Sippy Info

Z and most of his friends are fast approaching the *sippy cup stage*. If you're not sure what kind of sippy to buy, READ THIS ARTICLE! No more 'good old' sippys (sippies?)...say hello to the sippy straws! Speech pathologists are saying this is the way to go in order to avoid lisps and other speech articulation problems later on! Many companies sell the straw sippies with no-spill valves...Safe Sippy, Nuby and many others.

Cuddle Up

If you're looking for a "lovey" for your little lovey, these cozies are the best! Z started using his when the drooling began at about 4 months. These were great because back then he didn't really know how to use his hands but this was one of the few things he *could* hold easily. He has an elephant, hippo and bear. They're small, soft, machine washable and great to throw in the crib with your little gem. You can also find them at lots of toystores (Tree Top Kids and Child's Play both have them).

Stay Safe

A few weeks ago a friend mentioned that sippy cups could possibly cause speech development problems in kids. Of course I freaked for a moment but wasn't real worried since Z can't even figure out how to use a sippy cup yet. However, I think The Safe Sippy is worth a try! It's BPA-free and the spout is straw-shaped which apparently is better for developing mouths. It's on the pricey-side for a sippy, but isn't your little gem worth it?

Go Green

A few months ago when there was the big *BPA bottle scare* our only options for BPA-free bottles were either glass, old-fashioned Gerbers and the not so cute BornFrees. Now there's another option...and it's so cute! Green To Grow makes both 5 oz and 10 oz (regular and wide-neck) bottles that have the most darling little smiley faces on them! Not only that, but the plastic piece on the bottle is either lime green or turquoise depending on the size of the bottle! These bottles really add a little *zing* to bottle feeding!

We haven't tried them yet, and since Z is almost 9 months old we probably won't, but if you try them...let us know! This appears to be a real gem!

Cheeky Baby

If you ask my husband, he'll tell you that I have a soft spot for all "sayings" corny. Well, I've found some pretty cute onesies that fit the bill. One Acorn has onesies and tees with sayings like, "See you later alligator," "Silly goose," and many more. They also sell matching yoga-like pants which are too cute for words. You've gotta love it!

That's a Wrap

Does your little gem like to be swaddled up like a baby burrito? Well, Little Z *loved* to be swaddled for naps, bedtime and even spells in the swing. As he grew, two things happened. 1) He started growing out of all of his swaddle (ie, square) blankies. 2) It was getting colder and we were dressing him in warmer PJs so I was worried he would get too hot if he was swaddled.

Never fear, Aden + Anais blankets are here! When I say this is a gem, I really mean it! These blankets are muslin, which has an open weave allowing air to flow through it. Translation: they are super light and just right for swaddling anytime of the year! Another bonus is that they're *huge*, 47" squares, which are great for swaddling all babies, especially larger ones. They also make wonderful all-purpose blankies...great for laying your baby on at a playgroup, for covering them in the stroller (as a shade from the sun) or to bundle them up when they're in their carseats. These are a must have for any expectant mommy! Oh, and they wash really well too...they just get softer and softer!

P.S. Fortunately, Z is no longer being swaddled! : )

P.P.S. Lots of celebs have been sighted with Aden + Anais blankies...I saw Liam Spelling in one on Dean and Tori: Inn Love (not that I watch that).

Decorate My Crib

I've already decorated Z's bedroom, but for those of you who still have yet to finish this daunting task, here's something you've got to love! Blik makes the most wonderfully funky wall decals that are totally removable. They truly make a room come alive! They come in lots of colors and designs...farms, dots, birds, zoo animals, counting sheep...it's dizzying! They'd also be great in a playroom.

Update!

Little Z is *loving* the "tunnel of fun" as you can see!  It's become part of his "circuit" of toys he likes to play with in his playroom...he loves it! He thinks it's especially funny when you play peek-a-boo with him! 

Clean Up Time

Okay, I think I just found the best bibs! I've been on a quest for the perfect bib because the plastic bibs we had for Z were cute and PVC-free, but the neck was too big and the plastic too stiff. The cloth bibs were a pain because I was constantly washing them.

Well, the other day a friend showed me her Bumkins Bib and I ran out to buy one. Boy do we love these! Bumkins Bibs are made of a soft, plastic-backed material with a strong velcro closure...will definitely fit babies of all sizes. They have lots of cute patterns and they clean *so* easily! Just rinse them off and hang them to dry. I bought some at Babies R' Us for $5.99 each. When I went to the Bumkins site they even have a mommy-size apron that's tres chic and a bib with sleeves...for babies who are super messy like Z.

Chow Time

Do you ever find yourself fishing through your diaper bag for your gem's wipes, babyfood and spoon? That seems to be the story of my life when we're out to lunch! I found this great little Lunch to Go organizer that fits nicely in your bag and such a convenient way to keep all the "feeding essentials" together. Would go great with your "Diapees & Wipees" diaper holder!

Super Sucker

If your little gem is hooked on "Soothies" pacifiers, then the Wubbanub is just he or she needs! I bought 2 of these for Z when he was about 2 months old in hopes that it wouldn't pop out of his mouth as easily as a sole paci. It didn't quite work as planned, but he loves it! He likes to hold the froggy and it's so easy for him to find in his crib!

Quick Change

For Z's first 6 months or so I was changing his diaper *all* the time (don't worry, I'm still changing his diaper frequently). Wherever we went I would always have my fave SkipHop changer (R) with me. BTW, this gem is a MUST HAVE for all new mommies!

Now that Z's older (an ancient 8 1/2 months), I'm often carrying him into places with just his diaper bag on my shoulder so I need something smaller to fit into my bag. Look no further...Diapees & Wipees (L) makes an adorable little envelope to slip in 2-3 diapers, wipes and some cream! They come in a variety of fun fabrics for chic mommies to choose from! Diapees & Wipees has a list of local and online retailers where you can purchase them. They're also sold at Nordstrom.

Teething Trouble?

Z has this adorable raspberry teether...it always makes me laugh when I see him gnawing on it! It's called Razbaby Razberry Teether (some of you may have seen him with it).

More Teething Trouble?

Another popular teether with the "au naturel" set is Sophie the Giraffe. She's handmade "en France" of natural rubber and non-toxic food-based paints. Friends say their babies love Sophie because she's fun to chew and easy to hold!

Fun for 1...or More!

I just bought Z this tunnel from Pacific Playtents and boy is it amazing! The kid loves crawling through it! If you go to Amazon, which is where I purchased it, only the "6' *See Me* Tunnel" in purple has free shipping, not the other colors. This is a great toy to own no matter how big or small your home is because it folds up to about 2" wide!

Cool Kicks

Have you ever seen a pair of shoes that you really wanted for your little gem, but they just weren't the right color? Well, now you can design your own kicks! Preschoolians are the cutest little shoes for your pre-crawler, crawler or toddler that you can actually design yourself in custom colors and styles...or you can pick from their large selection of boy's and girl's shoes. Preschoolians offer the best of both worlds...adorable shoes (and I mean *adorable*) that are actually AMAZING for your little one's feet! They have super soft soles with lots of flexibility...which are just what little feet need! Truly gem-worthy! I can't wait to get a pair for little Z...esp since he managed to climb an entire flight of stairs today (with me right behind, of course)!

Blast from the Past

When Z was born a friend gave us a Sesame Street CD box set called, Songs from the Street: 35 Years of Music. We have finally started listening to it and it's GREAT! It is so nostalgic and the songs are so much fun for little ones! It appears that it's no longer being sold, but I'm sure there are other Sesame Street CDs that are similar.

Too Cute!

Have you ever seen baby booties this cute? Now that Little Z is crawling and standing up (on everything), these clearly won't work. But if your little gem is in need of something to keep his or her toes warm or you're looking for a baby gift...check these out! They are indeed gem-worthy! They're made by Pretty Little.

J's Fave Baby Music

I actually found some baby music that won't make you crazy! It's an awesome CD that I love...I think "Little Z" likes it. Check it out...Catch the Moon by Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell. Another fave is You Are My Sunshine by Elizabeth Mitchell. It sounds very similar to Catch but has more great songs!

Little Z's Fave Book

If you're looking for a new book to read to your little gem, Babycakes by Karma Wilson is by far Z's favorite book. It has adorable illustrations and a sing-songy, repetitive text that he just adores. We read it at least 3xs a day!