboo terry both inside and out with soakers made of the same Cotton Babies microfiber terry that I described before. The diapers are super trim and the elastic at the legs and waist forms natural gussets to gently hug your baby's body without leaving creases which happens with a lot of other fitted diapers since Catie’s thighs are so chunky. Bamboo fiber is also a really cool material because it has natural antibacterial elements to help fight bacteria growth in your diapers.

I love these diapers because they’re really soft and also absorb really, really well. Though I always use a cover, I sometimes find that she hasn’t even soaked through them all the way. With each washing they become even more absorbent. I also went ahead and invested in a whole new stack of these diapers which will cost you $15.95. I would use these diapers on a newborn without any hesitation based on their softness alone but also because I can totally see them keeping a breastfed baby poop nice and contained. 

If you are more of an All-In-One person, bumGenius! also makes a great AIO. This is definitely the easiest one to use and is what I would recommend if you want something that works the same way as a disposable or if you want to have a few on hand for daycare or the babysitter. Technically you can pre-stuff the one size diapers ahead of time and they will work the same way but these are definitely most like disposies. They’ll run you $15.95.  Cotton Babies recently received the iParenting Media Award for these diapers.    

All of these diapers come in 4 colors (Butternut, Twilight, Grasshopper and White...and as I said before, since test driving these diapers the newer version of the one size dipes come in Blossom) and are really absorbent. My favorite thing about them is that the tabs where you close the diaper stretch (very similar to a disposable in that sense) so if you are between sizes or just have a wiggly baby, you can still get a snug fit. 

Still not convinced? Cotton Babies also offers a 14 day money back guarantee. Try one diaper. If even after using it and washing it you decide you don’t like it you are welcome to return it within the two week time frame.

The folks behind bumGenius! also claim to have some well-known celebrity mom customers but out of respect for their privacy, they’re keeping the details quiet. So now of course I am dying to know: Which celebrity mom(s) cloth diaper their babies? I would love to see a celebrity mom endorse CDing as I think it would be great to have that kind of support in the mainstream. 

Buy bumGenius! diapers today at Cotton Babies. Seriously people, try them today. And then email me to let me know that I’ve created another monster. 

Honest Baby: Honestly Liberating Baby T-shirts

As parents one of the first things we learn is to say “yes” to the world even when we mean no: “yes” my baby girl sleeps through the night, “yes” she will be walking and talking any day now, and “yes,” we love it when you try to get her to do every parlor trick she knows all within a ten minute span. Jill Besnoy, a comedy film producer (Death to Smoochy and The Larry Sanders Show among others) and new mother to two got tired of it. Reminding herself that parenting is an imperfect but hilarious and rewarding journey, she launched honestbaby.com a website which is home to a parent’s forum where support, candor and laughs are the goal and a line of baby t-shirts that poke gentle fun at parenting ($20-$22).

With such clever one-liners as “10^th percentile and still growing” and “Ferberizing stinks!” honestbaby t-shirts have quickly become favorites for celebrity mom Courtney Cox whose daughter Coco has a few in her closet. My particular favorites are the “I survived nipple confusion” and “I’ll walk when I’m good and ready” tees.

Liberate yourself by sharing your story at honestbaby.com’s storytime where no “mommy police” are allowed. Your baby will wear his honesty on his sleeve with an honestbaby t-shirt – quite literally!

Use coupon code honesti and get free shipping on your first purchase on an honestbaby t-shirt.

Ask CBB: Wraps, Slings, and Pouches

We've received several emails from readers asking about soft baby carriers. What are the differences between wraps, slings, and pouches?

Wearing your baby is one of the best things you can do to promote healthy bonding and attachment between you and your little one.  Did you know that babies that are worn cry less and are easier to soothe?  Babywearing is good for baby's physical, emotional, and mental development. Babies who are worn by t