I recently heard about Havaianas Sandals (yes, I’ve been under a rock, they’ve been around since 1962), and while I haven’t tried them yet, I am loving their designs! My kids were looking over my shoulder as I was browsing and they each have a favorite.
I can hardly begin to tell you how much I despise bra shopping. Especially nursing bras. I wear an odd size, so I have no choice but to order online, and they are always expensive. Between pregnancy weight gain, weight loss, initial nursing engorgement, then gradual size change as my kids nursed less and I lost weight, I thought I had just about every size I needed.
As my children grew older, I just wore a regular bra where I could pull the cup to the side to nurse, but I stuck with soft cup nursing bras initially. However, I have never found a soft cup bra that gives me decent lift and shape, as well as comfort. Even ones with a wide band underneath tended to just roll up under my bust, and they all looked awful under tops. I had an occasion recently where I had to look presentable, so I grabbed an underwire bra from my “stash” that looked decent, but (since the band was too big) the underwire dug into my underarms. Thus started my latest, desperate, money bleeding search for a decent nursing bra.
Finding the right size is ridiculous and annoying since they vary so much by brand and style. Plus, only certain cup shapes fit me well, and a 30″ band size with a larger cup is hard to find. In the past, if I’ve found a bra I like, I will buy the same in different sizes as I’ve lost weight. (I have quite a few by Fantasie!) For me, a bra needs to be comfortable; the right band size, the right cup size, with no riding up and no shifting inside the cups. It needs to lift and separate (sounds cheesy but true), be supportive, and be smooth under clothing. A very, very tall order apparently.
Reviews for the Bravado Bliss Nursing Soft Cup Bra
It has kind of a cheesy little thing in the middle, but there isn’t much holding it on, so you can take it off. It’s not as utilitarian looking as many, and has adjustable straps.
I initially ordered this in the next size down and instantly fell in love, but I was spilling out of the sides of the cup a bit. It does not come in a 30 band size, so I had gone up to a 32 and sized the cup down to make up for it.
Be leery of anyone who tells you to add inches to your rib cage measurement to get your band size. This will usually end up getting you too big of a band size and too small of a cup size. For someone who is say, a 30F, the old add 5 inches thing will get you in a 34 or 36 A cup!! Not happening. You want the bra to be snug (but not tight) on the loosest clasp setting when it’s new, so you can tighten it as it stretches with age. If the band is on the tightest setting, you likely need to go down a band size (and up a cup size to make up for it if the bra otherwise fit.)
Anyhoo, what I love about this bra is that it has molded foam cups, with a firm but flexible support channel underneath. The support & shape were as close to an underwire as I’ve ever seen from a soft cup. The band didn’t fold under my bust, even when I slouched. The cups provide modesty, hide nursing pads, and can catch a little “oops I forgot nursing pads” leakage. I happily chopped those tags off and wore it. And then…and then…
You have to remember that when you go up a band size, the whole bra is changed proportionately. It’s not like an inch or two was just added to the back. The cups themselves are designed for someone with a broader rib cage. Therefore, going from a 30 to a 32 band size moves the cups from the front of my chest closer to my underarms. Then what happens is that as I reach, bend, move etc., my nice shape turns into a uni-boob, which quickly turns into a quad-boob. This has happened before with molded cups and a band size that’s too big (especially with companies not known for small band/large cup sizes.) It’s never apparent in the “trying on” stage, only after I’ve cut the tags off and worn it. With a non-nursing bra, I can use fashion tape
I can’t return it, and there’s not exactly a market for used nursing bras, so I’m out $50. If this came in a 30 band size, I might love it. For now, I ordered two more sizes of my favorite non-nursing, underwire bra, since I have 1 that’s a little too small and 1 that’s a little too big, but I think the right size will work for just pulling the cup to the side. For the record, out of the zillions of bras I’ve tried, used and/or returned over the past 8ish years, my favorites are the Freya Millie Balcony Underwire Bra, which I believe has been replaced by the Naomi Balcony Underwire Bra
Finding a bra that works for me stinks. Finding one that also works for nursing double stinks. I’ve come to realize that I can only buy from a handful of brands that specialize in small band/large cup sizes. So how about you? Do you have bra issues, or are you a lucky one that can grab something at the department store for $30? If you have an oddball size, some places I’ve shopped are Her Room, Fig Leaves and Bigger Bras. Not affiliate links, just places I’ve frequented in recent years! Just be aware that a lot of brands are European, so the cup sizes at DD & beyond will be labeled differently! (Ex: Fantasie goes C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G etc. Most American sizes would be C, D, DD/E, DDD/F etc.) So, you could be an I cup in the U.S. but wear a G in a European brand!
FTC compliance: Although I paid normal retail prices for the pictured item, this post contains affiliate links. I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.
The Healthy Back Bag is made by Ameribag with a unique ergonomic shape to distribute weight evenly across your back. The bag is available in several fabrics, including the distressed nylon I received.
The bag is available in 4 sizes (Extra Small: 15″ x 8″ x 5.5″, Small: 17″ x 9″ x 6″, Medium: 19″ x 11″ x 7″ and Large: 21″ x 13″ x 8″) that cost between $55 and $78. Other fabrics, like leather and microfiber, cost more.
I received black distressed nylon in a size large, but all sizes feature a non-slip adjustable shoulder strap and tons of organization.
I don’t currently carry a diaper bag. My purse is large enough for a couple extras, like hand wipes & a small first-aid kit, and I keep a wet/dry bag in the car with cloth diapers & wipes. I just grab that if I think I’ll need to change a diaper somewhere. However, this isn’t always practical, like when we’re going to the zoo for the day. We need diapers, wipes, snacks, change of clothes etc. We typically just take a backpack, but then it’s really difficult to find things, plus you have to take it off to get anything out of it.
AmeriBag does make a baby bag ($75), with a separate area in front for the parent’s stuff, wet item bag & changing pad. The large Healthy Back Bag is perfect for us, since it’s not always used as a baby bag, and we already have wet bags & changing pads!
The double zipper to the main compartment makes it easy to get at your stuff, and the outer gusset pocket is perfect for a water bottle.
The outside of the bag has both zip and Velcro close pockets, making it the perfect place for things you need to get quickly (plane tickets etc.) The bag expands to fit bulkier items inside.
The strap adjusts to make the bag comfortable for anyone, and it actually has non-slip material on the underside to keep it in place.
The Healthy Back Bag has an amazing number of inside pockets (5-6 depending on size) to keep your stuff totally organized and easy to find. I love love love the key hook. I get so tired of digging in my purse for my keys! There’s also a handy gusseted pocket inside for your sunglasses.
Every cloud has a silver lining, and so do Healthy Back bags. The silver bag lining means your stuff is easy to find & doesn’t get lost in a deep, dark corner of a bag! The pockets are angled so they are just right to see and use when the bag is on your shoulder. Just slide it over to your hip to peek in.
I was able to fit 10, stuffed, one-size pocket diapers inside the bag, along with wallet, checkbook, keys, wipes, first aid kit, cloth wipes and spray bottle inside, with room left over and the outside pockets totally empty. Even with all the diapers in the bottom, none of the pockets were blocked, and I had plenty of space for a changing pad & wet bag.
Until we received the AmeriBag, my husband used a backpack to tote his junk back & forth to work, class (before he finished his Master’s Degree) and in airports & planes on business trips. All his stuff would get “lost” in it, and his Ray Ban sunglasses were left on an international flight after they fell out of it. It was also highly inconvenient to take off his back, and naturally if he wore it on one shoulder, the weight became painful.
The laptop was a tight squeeze, but it all fit and he was super excited about all the pockets. It actually made me laugh a little. We are polar opposites when it comes to organization, so seeing my messy, disorganized husband excited about pockets was pretty funny.
They have lots of other bags, including a Gabardine hobo that has two outside pockets, an outside zip pocket, interior organization, key hook, cell phone pocket and attached cosmetics case. Their earth collection are environmentally friendly bags made with recycled PolyEthlene Therephthalate. If buying local is important to you, they have a collection of items made in Kingston, NY!
Shop AmeriBag and receive free shipping on orders over $30. Don’t forget to check out their clearance section, and sign up for their newsletter for special offers. “Like” AmeriBag on Facebook, follow AmeriBag on Twitter and follow the AmeriBag blog.
FTC compliance: I received a product sample for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.
Dri-Line has been manufacturing products in Canada for the healthcare industry, for 22 years. Their Dri-Line Baby product line is also made in Canada, and includes cloth diapers, diaper covers and accessories.
I received three products to try. I took nice pictures of everything brand new & in their packages, then my memory card croaked! So all of these pictures were taken after washing.
The bib’s a little big! I’m not sure if he was eating it, or getting ready to rob me. Hee-hee!
The hooded towel is terry on one side & flannelette on the other, and has a snap to keep it on baby.
Nothing’s cuter than a clean, snuggly baby!
You can find the hooded towel at Thanks Mama for $19.99.
The Bamboo Baby AIO is part of the Bamboo Baby line. The standard “one size” fits anywhere from 7 or 8 to 30-34 pounds, depending on the baby’s size and shape. You can choose snaps or hook & loop, and there are several colors available. A toddler size is available in white only and fits 25-45 lbs.
Even the hook & loop version features a hip snap to prevent wing droop.
The diaper has a PUL outer (the outer is made in the USA), is lined with soft rayon from bamboo fleece, and has a 3 layer rayon/bamboo fleece flap soaker that is sewn in the back.
The diaper also has front elastic and 3 rise settings.
Here is the small setting measured folded and stretched (this is, of course, approximate-not exact!)
Medium:
Large:
My older son is about 2 years & 10 months old, and 29-30ish pounds. Many “one-size” diapers are starting to get rather low-rise on him, but the large fits him well.
The small setting fits my younger son well. He was just under 4 months old in this picture, and I’m guessing his weight at 13 pounds (I’ll update after his checkup!) The soaker was perfect to double over right in the wet zone since he’s such a heavy wetter.
Bamboo is very soft and absorbent, though like other bamboo diapers I have, it became a bit stiff after line drying. A quick tumble in the dryer & it was soft again.
You can find a variety of Dri-Line Baby products at Thanks Mama, including the Bamboo Baby AIO. You can find the diapers at Everything Birth as well. The MSRP per diaper is $18-22.
Dri-Line is accepting wholesale applications, so let your favorite retailer know that you’d like to see them carry Bamboo baby and/or Dri-Line Baby products! You can also connect with Dri-Line Baby on Facebook.
FTC compliance: I received product samples for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.
In case you missed my Swaddle Designs review last year, we love their swaddling blankets. They are soft & cozy & plenty big enough for a snug swaddle. We swaddled my son constantly in the first few weeks, at at night until he was nearly 11 weeks old. We had to buy extras so we’d never be without one!
Swaddle Designs now has adorable Angry Birds Baby Products! They have long & short sleeved bodysuits with a large or small bird, in blue, yellow or red, from 0-3 to 6-12 months. They also have Ultimate Receiving Blankets, Marquisette Blankets, Swaddle Duos, zzZip Me sacks, lovies, burpies and gift sets!
I received the short-sleeved 3″ red bird bodysuit in 3-6 months and the multi-bird marquisette swaddling blanket.
Even my husband commented about how nice the bodysuit is. It’s nice and thick, well made and sturdy, which I can’t say about a lot of baby clothing.
The blanket is cute, soft and lightweight, perfect for swaddling, playtime and covering a stroller in warmer weather!
From Swaddle Designs:
SwaddleDesigns® is introducing the Angry Birds Baby Collection!
Angry Birds have found happiness with SwaddleDesigns baby products! We are honored that Rovio chose SwaddleDesigns to manufacture Angry Birds Baby items based on our high quality products.
Angry Birds by Rovio is a phenomenally popular game. Angry Birds is the fastest growing brand in the world with over 600 million downloads. Boys, girls, men, women, grandmas and grandpas – all love playing Angry Birds. The game is entertaining to people of all ages, genders and geographies.
SwaddleDesigns was founded by Lynette Damir, RN, Designer and Mom in 2002, and SwaddleDesigns was the first company to introduce the large square swaddling blanket to the US and many countries around the world. SwaddleDesigns is known for their premium quality fabric, fabulous colors and prints, decorative edge, and the innovative 123 Swaddle® instructional label that helps new parents master the art of swaddling. SwaddleDesigns blankets come in a variety of weights and are perfect for many uses such as a privacy throw for breastfeeding moms, a tummy time play mat, a cover over the stroller as well as swaddling.
The Ultimate Receiving Blanket® is a lightweight premium cotton flannel blanket – for moderate to cooler environmental temperatures.
The Marquisette Swaddling Blanket® is a very lightweight openweave high quality cotton blanket – for warmer environmental temperatures
Angry Birds by Rovio is a phenomenally popular game. Angry Birds is the fastest growing brand in the world with over 600 million downloads. Little boys and girls, teens, men, women, grandmas and grandpas – all love playing Angry Birds. The game is entertaining to people of all ages, genders and geographies, and is fun for family members to play together during snuggle time
Angry Birds is just one of the many collections SwaddleDesigns offers. We have many new exciting new prints and a variety of blankets and other products for 2012!
Visit SwaddleDesigns.com/how-to-swaddle to view “How to Swaddle” and more information regarding sleeping environments and the benefits of swaddling.
Shop Swaddle Designs, “like” Swaddle Designs on Facebook and follow Swaddle Designs on Twitter.
Sign up for the Swaddle Designs exclusive e-mail club and be the first to hear of Swaddle Designs special, limited-time offers, and receive a promotional code to save 10% off full priced items on your first purchase!
Giveaway: One winner will receive his/her choice of an Angry Birds Marquisette swaddling blanket OR bodysuit in choice of size and bird, subject to availability (ARV $15-20.)
FTC compliance: I received product samples for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. Read More »
