This has been such a beautiful and sunny Autumn here in the Pacific Northwest. I absolutely love taking my sweet little girl, Reylin (who is almost nine months old) out on walks where she gets to witness first hand the beauty of all of the breathtaking colors of fall.
We had a very warm summer, and my husband and I took Reylin on many hikes. We always carry her around in a baby carrier, because needless to say, you cannot maneuver a stroller out there in the woods, and a wiggly baby would make for very tired parental arms!
We have tried many types of baby carriers and slings, but most of them are not very good at keeping baby cool on warm days. Let's face it, both parents and baby can get kind of sweaty on long walks and hikes! Thankfully we came across the Ergobaby Cool Air Mesh Carrier.
We have found that there is no better baby carrier than the Ergobaby Mesh Baby Carrier for our adventures out in nature! The mesh fabric is completely breathable, keeping me (or my hubby) and our baby cool and comfortable even on the hottest, most humid days! It’s also lightweight, yet durable. Neither of us have experienced any shoulder or back strain, even as Reylin gets heavier. And the fact that this carrier grows with our baby means we can use it until she is at least four years old!
This carrier is also very stylish, and I love how my husband or I can each wear it and feel good in it. I also appreciate the detachable pouch that is has, in which we can keep baby essentials as well as our car keys and wallets safe and secure. Baby Reylin can easily face forward or backward, but I usually keep her facing me, because it makes it convenient for breastfeeding her right on the trail!
Mostly, we love how much our baby girl feels while she is in it! Our little one is always so happy and content when she is in her perfect element; snuggled up with her Mommy or Daddy, out in the woods or at the park, in her ErgoBaby Mesh Baby Carrier!
Since becoming a mom, I’m constantly busy and I’m constantly looking for ways to make life easier. Since becoming a stay at home dad - my husband faces the same challenge. I’ve always been a big fan of baby-wearing. I absolutely love that closeness and comfort it brings to both baby and mama.
I didn’t start my baby-wearing journey until my babe was a little bit older but I so wish I would’ve had a sling when my girl was just a new baby. I love the ease of Sakura Bloom ring slings, the high quality, and the convenience of being able to put her sling in her diaper bag for on-the-go moments and not having to push a stroller everywhere (especially in crowds). I feel less anxious having my little girl close and she feels the same.
My hubby is a do- it-all kind of guy. He can play guitar, cook dinner and rock our baby to sleep. We are so fortunate to be able to have him stay at home while our baby is young! However, we quickly realized that all this extra ‘time’ he had at home really wasn’t extra at all!
Taking care of the home can be a lot of work especially with an adorable (but needy baby). My husband was looking for a way to be able to give her the attention she needs while also getting some chores done. Sakura Bloom ring sling is the best of both worlds.
When I first suggested baby-wearing to my husband he was a little hesitant, it’s not totally advertised in the dad community like it should be!! But the truth of the matter is, for all you dads out there, one of the sexiest things you can do as a new dad is care for your new baby and baby-wearing is at the absolute top of that list! He was more inclined when I showed him Sakura Bloom’s quality products in ‘dad friendly’ neutral colors to start and went with a ‘Black Currant Chambray’ (although they have a huge, gorgeous variety)!
The fabric is to die for, it perfectly molds to baby every time it’s worn and can be used from 8-35 lbs! My husband was surprised at how easy it was to put baby in a sling and loved how happy she was just hanging out with him in it. I also loved this companies amazing customer service, if you ever have any trouble they are right there to help!
I was so happy to share my love of baby-wearing with my husband and he’s become a huge fan as well. Sakura Bloom is definitely our top choice because it is made of the highest quality, softest linens, hand-dyed and tumble dried. We love supporting businesses we believe in and were happy to find the different baby-wearing options that grow with baby!
If you go on Instagram, baby-wearing is HUGE and us ladies have all realized that the best way to keep mama and baby happy is to find products we both love. Well, guys - I’m here to tell you that baby-wearing is also dad approved and a great way to make your wife fall in love all over again!
When I first discoveredKantha Bae I was blown away by the gorgeous colors of their textiles. While my hubby usually opts for black, I couldn’t help but want every single pattern in this shop!
While this company offers all sorts of items for mama and baby from quilts and slings to kimonos and headwraps, I decided to try out one of their beautiful ring slings for my sweet little Rey.
I always like to look into the ‘about us’ section of the companies I buy for and the story of Kantha Bae is definitely one that you can feel good about supporting. Kantha Bae is partnered with Basha Boutique that employs women coming from at-risk and trafficking areas in Bangladesh. These women hand embroider these fantastic fabrics in exchange for a fair trade environment that helps them find a home, job and safe care for their children. I feel great about having a product that empowers women and supports this fantastic avenue. I feel this cause also speaks mountains of the founder who is a boss mama herself to 5 babes.
Growing up in Oregon I’ve always had a strong connection to nature and I feel like this company really really supports the earthy mama vibe that I love. This company is all about support and attracts all those free-spirited, kind mom’s that want their babies to love the Earth and take care of it (and each other)!! That is super evident in their online Facebook community and Instagram, too!
Back to the product itself - I was so excited for this product drop, since each product is unique, items usually sell out pretty quickly (but there is still plenty to choose from and if you miss a drop there’s awesome email lists and instagram updates to keep you ready for the next!)
I debated between a few gorgeous slings (SO HARD TO CHOOSE) but ultimately chose a more girly color for my Rey and excitedly waited for it to arrive - which it did in fashion. I love the way Krista (the founder) packages - so cute and such a good way to know that every single item is lovingly selected and delivered just for you!
The colors are SO vibrant and the fabric is soft but still a little crunchy for sturdiness. I was very excited for baby to wake up so I could carry her around. After a few test runs around the block (and in the kitchen cooking dinner), hubby and I took the sling to the river to take out mommy-daughter photos that I’ve been looking forward too and this hippie-chic sling was SO PERFECT! I feel like it supported my little girl so well and she loves it.
Slings are the ultimate lifesaver and the easiest baby carrier that I’ve used with my girl. I LOVE how unique my Kantha is and I can’t wait to keep wearing it and getting compliments and use it in future photo-shoots. Seriously the perfect baby gear that fits in your diaper bag/purse or car and really saves your back when carrying baby around. It’s just so comfortable!
I also received a baby swaddle that I cannot wait to use on a future newborn photography session. It is so sweet and earthy colored. I love that I can use this for my photos and it is so perfect for putting over our baby when she’s in her car seat but it’s still a little too hot for a blanket. You can see the love and hope stitched into every Kantha Bae product and I have fallen in love with this company. I can’t wait to stay involved with the community and supporting the women that make these products and the women that wear them!
Sweet Baby Rey with her Daddy
Please check out this site and purchase your own Kantha Bae product: https://kanthabae.com
As a new mom, with so many baby product options, I’m still trying to navigate and find what works best for my babe especially when it comes to baby carriers.
We recently took my Anoona carrier by Soul Slings to the Oregon Coast for our day trip. We loved how easy it was to get baby in and out and all of the extra features this carrier has to keep our little girl comfortable and held right. I love that they thought of everything and there aren’t all these crazy straps sticking out. But for this trip, I was especially thankful for their sun shade attachment!
Usually the Oregon Coast isn’t a very sunny place to be but we happened to go on one of those rare, gorgeous days without any wind and the sun high in the sky. While Soul also makes some adorable baby sun hats, unfortunately our little girl is in the low percentiles for her head size (basically she has a tiny head) and her hat still doesn’t fit her quite yet.
We were grateful to be able to use the sunshade on this nice day to keep her newborn skin away from the harsh rays. She loved that she was still able to look around through the sides to see the ocean for the first time, and we were all happy.
We’ve taken this carrier on hikes, walks around the neighborhood and to the beach and have had a great experience! I love how diverse it is and that it will grow with her. I also love that it isn’t bulky so we can carry it around with us ‘just in case’.
This is the perfect carrier for new moms and would make the perfect baby shower gift!
As a working mom and a new mom, I’m always short on time! As soon as I get home from work all I want to do is cuddle our sweet little girl and soak up all the snuggles I’ve missed during the day. It’s not easy to be away from her but it’s vital for me to provide for my family with my job and I’m pretty lucky to have such amazing and understanding coworkers.
While most days I do get to just snuggle on the couch and settle in for the night, it seems that there is always something that needs to be done around the house or on the weekend. While I absolutely love my sleeping baby on me on the couch, sometimes I wrestle with needing to do the dishes or the laundry and that’s where my Soul Baby carrier comes in so perfectly!
I was excited to try out Soul Baby carriers since they are made in India and all fabrics are ethically made and environmentally (and baby) friendly which is really important to me. I always look to support companies that keep our environment in mind and want the purest products for my baby. Another cool environmental fact about this company is that the factory that makes these baby carriers are completely green and after using the energy they need, they send the surplus to benefit the local community!
TheMoonStone Anoonathat I use is so functional and is so thought out. I love that it comes with an attachable sun cover, a pocket on the ergo belt for baby-wearing on the go and keeps in mind style by hiding clips as best as possible and having a way to tie up the straps for smaller wear-ers. I also love how this carrier will grow with baby! I can use this until she is 44 lbs which is amazing. This is such a versatile carrier as I can use it for front carry, back carry or hip carry and I love how comfortable and condensed it is. Some carriers can be so bulky and this isnt which makes it perfect for our weekend getaways or just to throw in baby’s diaper bag just in case!
We love to go on adventures and we can’t wait to use this carrier for hiking this Summer! For now I love the functionality, ease of use and how it allows me to get things done WHILE bonding with my sweet little girl!
The Must-Have Items That New Moms Can't Live Without
Becoming a mom is easily one of the most wonderful and scary moments in any woman’s life. There is so much to learn and be aware of, it’s truly a crash-course in parenting right away. With that said, there are a number of items that can help make motherhood a whole lot smoother and simpler on both mom and baby. So if you’re busy making a list of all the items you need before baby arrives, then you’ll want to take a look at these must-have items that new moms simply can’t live without.
Baby Carrier
This particular item is great in that both moms and dads can use it. A baby carrier allows you to carry your baby around, snuggled close to your body, while allowing your hands to be free. This will allow you to go about tasks, errands, and chores without having to set baby down. There is also the added bonus that babies tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable while being snuggled. It’s a bonding experience for all.
The Mom Crib website has an excellent article on best baby carriers for 2018 and is a must-read before you head out shopping. It discusses the features you want to look for, the weight restrictions, whether the carrier allows for forward and/or rear positioning, and more.
Nursing Pillow
If you plan on nursing your little one, then a nursing pillow is an absolute must. It allows for baby to get into the ideal position to latch, and it makes it comfortable for both you and your little one. You'll find a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors so you will probably want to look at them in person to get an idea of what will work best for you.
Baby Bathtub
Bathing your new little bundle of joy is another bonding experience, but for new parents it can also be extremely stressful. They are so tiny and plopping them in the bathtub just isn't going to work. Instead you can pick up a baby tub that cradles their head and keeps it above water. This allows you to rest baby in the “tub” while washing them.
Bottles and Feeding Accessories
If you plan on bottle feeding your baby, then you’re going to need to stock up on a few bottles and accessories. Keep in mind that you will need to pick a nipple that is right for their age. Newborns need slow-flow nipples so that they don’t get too much liquid at once. As for the accessories, parents tend to love the convenient bottle warmers that warm bottles to the perfect temperature quickly and easily, plus there is cleaning and sterilizing gear you can get.
Diaper Bag
For new parents it's impossible to imagine just how much gear you'll need to pack and take with you each and every time you step foot outside of the house. This is exactly why a large diaper bag with multiple compartments and pockets is necessary. Look for one that is washable, waterproof, and includes a travel-sized change mat. Some also include insulated pockets which are perfect for carrying food and bottles.
The List Goes On
This is just a small look at some of the must-have gear that every new mom will need in order to make life with a new baby as easy as possible.
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Keep Baby Cool and Comfortable on those Beautiful Autumn Days with Ergobaby Mesh Baby Carrier
This has been such a beautiful and sunny Autumn here in the Pacific Northwest. I absolutely love taking my sweet little girl, Reylin (who is almost nine months old) out on walks where she gets to witness first hand the beauty of all of the breathtaking colors of fall.
We had a very warm summer, and my husband and I took Reylin on many hikes. We always carry her around in a baby carrier, because needless to say, you cannot maneuver a stroller out there in the woods, and a wiggly baby would make for very tired parental arms!
We have tried many types of baby carriers and slings, but most of them are not very good at keeping baby cool on warm days. Let's face it, both parents and baby can get kind of sweaty on long walks and hikes! Thankfully we came across the Ergobaby Cool Air Mesh Carrier.
We have found that there is no better baby carrier than the Ergobaby Mesh Baby Carrier for our adventures out in nature! The mesh fabric is completely breathable, keeping me (or my hubby) and our baby cool and comfortable even on the hottest, most humid days! It’s also lightweight, yet durable. Neither of us have experienced any shoulder or back strain, even as Reylin gets heavier. And the fact that this carrier grows with our baby means we can use it until she is at least four years old!
This carrier is also very stylish, and I love how my husband or I can each wear it and feel good in it. I also appreciate the detachable pouch that is has, in which we can keep baby essentials as well as our car keys and wallets safe and secure. Baby Reylin can easily face forward or backward, but I usually keep her facing me, because it makes it convenient for breastfeeding her right on the trail!
Mostly, we love how much our baby girl feels while she is in it! Our little one is always so happy and content when she is in her perfect element; snuggled up with her Mommy or Daddy, out in the woods or at the park, in her ErgoBaby Mesh Baby Carrier!
For additional information go to: https://ergobaby.com
*I received this carrier from Ergobaby.com to review. All opinions are my own.
New Mommies LOVE Baby-Wearing Dads! Sakura Bloom Review
Since becoming a mom, I’m constantly busy and I’m constantly looking for ways to make life easier. Since becoming a stay at home dad - my husband faces the same challenge. I’ve always been a big fan of baby-wearing. I absolutely love that closeness and comfort it brings to both baby and mama.
I didn’t start my baby-wearing journey until my babe was a little bit older but I so wish I would’ve had a sling when my girl was just a new baby. I love the ease of Sakura Bloom ring slings, the high quality, and the convenience of being able to put her sling in her diaper bag for on-the-go moments and not having to push a stroller everywhere (especially in crowds). I feel less anxious having my little girl close and she feels the same.
My hubby is a do- it-all kind of guy. He can play guitar, cook dinner and rock our baby to sleep. We are so fortunate to be able to have him stay at home while our baby is young! However, we quickly realized that all this extra ‘time’ he had at home really wasn’t extra at all!
Taking care of the home can be a lot of work especially with an adorable (but needy baby). My husband was looking for a way to be able to give her the attention she needs while also getting some chores done. Sakura Bloom ring sling is the best of both worlds.
When I first suggested baby-wearing to my husband he was a little hesitant, it’s not totally advertised in the dad community like it should be!! But the truth of the matter is, for all you dads out there, one of the sexiest things you can do as a new dad is care for your new baby and baby-wearing is at the absolute top of that list! He was more inclined when I showed him Sakura Bloom’s quality products in ‘dad friendly’ neutral colors to start and went with a ‘Black Currant Chambray’ (although they have a huge, gorgeous variety)!
The fabric is to die for, it perfectly molds to baby every time it’s worn and can be used from 8-35 lbs! My husband was surprised at how easy it was to put baby in a sling and loved how happy she was just hanging out with him in it. I also loved this companies amazing customer service, if you ever have any trouble they are right there to help!
I was so happy to share my love of baby-wearing with my husband and he’s become a huge fan as well. Sakura Bloom is definitely our top choice because it is made of the highest quality, softest linens, hand-dyed and tumble dried. We love supporting businesses we believe in and were happy to find the different baby-wearing options that grow with baby!
If you go on Instagram, baby-wearing is HUGE and us ladies have all realized that the best way to keep mama and baby happy is to find products we both love. Well, guys - I’m here to tell you that baby-wearing is also dad approved and a great way to make your wife fall in love all over again!
For more information, go to: https://www.sakurabloom.com/
Earthy Mamas will LOVE the Kantha Bae Ring Sling!
When I first discovered Kantha Bae I was blown away by the gorgeous colors of their textiles. While my hubby usually opts for black, I couldn’t help but want every single pattern in this shop!
While this company offers all sorts of items for mama and baby from quilts and slings to kimonos and headwraps, I decided to try out one of their beautiful ring slings for my sweet little Rey.
I always like to look into the ‘about us’ section of the companies I buy for and the story of Kantha Bae is definitely one that you can feel good about supporting. Kantha Bae is partnered with Basha Boutique that employs women coming from at-risk and trafficking areas in Bangladesh. These women hand embroider these fantastic fabrics in exchange for a fair trade environment that helps them find a home, job and safe care for their children. I feel great about having a product that empowers women and supports this fantastic avenue. I feel this cause also speaks mountains of the founder who is a boss mama herself to 5 babes.
Growing up in Oregon I’ve always had a strong connection to nature and I feel like this company really really supports the earthy mama vibe that I love. This company is all about support and attracts all those free-spirited, kind mom’s that want their babies to love the Earth and take care of it (and each other)!! That is super evident in their online Facebook community and Instagram, too!
Back to the product itself - I was so excited for this product drop, since each product is unique, items usually sell out pretty quickly (but there is still plenty to choose from and if you miss a drop there’s awesome email lists and instagram updates to keep you ready for the next!)
I debated between a few gorgeous slings (SO HARD TO CHOOSE) but ultimately chose a more girly color for my Rey and excitedly waited for it to arrive - which it did in fashion. I love the way Krista (the founder) packages - so cute and such a good way to know that every single item is lovingly selected and delivered just for you!
The colors are SO vibrant and the fabric is soft but still a little crunchy for sturdiness. I was very excited for baby to wake up so I could carry her around. After a few test runs around the block (and in the kitchen cooking dinner), hubby and I took the sling to the river to take out mommy-daughter photos that I’ve been looking forward too and this hippie-chic sling was SO PERFECT! I feel like it supported my little girl so well and she loves it.
Slings are the ultimate lifesaver and the easiest baby carrier that I’ve used with my girl. I LOVE how unique my Kantha is and I can’t wait to keep wearing it and getting compliments and use it in future photo-shoots. Seriously the perfect baby gear that fits in your diaper bag/purse or car and really saves your back when carrying baby around. It’s just so comfortable!
I also received a baby swaddle that I cannot wait to use on a future newborn photography session. It is so sweet and earthy colored. I love that I can use this for my photos and it is so perfect for putting over our baby when she’s in her car seat but it’s still a little too hot for a blanket. You can see the love and hope stitched into every Kantha Bae product and I have fallen in love with this company. I can’t wait to stay involved with the community and supporting the women that make these products and the women that wear them!
Sweet Baby Rey with her Daddy
Please check out this site and purchase your own Kantha Bae product: https://kanthabae.com
Soul Sling Anoona: Best Carrier for New Moms
As a new mom, with so many baby product options, I’m still trying to navigate and find what works best for my babe especially when it comes to baby carriers.
We recently took my Anoona carrier by Soul Slings to the Oregon Coast for our day trip. We loved how easy it was to get baby in and out and all of the extra features this carrier has to keep our little girl comfortable and held right. I love that they thought of everything and there aren’t all these crazy straps sticking out. But for this trip, I was especially thankful for their sun shade attachment!
Usually the Oregon Coast isn’t a very sunny place to be but we happened to go on one of those rare, gorgeous days without any wind and the sun high in the sky. While Soul also makes some adorable baby sun hats, unfortunately our little girl is in the low percentiles for her head size (basically she has a tiny head) and her hat still doesn’t fit her quite yet.
We were grateful to be able to use the sunshade on this nice day to keep her newborn skin away from the harsh rays. She loved that she was still able to look around through the sides to see the ocean for the first time, and we were all happy.
We’ve taken this carrier on hikes, walks around the neighborhood and to the beach and have had a great experience! I love how diverse it is and that it will grow with her. I also love that it isn’t bulky so we can carry it around with us ‘just in case’.
This is the perfect carrier for new moms and would make the perfect baby shower gift!
For more information about the Soul Sling Anoona, please visit: https://soulslings.com
*Product received. All opinions are my own.
Keep Baby Close & Get Things Done with Soul Baby Carriers
Keep Baby Close & Get Things Done!
As a working mom and a new mom, I’m always short on time! As soon as I get home from work all I want to do is cuddle our sweet little girl and soak up all the snuggles I’ve missed during the day. It’s not easy to be away from her but it’s vital for me to provide for my family with my job and I’m pretty lucky to have such amazing and understanding coworkers.
While most days I do get to just snuggle on the couch and settle in for the night, it seems that there is always something that needs to be done around the house or on the weekend. While I absolutely love my sleeping baby on me on the couch, sometimes I wrestle with needing to do the dishes or the laundry and that’s where my Soul Baby carrier comes in so perfectly!
I was excited to try out Soul Baby carriers since they are made in India and all fabrics are ethically made and environmentally (and baby) friendly which is really important to me. I always look to support companies that keep our environment in mind and want the purest products for my baby. Another cool environmental fact about this company is that the factory that makes these baby carriers are completely green and after using the energy they need, they send the surplus to benefit the local community!
The MoonStone Anoona that I use is so functional and is so thought out. I love that it comes with an attachable sun cover, a pocket on the ergo belt for baby-wearing on the go and keeps in mind style by hiding clips as best as possible and having a way to tie up the straps for smaller wear-ers. I also love how this carrier will grow with baby! I can use this until she is 44 lbs which is amazing. This is such a versatile carrier as I can use it for front carry, back carry or hip carry and I love how comfortable and condensed it is. Some carriers can be so bulky and this isnt which makes it perfect for our weekend getaways or just to throw in baby’s diaper bag just in case!
We love to go on adventures and we can’t wait to use this carrier for hiking this Summer! For now I love the functionality, ease of use and how it allows me to get things done WHILE bonding with my sweet little girl!
For more information, or to place an order, go to: https://soulslings.com
The Must-Have Items that New Moms Can't Live Without
The Must-Have Items That New Moms Can't Live Without
Becoming a mom is easily one of the most wonderful and scary moments in any woman’s life. There is so much to learn and be aware of, it’s truly a crash-course in parenting right away. With that said, there are a number of items that can help make motherhood a whole lot smoother and simpler on both mom and baby. So if you’re busy making a list of all the items you need before baby arrives, then you’ll want to take a look at these must-have items that new moms simply can’t live without.
Baby Carrier
This particular item is great in that both moms and dads can use it. A baby carrier allows you to carry your baby around, snuggled close to your body, while allowing your hands to be free. This will allow you to go about tasks, errands, and chores without having to set baby down. There is also the added bonus that babies tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable while being snuggled. It’s a bonding experience for all.
The Mom Crib website has an excellent article on best baby carriers for 2018 and is a must-read before you head out shopping. It discusses the features you want to look for, the weight restrictions, whether the carrier allows for forward and/or rear positioning, and more.
Nursing Pillow
If you plan on nursing your little one, then a nursing pillow is an absolute must. It allows for baby to get into the ideal position to latch, and it makes it comfortable for both you and your little one. You'll find a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors so you will probably want to look at them in person to get an idea of what will work best for you.
Baby Bathtub
Bathing your new little bundle of joy is another bonding experience, but for new parents it can also be extremely stressful. They are so tiny and plopping them in the bathtub just isn't going to work. Instead you can pick up a baby tub that cradles their head and keeps it above water. This allows you to rest baby in the “tub” while washing them.
Bottles and Feeding Accessories
If you plan on bottle feeding your baby, then you’re going to need to stock up on a few bottles and accessories. Keep in mind that you will need to pick a nipple that is right for their age. Newborns need slow-flow nipples so that they don’t get too much liquid at once. As for the accessories, parents tend to love the convenient bottle warmers that warm bottles to the perfect temperature quickly and easily, plus there is cleaning and sterilizing gear you can get.
Diaper Bag
For new parents it's impossible to imagine just how much gear you'll need to pack and take with you each and every time you step foot outside of the house. This is exactly why a large diaper bag with multiple compartments and pockets is necessary. Look for one that is washable, waterproof, and includes a travel-sized change mat. Some also include insulated pockets which are perfect for carrying food and bottles.
The List Goes On
This is just a small look at some of the must-have gear that every new mom will need in order to make life with a new baby as easy as possible.