Real Moms Real Views

Got Mombo? {Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Mombo Review}

19 days until baby makes his grand entrance!  Can you believe it?  I can hardly stand it!

One thing I am a little nervous for though is feeding baby.  I am planning on breastfeeding…and let’s hope it works out for at least a little bit because as I have quickly learned babies are expensive and that includes their formula!  Not only that but I want the bonding that comes from breastfeeding.

One thing I have noticed though, breastfeeding or bottle feeding, babies are heavy!  Especially when they fall asleep and become dead weight.  Holding a baby for 20-30 minutes while you feed them, over and over, must make your arm tired right?  I mean, I feel like I haven’t done any heavy lifting in a long time.  I am going to need some help!

That is where Mombo fits in!

Mombo, by Bright Starts is part of the Comfort and Harmony line.  Designed for mother and baby, Mombo is a nursing pillow unlike any others.  The shape is just perfect for positioning baby for easy feeding and the pillow is wide for plenty of cradling space.  It also features a two-sided design called Firm2Soft.  The firm side giving support for feeding and the soft siding is comfy for lounging and tummy time!  Either side, the pillow has really soft fabrics that make you just want to cuddle up even more.

  

Another thing that makes Mombo unlike any other breastfeeding pillow it that it offers a soothing vibration feature.  It is a little device that you can put in the pillow while baby is lounging to help them calm down or just enjoy lounging around a bit more.  Moms love getting in a massage chair, why wouldn’t baby?

Recently I had two friends have babies.  I was in charge of getting them presents from our company’s owners.  When I asked both what they wanted but hadn’t gotten yet, they both said breastfeeding pillows (only one was breastfeeding).  I quickly ran to Babies R Us and bought them both Mombos!  These make great gifts for moms and dads.  You can even buy the nude pillow and a slipcover.  That makes cleaning a breeze.  Plus, when the next baby rolls around of a different gender, just get a different slipcover!

Mombo is Real Moms recommended!!

If you love Mombo too, tell them!  Tweet them using #gotmombo or post on their Facebook page and be automatically entered to win a $500 Babies R’ Us gift card!!

Keepin’ It Clean {Lollibar Review & Giveaway}

One thing that is in my baby-supply-buying near future is a stroller and car seat.  Can you believe I am 36 1/2 weeks and don’t have those yet?  OOPS!  I have shopped though and know just what I want.

One thing I have recently learned though is how important it is to have washable things.  I guess I always knew how messy babies and kids are I just never thought about needing a stroller and car seat that are easily cleaned.  (I know!  I know!  You guys are all saying, “Wow!  This chick is in for a big surprise.”  I am sure I am!  ha ha)

Did you know babies like to chew on the bar of a stroller?  Did you know kids have germy hands and like to touch the bar of the stroller?  That is why it is important to be able to and keep your stroller clean…protect your precious ones!

Lollibar is a removable and washable cover for your baby’s handlebar on their stroller.  This makes keeping your kids safe from the nasties, easier!  At each end there is a cute little ruffle and a loop.  You can attach toys and/or accessories to keep them from falling on the gross ground. 

Not only do you keep baby safe from the nasties, you can add some pizzazz to your stroller.  Lollibar has some really cute patterns!!

I received the Miles of Tiles Lollibar.  It is going to look super cute on that perfect stroller that I have picked out and plan on getting before this baby comes.  I can hardly wait to give baby a safe place to chew on and touch.  I will just slip it off and clean it regularly and my baby will be cruising in style and safety.

Today, one lucky reader will have the chance to win…

a Lollibar in their choice of pattern! ($28 value)

Want to win?  Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:
Go to Lollibar and tell us what pattern you would like if you won.

Once the mandatory entry is completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

3 entries-Follow RMRV on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook.

2 entries- “Like” Lollibar on Facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries: Follow RMRV Google+.

2 entries – Follow RMRV on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url.

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

10 entries- Purchase a Lollibar

Lollibar is Real Moms recommended!!

You have until May 31st @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. Open to USA only.

The Sweet Sound of Silence {Sleeping Baby Happy Parents Review}

As baby’s birth day is getting closer and closer I look more and more forward to a good nights sleep.  One of comfort and peace.  However,  that isn’t going to come in the first little bit I am sure.  It is like a catch 22…get this baby out of me so I can sleep comfortably? or keep this baby in me so I can at least sleep?  ha ha

One day when baby is just a little older and can sleep throughout the night there may still  be some hard time when just won’t settle down and go to sleep.  Perhaps he just won’t settle down to take a nap.  Rather than passing on the sleep and having a ornery, tired baby I have a little solution for you…

Sleeping Baby Happy Parents! Sleeping Baby Happy Parents, was created by a couple who had triplets.  They were having a hard time getting their children to calm down and fall asleep, both at night and for naptime.  They searched everywhere for a product that would help the kids sleep and bring them some peace and quiet.  One stormy night the babies slept like tiny little angels.  WHALA!  Magic!

While doing research for this project, we were much surprised to learn that for centuries, caregivers have utilized the power of nature as a way to lull infants to sleep. The calming sounds of rainstorms, ocean waves and rivers were harnessed by ancient peoples in order to calm and soothe babies.

Simply press play and watch baby fall right to sleep.  Hey!  It worked on my hubby too!  He got a great Sunday nap while listening to the sounds of the rain.  (Right now it makes me have to go to the bathroom….darn pregnancy bladder LOL!)

Here’s what others are saying about it:

“Thank you for restoring my sanity and giving my house some peace and quiet.”

“My husband is a doctor, so he’s always on call. When he’s home, he really needs to catch up on his sleep. You could imagine his frustration when our daughter kept him up all night with her colicky cries. But now that the CD soothes her to sleep, my husband can also catch up on his zzz’s.”

“My newborn twin boys are quite the handful. When one cries, he sets off the other. We needed something that would calm and relax both of them so that they could be lulled to sleep. This CD finally did the trick. The sound of the rainfall has an incredible effect on them and they instantly fall to sleep. I’m so glad something finally worked!”

Sleeping Baby Happy Parents is Real Mom approved!

The Power of Touch {Laura Lacey Baby Massage DVD Review & Giveaway}

3 1/2 weeks until my little man will make his grand appearance!  I am getting soooo antsy!  It is going to be so fun to see what he looks like, hold him in my arms, and be a mommy for real!

I am nervous though.  What if my baby has colic or is really gassy?  This could really cause for some very patient moments.  Not only that but no mommy wants to see their little tiny baby not feeling it’s best.  What will I do?  How can I make life easier for baby?

Laura Lacey, a licensed and nationally certified massage therapist, knows just what to do to help soothe baby.  She uses the magic of touch!

Baby Massage — The Gift of Love is a DVD that teaches you how to show love using the power of touch.  It also teaches you how to help soothe common baby problems, such as colic, gas and teething, using the power of touch!

The DVD is broken down by chapters so you can learn about the basics and then concentrate on a certain area or comforting the baby for a specific cause.  After watching the DVD I felt confident that when my little man comes I will be able to give some some good lovin’ and make him feel relaxed and happy.

Get an idea of what Baby Massage — The Gift of Love is by watching a short video on Laura’s website.

The DVD is recommended for babies 1-9 months but I am sure these techniques can be used into their toddler stages too.  Maybe dad can learn these techniques and “practice” on mom! :)

Today, one lucky reader will win a copy of “Baby Massage — The Gift of Love” DVD!

Want to win?  Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:
Watch the preview of “Baby Massage — The Gift of Love” and tell me one thing you learned.

Once the mandatory entry is completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

3 entries-Follow RMRV on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook.

2 entries- “Like” Laura Lacey on Facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries: Follow RMRV Google+.

2 entries – Follow RMRV on Twitter.

2 entries- Follow Laura Lacey on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url.

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

10 entries- Purchase Baby Massage — The Gift of Love

Baby Massage — The Gift of Love is Real Moms recommended!!

You have until May 29th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. Open to USA only.

 

 

Open The Hanger For The Airplane! {Oogaa Review}

When planning for a baby often times you and your baby shower attendees think about what you are going to need right away.  It isn’t very often that you or others think about a few months down the road.  Luckily for me I have three sisters and a mother who give me plenty of advice for later down the road.  I mean I already have a winter coat for my baby yet I haven’t bought one package of diapers.  ha ha OOPS!

One part of the baby’s life that, I am sure, comes faster than imagined is when baby starts to eat cereal and other baby foods.  Did you know that you can start introducing solids when the baby is 4 months old?  That is quick!  See, these are things I haven’t learned yet.  I have only gotten to the week 35 chapter of my baby books. :)

Oogaa, “creates safe sustainable fun products for children.”  They “feature bright, bold and engaging designs that entertain little ones as they make life easier for adults.”  Mothers, have you had to fight and sometime shove the food into your baby’s mouth?  These products will help make meal time easier for mom and dad and more fun for kids.

Made from silicone, Oogaa bowls and spoons are VERY child friendly.  Not only are the plane and train spoons fun and help distract children but the fact that they are made from silicone make them safe too. Silicone will not corrode or deteriorate like plastic products, does not support the growth of fungus, mold or bacteria, won’t carry odors and tastes, and it is heat resistant.”  I also like that silicone doesn’t hurt baby’s gums if they are accidentally poked.  Silicone is a glorious material isn’t it!?

Besides being made from a rockin’ material and in super fun colors, when you baby throws their bowl and spoon on the floor, they won’t crack, break or chip, and they won’t make a loud noise.  This makes for a happy mom…or a happier mom….she will have to clean up wheat baby just threw, after all.

I think it will be so fun to use these products with our baby boy.  I can just here it now “Here come the train. CHOO! CHOO!”  Maybe my hubby will have so much fun with these too that he will want to take over mealtime.  WHAT!?  A wife can dream can’t she? :)

Oogaa product’s can be bought online and in stores.  Check them out at:

Check out other places to purchase products on Oogaa’s website.

Oogaa is Real Moms recommended!

 

Monthly Surprises {TeetheMe.com Review}

Right before having a baby every mother, I am sure I am not alone in this, does tons of research and learns about the latest and greatest products out there for baby and mom.  Then after you have the baby you never think about staying up on products that could help you and baby be more efficient in feeding, diapering, etc.

TeetheMe.com is a one of a kind monthly subscription service for parents of children aged newborn-3. For $24 a month, members receive 4 to 5 products in a signature Teetheme box.  All products are handpicked by savvy mothers and are guaranteed to be the most innovative, unique and practical baby goods on the market today.
How great is that?!  They do the research for you that you were doing before.  With TeetheMe.com you get a monthly surprise…a box filled with things picked perfectly for your baby.  Plus, they only send you products for your baby’s age…no burp cloths for your two year old. :)
TeetheMe.com sent me a box filled with 4 products and two coupons.
  • Le Bibble Bottle Bib — This is a “bib” that wraps around your babies bottle.  It looks like a scrunchie and it offers a solution to messy feedings.   “The thin elastic collar grips below the cap blocking leaks at the source, while the soft absorbent birdseye organic cotton underlay (the same as in cloth diapers) makes wiping away chin dribbles a breeze.”  It is super soft so baby will love to play with it while he feeds!

Teethme.com Le Bibble Bib

  • The L’oved Baby Bib — “This line of baby clothes are safety-tested for your baby and are CPSIA certified.”  The fabric is EXTREMELY soft!  I wish I had sheets that felt like this!Teetheme.com L'oved Baby Bib
  • Greenleaf SachetsThis envelope is filled with a beautiful fragrance!  I could spell it before I opened the box.  This can be used in your baby’s room, in a diaper pail, in your car, in the storage pocket of a stroller, or even in a vacuum cleaner bag!  There are so many uses for this and it smells AMAZING!
Teetheme.com Greenleaf Sachets
  •  LulaclipsOkay!  I love this product!  These clips hold the car seat harness out of the way when you are loading your child into the car seat.  “They are like an extra set of hands when you need them the most.”  Yahoo!  Your sleeping baby will never be woke again by a smack in the face from the buckles.  No more digging for the buckles under the baby.  It installs in seconds and works with all infant carriers and car seats.

Teetheme.com Lulaclips

In the box, I also received coupons with promo codes for SeatPak and Sage Spoonfuls, so you can engage with other new brands at a discounted price.

“In addition to receiving a fabulous box of products members may rate, review and share product experiences in our Teetheme community.”  You can even go online and buy more of the product.  If you love something you received you can share with friends and family and not have to hunt it down in the stores.
This is a fun way to continue to learn more about products for baby and mom and not have to do any work.  And a monthly surprise…AWESOME!

TeetheMe.com is Real Moms recommended!

Which is Best for My Baby? {Diaper Dappler Review}

I have said this before and I will say it again…I am learning so much about baby products!  It has been really interesting to read reviews, do reviews on my own, and listen to my friends and family and their opinions.  I have brought or not bought things based on these reviews.


One thing that I can’t decide on though is diapers.  I always hear, it depends on the baby.  Some babies have sensitive skin.  The way they move can make a certain kind of diaper leak.  Some diapers fit one baby better than another diaper.  So how do you decide what to buy? Surely you aren’t going to buy a package of each.  it only takes a few to decide if it is going to work or not, and that the current cost of diapers, I am not about to throw away a bunch of diapers that aren’t right for my baby.


Diaper Dabbler
founder Beth Dolar saw that choosing the right diaper was tough and buying a package of each wasn’t an option.  “Diaper Dabbler provides a service which allows anyone to dabble in a variety of diapers for the cost of a single pack of diapers.”  They “offer 11 different brands/types of disposable diapers in a variety of sample packs, as well as a mix-n’-match sample pack.  These sample packs also make a wonderful baby shower gift, as giving the gift of a variety of options can always help a new mom out.”

I love this company!  What a great idea! 

Diaper Dabbler sent me the Mega Mom package, as shown on the left.  It contains 3 diapers from 11 different brands of diapers:

Earth’s Best TenderCare
Seventh Generation Free & Clear
Nature Baby Care
Nurtured by Nature
Pampers Swaddlers
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive
Pampers Baby Dry
Huggies
Pure & Natural
Huggies Snugglers
Huggies
Snug & Dry
Luvs Super Absorbent Leak Guards

All are size 1.  The perfect size to help you figure out right away which brand your baby is compatible with.  Each set is packaged in a clearly marked sealed bag.  These sell for the price of one package of diapers….but it is WAY better than one package of all the same brand of diapers.  A BONUS!  You can have it gift wrapped

Perfect!  I mean, this is the best idea! This would make the best baby shower present for any mom…first baby or not! 

Diaper Dappler is Real Moms Approved 100%!!!

 

Sittin’ at the Counter! {Summer Infant Take Two Booster Seat Review + Giveaway}

We have a small kitchen. In fact there isn’t much room at all in it.  We do however have a very long bar in our space and we sit on the bar stools a lot.  The only problem with this is that my little one and a half year old can’t quite sit at the counter without me worrying that she might fall off the stool.  We recently had the opportunity to test out the Summer Infant Take Two Booster Seat.

The Summer Infant Take Two Booster Seat offers a dual solution for dining in or dining out! This is the first booster seat designed to be both a regular booster feeding seat as well as a clip-on booster feeding seat with tray.  Modern styling and versatility wrapped up in one fantastic booster seat.  Quick and easy fold design offers a great travel feature as well as a removable machine washable seat for the ultimate in convenience.

Upon pulling it out of the box, I was ready to get it on the counter so she could join us for lunch.  It features a nice folding design which helps for storage in our small area as I am able to put it in the pantry or between our washer and dryer and it fits nicely.  It’s a two for one design….a twofer!  It can be used as a booster seat and a clip on booster to the counter top.  I am always a fan of items that can be used in more than one way. It’s a great way to save money too!  The Take Two Booster Seat site nicely on our counter, and is ready for my daughter to use daily.  I love that it’s a neutral color so it blends in nicely with our kitchen style.  It’s also very easy to clean and the tray is dishwasher safe. LOVE THAT! This booster is perfect if you are planning on traveling this summer as you can pack it in the trunk and use it at families and restaurants. It’s always nice to have a baby booster while out and about traveling.  It makes feeding baby so much easier. The Summer Infant Take Two Booster Seat comes REAL MOM RECOMMENDED!

Other Great Features:

  • Easy to clean removable seat pad, machine washable
  • Removable and dishwasher safe tray
  • 3-point restraint system
  • Chair straps secure booster to chair
  • Chair hooks included to use booster as a hook-on booster and securely attaches to the table

You can pick yours up today at your local Babies R Us for around $40 or at other retailer that carries Summer Infant products.

Today, Summer Infant is giving one RMRV reader a Take Two Booster Seat!

Here’s how to enter to win:

 

Mandatory 1st entry:

1) Check out Summer Infant and come back and tell us another product they have that you would love to own!

Once the mandatory entry is completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

3 entries-Follow RMRV on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook.

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries: Follow RMRV Google+.

2 entries – Follow RMRV on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url.

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

You have until April 14th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Sleep Safe Little Baby {HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set Review}

Think about you baby’s room.  What is in it that could make it safe?  What is in it that could make it unsafe?  As a soon to be mommy I am learning what “safe” and “unsafe” means.  One thing I have learned is that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says bumpers in a baby’s crib is a no no.  When you remove bumpers from the crib you help reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by ridding the baby’s area of things that could cause suffocation, entrapment and asphyxia.

Some other sleep recommendations from AAP includes:

  • Always place your baby on his/her back to sleep.
  • Always use a firm sleep surface. Carseats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  • Baby should sleep in the same ROOM but not the same BED with parents.
  • Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of baby’s bed.
  • Avoid wedges or positioners.
  • Offer a pacifier at sleep times.
  • Don’t let your baby get too hot.

HALO watches out for children and parents by providing products that encourage a safe sleep environment.  Let me introduce you to the new HALO SleepSafe Crib Set.  “Designed with whimsical prints, the HALO SleepSack Crib Set will help create a beautiful and safe nursery for your little one.”  This is a five-piece Safe Sleep Crib Set.  It has everything you need to create a place of safety for her sleeping babe.

Everything matches!  Cute huh!?  Complete with a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two soft 100% cotton jersey fitted crib sheets and a matching decorative skirt.

The HALO SleepSack Wearable Blanketreplaces loose blankets in the crib that can cover your baby’s face and interfere with breathing. In addition to helping your baby sleep safer, the HALO SleepSack wearable blanket helps your baby sleep better, too. It’s a warm cuddly blanket they can’t kick off; ensuring baby sleeps soundly throughout the night.”  Use this one for your baby after you have stopped swaddling.

The SleepSack Swaddle does the same thing as the wearable blanket but it allows you to swaddle your baby.  Use this one for your newborn.  “It’s unique adjustable swaddle allows for swaddling arms in or arms out for an easy and gentle transition when it’s time to stop swaddling.”

No matter whether it is the wearable blanket or a swaddle they are ADORABLE!  The patterns are super cute and the fabric is crazy soft!

The jersey fitted crib sheets fit the crib mattress nice an snug.  The jersey knit is soft and baby will love sleeping on it.  I like the two sheets are included because you just never know when you are going to need another sheet in the middle of the night.

The decorative skirt tops of the collection and will make your new, safer baby room complete.  As a new mom I have shopped EVERY WHERE.  I had such a hard time finding crib skirts that didn’t have decorations like crazy on them.  All of the crib skirts in each of the six different sets are cute, simple, and Crissa approved!  Plus they match the sheets and SleepSacks perfectly!!

I just LOVE the SleepSafe Crib Sets!  There are six different patterns including pink, blue and neutral tones.  Plus, where it is all inclusive it makes a too die for baby shower present!!  The HALO SleepSafe Crib Sets can be purchased from amazon.com and babiesrus.com. For retail locations near you check out the store locator.

Stay connected with HALO by:
“Like” HALO on Facebook
Follow HALO on Pinterest
Follow HALO on Twitter

HALO SleepSafe Crib Sets are Real Mom approved!

 

Tub Time for Baby {Mahu Baby Review}

Only 2 months left before I become a first time mommy!  I can hardly wait.  It is going to be different, exciting, fun, tiring, and glorious!!

While I have been pregnant I have LOVED learning about what goes on with my body and with my baby.  For example, did you know that “during pregnancy up to 60% of skincare is absorbed into your bloodstream and may reach your developing baby. Therefore you should only use safe, natural pregnancy skincare during pregnancy.”  Who knew!?

Mahu Baby was developed by a midwife who was constantly asked questions about pregnancy.  One question she answered frequently was “What skincare product would you recommend I use during pregnancy and on my baby?”   She took a look at what was on the market and realized she wouldn’t recommend anything.  That is when she knew the with her “knowledge of pregnancy and baby, [her] love of well designed and beneficial skincare and [her] desire to make more natural and ethical choices” she could design a product that she could recommend.  She teamed up with her brother and Mahu was born!

Mahu “is the only safe, naturally based, multivitamin and omega enriched skincare system created by New Zealand midwives specifically for the unique skin of pregnancy, new mum and baby.”

Mahu sent me the Baby Wash and Shampoo.  It’s delicious lavender scent will relax and soothe babies, helping them to enjoy tub time.  The fact that it is natural and toxin free will help me relax too!  It also has chamomile in it.  Chamomile is “wonderful for treating sleep difficulties, anxiety, restlessness, poor digestion, wind and colic in babies.”  Yet another reason why this wash and shampoo is perfect for your baby!  A little goes a long way.  It lathers up nicely and feels great on your skin.  I can hardly wait to share this with my little boy.

Something I learned from Mahu is that “one of the leading causes of dry skin and eczema in babies is using sulphate based baby washes.  Sodium laureth sulphate strips the natural oil from the skin leaving it rough, dry and prone to eczema’s. Sodium laureth sulphate is a powerful detergent, garages use it to clean engine oil from their floors. It is also very corrosive and can attack the formation of essential proteins in the the eyes leading to cataracts in adults and preventing children’s eyes from forming properly.”  WHAT THE HECK!  Had I not learned about Mahu I could have been using an engine oil remover on my baby’s sensitive skin!!??  Not cool!  Thank goodness I have been set straight!!

Mahu has tons of different products:

  • Pregnancy Skincare
  • Labor and Birth Care
  • Baby Skincare
  • Postpartum Skincare

Find all of Mahu’s products on Amazon!

Mahu is Real Moms Recommended!

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