Zipadee-Zip Review and a Giveaway

We love our Zipadee-Zip so much I reached out to Sleeping Baby and asked if I could do a review for their products. They graciously said yes and offered my readers a giveaway. You definitely want to enter this giveaway and if you don't win you can always use the code that will be available after the giveaway to buy one. I highly recommend getting one.

We first tried the Zipadee-Zip when Zander was about 4 months old. It was tough and he fought every second of it. He wasn't rolling yet so we went back to the swaddle to give him a little more time. I thought him still being snug in something would work but he wasn't ready. We tried again around 6 months and haven't looked back. I thought we would be swaddling our baby forever. When we put the Zipadee-Zip on Zander he immediately calms down and knows it is time for bed. It is his comfort blanket, he snuggles right up to you and puts his head down with his hand or bink in his mouth. The Zipadee-Zip allows him to still get to his hands but not smack himself in his face.

I'll be honest I was a little nervous for him to be in something that we would have to transition out of, but I have good news, you really don't have to ever transition out of the Zipadee-Zip. They have options all the way to 5T! Now I am sure we won't be in them that long but who knows and it is comforting knowing it is an option if we need it. I highly recommend the Zipadee-Zip as a swaddle transition for anyone struggling with transitioning out of the swaddles.

We have recently started using a blanket in the crib now that Zander is mobile but when we first started using the Zipadee-Zip we did not use blankets and I love the warmth it provided Zander at night. I didn't have to worry about his hands getting cold because he was snug as a bug in his Zipadee-Zip. Once he gets older they do offer hand and feet free options as well, the Flying Squirrel, which like I said goes up to 5T.

Did you know Sleeping Baby also offers teethers and teething necklaces? I had no idea! Zander and I are huge fans of teething necklaces so I was so excited when they offered to send us one. I LOVE that the necklaces are longer and the teething beads go all the way up the necklace. They are 100% non-toxic and BPA free. Zander has been so distracted by everything while nursing so not only has this helped to soothe his gums it also helps distract him while he is nursing so he actually nurses. A definite win win, plus who doesn't love a classy black and gray necklace that can be worn with so much. Go check out the other ones they offer plus the teethers and clips here.

Here are some videos to help give you a visual of the Zipadee-Zip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhNGmFR8TGg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEUhunLX_Hc . Though if I am being honest you don't need the videos, trust me you want this baby product! We love ours!!

Now is your chance to win a Zipadee-Zip of your choice from their website. It will be shipped directly to you! Don't forget to like Sleeping Baby on Facebook to enter their monthly giveaway! Also if you don't win there will be a coupon code for you to buy one once the giveaway ends. Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends February 2 at 12:00am EST. Open to Residents of the US only. Winner will be selected at random and be notified by email and announced on my Facebook page and Instagram. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. The product provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway.  I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner. Good Luck!

6 Teething Must Haves

Now that we have approached the stages of teething I thought I would share my top 6 teething must haves. Teething was always difficult for Kinley so I am expecting it to be just as difficult with Zander. These things sure do help to have!

1. Teething Necklace: This necklace is for me and is Zander's absolute favorite teething toy. I have a few different designs but he seems to prefer the ones with the round silicone beads. It has a snap clasp so he can pull it off and hang on to it if he wants to. Perfect for when I am holding him or he is in the carrier. I did not have these with Kinley but now using them with Zander I highly recommend them. It has been a life saver for us many times.

2. Sophie: She has been a favorite of both of my kids. She is easy to hold and her legs are great to shove in the mouth and rub on the gums. In my opinion it is a gloried dog toy but worth every penny. The squeaking is a good distraction as well.

3. Baltic Amber Teething Necklace: We used this with Kinley and have bought one for Zander as well. The oils in the amber are known to reduce inflammation and pain. It is to be worn as close to where the pain in, hence it being a necklace. I do not like the idea of Zander having something around his neck at night so I take it off, which might defeat the purpose since night time is the worse but safety first! I have heard you can put it around their ankle, which I have tried a few times. There are many knock offs out there so make sure you order from a reputable shop where they use certified amber. The fake stuff won't cut it.

4. Silicone Teethers: I found these elephants on Groopdealz and they became a favorite fast. They are easy to grip and you can put a pacifier clip on them to prevent them from falling on the ground. I recently ordered some suck pads for our Tula and the sweet shop included an owl. I love it.

5. Munchkin Mesh Teether: This is perfect for frozen fruit or breastmilk cubes. It is easy for Zander to hold and can rub it on his gums without making too much of a mess. For that reason it is great for on the go.

6. Tylenol: And last but not least always have Tylenol or Motrin on hand. I use this as a last result because I hate giving my kids medicine but I am not against it. If they are still in pain after trying everything else I will give them medicine. An FYI....the children's tylenol is the same suspension as the infants and you get more for your money, so don't buy the infants :)

What things help get you through teething babies?

Must Haves for Baby #2

I have been thinking about what things we need to get for baby #2 when he/she arrives. When we started shopping when we were pregnant with Kinley we knew we wanted to get all gender neutral big ticket items. The best idea ever! Just in case this one is a boy.  We I knew we would always have 2 so I didn't want to have to purchase a new car seat or stroller because we had one of each.

As of right now we have the car seat and bases, changing table, a rock n play, a swing, a bouncer and a stroller. I think that is basically all the big items. So now on to items we will need with baby #2.

1. New Crib

Initially we weren't going to buy another crib but I recently found out Kinley's crib transitions into a full bed so we are just going to buy another 4n1 crib for the baby. I knew her crib transitioned to a toddler bed but I didn't know it went to a full. Needless to say I was super excited!!

2. Double Stroller
I recently bought the graco ready to grow double stroller from someone who had only used it a handful of times. I think we will stick with that for a double stroller for now.

3. Solly Baby Wrap
I really really want a Solly wrap for this baby. I didn't use a wrap with Kinley. We used the Ergo and the newborn insert. I LOVE the Ergo but I didn't love it with a newborn. I have heard such amazing things about the Solly, so that is definitely on my list!

4. Aden and Anais Blankets
These blankets are the absolute best! They are light weight and breathable but provide enough warmth when need be. I have been trying to not buy Kinley more of these because really how many blankets does one kid need...BUT they are amazing! So I will be adding to our collection.

5. Breast Pump
This one I am torn about. I used the Medela Freestyle with Kinley and I still have it but I am wondering if I need to get a new one. I used that thing a LOT! Does anyone have any suggestions on that? Do I need a new one? I loved the convenience of the freestyle but my boobs didn't respond to it well. Maybe that is just because my boobs hated the pump. Could totally be! There was definitely a love/hate relationship with that thing!

6. Sophie
Sophie is a must! Kinley loved Sophie from the beginning! Hers was used a lot so I will definitely be getting the baby another one.

7. New Nursing Cover
I had a few of these with Kinley but I didn't love any of them. I am looking at the Milk Snob covers. They look wonderful and the reviews are great!

8. Halo Sleep Sacks
Kinley really loved being swaddled after we got through the initial fight. We will definitely be investing in some more of these because they get full of everything pretty fast! Everything to include poop, pee, coffee, lots of spit up and whatever else you can imagine.

9. New Clothes
Of course the baby will need new clothes! Kinley was a winter baby and this baby will be a spring baby. So the clothes will not be in the right season unfortunately. I am sure some of her clothes will get re-used but the majority will be new clothes. The new baby has to have something new, right :)

10. Humidifier
I didn't put a humidifier in Kinley's room for a few months after she was born and after I did I was very happy I did.  I always love having a humidifier in our room so I thought the kiddos would too. Though to be honest it is getting pretty nasty so I need to get a new one. Does anyone have any suggestions on humidifiers they love?

So besides the known diapers and wipes those are my 10 things we will definitely be getting for this next baby. If anyone has any other must haves please share!! I like to plan and start saving so all this doesn't drain our bank account at once :).

Hope everyone is having a great start to the week! And of course one cute pic from the girl that wanted every peanut M&M pack at the grocery store yesterday. I know it is blurry and I am sorry but it is too funny!

4 and 5 Month Must Haves

Sorry this post is so over due! Life gets busy with a little one :). Below are our must haves for a 4-5 month old!

1. Aden and Anais Security Blanket: We are really a fan of these blankets or loveys. I was very hesitant on giving her a blanket but with the breathable material these are made out of, it eased my mind. They are soft and come in a pack of two! Since we are trying to move past swaddling Kinley likes having something in her hand when falling asleep. 

2. Earths Best Oatmeal:  I knew I wanted an organic oatmeal to give her. We have been very happy with earths best and Kinley loves it! Win win. *We did not give this to her until she was almost 6 months old and this was at the request of the pediatrician to help her gain some weight. 

3. Tommee Tippee bottles: With being back at work Kinley is getting the bottle more often than not. I really like the tommee tippee bottles and she has never had a problem with them. 

4. Sophie the Giraffe: I can not say enough good things about this toy. People asked me if it was really worth the money. At first I didn't think it was any more than a glorified dog toy to be honest, but now that we are in the middle of teething Sophie goes everywhere with us! Kinley loves this toy! 

5. Jumperoo: I love all the bright colors and music this jumperoo offers. Kinley especially loves it because she can watch everything going on. She hasn't quite figured out how to bounce up and down yet, but I'm sure as soon as she does she will be loving it more!

6. Munchkin Spoons: We are really liking these spoons for feeding. We are following BLW but still giving oatmeal. Kinley likes to chew on them too ;)

7. Teething Rings: These are great to stick in the fridge to chill. Kinley loves chewing on them while they are cold. They make her gums feel good and keeps her from getting mad while I try to make dinner. 

8. Graco Slim Space High Chair: There are a lot of high chairs out there but this one works for us. Our kitchen is really small so I like that it folds up and we can put it against the wall when we aren't using it. 

9. MAM Pacifiers: For the longest time we loved the wubbanubs, though I found Kinley had a difficult time keeping the soothie in her mouth. We had tried many binks over and over and she always preferred the wubbanub. One day she took the MAM and loved it. They are much easier for her to keep in her mouth. They also make awesome glow in the dark ones! 

Other Must Have Posts:

3 Month Must Haves

1 & 2 Month Must Haves

Happy Hump Day!! I am so glad it's hump day but wishing it was Friday!

This post contains affiliated links. 

3 Month Must Haves

 Below are some of our 3 month favorites and what has worked for us.  This post contains affiliated links.

1. My Baby by Homedics SoundSpa: Kinley loves white noise and this machine is great. It's actually a projector as well but we haven't used that part yet. It has ocean sounds to heartbeat sounds. The reasonable price is what sold me and we love it!

2. Munchkin Bottle Warmer: When we first introduced the bottle, around 6 weeks, we started with the good old fashioned boiling water on the stove top. That got old very quick when Kinley was screaming because she was hungry. I really like the munchkin bottle warmer because it is fast and fits the Tommee Tipee bottles we use. It took a few times to figure out how long to heat the ounces but it works out great and it is fast.

3. Wubbanub: We got the wubbanub when Kinley was only a few weeks old. I honestly wasn't a fan at first but now that she's a little older I like it better. It's easy to set on her swaddle when I lay her in the rock n play. Plus it's super cute and she loves holding on the the legs. Sometimes I think she likes eating the legs more than the bink.

4. Coffee: Such a must have for this mama! Donut shop is one of our favorites we use for our Kuerig. There are many options. I have really started to love coffee the past year or so. I don't drink more than 2 cups in a day and always before 1pm.

5. UP Breast Milk Storage Bags: there are so many options for storage bags. I had gotten a few boxes as gifts and they are great! I haven't had any problems with them leaking. Remember to lay your bags flat when freezing to save space. I wish someone would've told me that :)

6. Bibs: We received so many bibs for shower gifts. At first I was like we are never going to use all these bibs! Well little did I know! When you have a teething infant that drools on everything bibs come in handy! I prefer the ones with the plastic on the back because they don't soak through the drool as fast, though the cuter ones are nice too :)

7. Bumbo: Kinley LOVES to sit up. I am pretty sure she is going to sit up on her own before she rolls over. Not a big fan of tummy time. The bumbo is a nice option to have when she is getting sick of laying on her back on the play mat.

7. Play Mat: We received this play mat as a gift. We had gotten a few hand me downs so we weren't going to buy one. After receiving this one the hand me downs went to nanny's house. Kinley really likes the music and the lights on this mat. It is very colorful and has lots of spots to attach toys!

These are just a few of the must haves for a 3 month old. I am not being paid for any of this. All opinions are my own and what has worked for us.

What would a post be without a few pictures of my love bug.

What are some of your must haves? I would love to hear from what to have on hand for the months to come! Please share!


Happy HUMP day :)

10 Must Haves for Months 1 and 2

Where has the time gone! I can't believe our baby girl is already 2 months old! It has flown by! I am a little behind on this post, she will be 10 weeks tomorrow but hey we will go with it!

When I was pregnant I searched blogs to find must haves for newborns and as they grow. Being a first time mom with so many options it was overwhelming! I didn't want to buy everything but wanted to have what we needed for success. Below are my must haves for month one and two.

1. California Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: I love this body wash and shampoo. I had such trouble deciding what body wash to use for Kinley. Matt has very sensitive skin so I was picky with what I choose. We love the California Baby line and it smells good :)

2. Boppy: This has been a savior many times! It has helped me so much with nursing and Daddy also loves it for bottle feeding. If I had all the money in the world I would have two so I didn't have to bring it up and down every night and day.

3. Rock and Play: We've been using this since she was a few weeks old. I love the incline and the vibration mode. I also like the idea she feels snug in it. She sleeps in the rock and play for night sleep and naps. Who am I kidding this kid doesn't nap. I also love the fact it's pretty small and fits right next to our bed. I'm not sure how long she will sleep in this. We are just going with the flow.

4. Pampers Swaddler Diapers: Again many choices when it comes to diapers. I have never had a problem with rash or irritation with the pampers. I like how the swaddlers fit and the blue line that tells you the diaper is wet is a super bonus!

5. Lanolin Gel: My nipples KILLED me the first few 5 weeks of nursing. I wanted to quit breastfeeding many times. It was so painful. Lanolin was my best friend and might be the reason I got through the first 5 weeks.

6. Lamaze Peacock: We started using "Petti" the peacock when she was only a few weeks old. She loves the black and white contrast and the colors on the other side. It also has a lot of different textures that she is starting to enjoy more as she gets older.

7. Medela Freestyle Pump: There are many pump options out there but since my insurance reimbursed for any pump and pump parts I decided to go with one of the more pricier ones. I love that I can carry it around it me and not be plugged into a wall or battery pack.

8. Halo Swaddle Sleep Sacks: Kinley loves to be swaddled at night and it helps tremendously with allowing her to sleep through the night. She startles herself very easily when not swaddled so she wakes up easily.

9. Ergo: My go to MANY times when I have a fussy baby. I left home one time without it and will never make that mistake again. We also used the infant insert when she was smaller and she loved it because she was wrapped up like a little baby burrito. It is very helpful to get things done around the house when all she wants to do is be held.

10. Nursing Tank: I have lived in my nursing tanks while on maternity leave. They are so convenient for under shirts and to sleep in.

* This post contains affiliated links.

Share some of your must have's in the comments. I would love to hear!