Review: Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance

EW Baby loves his Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance.  I have to admit, I had reservations when I put this on our baby registry, as it is definitely a pricey rocker. However, both EW dad and myself looked at many rockers and did not really like the mechanical ones, and weren't sure if we wanted a chair that looked like a lamb taking up space in our small condo. 

The chair has more than exceeded our expectations. Our baby started to really enjoy it when he was about 2 months old, or around 9/10 lbs.  Now at 3.5 months, he can spend 30 minutes sitting in it and entertaining himself (we have the wooden toy, and sometimes attach our tiny love travel mobile to give him some variety)!  It folds down easily, which is great for a small apartment, as well as for travel and visiting friends. We like how it looks - clean and simple. One of our friends was so impressed, he even commented that he wished the chair came in adult sizes for himself, because our baby looked so comfortable sitting in it! 

From the Baby Bjorn Website:

Develops motor skills and balance
The calm and natural rocking from the BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance refines the child’s motor skills and balance. The bouncer is recommended by pediatricians.

Fun for your child
The child’s own movements make the bouncer rock. No batteries are needed. Your child sets the pace. Fun and soothing at the same time.

Proper back and head support
The BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance has an ergonomic design with a molded seat that distributes baby’s weight evenly.

You can choose fabric!

This product comes in three fabric collections.

Review: Keekaroo Peanut Changer

The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is one of our favorite, and most practical, baby products that we have purchased for our son.  I first saw this unique diaper changing pad at baby boutique in Santa Monica.  I liked that it was modern looking, and could be easily wiped down and cleaned.  (Those of you with baby boys know what I'm talking about and why this = less laundry :).  

The Keekaroo Peanut Changer seems to be a fairly new product, as I bought it before many reviews were available. We have the aqua color, and it looks pretty similar the to the color shown in the photo. The first one that was shipped to us seemed to have some lumps in material, but once I contacted customer service, they quickly shipped us a replacement.  

Our son is nearly 3 months old, and is comfortable and happy when we're changing his diaper on the Keekaroo.  Even my mom (who has taken care of many diaper changes for her own children and now 3 grandchildren) noted that she felt this was a really good product. 

Review: Milkmaid Tea by Earth Mama

Immediately after giving birth to EW Baby, the nursing staff encouraged skin-on-skin and breastfeeding. I was lucky, and EW Baby had a great latch from the very first day! However, as a new mom, I was concerned whether he was getting anything out at all. The first couple days postpartum, the nurses would come in at every shift and ask "Has your milk come in yet?" They would take turns trying to hand express milk from my breast which was rather uncomfortable, but well-meaning. When nothing (not even colostrum) appeared to visibly come out, they would reassure me that babies are very effective feeders (better than pump or hand expressing), and that "he's probably getting something."

When my milk had not come in by the second day, I asked my mom to go down to the gift shop and purchase this Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Milk Tea for me. The ingredients are fenugreek, fennel seed, red raspberry leaf, stinging nettle leaf, milk thistle seed, orange peel, anise seed, caraway seed and alfafa leaf.  Shortly after I began drinking this tea -  whether due to the tea or nature or a combination - my milk came in!

I have since continued to drink this tea - usually 1-2 cups a day and have found that it does make a notable difference in my milk supply.  It did take a little getting used to as it has a strong herbaceous taste. I also smelled very strongly of maple syrup initially (this is a noted side effect). However, the bottom line is it works!  I've recommended this tea to my sister-in-law and she prefers it iced with some sugar.

Fashion: Flirty and Flattering Maternity/ Nursing Sleepwear

Every pregnant mama's belly is unique, and grows at a different rate. By the time I was 25 weeks pregnant, my bump had gotten so big (that people were asking me if I was expecting twins - I was not) and my normal pre-pregnancy nightgown could no longer be decently worn. My previously knee length gown barely skimmed the bottom of my panties, it was so stretched over my enlarging belly. While my loving and supportive husband didn't mind this look - we were planning to spend a weekend with friends in LA (where the peek of underwear would likely be less appreciated), so I began to look for something cute and decent to wear through the remainder of my pregnancy.

I'm so happy I discovered Belabumbum. They have a fabulous line of flirty and flattering maternity and nursing pajamas that kept me feeling attractive throughout my pregnancy. I ended buying a few chemise/robe combination sets because I figured they would also come handy postpartum (the ones that have been designed with easy nursing access and adjustable straps work great!)  I like my belabumbum nightgowns so much that I've recommended them to my friends and got them as a shower gift.  Here is one of my favorite styles:

The Dottie Nursing Chemise $59

Sale Tip:  sometimes these go on sale at Gilt.com or Zulily.com!