iPod Classic 80GB

Maisie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:35:13 +0000

Product Overview
This sleek version of the Apple’s most popular music player lets you enjoy TV shows, movies, video podcasts, and more. With Cover Flow, you can flip through your music to find the album you want to hear and flip it over to see the track list. This 80 gigabyte version can hold up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 100 hours of video. The iPod Classic features a 2.5-inch LCD screen, which is 320 x 240 pixels. The rechargeable battery plays up to 30 hours of music, or 5 hours of video on a single charge. The iPod Classic is available in black or silver.

Why I like It
My husband purchased this iPod for my birthday right before I gave birth to my daughter. I took the iPod with me everywhere! I loaded it up with episodes of Friends and all my favorite movies. It was perfect for killing time at the doctor’s office. I watched movies on it at the hospital while I was being induced since the TV in my room was really fuzzy. I created a “Relaxing” playlist and filled it with free podcasts of relaxing music tracks and listened to that while I was in labor.

Now I use it while I’m breastfeeding. It helps pass the time and gives me a little more patience to let my daughter feed as long as she wants.

Compared to the other iPods, I feel like the Classic 80GB is the best deal. The screen is better for watching movies on than the Nano, and the storage capacity is better than the Touch. There is a Classic with 160GB of storage, but I never have that much music or video on my iPod. I can always remove old items from my iPod and refresh it with new music and videos if needed.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($237.49 + shipping)
Apple ($249.00 + shipping)
New Egg ($244.00 + free shipping)
Walmart ($247.88 + free site-to-store shipping)
Overstock ($219.99 + $1 shipping) Best Price

Standard Body Pillow

Maisie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:15:03 +0000

Product Overview
Standard body pillows are similar to a regular pillow only it is longer which provides full body support. Body pillows come in a variety of different fills from memory foam, down to synthetic fibers. Pillow cases are available for standard body pillows which allow you to match your bedding.

Why I like It
The standard body pillow is a simpler version of the pregnancy body pillows. The pregnancy body pillows usually wrap around your back and between your legs, however I found that using a standard body pillow with two regular pillows worked just as well. I placed one standard pillow behind my back, hugged the body pillow resting my belly on top of it for extra support and use the last pillow under my head.

After pregnancy I am still able to use my body pillow to sleep at night. My husband will even try to steal it from me in the middle of the night because it’s so comfortable to sleep with!

Where to Buy
Amazon ($29.99 and up + shipping)
JcPenney ($24.99 and up + shipping)
Overstock ($24.00 and up + $1 shipping)
Sears ($9.98 and up + shipping) Best Price

Secret Fit Jeans by Motherhood

Maisie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:36:55 +0000

Product Overview
Motherhood Maternity developed a revolutionary patent pending belly fit which uses seamless technology for the most perfect fit ever. Available on jeans, pants, and skirts the Secret Fit provides smooth comfort all day long. Jeans are made with cotton and spandex giving it the extra stretch you need for your pregnancy.

Why I Like It
It is important for me to have clothes that I am comfortable in and that I look good in. That is sometimes hard to achieve during pregnancy since you are just getting bigger by the day. My favorite jeans during my pregnancy was the Secret Fit Jeans by Motherhood. Before my belly got too big, I was able to roll the belly panel down. Then during my third trimester I pulled the belly panel up for extra support and coverage. The jeans have a little stretch in them as well, which was helpful when I felt like I was growing out of all my other maternity clothes.

You have to love your maternity clothes, because you will be in them even after your pregnancy is over since you’ll be losing your pregnancy weight. The Secret Fit Jeans will still look good on you after you give birth and there is no noticeable waist line that will show around your belly.

Where to Buy
Motherhood Maternity (prices vary depending on style)

Sleepy Wrap

Maisie — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:39:43 +0000

Product Overview
The Sleepy Wrap baby carrier securely holds your baby close to you. This wrap is specially designed for your baby’s first year of life. However, you may continue to use the wrap as your baby gets older as long as you feel comfortable. There are no metal parts to the wrap. No need to worry about sizing because it is made to fit all body shapes and sizes. There are as many as eight carrying positions with this wrap and it is also suitable for carrying twins.

Why I Like It
I think I’ve tried almost every wrap on the market and I’ve found that it’s really hard to find a good one. The Some wraps are made out of 100% cotton and tends to sag out as you wear your baby which leads to constant adjusting. Another wrap sold by Babies R Us online has metal rings which makes it hard to go through airport security without taking your baby out.

I love the Sleepy Wrap because of the fabric it is made out of. It’s made of French Terry (95% cotton, 5% spandex). It’s sturdy and stretchy but does not stretch out, so it comfortable conforms to you and your baby and holds its shape.

I also love the wrap because it is competitively priced at only $33.95 (+shipping). Other wraps start at $40 and up.

Where to Buy
Sleep Wrap ($33.95 + shipping)

Baby Trend Snap-n-Go Stroller

Maisie — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:07:12 +0000

Product Overview
The Baby Trend Snap-n-Go Stroller is an easy and convenient alternative to conventional strollers or carriages. The Snap-n-Go stroller allows parents to transport their child from a car seat to a stroller without disturbing the child. This stroller accommodates most brands of infant car seats. It folds compact for storage or travel and features an extra large storage basket, two cupholders and tray for storage. There is a seat belt for extra security over the infant car seat as well as rear wheel breaks.

Why I Like It
We have all seen those parents with the massive strollers in malls and stores trying to maneuver their way through the crowds and racks of clothes. I did not want to be one of those moms who is in everyone’s way, so when shopping for a stroller, I looked for a compact version that would be easy to use.

I first saw this stroller in the parking lot of my local mall and saw some new parents easily take their sleeping baby from the car onto the stroller without waking him. My thought was “Brilliant! That’s what I need.” When looking for the stroller I saw the Graco SnugRider Infant Carseat frame. I liked the BabyTrend version better though because of the two cupholders and extra storage tray that the stroller featured.

The Snap-n-Go Stroller is the only stroller I have used so far. I did purchase a jogging stroller as well thinking I’d use that whenever I go on walks, but I find that the Snap-n-Go Stroller is fine for walks and is much easier to get my daughter from the car to a stroller.

I love how compact the stroller is and I can easily maneuver through tight spaces when shopping. This stroller is a must have purchase for every parent-to-be.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($66.95 + shipping)
Babies R Us ($59.99 + shipping)
Baby Center ($49.95 + free shipping)
Target ($49.99 + shipping)
Walmart ($49.89 + free site-to-store shipping) Best Price

Happiest Baby On The Block (DVD)

Maisie — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:50:08 +0000

Product Overview
Dr. Harvey Karp educates new parents on the principle of the “fourth trimester” and teaches them how to switch on their baby’s natural calming reflex with a few simple steps. The running time for this DVD is 38 minutes. The DVD also contains 3 bonus chapter one of which are tracks of calming white-noise sound that babies love.

Why I Like It
As a new mom, I had no idea what to expect once I was home with my newborn baby. The first couple weeks were filled with many sleepless nights, and sleepless days caused by a very upset baby. I was sleep deprived, frustrated to tears and completely doubting my abilities as a mother.

My sister told me first about the Dunstan Baby Language, which was suppose to help new parents decrypt their newborn’s cries and meet their needs a little better. I rushed right out and purchased the DVD and was disappointed at the information I received. I could have easily read something in 5 minutes that covered what this DVD talked about. I expected more from this DVD for the price I paid. What I did learn from that DVD still did not get my baby to stop crying and start sleeping.

The next DVD I tried was the Happiest Baby on the Block. l first started reading the book, then realized I was never going to be able to finish it with a crying baby around, so I purchased the DVD and watched it while I held my crying baby. The DVD helped me see and mimic the techniques that Dr. Karp talks about to turn on the baby’s calming reflex. The first time I tried the techniques they worked, and my confidence as a mother grew.

I truly believe that Dr. Karp is right on with his theory about the “fourth trimester” and his techniques really help your baby adjust to his new world.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($17.99 + shipping)
Barnes & Noble ($20.79 + shipping)
Baby Center ($25.95 + shipping)
Half.com ($15.13 + shipping) Best Price

Boppy® Pillow

Maisie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:00:41 +0000

Product Overview
The Boppy® pillow is a must-have item for every mommy-to-be. The pillow features a new Miracle Middle® stretch panel to fit every waist size, so that every mom and dad can feed their baby in an ergonomically correct position. It provides support for arms and necks and is a great product for babies to lay, play and learn to sit. There are a variety of slipcovers, ranging from everyday material to designer fabrics.

Why I Like It
This should be the first product you purchase! It is so easy to use and provides great support while breastfeeding or bottle feeding. I can rest my arms on the pillow and my baby has a comfy, cozy place to feed. I use this pillow along with a firm standard pillow behind my back which allows for correct posture when feeding. This makes meal-times much more comfortable for both my baby and I.

I also use the Boppy for tummy time. I just place my baby on her tummy, with the pillow under her armpits and she’s able to reach the toys in front of her and hold her head up high.

Be sure to purchase two slipcovers, one to use and one to wash.

Where to Buy (without slip cover)
Amazon ($24.99 + shipping)
Babies R Us ($24.99 + shipping)
Baby Center ($24.95 + shipping) Best Price
Target ($24.99 + shipping)

WubbaNub Pacifier

Maisie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:43:42 +0000

Product Overview
The WubbaNub Pacifier is a one piece silicone pacifier connected to a plush toy. The toy helps to keep the pacifier close to your baby without clips or cords, and provides soothing comfort and security. The pacifier is available in bright fun colors and animals including a frog, horse, penguin, dog and kitten.

Why I Like It
The Soothie pacifier was one of two different pacifiers that my daughter would actually take. Unfortunately, the pacifier would constantly fall out of her mouth so I would have to hold it for her. After a week of doing that, I had to find a different way to keep the pacifier in her mouth.

When I received the WubbaNub I immediately put it to use and it was perfect! I could strap it into her car seat with her and the pacifier would stay nice and close to her so she could take it if she wanted it. It was also great in her crib with her. She would hold onto the toy which also helped to keep the pacifier close to her.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($9.95 + shipping)
Ebay ($9.89 + shipping)
Mom 4 Life ($10.00 + free shipping) Best Price

Bumbo Seat

Maisie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:23:51 +0000

Product Overview
This revolutionary infant chair is a snug and cozy seat, designed to fit a baby’s posture. As soon as babies have head control, the Bumbo Seat allows them to sit upright on their own. The seat helps babies develop the trunk control they need to sit up on their own. It is lightweight and easily portable because it is made from a low-density foam material. The outer skin of the seat is a material that is durable, easy to clean and is available in five colors.

Why I Like It
My daughter hated being on her back. The Bumbo Seat allowed her to sit upright and look around while I could go about my business around the house. I purchased this seat when she was 2 months old and had some head control. I was a slightly worried that she was too little to get much use out of it, but amazingly enough it actually helped her hold her head up higher. Each day I could tell that her head control was improving because of the seat. Eventually she started to put her hands on the middle of the seat and would help herself sit up straighter.

The seat is small enough and light enough to transport to the beach or play dates. I also purchased the play tray with the seat which allowed me to place toys in front of my daughter which would keep her entertained for awhile.

There was a recall on this product in 2007 because parents were using the seat on elevated surfaces and their babies would squirm out of the seat and fall. Therefore, do not use this seat on elevated surfaces to avoid injury.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($37.89 + shipping)
Babies R Us ($39.99 + shipping)
Baby-Wise ($39.95 + shipping)
Baby Universe ($39.95 + shipping)
Target ($39.99 + shipping)
Walmart ($37.86 + free site-to-store shipping) Best Price

Sassy Hello Baby Phone Rattle

Maisie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:49:06 +0000

Product Overview
This rattle features chewy textures, soft rattling noises, clear bright high-contrast colors and nubby textures which engage and stimulate your baby’s senses. This lightweight rattle is perfect for a newborn just learning how to grasp. Recommended for ages birth+.

Why I Like It
Small hands need small toys. This phone rattle is the perfect size for a newborn. It’s high contrast colors stimulates sight, and the textures stimulate touch. The handle fits perfectly in a newborn’s hand. My daughter loves this rattle. I could tell that she was able to see the high-contrast colors and it also encouraged her to reach out to grasp. For the first few months, this was the only toy she played with.

Where to Buy
Amazon ($3.49 + shipping)
Babies R Us ($2.99 + shipping)
Baby-Wise ($2.95 + shipping) Best Price