Family Travel: Bringing Your Newborn on Board

Often times people get the wrong idea when it comes to settling down and starting a family. Our previous lives before children never stop, they simply adapt to the new situation which is why we should still incorporate our favorite pastimes into this new chapter of life. A perfect example of this is travel. While some parents may be skeptical of trying out traveling with a baby, this can actually be a truly rewarding and fun experience for everyone involved. I know what you’re thinking: screaming babies on a plane, changing dirty diapers in a rental car, spending your vacation shopping for baby necessities that you forgot about. Don’t worry! Before you start jet setting, pull together a checklist of items to bring and be sure to include these useful “toys” that are sure to make your travel life easier.

OiOi Diaper Bag, $120

Maclaren Volo Stroller, $115

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier, $120

BabyBjörn Travel Crib, $211

Get the Scoop on Crib Bumper Pads

Recently, I wrote a “Crib Bedding 101” type article for a baby content site earlier in the week and felt the need to highlight an important point that I felt I just couldn’t stress enough to young parents. When we’re expecting, it’s highly recommended to hit the books and do our “homework” as much as we can before our child arrives into this world. Of course there’s never a book that has all of the parenting answers right at your fingertips for every situation we encounter while raising a baby but qualified and highly rated sources certainly help. The point I stressed which could have easily filled the requested article length and then some instead of a short paragraph was the issue on crib bumpers and whether parents should use them in their baby’s crib.

Many crib bedding sets sold today include bumper pads that are secured around the inner perimeter of a crib in order to prevent the baby from getting tangled within the crib rails or bumping their heads against the sides. While this seems like a safe solution, it is not. Whether you use soft and plush or firm and flat pads, the safety benefits are uncertain and can cause more harm than good for your child. Softer cushions may prevent your child from bumping their head but are also far too soft in case the baby were to roll into the side and press their face against the dense fabric, putting them at risk of SIDS or suffocation. Firm bumpers are also a dangerous option when babies roll to the side and risk getting their head caught in between or under each pad. In addition, a study performed by pediatric researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine reported that “27 children from 1 month to 2 years old died from suffocation or strangulation related to the bumper pads or their ties” during the years from 1985 to 2005. Dr. Bradley Thach, a staff physician of St. Lewis Children’s Hospital explained: “Many infants lack the motor development needed to free themselves when they become wedged between the bumper pad and another surface. They are likely to suffocate because they are rebreathing expired air or their nose and mouth are compressed.”

The consensus is that most pediatricians and pediatric researchers are opposed to crib bumpers but if you still feel the need to include one in your baby’s crib, a safer alternative lies within Breathable Baby, an innovative crib bedding site that focuses on using breathable materials to ensure a safer sleep for your child. The BreathableBaby® Bumper is a mesh, hypoallergenic safety bumper that provides air circulation which standard bumpers lack. The best part about this product is that it can fit most crib sizes and shapes including convertible and sleigh style cribs. The site’s Crib Fit Guide provides a detailed look at how their bumper model would fit properly with the crib that is being used in your baby’s nursery.

Lellow Organic Cotton Clothing

Babies have it made. They always pull off an adorable look 24/7 and they get to wear the cutest and most comfortable clothing! Since every baby’s specialty is looking cute while splitting their day between exploring and lounging, Lellow’s wonderful collection of cotton baby jumpers is just what your little one needs day in and day out. Each colorful baby onesie is stylish, comfortable, and perfect for both boys and girls. In case those aren’t enough, check out Lellow’s line of kimonos and rompers that are all made from organic cotton and offered in a variety of fabulous colors to suit your little one’s modern style.

Snuggling with Stuffed Animals

When asked what our favorite stuffed animal was during childhood, we’d all have something to bring to the table. For me, it was Snuggles, my plush brown bear that had a squishy face where you could tuck his entire face into his body. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you must think I’m a lunatic but I’m telling you it’s real!

Children love to cling onto something whether it is their favorite toy, soft blanket, “binkie”, or of course the classic stuffed animal. While I was surfing the web, I came across an adorable Etsy collection of children’s animal cushions that are fun, modern, and incredibly unique. It’s amazing how Etsy never ceases to impress me! The Letter M Design Etsy shop is filled with fantastic prints and patterns that would add instant style to your children’s nursery, playroom, rocking chair, or just about any other place your kids like to hang out. While reading the shop’s description, I thought it was adorable that the designer’s friend mentioned that these cushions would be perfect for the tooth fairy to visit! Take a look below and be sure to visit Letter M Design’s shop for a deeper look into this fabulous home accessory collection.

New Year, New Sales! Shop 25%-75% Off NurseryWorks

Isn’t the New Year always an exciting time? For me, it’s when I feel most motivated to accomplish my goals, get organized, and get my life back on track. Things may not always play out exactly how I want them to during the year, but at least I can enjoy that refreshed, “new start” feeling for a few weeks anyway. Speaking of starting new, what better way to give your nursery a modern makeover than by hitting the baby furniture sales that have been popping up across the internet? A great example is All Modern Baby’s Nurseryworks line where a limited supply of their high-quality products is now offered at 25% to 75% off! Browse through the adorable collection to find that one item you’ve been dying to get or go crazy and redo your baby’s entire nursery. The Nurseryworks collection is a modern, versatile set of nursery furniture and bedding that will complement any existing piece in your child’s room.

Customized Children’s Furniture

When I was little, fighting over the best spot on the couch was a daily occurrence between my older brother and me. It’s fairly common for siblings to battle it out for the comfiest seat in the house so why not bring a custom made, personalized piece of furniture into the picture? The Land of Nod has a fabulous collection of plush, oversized arm chairs that are perfect for your little ones when they want to read or watch their favorite TV show. Choose from over ten different patterns and colors to suit your kids’ playroom or nursery. Once you get your children’s names embroidered on the chair, there’ll be no fighting for furniture in the future!!