Baby Archives - MomStart

Snug & Warm in The Skip-Hop Stroll & Go Three-Season Footmuff

December 9, 2015 by Jaime Leave a Comment

Cozy in the Skip-Hop Stroll & Go Three-Season Footmuff!

Winter is here, and we’ve been fortunate to still have many days of clear and sunny weather here in the PacNW. On these clear and sunny days, I’ve been making a point to get little J and I out of the house for walks as often as possible. I was recently provided with a sample of the Skip-Hop Stroll & Go Three-Season Footmuff, so was able to try it out on one of our recent walks.

Let me just say that little J looked so cozy and content that I was pining for an adult-size one of these! The footmuff features high-adjustability (which I always appreciate) with a fleece-lined collar and zip-open hood. There’s also an additional snap-on layer for extra-warmth for colder conditions. The whole thing is machine-washable, which is great because as I’ve said before, messes happen!

Non-slip backing, and openings in the back mean it’s super easy to attach to most strollers, making securing your little one a snap! (pun intended 🙂 ) A zippered pocket with toy ring is a great place to store a pacifier or your little one’s favorite toy. Skip Hop has done it again, designed something stylish, with attention to functional details that make parenting easier. Thanks, Skip Hop!

The Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller: Perfect For Parents on The Run!

September 28, 2015 by Beeb 5 Comments

Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller in Pioneer Courthouse Square

Sample provided.

My newest baby niece is due to be born this week, and we’re all excited! I knew her parents had a jogging stroller on their wishlist, so when we had the opportunity to give the Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller a test run (pun fully intended), I knew it was a solid choice. Chicco is one of those brands that comes up time and again whenever baby products are mentioned. When it comes to durability and quality, Chicco is a trusted name, so I was eager to see how their jogger would measure up.

Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller - front view

The model we received was the Radius, with stylish red and grey trim.

The Tre has a collapsible canopy – perfect for those drizzly Oregon days! – and is made from wipe-able, water repellent fabrics. It seemed clear right away that this was the ideal stroller for Portland parents, since you need something that can take on all manner of terrain and weather conditions. There’s even cupholders to put your Stumptown coffee!

Wheels are an important feature on this stroller, as it is a jogger. There is a 12″ Pneumatic tire on the front with 16″ wheels on the back plus FlexCore™ suspension, which allows you to adjust the ride based on the surface and what you’re doing – whether jogging or just strolling along. The front wheel locks to give added stability for when mom or dad are running, along with a swivel lock, parking brake and deceleration brake.

And of course, the Tre comes equipped with a five-point safety harness.

Once we had the stroller ready to roll, it was time to give it to its new owners! We were heading into Portland for a work project, so we met up with my sis-in-law Jaime and her husband so that we could bring her the stroller and give it a good test.

We met up in Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the proud parents-to-be were thrilled to see the Tre! They had been wanting a jogging stroller so they would have the flexibility to walk, run, and maneuver around PDX on foot, in and out of the car, and on the MAX. As we pushed the Tre around, we were all impressed by its ease of movement. From Pioneer Courthouse Square through the sidewalks and over a parking garage, the Tre was a breeze to push.

The Tre allows you to both adjust the recline and fold the stroller with one hand, making it easier to operate for parents who will inevitably have their hands full! The stroller folds three different ways – a self-standing fold to save space while parked in your garage or hallway, a flat fold to place in the trunk of your car, and a more compact fold for longer-term storage. Jaime was able to easily fit this in her car with no problems, which I thought was pretty impressive given how much space I thought a stroller would take up.

I can’t think of a better stroller for active, urban parents than the Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller! And since the stroller accommodates children from 6 months up to 50 pounds, I know the family will be using this for years to come.

The Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller is available on ChiccoShop.com for $379.99.

Dance The Day Away Thanks to Pampers Cruisers! #SagToSwag

September 17, 2015 by Beeb 9 Comments

This review was made possible by iConnect: Influencer Management and Pampers. I received product free of charge, but all opinions are 100% mine.

This week, I transformed Grammy’s house into a discotheque – for babies! That’s because I was hosting a Rockin’ and Rollin’ Dance Party play date for all the little ones in our circle of family and friends. I had a kit full of everything you need to get moving and grooving, from toy drums to tambourines and yes, even a disco ball!

Most parties aren’t made just for babies, so this was special. The tots were so excited to get their dance on!

We popped a copy of Action Songs For Preschoolers in the CD player and got the party started! I dare you to watch this video and not smile:

The party favors included samples of new and improved Pampers Cruisers in sizes 3 to 6 for everyone to take home. Pampers Cruisers were designed specifically for active babies, with the recent addition of three Extra Absorb Channels that distribute wetness evenly for up to 12 hours of protection, to help your little sweetie pies stay drier without the sag you typically get in a diaper. Nothing slows down your dance moves like a saggy diaper, so luckily Pampers Cruisers is here to help babies move freely with its stretchy sides and flexible design. The result? So much swagger, you’ll have the moves like Jagger! (You knew that joke was coming.)

We had a chance to put Pampers Cruisers to the test during the party when one of the guests needed a diaper change. She put on her fancy new Pampers Cruisers (Featuring Elmo – very stylish!), and immediately starting running around the room laughing. She was moving so fast that I had time getting a photo of her – how’s that for freedom of movement?!

And although the design of Pampers Cruisers has changed, they are still made from the same mild and safe materials that parents have come to trust. Pampers is dedicated to making life better for every baby, from the innovative improvements to their diaper designs to the fact that they donate millions of diapers through their #BetterForBaby program. Learn more about what Pampers is doing by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

The Boppy Pillow: Support for All Momkind

September 11, 2015 by Jaime 4 Comments

Sample provided.

I’ve known about the Boppy feeding pillow ever since my nephews (ages 8 and 4 years) were born, and what a big help having one was as my sister-in-law learned to nurse her oldest son. Having the additional (and comfortable) support made feedings so much easier. Studies have shown significant increases in breastfeeding success by people who use a c-shaped nursing pillow like the Boppy.

The idea is so simple, but Boppy has designed it so well. In case you’re not familiar with it, the Boppy Feeding Pillow is essentially a crescent-shaped bolster pillow (my husband says it looks like a giant neck pillow; you know, the kind you take on the airplane when traveling). The pillow is made to fit comfortably around the front of the waist, and provides ergonomic support, eliminating much of the arm and upper-back strain associated with frequent infant feeding.

But the Boppy doesn’t stop there. As your baby grows, you can also use the pillow as a prop for your baby during supervised “Tummy Time”, and additionally as a support once they’re learning to sit up by themselves, making the Boppy pillow a versatile and important addition to a nursery. It’s also just a super comfy pillow, so I can definitely see wanting to keep it around even after we’re done using it for those purposes I already mentioned 🙂

We received one of the delightfully designed Heirloom Boppy Pillows with the Fox & Owl printed fabric, which is perfect for us for so many reasons. We particularly love Foxes and Owls and have lots of references to each animal in several areas of our house, and definitely in the nursery space; the fabric fits right in with our decor (which, you know, isn’t the most important thing, but is nice nonetheless!) Boppy also makes many other adorable and stylish slipcovers that you can purchase separately.

Speaking of fabric, the adorable fabric I was just gushing about is a completely removable and machine-washable slipcover, and the pillow itself is also washable, because you know, messes happen. Taking care of it will be easy!

The tagline on Boppy’s website is “Support for All Momkind”, and I gotta say, the Boppy is fantastic for breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and makes feeding more comfortable for Dads and other caregivers too. It’s no wonder Boppy has won so many awards since its creation in 1989, anyone can use it and benefit. Thanks Boppy!

Deal alert: Through December 1st, 2015, purchase a specially-marked Heirloom, Luxe, Bare Naked or Slipcovered Boppy pillow and you will receive a coupon inside the package for a free $29.99 Shutterfly photo book plus $20.00 towards your next Tiny Prints order, to capture all those precious moments with baby!

Safety 1st With The Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat!

September 9, 2015 by Jaime 2 Comments

Sample provided.

As the heat of Summer fades and Fall rapidly approaches here in Portland, we’ve been busy getting everything ready for the arrival of our daughter in October.

As most people know, one of the most important pieces of gear to have is a rear-facing safety seat for your infant. In fact, I hear they won’t even let you leave the hospital (by car) unless they confirm you have a properly installed safety seat.

As the daughter of a safety engineer, I have always taken safety very seriously; so when Safety 1st, a brand with a reputation for the highest level of safety research in their product designs, reached out about their new “Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat“, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I was also intrigued by the convertible design. Could a car seat that can take my 7lb baby home from the hospital accommodate, and be safe for an up-to-100lb child? Can this really be my first and last car seat? That is the claim of this car seat, and it does indeed appear to have the durability and flexibility to do just that.

The Grow and Go 3-in-1 can be used rear-facing, forward-facing or as a booster. With safety features like side impact protection, a no rethread harness, buckle holders, and conveniences like two cup holders and an easily removable seat cover, it seems like they’ve thought of everything. We’re looking forward to using it for years to come!

To help you stay safe as you travel through the summer and beyond, Safety 1st is sharing these tips for parents:

Car seat installation: 75% of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Visit a local fire station, police station, AAA office, or Safe Kids Chapter for help ensuring that yours is installed correctly.

Safeguard your car: Make sure unused shoulder belts are not in reach of children.

Car seats expire: Did you know that car seats actually expire? Make sure to check the date printed on the back or side of the seat. If you need to dispose of a car seat that has expired, check with your local waste management facility to see if can be recycled.

Hyperthermia prevention: Check out this important video from Safety 1st sharing tips on preventing hyperthermia.

Keep Your Little One Cozy With Stonz Booties

August 12, 2015 by Jaime Leave a Comment

Sample provided.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s wet a lot (although Hawaii and Alabama both get more measurable rain, for the record) and as you may have gathered from one of my previous posts, I’m often on the hunt for rain and cold weather gear. Well, now that we’re expecting our little one this October, I’ve expanded my search to include rain/cold weather gear for children too!

I received a pair of Stonz Booties (Grey, in size Medium) a couple of weeks ago, and I think they are going to be fantastic and so versatile for our daughter. The booties are lined with fleece and have a coated nylon exterior, with rubberized soles. One of the features that makes these really great is the high adjustability of the booties; two toggles, one at the ankle, and one at the calf, are easy to put on (and keep on) and allow the booties to grow with your child. They are incredibly lightweight, which is important when considering the stability of little ones; they can fit right over socks, and even some shoes!

Our daughter will probably be too little to wear them this Fall/Winter season, but we will most definitely get good use out of them for the next few years, at least. One set of grandparents, who live in central Oregon (a.k.a. snow country) can’t wait to take her on winter hikes, and these will be an awesome way for her feet to stay warm and protected!

The Levana Ayden Baby Video Monitor: A Perfect Addition to Our Nursery

June 28, 2015 by Jaime 1 Comment

Sample provided.

Last weekend we finally got around to setting up the nursery. Our daughter isn’t due to be born for another 3 months, but still- It’s really nice to be done with that, so we can relax a bit before life with a newborn takes things up a notch. When I received the Levana Ayden Baby Video Monitor, I was really impressed by the clean and modern design of it..but really, how easy would it be to use?

I wouldn’t call myself a complete greenhorn when it comes to technology, but I’m definitely no Audio-Video master like my husband. My last experiences with using baby monitors would have been in the late 1990’s, when as a teenager, I was doing quite a bit of babysitting in our neighborhood. All I remember from those days is static, static, and more static. But seriously, it was such a pain trying to find the exact right positions for both the “transmitter” and “receiver” that it almost made using the thing pointless. Even the ones that did have video screens were unreliable at best, and something out of a scary movie, at worst. I digress.

I was not only pleasantly surprised by the aesthetic of the Ayden, but also by how easy it is to use, and the clear quality of the sound and video, even when I went all the way down to the basement (our house is 3 stories, and the baby’s room is on the top floor). NO static or feedback, whatsoever!

This is me in my home office. Since our daughter isn’t born yet, I wanted to see how clear the picture would be so I turned the camera on myself!

The camera portion has a wide range of motion, and an ample base, making it really stable, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over and losing the view of your baby. It also has keyholes on the bottom, so you could even mount it on the wall if you wanted to.

The screen piece has a nice large display, but the overall size is still small enough to be convenient for carrying around, and doesn’t take up too much real estate on my (somewhat crowded) nightstand. Because we live in an old 1920’s house, and temperatures throughout the house can vary significantly, I LOVE that the Ayden has a built-in temperature sensor. I can imagine that the two-way intercom feature will be really helpful when we want to soothe our daughter back to sleep, or reassure her that one of us is on our way.

This is a fantastic addition to our nursery, and we are very pleased with how easy it was to set up and start using!

Final Days to Win Chicco Products & Save @ChiccoBaby #ChiccoBaby

May 24, 2015 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Thank you Chicco Shop for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Chicco Shop, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

We are coming into the final week of saving on Chicco products. It is the final week to get a FREE Chicco NaturalFit® Gift Set when you spend $150 on Chicco products at any retailer through 5/31/15! ($24.99 value). Be sure to visit ChiccoShop.com and get free shipping on select gear including the new Bravo Trio System equipped with the #1 rated KeyFit® 30 Infant Car Seat and their newly designed Bravo stroller that makes traveling light and easy.

About the Bravo Trio System:

Born to perform! Bravo^™ is a revolutionary 3-in-1 Travel System Solution that adapts to your changing needs as baby grows.

KeyFit® Carrier: In its first mode for use with infants, Bravo^™ functions as a lightweight car seat carrier. It’s easy to remove the stroller seat and canopy, attach the adapter, and click in the KeyFit^®.

Travel System: During the transition time when baby rides in the KeyFit^® but also likes to sit up in the Bravo^™, the KeyFit^® easily clicks in and out of the stroller seat, using the adapter.

Toddler Stroller: When baby outgrows the KeyFit^®, Bravo^™ functions as a full-featured stroller for everyday travel up to 50 lbs.

Bravo also features the smartest quick fold in its class! Simply lift up using the handle under the seat, and the front wheels swivel into position for a compact, free-standing fold.

You can also shop at ChiccoShop.com to discovery everything Chicco. From Children’s Clothing and Shoes to Toy and of course, their entire selection of Car Seats, Playards, Highchairs and more. They have so many amazing products. The NaturalFit® Mail-In Rebate also includes purchases made at their favorite stores both online and in store. You can also shop for NaturalFit at Target, Babies R’ Us, and Buy Buy Baby. The Chicco NaturalFit Giveaway – Ends 5/31/15

MORE ON NaturalFit:

· The Chicco NaturalFit® Feeding & Soothing system is another perfect fit from the experts who brought you the #1-rated KeyFit® and NextFit® car seats

· The Chicco NaturalFit® Stages Gift Set includes all 3 stages in the feeding system, plus a bottle/nipple brush

Why Choose the NatrualFit?

· NaturalFit® Bottles are designed with three distinct nipple shapes

· NaturalFit ® unique angled nipples promote proper neck positioning

· NaturalFit® Feeding Solutions are designed to adapt to the developing feeding skills of babies as they grow

Follow Along Socially:

@ChiccoBaby

Chicco on Facebook

Baby Corner: 3 Great Pacifiers For New Parents

May 5, 2015 by Beeb Leave a Comment

I’ve always loved creating gift baskets for special events like wedding or baby showers. It’s a lot of fun to shop for different goodies and figure out how to present the package! With so many people in my family welcoming babies this year, I’ve been thinking a lot about what to put in their shower gifts. I love finding small, practical items that I can tuck inside a gift basket, so one of the things I’ve been gifting include pacifiers. Philips AVENT is a brand that I trust, and they have so many cute pacifiers that my family have been loving. Here are three of my top picks to consider:

0 to 3 Months

The Philips AVENT Soothie is such a great starter pacifier for new parents that 2,000 hospitals in the United States distribute it to newborns. At $4.49, it’s a quick and easy gift basket filler that expecting parents will appreciate since you can never have too many of these around!

0 to 6 Months

The ’80s child in me loves that these orthodontic Philips AVENT Night Time Pacifiers (Retail: $5.99) have a glow-in-the-dark handle!

6 to 18 Months

For babies from 6 to 18 months, the Philips AVENT Freeflow Pacifier is a great option. As the name suggests, these pacifiers allow extra airflow, as well as being orthodontic pacifiers including a symmetrical nipple.

These Freeflow Pacifiers come in a convenient package of two and retail for $5.99.

What is your favorite thing to include in a gift basket for new parents?

Philips AVENT Feeding Solutions: From Birth to Toddler

March 24, 2015 by Beeb 1 Comment

Samples provided. This post contains our Amazon Associates link.

Philips AVENT have been a trusted name in baby products for almost as long as I’ve been alive. Moms know that they can count on Philips AVENT for great products – and the best part is that they have products for every stage of your little one’s growth. A lot changes in a year with a baby so, fortunately, there are a variety of feeding solutions for each stage of development:

Nursing

Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Bags are built to be sturdy, with a self-standing bottom to make usage easier for nursing moms.

1 Month & Up:

After having her baby, my niece was trying different bottles to see which ones would work the best. I knew the perfect gift for her would be two sets of quality Philips AVENT bottles:

Philips AVENT Classic Bottles (Bird Design)

As the name implies, Philips AVENT Classic Bottles will never be out of style!

Coming in an adorable pink design featuring a bird motif which you can pick up on Amazon, these Classic bottles tout their ability to reduce colic – click here to read the clinical study using Philips AVENT anti-vacuum bottles like these.

Philips AVENT Natural Bottles (Flower Design)

One of Philips AVENT’s newest bottles is the Natural Bottle, designed with a more natural latch on in mind for moms who are breastfeeding.

This pink floral design can be found at Babies “R” Us!

6 Months & Up

As your baby gets a bit bigger, you can transition from the bottle to a cup using Philips AVENT Spout Cups. It’s built to be easy to drink out of and also spill-proof!

12 Months & Up

For older babies in the family – like my cousin – the Philips AVENT Natural Drinking Cup is ideal for making the move to a “Big boy/girl” cup!

The Natural Drinking Cup includes a lip activated valve to get kids used to drinking from an adult-style cup, with a protective hygiene lid and trainer handles.

Get more tips and innovations from Philips AVENT by following them on Twitter and Facebook.