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Baby carriers are a must have item if you are an on the go parent.  They are so much easier than lugging around a stroller.  If you are onto baby number 2 or 3 they can really give you more mobility if you are already chasing around a couple of other children.  The problem is, you need a baby carrier that offers enough support that you aren't killing your back in the process.



In my opinion, a baby carrier is definitely something worth spending a little extra money on to get a good one.  I do understand that not everyone has a ton of money to buy one with all of the options though.  This is why I am glad Infantino has come out with a great option that is also affordable.  The Balance Baby Carrier retails for about $49.99 and offers you a facing in position for smaller babies and a backpack option for bigger babies.



Because my baby is not here yet, I had a friend of mine try out the Infantino Balance Baby Carrier with her new baby boy.  He is only 2 months old and is a little guy.  He weighs about 8lbs 13oz.  The Balance Carrier was designed to hold babies who weigh anywhere from 8lbs-35lbs which makes this a very versatile option as well.  My friend's experience so far has been that her baby is not quite as happy in this carrier as her other one because he is still too small.  His legs were too short to hang out of the sides even when she adjusted it and he seems to prefer having them out. I think that if we experiment with this carrier in another month her baby will be much happier!  I am going to let her hang on to it so we can find out the results.  The good news is that she said the carrier definitely felt great on her back.  There was plenty of support and no back pain associated with the Balance Carrier.



I must say that the design of this carrier makes so much sense to me.  The shoulder straps have a ton of padding and support, the backpack option is something you don't often find on carriers that cost less, and the natural sitting position it creates for baby has to be more comfortable for everyone!  Make sure to check out the video on the Infantino Balance Carrier.

$10 Discount
Babies R Us is currently offering $10 off the Balance Carrier as well as the EcoSash until September 21st!  You can connect with Infantino on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or their blog to keep up to date with all of the deals they have to offer.


I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.

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When Graham first started eating solid foods, I was thankful for our high chair.  I was worried at first that it was a useless expense, but I was so glad we had it!  It was nice to have a place a little bit separate from our table because he was so messy.  But, there were several things I hated about our old high chair.  It was cloth (had to be washed in the washing machine), it was huge (I can't tell you how many times I stumped my toe on that Cadillac), and it really didn't match our dinning room decor (giraffes and lions are only for the zoo folks).



Enter the Joovy Nook (cue the angels singing).  I could seriously sing this high chair's praises from the roof tops!  It has EVERYTHING I could ever ask for and more and even costs less than most other high chairs (unless you want my old one with giraffes and lions.  I'll let you take it home for about $25).  No kidding!  I have even had two other mothers over who have used it with their children and they have been super impressed.



Here's what I love:

• Leatherette seat cushion with NO CREVICES!  Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth (Hallelujah)!
• Folds EXTREMELY compact for a full size high chair.  It even has a convenient carrying handle and can be folded one handed.  I store it in the corner of our dinning room and my toes thank me!
• A tray that SWINGS OUT.  No more pulling the tray completely off to put baby in/out.
• Heavy duty 5-point harness.  Wipeable as well!
• Removable DISHWASHER SAFE top tray that will actually fit in your dishwasher.
• Blends into your current dinning room or kitchen DECOR (black or white usually matches everything).

If you are a first time mother please take it from me and remove whatever high chair you have on your registry and buy this one.  Now, I'm sure that there are some other really well made and versatile high chairs out there (I've seen them and I've priced them...*ugh*), but how much do you really want to spend on one?  The Joovy Nook is only $139.99, has FREE SHIPPING in the US, and offers every sanity saving feature you could think of.  I would honestly expect to pay close to $200 for a quality high chair like this one.

Want an even better deal?  Joovy is offering 30% off your purchase when you use coupon code: "nookintrospecial".  This code will expire July 15th.

This product was provided free of charge by Joovy. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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One thing I learned by having baby number one, Graham, was that the baby items can pile up quickly and take up a lot of room.  One of the reasons I founded this site was to provide friends with all the research I had done before having Graham on products that worked for the best buy (so you didn't clutter your house with useless things).  I know I have said this before, but it amazes me the leaps and bounds the baby world has made in just 3 short years!  There is so much more technology and innovative thinking that has gone into baby gear.



We were sent the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer for review.  I know that I do not currently have a baby to put in the bouncer, but I am so excited to see the thought behind this product (and I know that my new little one will too)!  This bouncer can be folded flat very easily.  It folds so flat that it would be no problem to store it in the back of your car with all of your other travel items for a trip.  This really makes this mom happy!  We are thinking about possibly taking a trip once baby number two arrives and I was wondering how we would fit a bouncy seat in with everything else!  Now, we don't have to think about it.  Our old bouncy seat has absolutely no folding capabilities.  This will also save your precious closet space!



The Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer includes features that you would typically see on a bouncy seat.  But, they have incorporated them with style.  The music and sounds that are available on Graham's old bouncer sound more like static than music.  If you are a first time mom, you may not notice the difference, but if you are a seasoned parent, you will understand what I am talking about!  The sounds on the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer actually sound soothing (which is the point right?)!  Included are heart beat and two nature sounds, 3 melodies, soothing vibrations, and even a volume control (thanks for that)!  If you don't want to use the soothing vibrations, you can always let your child be the bouncer.  A bouncing action will occur with your baby's natural movement.

Ergonomically speaking, this bouncy seat has an extremely plush padding with a contoured design that looks as if it will hug baby.  I would imagine that this would help the baby feel even more safe, secure, and happy inside the seat.  The toy bar can be detached and put back on when needed (some times those toys will startle a very young infant). 




Overall, I think that this bouncy seat is a great space saver, wonderful travel companion, and a great value.  You can purchase the Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer for about $49.99.

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.

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One of the fist things you add to the registry when you find out you are pregnant is a monitor.  If you were like us, you have found this task to be overwhelming!  There are far too many choices and it seems that each choice forces you to sacrifice.  I'm not saying that there is a perfect monitor out there, but I do think that technology is making huge leaps and bounds.



We were sent the SecureSleep Handheld Color Video Monitor by Summer Infant to review.  I have been doing a lot of reading on different monitors after we had just an OK experience with our current monitor.  What I found is that this one seemed to offer the most for your money.  I know that a video monitor is definitely a personal preference for some parents (as others can do without).  But, what I love is that the monitor not only includes video monitoring, but that it also gives you the temperature of the room!  This is something I was overly concerned with when Graham was an infant because research tells us that overheating a baby may lead to SIDS.





The Pros:
 Like I said earlier, I love that the temperature is indicated right on your handheld device.  The unit is extremely easy to use compared to my old monitor.  I love the volume control knobs because they are digital and show you on the screen how loud you have the monitor.  I would fiddle with my old monitor every night before bed time to adjust it to where it wasn't too loud or too soft.  You can also adjust the brightness of the video (same as volume) and turn the monitor on and off with one convenient switch on top.

The connection you receive is digital which means that your neighbors will not be listening in on your family!  We had this problem with our old monitor.  They could hear us and we could hear them!  Not reassuring!  We have never had any trouble with the sound being staticy either. Another bonus is that the channels will automatically adjust to find the best connection available.  There is a 350' range which means you could easily take the monitor outside if you wanted to hang out on the deck on a nice day.  If you are forgetful like me and many other busy parents, there is a built in 3 minute shut off for the video so that you can conserve the battery life.  I also like the versatility of being able to wall mount the video camera or place it on a table top.  This comes in handy as your child grows and you need to see more of the room.

The Cons:
One piece of advice I would give is to make sure you read the set-up instructions well and do not turn on the monitor until it has charged over night.  I was confused and plugged it in and turned it on (thought that was how you charged it) and now I only receive about 4-6 hours of a charge on the monitor.  Another draw back is that it does not have an option for batteries in case you have a power outage.  Also, the picture can be grainy at times depending on several factors that are hard for you to control (weather, range, etc).  The key is to have the video as close to your baby as possible in order to have the clearest picture.

Overall, I think that this is a great monitor to try out if you are looking for an all-in-one.  A monitor is something I would say not to skimp on in the price department.  Some things are worth spending a little extra on!  You can purchase the SecureSleep Handheld Color Video Monitor for about $154.00.

This product was provided free of charge by Summer Infant. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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With baby number 2 on the way, my mind has been on all things baby related lately.  When Graham was little we really relied on the Infantino brand for several toys and activity gear items.  I definitely trust the brand and am thrilled to be a part of the Infantino Test Drive Team with Mom Central.  Over the next few months I will be showcasing some of the new products available from Infantino and letting you know all about them.

We were sent the new Twist and Fold Activity Gym as well as the Jumbo Wheel Play Space.  The current activity gym that we own also folds down, but not as quickly as this one.  I like how this activity gym features just about everything your baby could need, but is also a great size for small spaces and for travel.  You will find four linkable play pals (one which plays music), a bolster for tummy time (not attached so that you can place your baby where they are happy), a mirror (one of Graham's favorites when he was tiny), and a velcro closure strap to make this the perfect travel companion.





At first, I was confused as to how to make the gym bars flat, so I included a video that may be helpful to you if want to see how easy it is!  All you have to do is push down on the top.  When you are finished, simply turn the button on top until the bars release.  Flip the gym upside down and fold to store or travel.  For me, the only thing this gym is missing is some type of light or light up feature.




The Jumbo Wheel Play Space is such a wonderful addition to the Infantino line of products!  This is exactly what I needed when Graham was small.  We do have carpeted floors, but I liked to have a pallet for him to play on because of the dog and the possibilities of hair on the carpet (even though we vacuum every other day).  Just call me cautious!  Not only isThe Jumbo Wheel Play Space huge (47 inches) it also has many options for baby!  There is a mirror which will help encourage tummy time, a musical flower, teethers, and various textures and crinkly sounds!  I love the 3D effects on the mat as well as the bright colors to attract baby's attention and keep them mesmerized.  There are more than 20 play features included on this super plush mat.




I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.

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We are such a musical family and when I was pregnant with Graham I did all sorts of research on when he would be able to hear music while in the womb.  What I discovered is that most research indicates that babies can start to hear outside noise at about 15 weeks gestation!  That is amazing to me!  Research indicates that your child will be familiar with your voice and also that of your husband's and other people you are around frequently.  It will probably also be accustomed to the barking dog or siblings.

bellybuds is such an innovative product that I am so excited to share it with you!  It was invented by a dad who watched his wife place her iPod ear buds on her belly for their unborn child.  She had to lie down very still and found it very inconvenient.  He knew that there had to be a better way.  After much research and talking to moms and moms-to-be, he came up with bellybuds.

The bellybuds device is quick and easy to use.  All you have to own is an MP3 player or some other means of transferring music.  These work with both my iPhone and iPod Shuffle.  Plug in the bellybuds and place them on your stomach in a desired location.  The adhesive is non-irritating and holds firm, but gentle.  I placed them on and forgot that I was wearing them after an hour!  If you have an iPhone I suggest downloading the Pandora App and playing free classical music (you know me, always trying to find a deal).  As soon as I put the bellybuds on my baby started moving and kicking!  Removing them was just as simple as putting them on.  No need to worry about them hurting (definitely nothing worse than ripping off a band-aide)!  The bellybuds come off quick, easy, and pain free.  The package says that they are good for 20-30 uses and comes with an extra set of adhesive cups.  The Deluxe package retails for $49.99 and comes with everything you will need to get started.

This product was provided free of charge by bellybuds and Team Mom. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.



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One thing you are going to need as a new mom is a travel crib.  We have used ours on so many different occasions that it easily paid for itself within the first few months.  There were two things that were hard about it, the amount of room it took up and the weight.  I recently had the opportunity to try out the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light which, I believe, should be on every mother's wish list.

This crib is so simple that it comes already assembled.  I remember my husband getting frustrated putting together our other travel crib.  The BabyBjorn Travel Light Crib was ready to go as soon as I pulled it out of the box!  The crib only weighs 11 pounds which makes it super easy to carry upstairs or lug along in a big hotel.  It comes with it's own carrying case that it conveniently folds into.  The BabyBjorn Travel Light Crib, when folded and in it's case, looks like you are carrying a bag.  You can put it over your shoulder and hit the road!





The other part of our last travel crib that was tricky was putting it up and taking it down.  After a few times, we got the hang of it, but it was always hard for others to operate it.  The BabyBjorn Travel Light Crib can be opened in basically one movement.  I was able to set it up by myself as soon as I opened the box.  The travel crib was literally out of the box and set up in our living room in about 5 minutes!







Parents are also going to love that the fabric is completely machine washable (mattress cover and bed fabric).  Honestly, I don't know why a company would manufacture a baby product that is not machine washable!  It just makes sense.  The mattress pad is nice and thick which makes it comfy for babies.  The BabyBjorn Travel Light Crib is available in Blue and Silver (Silver is not available in Canada) and retails for about $279.99.  This crib is great for newborns all the way up to about 3 years old.

This product was provided free of charge by BabyBjorn. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info. 




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Are you the type of parent that likes to be outdoors or moving a lot with your baby?  Maybe you should check out the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Air.  I know we had another version of baby carrier when Graham was tiny and I was always sweating in it!  Not to mention, Graham was always sweating.  It could not have been comfortable for him.


The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Air is made from a 3D mesh that helps aid in keeping your baby cool and dry by carrying away moisture.  It still boasts the same flexible material as other BabyBjorn carriers and has the option of wearing your baby facing inward and as they are older, facing outward.  The carrier also makes sure your baby's legs and arms are in a physiologically correct position (so you don't have to worry about their little legs being uncomfortable).  The Baby Carrier Air even comes with a storage bag for travel.  This carrier will work for newborns and babies up to 25lbs and is machine washable.


One of the best features of the BabyBjorn Carrier Air is that you can remove your child while they are sleeping without disturbing them.  The back flap will completely unfasten so that you can slide your child out and into the crib.  Check it out in the video below:








The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Air retails for about $99.99 at Babies R Us.  If you are looking for a carrier that offers two different positions and helps with ventilation, this could be a good choice for you.  The price point is also nice!

This giveaway was provided by BabyBjorn.  Please see my Terms of Use for more info.



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The one thing I relied heavily upon when Graham was an infant was his bouncy seat.  It was great because it gave me a place to let him nap while I could keep an eye on him and it also help kept him entertained.  BabyBjorn has taken an innovative approach to the bouncy seat with their Babysitter Balance.

The Babysitter Balance actually uses your baby's own motion to create movement.  No batteries required!  It can also be a travel companion if your child can't do without it on trips.  Just fold it up and take it with you.  With three different positions, the Babysitter Balance can be used for play, rest, or sleep.  Because this chair is powered by your baby, your child will be refining important motor skills while having fun.







Parents are going to love the fact that the Babysitter Balance is guaranteed free from hazardous substances.  The fabric is also reversible which offers you different color schemes for the price of one!  The BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance can be purchases for about $169.99 at Babies R Us and other baby stores.

BabyBjorn provided the giveaway. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.





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Graham spends a lot of time playing on the floor.  He also really loves to cuddle up in the floor with his books and blankets.  When I was contacted by Ericka from Busy Bee Baby Basics I was amazed at what she was offering for such great prices.






She came up with these adorable floor cushions when her own daughter kept taking over the dog bed!  This resourceful momma decided she would just create a dog bed of sorts for her daughter to use (I'm sure the dog was grateful)!  Graham was sent the floor cushion in cow print with his name monogrammed and he has been carrying it around since he got it!  He uses it as his "conductor's seat" on his pretend train, he sits on it in the floor, he sits on it on his stool, and he brings it to bed with him every night!






There are several fabric and monogram options to choose from and the cover is removable making it easy to wash.  The best part is that she sells these homemade floor cushions for only $25!  I honestly think it is a steal!  Graham's pillow even has a cute fringe on the outside!






Busy Bee Baby Basics also sells some adorable hats, burp cloths, aprons and handmade blankets.  I think it is a great place to stop if you are looking for gifts that are one of a kind!

This product was provided free of charge by Busy Bee Baby Basics. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.



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Claire makes and sells many adorable wearable products for children:







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-Allie

This product was provided free of charge by Wozzy. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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Finding a car seat can be a hard thing. The deal is that there are so many on the market and they all have to pass the safety rating before they can make it. So, then there lies the question...what is it that I really need to look for in a seat? We did our research before Graham was born and decided on an Evenflo because it had great ratings and was very affordable.



The new Evenflo Triumph Advance is very impressive for several reasons. First of all, it has taken the features of other, more expensive brands and made them a reality for those on a budget! What makes the more pricey brands... well... pricey are the extra features. The Evenflo Triumph Advance offers the Infinite Slide Harness adjustment which means you will achieve a more secure fit and it is a lot easier. Typical car seats have you thread the harness through the back into a few select holes as far as height adjustment goes. The Infinite Slide Harness allows you to slide it to the perfect position, not just the best available one. You also do not have to worry about threading it trough the back. There is a quick and easy button on the side. The Evenflo Triumph Advance will hold your child up to 50 pounds and was designed and tested to be safe at 2X the Federal crash test standard. I also love the exclusive TensionRight knob that tightens the harness from the side. It is great because I'm not wasting time adjusting uneven straps or yanking to make sure it is super tight. There are also 2 buckle strap positions which is nice when growth spurts happen!



On a more aesthetic level, this seat is BIG! It does fit in our Expedition and will also fit in our Subaru Outback. He's feet are definitely close to the back of the drivers seat, but he also has long legs and feet for a 2 1/2 year old. Also, his legs are pretty close to the back of the seat in his other car seat as well. The fabric has a nice micro fiber feel and seems to be comfortable for Graham. The seat cover is also easily removed thanks to the Velcro in the middle. I'm not sure how this will be over time, but so far it seems to be a nice sanity saving feature (especially if you have one that is potty training).

Overall, I think the $139.99 price tag is a deal for what you are getting and the make of the seat feels very sturdy. The Evenflo Triumph Advance would be a great item to include on a baby registry since the price is so reasonable.

This product was provided free of charge by Evenflo. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.




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