Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Pippalily pouch slings: Changing the way I parent

I've been a complete kangaroo for the past few weeks. My infant son loves to be carried and one of his favorite (okay, my favorite) pouch slings to be worn in is by Pippalily. I love the shape and slightly more contoured depth of their pouch slings ($69) as well as the beautiful selection of cotton prints and gorgeous brocades that this company offers. All of their pouch slings are lined in cool soft cotton for baby's comfort, and are washable.

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Nancy's 'must-have' baby items!

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring one of our reviewers, Nancy, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Nancy's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Stephanie's 'must-have' baby items!

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring one of our reviewers, Stephanie, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Stephanie's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Ciaran's 'must-have' baby items!

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring our Senior Fashion/Gear Contributor, Ciaran, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Ciaran's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Reva's 'must-have' baby items!

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring one of our reviewers, Reva, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Reva's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Sarah's 'must-have' baby items

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring our staff editor, Sarah, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Sarah's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Anya's 'must-have' baby items!

Every day at CBB we post tons of photos on our main site, along with the occasional fashion and gear information listed below, and great reviews of products that we love and recommend on our Reviews site.  But, in all that, we have yet to tell you our top picks, or rather baby 'must-haves' -- those few items that when our own kids were (or in some cases, still are) babies, we couldn't live without!  And when the sleep deprivation kicks in and the baby won't stop crying, wouldn't it be great to already have a list of great products to help you along? 

Whether it is helpful hints on dealing with babies who are colicky or some great pumps for breastfeeding, with the CBB Registry, hopefully those of you buying baby gifts -- for your kids or for someone else -- will have a better idea about what we consider great baby essentials.  Over the next few days be on the lookout for registries from some of our staff.

Continue reading for Anya's baby registry!

Deuter Kid Comfort II: A very, very happy medium

So it's a presidential election year -- in case you hadn't noticed.  It's been hard not to notice around here. At the time this review was written, my little neck of the woods (suburban Philadelphia) has pretty much become ground zero for the candidates.  They're in the area so often I half expect to find Barack and Hillary doing the morning kid unload at our 4-year-old's preschool.  And while that hasn't happened (yet), they have given quite a few speeches locally that I really, really wanted to attend.  But with my husband at work and without anyone to watch the baby, I was kind of stuck. 

Until we received our Kid Comfort II from Deuter USA, that is.  It's what Jennifer Garner reached for when she was ready to pound the pavement with Violet, 2, and no wonder:  Whether you're headed to a political rally, or just rallying your troops to get off the couch and hit the open trails, the Kid Comfort II is a diverse backpack carrier in a manageable size and with the features you need to handle any situation.

Click continue reading for the entire review, and for information on how to enter to win a Kid Comfort II.

Kelty FC 3.0: Backpacking the McDreamy way

In my next life, I want to come back as a baby being lugged around in a Kelty FC 3.0 backpack carrier. I think our 16-month-old Sammy could spend days on end in his new FC 3.0, happily, if only we tossed some food at him occasionally. And -- while it can't change a diaper for you -- the FC 3.0 comes complete with zip-off diaper bag and a diaper change pad, making even that process easier. All bases are covered. It really is that good.

If you're an active family gearing up for some serious hiking this spring or if you're just looking to traverse the great urban outdoors, the FC 3.0 is for you -- And, apparently McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey. Already a Kelty devotee -- having been spotted out and about in December wearing an older model -- Patrick was recently gifted with two brand new FC 3.0's for twins Darby and Sullivan, 14-months. Lucky babies, sure ... but lucky daddy, too. Because carrying your child in an FC 3.0 is an absolute breeze. 

Click 'continue reading' for the entire Kelty FC 3.0 backpack carrier review.

Puj Go Sling: Simple slings for simple parents

Regular readers of this page will remember that I love me a pouch sling. The go sling, from Puj Baby is similar in concept and just as easy to use. Unlike pouch slings which hold your baby a little low on your body, the Go Sling holds the baby a little higher and closer to your center of gravity. You can't do a cradle hold with the Go Sling because it's for older babies who are already holding their heads up (picture the baby in the pouch sling in the hip carry or in the tummy-to-tummy hold and it's the same sort of thing). Check instructions on how to properly wear your Go Sling in this video.

The Puj Go Sling is not only wonderfully made but also incredibly beautiful. Available in five different colors, the sling is machine washable and easily folds right into your bag when not in use. Also worth mentioning -- at $48 this sling is a steal!

Check out the entire selection at pujbaby.com. Exclusively for CBB Reviews Readers: Enter code celebrity for FREE SHIPPING!

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.

Belle Baby Carrier: It rang my bell

I recently got the chance to try out the Belle Baby Carrier ($89.95- $99.95) and loved it. It was such an easy and comfortable way to wear my baby. Click here to read Doryn's recent review of the same carrier. When I tested the Belle, my baby was almost 8 pounds (suggested weight guidelines are 10 - 25 lbs), but we had great success with it anyway. This is the first front carrier that the baby tried and she took to it very quickly. The carrier was easy to figure out and baby Allegra loved facing inward. The Belle was sturdy and did not kill my back -- a plus. I also had my hands free -- another plus. It was very easy to put on, I figured out how to wear it without even looking at the instructions (and got it right). The buckles were secure and very easy to adjust.

Click continue reading for the entire Belle Baby Carrier review.

Lascal M1 Carrier: Give me a hand (well, two)

Recently, I got a chance to test out Lascal's M1 Carrier ($129.99), imported by Regal+Lager. Normally, I am not a structured carrier person, but this carrier converted me. I usually use pouches, wraps and ring slings because they are just so comfortable. I found that the M1 Carrier had some wonderful features -- like giving me the use of both my arms, it didn't hurt or strain my back and I also was able to nurse pretty easily in it. I also found out, during a recent trip to the local baby store, that I could nurse in public while my baby was in the M1 Carrier -- I just threw my Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover on for some privacy; She got to eat, I got to pick up supplies!

I intended to have my husband test out the M1 Carrier -- he finally wanted to try one. But the baby wouldn't cooperate and cried the whole time he wore her in it.  When I put the M1 Carrier on, and popped 8 week old Allegra in, facing me, she calmed down instantly and LOVED it.  As I type this, she's in the M1 Carrier, sleeping -- seems to be her seal of approval.

Click Continue Reading below for the rest of the Lascal M1 review and an exclusive coupon code.

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.

Belle Baby Carrier: Six baby carriers later ... We finally found one!

I always tell people that my daughter skipped the newborn stage and went right to infant. She was never interested in being confined from day one, didn't love to be held too much, was always really alert and wanted her independent time to find things out for herself. In fact, from day one in the hospital, the nurse turned my daughters head to look out at my family in the nursery and she turned her head the other way immediately. The nurse looked at my family and said, "Uh oh, this one is going to have a mind of her own". I would try, and try, to have her snuggle in the cradle position and she would fight it. She is almost 5 months now, and still very much like that, she smiles non-stop, loves to explore and take it all in. I finally realized it was not anything I did, it's her personality. Independent and ready to take on the world with a mind of her own (sounds a bit like someone I know).

I have tried 6, yes, I said 6 baby carriers (ask Danielle, she'll vouch for me). My daughter fought every single one. Personally, I felt that most of them were such a pain to put on and I have a bad back so all of them really bothered me after a few minutes. I kind of gave up and just felt like it wasn't worth the hassle. Last week I received an email from Belle Baby Carriers asking me to try their carrier. I thought in my head "I probably shouldn't take the sample because there is no way Tatum will like this one," but I took them up on their offer anyway. I got it in the mail yesterday and as soon as she was up from her nap, I strapped her in facing out and she was so happy and actually giggling.

Click continue reading below to read the entire Belle Baby Carriers review and for a coupon code.

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!

Hotslings: I love 'em honey!

With a toddler and a one month old, I barely sit down for a second. The baby wants to be held all the time, so babywearing is a must for me. I recently reviewed a Hotslings pouch (retails between $48 and $60) and I loved it. It lets me have a hand free (sometimes two if I am sitting) for reading to my toddler, playing trucks with him or for getting snacks and drinks for him.I usually use the tummy to tummy hold and the baby blessedly quiet. She's happy, he's happy and I can help both of them. I discovered another wonderful thing as I wrote this review -- I put my fussy little darling in the cradle hold and she slept soundly for two hours! Unfortunately, when I took her out, she woke up (I quickly put her back in and she fell back asleep). So, as I type this, my baby girl is sleeping in my Hotsling (too bad I can't sleep while wearing this!!)

Reviewer Teba introduced me to Hotslings pouches about two years ago. She was carrying her, then baby daughter in it and I was intrigued. You can read her original review here. I was able to test the Indian Summer Stretch Sateen print -- they have so many cool fabrics to choose from. A pouch sling is easy to take on and off and folds up really small for your diaper bag. I prefer the stretch sateen material that I tested because the material gives a little (very helpful for taking a baby in and out of it). There is leg padding to protect tender BabyLegs. For wearing instructions, either through a pdf file or video, click here. A DVD of wearing instructions is included with each Hotsling.

Click below to continue reading the entire Hotsling Review.

Why I bought my... Zolowear Ring Sling

At press time, my newborn daughter is 2 weeks old and is already a babywearing pro. I have been wearing her in my favorite ring sling, my ZoloWear Bubbles Sling ($125). In fact, she is nestled in the sling as I type this. I loved wearing her brother in this ring sling (pictured to the left is my son at 10 months old with me at my aunt Carol's house in Connecticut). Please note: I am not wearing the sling correctly on my shoulder, it should cup the shoulder, not rest between the shoulder and the neck. It will cause strain that way (but this is the best picture I had of me wearing it!).

I bought this ring sling because I had heard that the ZoloWear slings had a good reputation. ZoloWear makes ring slings and pouches (which I love too, but since baby Allegra is so small right now, the ring sling is a better choice for me) Its well made of cotton stretch sateen, and I love the print - unfortunately it is not sold anymore. Owner Darien's slings and pouches are available in cotton (and there are organic cotton choices), silk brocade and solarveil (which I also love for its sun protection and quick drying after exposure to water).  I also loved that it has a zippered pocket - perfect size for a set of keys or a pacifier. ZoloWear includes an instructional DVD to show you all the ways to wear your child. Right now I am wearing baby Allegra in the tummy to tummy hold with her legs out (the picture shows my son Ben in a classic hip hold).

Why have I been wearing my baby? Well ... I have a very active 2 year old, who needs me, plus a 2 week old who loves to be carried and screams when I put her down. When I wear the new baby,  I have at least one hand to get things done. You have to use common sense when wearing your baby -- though I can prepare cold meals, I put the baby down when I cook or heat things up in the microwave. Then I scoop her back into the sling and sit with my son while he eats. And of course, the closeness of my child makes me happy. ZoloWear's website does caution to make sure the baby is worn WITHOUT their chin being pressed against his or her chest, restricting airflow. Check to ensure that baby's airway is unobstructed and baby is breathing regularly at all times, especially when sleeping. This advice should be followed anytime you babywear.

To shop, go to ZoloWear.com.

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.

Celebrity babywearing 2007

2007 was definitely a big year for babywearing, as many celebrity moms and dads opted to carry their infants and toddlers in slings, pouches and other babywearing implements instead of strollers.

Here are just a few of our favorite babywearing photos from 2007.

Brand new mama Keri Russell was spotted running errands with her son River Russell Deary in a PSling ring sling at the tender age of 1 1/2 weeks. (She has since switched to a New Native organic cotton pouch.)

Fellow new mom/New Yorker/iced coffee drinker Maggie Gyllenhaal wore her daughter in a Moby wrap.

Julia Roberts' third child, Henry Moder, made his debut in a ring sling at 11 days old, too.

Naomi Watts and Liev Shreiber have worn son Alexander "Sacha" Schreiber in a Maya Wrap lightly padded ring sling.

Annabeth Gish said that her favorite baby gear for son Cash includes "the carrying things:"

What I always loved seeing was mothers with their slings and the Baby Bjorn – the carrying things. I really like the Maya, the Moby, and the New Native. I like the Maya  the best.

Gwen Stefani and husband Gavin Rossdale have worn son Kingston Rossdale in ring slings like this one from Psling New York.

Amanda Peet brought daughter Frances Pen Benioff to a writer's strike picket line in an Ergo baby carrier.

Sara Gilbert met up with Tobey Maguire, his jewelry designer wife, Jennifer Meyer, and daughter Ruby Sweetheart, at a pumpkin patch, wearing daughter Sawyer in a Baby K'tan carrier.

Lisa Leslie wore her daughter Lauren Jolie Lockwood in a New Native pouch to a game.

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. 

Here are a few of my favorite (baby) things: Baby Bjorn Active Carrier -- Cuddling Without Hands

I love holding my little bean. BUT sometimes, enough is enough. I'm not one of the "Attachment Parenting" people, but I see nothing wrong with "wearing" your baby if it's comfortable for you and your baby likes it. I decided I wanted to try out a carrier. I chose the Baby Bjorn Active Carrier ($120). It offers more support then previous models with a lower back support.

She LOVED the Bjorn, it allowed me to walk the dogs, vacuum, just about anything without her crying. Unfortunately for me, it still put a strain on my back, and wearing her in front of me wasn't always the most optimal position! I tried the PreMaxx Baby Bag ... she HATED it ... lying down wasn't for her. I tried it when she was like 3-4 months old though, so it's possible had I done a laying down one from the start she would have been a bigger fan. So I continued to use the Bjorn, in moderation!

The first time I put it on I was discouraged at the effort it took and thought I wouldn't be using it that often. By the third time I had it down pat and now I can do it with my eyes closed. My lesson is simple, give it several tries before you give up. Practice really does make perfect!

One of my favorite features is how it unhooks at the bottom to make it easy for diaper changes or to even lay down your sleeping baby. Try it on at the store, make sure you like it. Ask questions of people who have one and remember to keep practicing!

Divas N Babes: Represent your fashion capital and your inner diva!

As a girl who came up in Queens and is now representing

Brooklyn, I take advantage of any chance I get to show off my born-and-bread-New-Yorker pride.  That’s why I love the new Fashion Capital tees from Divas N Babes.

Mama-divas everywhere will love these simple black tees that feature your fashion-capital-of-choice in a glittering rhinestone crystal design. Mama-divas-to-be will especially love the Fashion Capital maternity tees!

Available for New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, Divas N Babes also allows you to create a NEW fashion capital or personalize with your location for just $15 more!

Divas N Babes also allows you to create a NEW fashion capital or personalize with your location for just $15 more!

As someone who owns Divas N Babes tees I can personally vouch for the comfort and quality of the line. 

Divas N Babes is a not only a favorite of CBB (we have proudly reviewed them in the past) but also a favorite of celebrities like Tori Spelling, Gwen Stefani and Kim Porter.

Check out the entire Divas N Babes line which includes something for the divas (a.k.a Moms), something for the babes, something for both mom and baby and a great selection of baby carriers (including both ring slings and mei tais).

Exclusively for CBB readers: Enter code CBB20 for 20% off your Fashion Capital tee!

Cute Slings: Hip Way to Carry Your Babe

By Guest Reviewer Kara

I am a first time mom with a 7-week-old baby girl. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to wear Danielle, but had no idea with what type of carrier.  My sister-in-law lent me her ring sling and wrap to try.  We also received the hyped-up popular front carrier.  The three options were either too cumbersome or not suited for an infant. Then I tried a Cute Sling ($64) in the Daisy Dreams print with a reversible pink side.  I felt like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - this one fit just right.  It is easy to wear, and Danielle loves it.  She is so comfortable in the Cute Sling that she falls asleep within minutes every time I wear it.

There are a few features that make this sling work for us.  First, the opening of the sling is wide, so Danielle can see her surroundings and me. Second, the outside pocket is a great size to hold my keys, phone and cash to eliminate carrying a bag. And finally, I love the cool, comfortable, beautiful fabric.  My Cute Sling is reversible with a fashionable design on one side and a solid color on the other.  I feel stylish wearing the Cute Sling and receive numerous compliments and smiles every time I wear it.  I have not yet worn her on my hip due to her size, but the sling is padded on the edge for a comfortable hip hold.

Shop Cuteslings.com. 

Exclusive for CBB Readers: For 20% off, enter coupon code: CUTEMOM.

Reviews Roundup: Five mom-owned shops I love

Some of our favorite shops are mom-owned and run. Though small, these shops always seem to have the  best items. Most importantly, the mom-to-mom service is always great.

Here is a roundup of a few of my favorites.

5. Laurie’s Lagniappe

Yes, I may be one of the last few on this Earth who still enjoys sending mail the old-fashioned way but a lot of my family in Spain doesn’t have email and sometimes a phone call won’t do. I love my return address stamp from Laurie’s Lagniappe.

The site also offers a full section of customized room décor and personalized stationery so be sure to check out the entire site.

4. Little Miss Princess Tutu

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love me some tu-tus! One of my favorite mom-made tutu stores is Little Miss Princess Tutu . The custom, hand-made tutus are some of the plushest I’ve seen and with six different tutu styles and 30 different tulle colors to choose from, you are bound to find what you are looking for. Mom can even get a matching one!

In addition the tutus you can also find tops, leotards, bloomers, and accessories. All product are made upon order and take approximately 2-4 weeks. 

Check out the selection at www.littlemissprincesstutu.com.

3. Mama Merit Badges
We get puked on, pooped on and then we get to wake up every two hours to nurse a screaming baby. Have you ever thought, “I need an award for this?” Well one smart mom created Mama Merit Badges.

The badges are 1½ inches, iron on, and 100% embroidery. They can be worn on your diaper bag, purse, tote, jacket, jeans, scarf or baby carrier. Stick them on your wall, fridge or bulletin board. Each badge come individually packaged with a description of the badge included.

Share your warrior mom story on the site and check out the full selection at Mama Merit Badges.

2. One Lil' Cupcake
I am a sucker for hair clips and my little girl has a great collection, but I particularly love these clips from One Lil' Cupcake.  All the clips are hand-stitched and do not slip out of even the finest of baby hair.  I use them on my toddler who has quite a huge head of hair and they hold up on her curly locks just fine as well but if you feel that you need a bigger clip, they can be made to order for your older kid.

Check out the selection at www.onelilcupcake.com. Buy 4 clips and get free shipping!

1. Bronwen Handcrafted
As a loyal pouch-sling user, Bronwen Handcrafted slings appeal to me not only because of how beautiful they are but because they are so incredibly different.  Using  wools,  knits and even suedes and silks as their core materials, these slings truly stand out.  Ring sling wearers I think will especially love their selection and name-brand moms will love their new designer fabrics (Vera Wang sling anyone?). What's best is that this is a small, independent, mom-owned business which I am always happy to encourage people to purchase from. 

The site also offers some of the most gorgeous jewelry I've seen in a long time so check it out: Bronwen Handcrafted.

What are some mom-owned shops you love?

 

 

Buggy Blanket: Brooks Pond improves their already awesome bunting

Where my family lives we have brutal Winters but we are always out and about (no going place to place in a car for us) so the Buggy Blanket from Brooks Pond is always the essential accessory for us.  I load an already bundled-up Catie in her stroller and then tuck her into her Buggy Blanket which is lined in Thinsulate to keep her nice and warm (even on really windy days).

For the 2007 Winter season, Brooks Pond has improved their already awesome Buggy Blanket, by contouring the seat portion to provide a snugger fit on strollers, including the Phil and Ted, BOB and Mountain Buggy lines.  (The Buggy Blanket is the only bunting available that accommodates the stroller harness of the BOB stroller).

Features I love: the Buggy Blanket is machine washable; during the warmer months I disattach the top part and use the bottom layer as a stroller liner; the newer version has a new zipper on the bottom that gives you the option of either closing it completely (so that it looks like a stroller boot) or keeping it open (if you have a kid like mine who likes to kick a lot and hates having her feet enclosed).

A great feature of the new and improved Perennial Buggy Blanket is that, in addition to the Thinsulate layer, there is also a layer of insulation that fits insider the blanket like a duvet that you can then remove. This way you can still use the Buggy Blanket on crisp-but-not-cold days.

My favorite (but not-so-necessary) part of the new Buggy Blanket is that it is offered in really awesome color combos.  We, naturally, chose the pink and green.

Though I haven’t tested it myself, it’s worth noting that Brooks Pond also redesigned their popular Carrier Cover so that it will fit Ergo and Mei Tai carriers.

For more information, including a list of retailers, check out the Brooks Pond website.

Baby K'tan: A different kind of baby carrier

When I heard about the Baby K'tan, I was intrigued. It wasn't a wrap, even though it looked like one. It wasn't a soft carrier, and it wasn't a pouch or ring sling either. Baby K'tan's website calls it, "a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier, providing the positions and benefits of both, with added security as compared to the traditional sling, and added comfort and as easy to use as compared to the traditional front carrier." I was so excited that there are 8 ways you can carry your baby!  It will take your baby from infant, up to 40 lbs (around 3+ years).

My two year old son Ben is almost 23 pounds now. I hadn't used a sling or pouch since he started walking last November. The other day, I asked him to try it and his eyes lit up.  I decided to try the hip carry, especially because I'm almost 7 months pregnant and have a toddler, albeit a light one.  The K'tan was so easy to use, and of course, the illustrated directions (for each type of carry) helped. You can even watch videos on their website to help.

It looks like two pouches in a cotton fabric with a circle of fabric holding it together. There is also a sash (Baby K'tan calls it the adjustable back support band - and it is not attached), made of the same material, that really gave support to the hip carry, I tried first. I love pouches, but if they aren't sized correctly, you are constantly shifting your child up on your body. With the sash tied onto me, while using the Baby K'tan, in the hip carry, it fit more securely and I didn't have to keep adjusting it or keep one hand on Ben. He loved being on my hip again.  We'll be trying the two hip carry next.

Designer/Owner Michel Chesal, a mother of 3, was so helpful and helped me to choose my size. The Baby K'tan was invented by her and her husband and another couple, the Wernicks. She recommended a smaller size and even in my almost 7 months pregnant state and carrying my two year old, it fit lovingly.

Sara Gilbert, seen here wearing the Baby K'tan in heather grey to carry 9 week old daughter Sawyer, is a fan and just called the company to order more.

The Baby K'tan (which retails between $58 and $62) is versatile, functional, and a great way to carry your babe in comfort. A cute little hat is included!! You can also personalize your Baby K'tan for $9.99. Click here to see the colors (8 available now, the pink hexagon will be available soon). I checked out the delicious Warm Cocoa color.

Exclusively for CBB Readers: Save 15% when you mention 'Celebrity Baby Blog' in the comments box at checkout at babyktan.com.  You won't see the discount applied at checkout, but they will take it off before your credit card is charged.

Skid Pants & Slings: Colorful Style from Dittany Baby

SkidPants are the creation of Shannon Krieger, a Virginia mom who founded Dittany Baby, and whom I spoke to about her unique baby accessory.  She invented these stretchy, colorful leggings for her son Elias when he had badly scraped knees covered with bandages due to vigorous crawling expeditions.  Shannon is a skilled seamstress and designer who created the SkidPants to hold his bandages in place, and they took off from there.  They come in the most gorgeous and creative patterns and solids in either a lightweight nylon/lycra blend, or heavier cotton/poly/spandex fabric, all made in Shannon's Virginia workshop ($10-12/pair).

I don't have a crawler at home, so I put these adorably patterned SkidPants out to three friends with 9 to 11 month olds.  (I didn't hear from them for a while because it was summer in the Northeast where not all of us have central a/c, and the moms hesitated to use them in sticky weather.)   But the reviews came back as the seasons changed:  the moms loved the stylish patterns, and the toddler siblings of the crawling babies seemed to enjoy these as fabulous accessories, wearing them as leggings or scarves for dress up, or even tied as headbands!  The mom testers all suggested that they add padding to the knees in future versions.  Celebrity babies who already have SkidPants include:  Kingston Rossdale, Violet Affleck, Ruby Sweetheart (Toby McGuire), Liam Aaron (Tori Spelling), Sam Alexis (Tiger Woods).

I'm a ring-sling lover, and tried out a pouch sling for the first time when Dittany Baby sent me the Heros Blue (blue camo/reverse to brown, $40).  I'm nuts about this color combination, and loved the matching drawstring pouch.  My baby was then 4 months old, and I was proudly still dropping the baby weight, but the Medium was a tight fit in a cradle hold.  Then the company sent me a Large.  Ouch--I'm a size 12 post-partum, but you know the problem some of us have with going up a size...Oh well, the company staff were extremely accommodating about the exchange and plan to look into their sizing.  The benefit of th