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.

Friday Giveaway Linky Giveaways Linky

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup for 12/30/11 (Plus Linky for All Giveaways)

Dec 30,2011 / By Maria / 1 Comment

Time for the last cloth diaper giveaway roundup of 2011! Enter cloth diaper, accessory & baby wearing giveaways I’ve listed just for you!

If you’d like me to list your cloth diaper, accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, send a link and description to maria at change-diapers.com, or Fill out my contact form for readers.

My Londonware Fleece Diaper Cover Giveaway ends 1/5/12 and is open to the U.S. and Canada RC

My Flip Trainer giveaway ends 1/9/12 and is open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Prizes from Fuzzibunz (no set end date, ends at 25k fans) Entry is through Facebook app, must “like” them on Facebook to enter

*Boba Carrier, Wrap or Pack from We Have It All (ends 12/30) RC

*Boba Baby Carrier from Simple Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

*Boba Carrier, wrap or pack from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

*Bumgenius 4.0 from Dirty Diaper Laundry and Dearest Diapers (ends 12/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Glow Bug Diaper from Eco Baby Mama Drama (ends 12/30) RC

*Boba Carrier from The Clothspring Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

*Fuzzibunz Diaper Sprayer & Wipes from One More Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (ends 12/30) RC

*Imagine Pocket Diaper from Mommy Needs an Aspirin Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

*Boba Baby Carrier from Coping with Frugality Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

Boba Baby Carrier from Thrifty and Chic Mom (ends 12/30) RC

*Softbums Diaper from Trying to go Green Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/31) RC

*Bumgenius & Flip Diapers from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Planet Wise Wet Bag from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Happy Heinys Fitted from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper from Snappy Diapers Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/31)

*Bummis Super Whisper Wrap from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Applecheeks Diaper from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Econobum Kit from Sandbox Lane (ends 12/31)

*Rainbow Monster Diaper from Naturally Thrifty Mom (ends 12/31) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Glow Bug Diaper from Mommy Adventure Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/31) RC

*Babykicks Inserts from Earthy Crunchy Mama and Eco Baby Mama Drama (ends 12/31) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*$100 Amazon GC from Tailor Made Momma (ends 12/31) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*$25 Bugaboo Baby & You GC from DIYMommyPonx Mandatory RSS feed subscription and Facebook “like” (ends 1/1/12)

*Knickernappies Diaper from Wee Little Changes Mandatory GFC follow (ends 1/1/12)

*Fuzzibunz Diaper from Changing Diapers and Trying to Go Green Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 1/1/12) RC

*Babykicks Diaper from Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique and Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Google+ follow (ends 1/1/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Fuzzibunz Diaper from Kelly Wels and Nicki the Eval Gal (ends 1/1/12) RC

*Diaper Rite Diaper from Mommy of Two Little Monkeys (ends 1/2/12) RC

*Lotus Bumz Diaper from Baby Dickey’s Giveaways (ends 1/2/12) RC

*Changing Diapers Sweepstakes – Lots of Cloth Diaper Prizes! (ends 1/2/12) Entry is on Facebook, mandatory Facebook “like” Open to the U.S. and Canada Name/email form, Daily entry

Goodmama from Why Cloth Diaper (ends 1/2/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Bumgenius Artist Series from Doable Diapers Mandatory GFC follow (ends 1/2/12) RC

$20 Haute Bottoms GC from Brookie’s Baby Bargains Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 1/3/12) RC

*Ecobubs Diaper from One Smiley Monkey (ends 1/4/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Smartipants Diaper from Really are You Serious (ends 1/4/12) RC

*Sprout Change Diaper from Eco Baby Mama Drama (ends 1/5/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Diaper Rite Diaper from Measuring Flower (ends 1/6/12) RC

*Diaper Rite Diaper from Your World Healthy & Natural (ends 1/6/12)

*Applecheeks Sweepstakes (ends 1/6/12) Entry is on Facebook via Woobox Form

Megaroo’s Prefolds from Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 1/6/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Giggle Life Diaper from Manager to Mom (ends 1/6/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Thirsties Duo Diaper from Adventures in Fluff Mandatory GFC follow (ends 1/6/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Rumparooz Diaper from All About Baby and Cloth Diaper Addiction Mandatory Facebook”like” (ends 1/6/12) GD

*Drybees Diaper from Daily Mothering (ends 1/7/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Oh Katy Diaper from Daily Mothering (ends 1/7/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Itti Bitti Tutto from The Green Nursery and Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Google+ add (ends 1/7/12)

Mother-Ease Diaper from On Being a Mom (ends 1/8/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Econobum from Nicki the Eval Gal Mandatory GFC follow (ends 1/8/11) RC

*Tender Tushies Diaper from Midwestern Moms (ends 1/11/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Lulu Wrap from Eco Baby Mama Drama (ends 1/11/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Green Bumkin Diaper from One More Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook comment (ends 1/11/12) RC

Planet Wise Wipes & Pouch from Letters from Momma (ends 1/11/12) RC

Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper from A Mom’s Take (ends 1/13/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

The Silver Liner Cloth Wipes from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Google+ add (ends 1/13/12) RC

Applecheeks Diaper from Twin City Diaper Co & Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Google+ follow (ends 1/14/12) RC

Thirsties Fitted & Wrap from Eco Babyz (ends 1/19/12) RC

*$20 Rumpeez GC from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Google+ add (ends 1/30/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*giveaways that have been listed in a prior week’s roundup
RC Entries collected via Rafflecopter
GD Entries collected via Google Docs Form

You may enter any “family friendly” giveaway in the linky below. The form Blog name – Giveaway Item – Ending date works well. Please at least include the item and end date, and link directly to the giveaway.

View my where I list my giveaways post, to find more places to link up your giveaways!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Natursutten & Zoe b Winner

Dec 29,2011 / By Maria / No Comment

182 people entered this giveaway, with 321 entries in all. The winning entry is #175, which is Linda T.

Congratulations Linda, I’m sending you an email now so you can claim your prizes!

Diaper Covers Fleece Giveaway Handmade Items Made in the USA Review WAHM made

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.

Cloth Diapering Diaper Accessories Made in the USA Review Wet Bags & Pail Liners

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.)