Canada

Jan 4,2012 / By Maria / 8 Comments

Little Lemon Tree one-size pocket diapers are designed to fit babies from 8-30 pounds.

The snap closures have 5 waist/hip settings, and there are 3 rise settings to offer a custom fit for your baby.

The diapers have a PUL outer and stay-dry suedecloth inner. You can stuff the pocket with microfiber or bamboo inserts, both available from Little Lemon Tree.

I received both a microfiber insert and a hemp doubler.

The stitching is amazingly neat & even. Little Lemon Tree uses only 100% polyester thread, so you don’t have to worry about wicking.

Here is the small rise setting measured folded and stretched:

Medium:

Large:

Here’s my son in the large setting at 2 1/2 years old and about 28 pounds:

Here’s my little guy at 3 weeks old and about 7.5 pounds (a wee bit smaller than the recommended size!)

Diapers start at $11 for solid colors and $14 for prints. Add $2 for a microfiber insert or $4 for a bamboo insert.

Little Lemon Tree also has cloth wipes, doublers, lounge pants and bibs!

Giveaway: One reader will receive their choice of in-stock diaper (with microfiber insert) from Little Lemon Tree (ARV $13-16.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC compliance: Although I received a product at no charge for review purposes, I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.

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Baby Wearing Coupon Discount Review

Baby K’tan Carrier Review & Discount/Coupon Code

Jan 3,2012 / By Maria / 5 Comments

A Baby K’tan Carrier is a wrap, only without all the wrapping! Stick with me and you’ll see what I mean.

The carrier consists of two loops attached to each other, and a sash for added security and support. The sash is also the carrying bag!

I love baby wraps because they are easy to use, comfy for baby and distribute weight evenly. The downside is that they are quite long and if you have to wrap it while you’re out and about, it can end up dragging on the ground (super gross if it’s raining.) The Baby K’tan works the same way as a wrap, but it goes on differently.

Put the loops together and put them over your head with the support band (the small loop that attaches the two big loops together) behind your neck.

Put your arms through the loops, then move the one furthest from your body off of your shoulder and down around your waist.

Make a pocket for the baby, slide baby in and spread the fabric wide.

Bring the other loop up and spread wide over baby.

Make sure the support band is at the center of your back and that the fabric is spread wide over your shoulders. This ensures the weight is evenly distributed for maximum support.

Now you’re all set to wear a baby from 8-35 pounds! All the comfort of a baby wrap without all the wrapping. The Baby K’tan is 100% cotton knit with one way stretch. Even if it seems tight at first, the fabric enables the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier to stretch slightly to conform to you and your child.

One thing I personally see as a downside is that the Baby K’tan is a sized carrier. You choose your size based on the wearer’s fitted t-shirt size. Your size doesn’t change based on baby’s age or weight. This is a negative to me because my husband and I would each need our own carrier, and those of us that are great at gaining weight during pregnancy (but not as great at losing it) might need more than one size. The sizing info says if you fall between sizes, or if you are under 5’2″ (I am), choose the smaller size. So, I went with an XS based on my pre-pregnancy size, even though I’m more of a small right now (at 3 weeks postpartum as of the date I’m writing this.) The other negative is for wraps in general; you can’t put it on/take it off while holding the baby. Not a big deal but still makes a sling more convenient for me to use sometimes.

Cotton carriers retail for $62.99, organic cotton carriers retail for $73.99, and half mesh/half cotton carriers retail for $67.99. You can add embroidery and personalize your carrier for $14.99! You can shop the Baby K’tan webstore or find a store near you. Be sure to “like” Baby K’tan on Facebook, follow Baby K’tan on Twitter and check out the Baby K’tan YouTube channel.

Baby K’tan has a generous discount just for my readers!

Code: BKChange
Discount: 15% Off Baby K’tan Brand Items ONLY on www.babyktan.com
Expiration Date: January 31, 2012

Thanks Baby K’tan! I hope you love your Baby K’tan too. 🙂

FTC compliance: Although I received a product at no charge for review purposes, I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.

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Bamboo Belly Bandit & Mother Tucker Compression Nursing Tank Review

Jan 2,2012 / By Maria / 17 Comments

As you know, I had baby #3 on December 7th. Belly Bandit sent me their Bamboo version to review. I won’t keep you in suspense, I love my Belly Bandit. So much so that I bought another bamboo Belly Bandit, and also a Mother Tucker Compression Nursing Tank. It’s no secret that I’m ~~cheap~~ frugal, and Belly Bandit products are really not inexpensive. So I think it says a lot that I spent the money on them!

If you’ve never heard of a Belly Bandit, they are basically abdominal binders that support your core muscles and help flatten your belly postpartum. Abdominal binding has a long history, and in my opinion it works! The original Belly Bandit retails for $45.95, and the Bamboo is considerably higher at $65.95. The fabric is silky soft, naturally microbial etc. All the same reasons why I love it in diapers.

There I am above in my first “belly pic” at 4 weeks, and at 40 weeks! I started wearing the Belly Bandit about 2 hours after my son was born. I chose the size when I was around 8 months along, using their sizing tips. Wearing the Belly Bandit was instant relief for me since I felt “held together” instead of having that floppy, jello “hey, where’d my abs go?” feeling.

I didn’t take a photo immediately postpartum, but I think we all know what that looks like. Pregnant, only slightly smaller and squishier. 😉 I did take a photo at 2 days postpartum, and I’m also showing you what the small Belly Bandit looked on me then, and also what it looked like under clothes. It is a wee bit bulky, but I don’t think it’s terribly noticeable under looser fitting clothes, and I don’t know many brand new moms who are wearing tight clothing!

By 5 days postpartum (above) I had the small all the way closed. It did start to crease a bit at the waist, but nothing terrible. The rep at Belly Bandit thought maybe I needed the XS to start, but I’m not sure I would have gotten it closed that first day! It’s pretty common to need more than one size as you shrink, but your first size will usually last more than 5 days, so don’t let that scare you! I do wish there was a bit more Velcro on the band so it would last a little longer.

I waffled for a week about ordering another one, since they really are a little pricey for someone on a tight budget. In the end, I did order, and I went ahead and splurged on the Bamboo! I continued to use the small on and off while I waited for the XS to arrive. Above is what it looked like after 2.5 weeks of use. It really started to crease quite a bit and worked it’s way up into the small of my back (the front stayed flat.) Belly Bandit says it is normal for this to happen, kind of like a band aid conforming to your body. It doesn’t affect the functioning of the band!

My only complaint is that my package shipped via Fed Ex smart post, so it took seemingly forever (about 10 days, which does seem like forever when you’re waiting for something!) I really don’t understand the whole smart post thing. I guess it’s cheaper somehow? It was about 20 minutes away from me nearly a week before it got to me, then went to another state before it came back here. Weird. But it did get here!

As I said, in addition to the XS Belly Bandit, I also ordered the Mother Tucker Compression Nursing Tank. This made my hubby do a double take, since it’s one teeny, tiny line away from something very different than mother “tucker.” LOL

I was kind of worried about the sizing. As is typical for me, my band size falls into a small, but my cup size would fall into a Large or XL (if they had it.) I went with a small.

The helpful hint made me laugh. I love the use of humor on product packaging! They are right though. Stepping into it was snug enough, I can’t imagine trying to get it over my head!!

The cups just slide to the side to nurse, there are no clips or contraptions. It’s supportive without anything uncomfortable digging in, and the straps are adjustable. Since I’m petite, I’m used to things not adjusting quite as tightly as I need, but I was able to make it work anyway.

The nursing tank has a wide band on the bottom that keeps it from rolling up, and it really does work.

I can’t believe I’m doing this (LOL) but above is a pic of me at 3 weeks postpartum. I intentionally chose a shirt that was unflatteringly snug. I look less pudgy in clothes that fit better, but that wouldn’t make for a good before/after shot, now would it? 😉

Here I am in the XS Belly Bandit. This one almost immediately started creasing at my lower back. I think that’s because my waist is smaller than my hips. That may sound like a big “duh” statement, but think about your body shape immediately postpartum. I was able to prevent this a bit by closing it kind of at an angle…tighter up top and looser down towards my hips. I didn’t initially wear the Belly Bandit to bed because with my foggy brain I missed that part of the instructions. The bamboo was very comfortable at night, and wearing it to bed really helped my comfort since it supported my back and waist. The more I wear it, the bigger difference I see when I take it off. After just a few days of wearing the XS, I look far thinner than I do in my “before” shot above.

Above, I’m wearing the Mother Tucker nursing tank! I was worried about how it would feel since it sure was tight trying to wrestle myself into it! I was really surprised that once I got it on, I really couldn’t even tell I was wearing it. It was very comfortable, but really smoothed the lumps and bumps. The no-roll band comes down low on my hips, so it also serves as a tummy cover if my shirt lifts, which I love. I could really use some extra cup space though. I wouldn’t wear the tank under a snug fitting shirt since I end up with a quad-boob look if I don’t keep tucking myself back in, LOL. I do wish they would make a small-plus (medium-plus, large-plus etc.) option for those of us who get disproportionately large in the milk-factory area while nursing. 🙂

The Mother Tucker is expensive at $79.95, but it’s not too much more than a decent nursing bra in my size. Unfortunately I can’t buy my nursing bras at a local store thanks to the unusual size, so I have to spend a fortune to order them online. I do wish I could get a second one so I didn’t have to be without it on laundry day, but there’s no way I can squeak another one out of our budget!

I love, love love Belly Bandit products. They have made a huge difference in how I look (everyone who has seen me has said I look great!) as well as how I feel. Not just physically, but emotionally. Gaining 40 pounds that are nicely hidden by maternity clothes, then having to face the flab and “real” clothes isn’t exactly easy, you know? Belly Bandit sure does ease the sting!

You can buy Belly Bandit products directly from the company online, or find a retailer near you. Be sure to follow Belly Bandit on Twitter, “like” Belly Bandit on Facebook and check out Belly Bandit on YouTube.

Although there are no affiliate links within this post, I love Belly Bandit products so much, that I signed up as an affiliate. Please see the banner in the footer, or on my affiliates page if you would like to support this blog while making a purchase. 🙂

FTC compliance: I received one Belly Bandit at no charge for review purposes. The other two items were purchased by me at normal retail prices. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.

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Londonware Fleece Longies Review & Giveaway U.S./Canada (CLOSED 1/5)

Dec 29,2011 / By Maria / 4 Comments

Londonware is owned by work-at-home-mom Wendy, and sells trendy fleece diaper covers including soakers and longies!

When I looked at her shop, I fell in love with the pattern of the soaker in her profile picture, and she made a pair of longies for me in the same chocolate dot print!

I received a size small, with a 0-3 month length. Small-Large retail for $10 (XL is $1 extra) with free shipping! Skirties sell for $15 and soakers are $7-$8.50.

The longies are a bit higher in the back for a great fit, and can be used over disposable or cloth diapers.

Wendy can add an additional layer inside for use with cloth diapers if you like!

You can request any inseam for your longies! Below I’ve laid the small longies under a pair of newborn (5-9 lbs) pants so you can see how they compare.

They are a little bit big on my tiny 7ish lb 2-week old, but they have a bit of “give” to them. I’ll be able to use them rolled up now, and rolled down later!

Giveaway: One reader will receive their choice of in-stock or custom item from Londonware, ARV up to $15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, nor associated with Facebook. By entering, you release Facebook from any responsibility and understand that the information entered on this form will not be disclosed to Facebook.

FTC compliance: Although I received a product at no charge for review purposes, I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.

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BABY by danish – Fashionable Wet Bags – Review

Dec 28,2011 / By Maria / 6 Comments

BABY by danish is a line of gorgeous, high quality and fashion forward wet bags and clutches.

When I looked at the website, I thought the bags were beautiful, which immediately struck me as a little weird to say about a dirty diaper holder, LOL. It wasn’t just the fantastic photography; the bags really are beautiful!

The classic wet bags are available in 5 beautiful prints, for $28 each.

I received the earthy owls print.

The wet bags have a thick & durable cotton duck exterior and a durable, waterproof interior (does not contain DEHP, Phlalates, or BPA Plasticizers and is FDA approved food safe.)