Lanolin and Hydrogel Pads

Breastfeeding mothers often experience a couple days or weeks dealing with sore nipples. Most mothers who have breastfed can agree that it takes a couple days or weeks until it heals and gets better.

For those who suffer with sore nipples can ease the pain a bit by using "Lanolin" cream. The cream is applied to the nipples which soothes it and makes breastfeeding a bit more bare able. Lanolin is also safe for baby so there is no need to wipe or clean it off before each feed.

Aside from using this cream, there is also something called "Hydrogel Pads" which are soothing pads you apply to the breast. It soothes by gentle cooling sensations and also heals the nipples from any blisters, sore and pain. These gels offer great relief for a nursing mother. Using this pads cannot be used with Lanolin- you use either one. Both offer great pain relief and is highly recommended to soothe sore nipples.

Baby Rocker Sleeper, Swing or Bouncer

Baby Rocker Sleeper

Baby Bouncer

Baby Swing

One of the best "toys" you can get for your baby is a
1. Rocker Sleeper
2. Swing
3. Bouncer

These come in very handy for a newborn! I can't say this on behalf of all babies, but my 2 girls didn't like sleeping flat on their backs in the crib. With my first daughter I had a bouncer she loved and my second daughter loves sleeping in a rocker. Because many babies enjoy being rocked, a swing will come in handy as well.

Many of these also have a vibration that's included, which is an awesome feature. Of course, the safest place for you baby to sleep is in his/her crib. These toys are great to soothe or put baby down so you can get things done around the house. You won't regret buying any of these 3 things!


 

The Mommy Hook

The Mommy Hook allows you to pack and carry bags on a hook. It hangs on a stroller and comes in very handy! When going out with baby chances are you've packed a diaper bag and have your own bag you're taking with you. The Mommy Hook gives you the ability to carry more bags. 

 Although many strollers come with a storage basket on the bottom, most of the time it gets filled up with many things. That's when The Mommy Hook comes in handy. It's perfect for shopping or if you have multiple kids (which means more things you're taking along with you). 
 

Car Seat Canopy

One of the newer things I see nowadays is something called a "Car Seat Canopy." Basically, it's a canopy for your babies car seat. I can see it being more commonly used in areas where the temperature can get cold to protect and keep your baby warm, but in Hawaii I don't think it's absolutely necessary since our weather is tropical. 

As you can see, the canopy is tied to the handles so it doesn't fall off (as a blanket would). It covers your baby as they lay in the car seat. It isn't only used to protect them from cold weather- there are many things this canopy can protect your baby from. 

I know some people think "Why don't we just use a blanket?" And i totally understand why many would just use a blanket- it does serve the same purpose. I thought the same as well, until i went out with my friend to a store...

             It was a windy late afternoon we were headed to Kmart. She had her baby and the weather wasn't the best. Of course, if we knew ahead of time the weather would be windy and rainy we WOULD NOT be out with the baby- but the weather got ugly after we left for the store. Anyways, taking the baby out of the car in that weather to put onto a stroller did cause the baby to be exposed to the wind and rain for a little while. She tried covering the car seat with a blanket but it was too windy for the blanket to stay on. THIS IS WHERE I FOUND THAT A CAR SEAT CANOPY COMES IN HANDY!! 

I thought that using a blanket would serve the same purpose, and it does... However, you never know what circumstance you'll be in and having the car seat canopy serves as a great shield in any weather here in Hawaii. I purchased one for my baby and plan on using it when out in public and baby is sleeping or for transferring baby outside in bad weather. 

If you live in an area where it tends to be cold often, i would suggest something like this to keep baby warm and not exposed to bad weather.

Boppy Pillow

A Boppy Pillow is a half circle pillow used for breastfeeding. It may seem weird at first, but once you understand how itʻs used you will realize how handy the pillow comes into use.

So of course, when we were children there probably was no such thing as a "Boppy" when it came to breastfeeding. Most mothers may have actually just used a regular pillow to breastfeed. The thing about the Boppy is that itʻs curved to wrap around your body then your baby fits perfectly on top and in position to breastfeed. This makes it much more comfortable for baby and mother. 

There are also many other uses of the pillow as your baby grows. So the use of the pillow isn't exclusively for breastfeeding, but is most commonly bought for that reason:) All the other things the pillow can in use for are just the extra perks.

Baby Laundry Detergent

When i was pregnant with my first child, I had no idea about baby laundry detergent and how important it is. I honestly had no idea that babies clothes had to be washed in a different laundry detergent than regular use detergents. The reason for baby laundry detergent is because a baby's skin is much more sensitive than adults and kids of older age.

There are many different detergents to choose from when selecting. The most popular used detergent parents use is "Dreft."

This detergent is very good and i personally use it for my daughter. It's scent is very nice, but still mild enough for my daughter. It's perfect for my daughter and gentle for her skin.

There are many other detergents as well that have detergents made specifically for babies. Some parents also enjoy using fragrance free detergents- with no perfumes and dyes. Either way, as long as you have a detergent that is gentle and great for your baby's skin that's all that matters.

Breast Pumps- Electric or Manual

When breastfeeding your baby there will be times where you find yourself having to pump. The reason for this may be because you're back at work, school or simply to keep expressing. Whatever the reason may be, choosing a pump to your convenience is a big deal.

There are 2 types of breast pumps: and electric or manual.

Electric Pump:

Allows you to relax and simply hold the pump against your breast. The electric pump does the pumping for you at many different suctions. You can even buy a band that allows you to pump hands free. This is convenient for most mothers who pump away from home. The only drawback may be finding the privacy to pump. Another thing to consider is if the electric pump needs to be plugged in for it to work. Some electric pumps come with both, a plug in and battery operated option for use.

Manual Pump:

Allows you to pump and express at your rate and speed. Some mothers actually like the option of expressing at their own rate instead of having to express at the rate of electric pumps. Some drawbacks about manually pumping is your hands may get sore and tired after a while. If you do decide to use a manual pump you want a DOUBLE manual pump because when expressing, you tend to leak from BOTH breasts. This also requires privacy.

Both pumps are very good. I had both, but find the electric double much more convenient because it pumps both breast at a time and allows me to relax. The manual pump may suit others better. It just depends on your preference.

Nursing Cover

Breastfeeding is one of the most important things motherʻs can do for their growing babies. It is highly encouraged and recommended that mothers breastfeed (rather than substitute with formula) because a mother's breast milk has all the nutrients for their baby.

There are many benefits of breastfeeding, but at times can be a bit hard- especially when you're out in public or at work. Pumping allows mothers to express their breast milk and save for later use. But there are also times when you're out and about and your baby needs to be fed.

When out in public you don't want everyone seeing your breast when attempting to breastfeed; that's when using a nursing cover comes in handy.

Using a nursing cover allows mothers' to breastfeed their child anywhere discreetly. It also gives baby and mom privacy. I highly recommend mothers' using a nursing cover if they plan on breastfeeding their child. 

Baby Car Seats on a Budget

Your babies car seat is one of the most absolute important baby gear you will need. Every parent wants a car seat that will keep baby safe. There are a variety of car seats out there on the market and depending on your budget you can get the "mercedes benz" of all car seats. But when you're on a tight budget there are many good car seats that are still great and safe for your baby.

One of the most safest car seats ranging between $135-$190 are the Chicco Keyfit 30, Britax B-safe  and Graco Snugride Click Connect 35. Both these car seats have great reviews and perform very well!

Finding the right car seat depends on what you, as a parent, is looking for in a car seat. 
 Things to consider when buying a car seat:
-lightweight, has a variety of colors, a removable cushion that can be washed, how big your back seat is and how much space your car has, how compatible the car seat is with strollers (although most carseats come in a travel system which consist of a car seat and stroller), car seat with or without a canopy, if warranty is important to you and the restraint harness consisting of 3 or 5 points.

Many of these factors come together when buying a car seat and the 3 above mentioned car seats accommodate many of the things to consider when buying a car seat.

Any of the 3 listed above are very good and top rated car seats and well in budget for many who can afford about $135-$190.


1. Graco Snugride 35

2. Chicco Keyfit 30

3. Britax B-safe

Rocking Recliner or Glider?

When it comes to feeding and putting baby to sleep, lots of mom do so by rocking their baby. With my oldest daughter, i was given a Glider chair with Ottoman at my baby shower and thought "All right! Perfect for feedings and rocking baby to sleep!" When i sat it was very comfortable, but I found it a little uncomfortable to stay in for a long time.

That's when my mom told me about using a recliner. I didn't want to at first because i already had a Glider, but when i took a look at some Recliners i found it much more suitable. Here's why:

On a Recliner, you can:
Rock baby to sleep
Recline back when baby falls asleep or after feeding while burping baby and it's very comfortable
Overall much more comfortable than the glider.

On a glider, you can:
Rock baby to sleep, but uncomfortable to sleep on because it doesn't recline


*During the night you're so tired by being up about every 3-4 hours to feed baby that you tend to mostly fall asleep when burping baby. Having a recliner allows you to burp baby, rock baby to sleep and you eventually fall asleep on there as well. 

When it comes to feedings and rocking baby to sleep, i would go with a Rocking RECLINER. 

Double Stroller for toddler and infant

When it comes to having a baby, a car seat travel system is essential. When it comes to having 2 children, approximately newborn-2 years apart, a travel system now means having a double stroller that can accommodate BOTH children. Many toddlers at the age of 2 still take naps and get tired fast when you're out and about, so having a stroller to accommodate not only baby but also your number 1 child is essential.

My oldest just recently turned 3, but still takes naps and gets tired when we're out and about. My number 2 child is due in April, so having a double stroller definitely will come in handy. There are many things to think about when it comes to a stroller such as:
-$$ Price (since having another baby is a great expense, saving all you can is important)
-weight limit
-stroller size
-is it versatile for BOTH children?
-reliability
-SAFETY
-meets all needs of not only kids, but parent as well

So, when it came deciding which stroller was for me, I wanted something that will be comfortable for not only my newborn but my toddler as well. I wanted something within budget, very versatile for both kids, one not too bulky and will fit in my car, doors and isles, something that will last me for a while, something SAFE for my children to be in, and something that is easy for me to lug around and push/maneuver easily. Instantly, I knew a "Sit n Stand Double Stroller" would be best for me since my toddler doesn't always sit in the stroller. So, my pick was 

"Baby Trend Sit n Stand Double Stroller"

  This stroller has EVERYTHING that met my needs when it came to choosing a double stroller. Not only did I review the product, but I also considered the reviews of other parents who have purchased this stroller. This stroller:
-maneuvers easily, is very versatile for both my kids (allowing my oldest to sit in a chair or on a bench located under the rear seat), allows my to "click" my car seat into the stroller, has safety straps and allows me to store some things in the bottom basket. All this with a very reasonable price that meets my budget makes it the perfect the stroller for mothers who are in the same boat as I am.

I would suggest this stroller for any parent who has an infant and a newborn for the reasons listed above.

Introduction to Baby Item Reviews

Aloha! My name is Macy, but I go by my Hawaiian name Paika. I am a mother to a precious daughter with another on the way. As a mother, I enjoy giving as much as I can to my daughter (to a certain extent). So when it comes to baby items, I am constantly finding new things, comparing them and reviewing which one suits my needs and wants most until I make a decision. And of course, SAFETY is my biggest concern. 

Each week I will be comparing baby items and selecting one to share with you with my reviews and ratings.