Hello & Happy Sunday!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m approaching 34 weeks, so the nesting phase is in full swing lol. For the past 8 months I’ve been on the search for the best of the best in baby products as this is a whole new world for us. I’ve come across some of the older classics that even our parents used, but there are so many great new brands and products that are truly changing the game with caring for a newborn. 

 

From floor mats to play gyms, modern organic sheets, and handmade crib mobiles.. 

 

These are a few of my favorite things!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you tried any of these items?!

Did any of them work for you?! 

Are there others you used and loved?!

 

I’d love to know!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So why use Snuggle Me Organic organic cotton for your baby?  When you buy organic cotton, you are buying the cotton in a form that has not been touched with toxic chemicals during the growth or manufacturing process.

 

 

 

 

In the normal cotton growing process, pesticides and poisonous fertilizers are used, which is not only harmful to the soil, but to the farmers who grow it, the workers who pick it and to the end consumer.

 

 

 

In non-organic cotton, these chemicals will actually stay and be present in the finished cotton fabric. These chemicals and pesticides are then transferred to your baby through the respiratory system and also through the skin, which is the largest and most absorbent organ in the body.

 

Learn more about why you should choose organic here

 

Snuggle Me Organic | Pebble Linen

 

Snuggle Me Organic with a 100% Organic Linen Cover in your choice of cover (as shown in featured image) White canvas travel bag.

 

Why Organic For Baby?

 

Snuggle Me Organic linen loungers are made with GOTS certified organic linen fabrics and are USA made and hypoallergenic with a hypoallergenic polyester fiber fill. Using organic linen keeps baby’s environment safe and non-toxic during their most crucial developmental years.

Organic linen is a fantastic material to have around your baby! Organic linen is comfortable, breathable and very rarely the cause of allergies. It also protects your baby against all of the harmful effects of synthetic materials or chemically treated cotton.

 

Get video tutorials for how to get the most of your lounger here

 

Why I chose Snuggle Me Organic: When searching for options like Dock A Tot, I was curious to see if there was an organic option available today. Low and behold there was only one, and it’s Snuggle Me Organic!! What’s fab about this small biz is that their products are comprised of organic linen, come in an array of more neutral colors versus prints, are washable, and have a more narrow space for the baby to rest, which is said to may be more ideal for babies. I’m curious as to how these two products will compare and excited to report back to you in the next guide! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Dock A Tot

 

When my first son, Ilias, was born, I got inspired to create something new in the baby and children’s industry. I searched unsuccessfully for something comfy for my baby and at the same time versatile and convenient. The well-being and happiness of babies are the objectives and inspiration of my creation.

Born, bred, and designed with love in Sweden, we believe that every baby deserves to be surrounded in a comfortable environment every day of their lives. There is simply nothing else like it on the market that allows mothers to feed, soothe, and bond with their baby.

 

 

 

 

Every material and detail is carefully designed and sourced to ensure high quality, comfort and convenience. Love and luxury have been exhaustively incorporated in the design process, with my own children in mind. 

 

 

Deluxe Dock Tot

The Deluxe+ Dock from DockATot is the ultimate docking station for your newborn baby up to 8 months. This multifunctional design offers a comfy spot for diaper changes, tummy time, lounging, playing, cuddling, and napping.

 

What is Oeko-Tex® certification? click here

 

Why the Dock Tot: The Dock A Tot was one of those items I heard so much about within the past year. While it looked like an inflatable raft to me, I soon realized why it’s such a staple product. Although there are many precautions you should take when using the Dock A Tot, it makes for a seamless way to keep your baby cozy while close by, being at home or on the go. In addition to the covers being washable, they come in an array of fun modern designs. Given the amount of buzz surrounding this product alone and the excellent marketing, I was excited to see how this item would fit into our routine. Be sure to circle back for a follow up guide covering product quality. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about the company here

Design your own crib sheet or changing pad cover

 

 

Carousel Designs: One nursery item everyone get’s excited for, is crib bedding! It becomes the focal point of the room and can translate and ongoing theme. While typically bedding comes in a set, Carousel allows you to mix and match and even monogram pieces.. Looking for organic options?! They have those too!

 

Worried about how it will all come together? Don’t be. They even have a program through their website that enables you to piece everything together to get a better visual of the final bedding.

 

While they say to avoid bumpers and blankets or anything in the bed for at least a year, I loved the idea of having everything designed to my liking now for use later. I can’t wait to capture their designs and test the quality. Check back soon for a full review on Carousel Designs! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for being a part of the Little Nomad journey. I’ve been so grateful to find other moms who are as excited as I am to create an amazing play space for their little nomad without turning their home into a circus.

Because let’s be honest…when your little one is tucked in bed after a full-on day, you want to relax into a sea of calm – not an ocean of chaos.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

ROAM FREE® PLAY MAT | FEATHER

 

With soft, comforting shades of gray, create a sanctuary of calm in the heart of your home. Hours of playtime memories await with your little nomad. Perfect for tummy time, milestone photos and easy on your knees, don’t be surprised if your friends mistake this play mat for an heirloom rug.

They also feature toys, storage, and decor!

 

 

Why Little Nomad:  While in my second trimester I was addicted to shark tank lol. I watched just about every episode and happened to come across a company the produces non toxic nursery mats. While they didn’t get an offer from one of the sharks, the company is still thriving and I truly love their designs. The majority of child floor mats are dated and loud, so I was instantly drawn to their company. They have a variety of modern designs, use non toxic materials, and the mats come apart making it easier for travel and cleaning. Be sure to check back to get feedback on the quality and how it holds up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Softiles playmat we’ve taken one of our most popular playroom floor mat designs and made it super easy to order with personalization! This playmat creates a beautiful cushioned area for crawling on, tummy time, and play. SoftTiles are nontoxic foam play mats that are perfect for playrooms and nurseries.

 

Personalize this SoftTiles Safari Animals Play Mat in Light Gray and White by typing in the child’s name (up to 6 letters). If the name has odd number letters, you can choose a mini shape (heart or star) for centering the name in the space.

 

The name is die-cut from our SoftTiles 1×1 tiles and the Safari Animals are cut from SoftTiles 2×2 Foam Mats, all of which are 5/8″ thick- higher quality than other mats on the market!

 

 

 

 

Why Soft Tiles: When piecing together the baby room, I soon realized much of our bonding time will be spent on the floor. As we all know, whether carpet or hard wood, or stone etc, the floor carries endless germs. Needless to say, I was on the hunt to find the most modern and non toxic options there are today. However, even in 2019 I found there were little to no options that fit that description.

 

They were always made out of toxic materials or the design was just so loud and dated. I fell in love with Soft Tiles as I liked the idea of a softer non toxic material, it pieces together making it great for travel and easy to clean, and you can also personalize the design and monogram them. If you know me, you know I love a monogram, so I was sold given all of the above. I’m excited to see how this mat holds up and works in our home. Be sure to check back for a full review. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

The idea behind the Love Every play gym began after Jessica read a doctoral dissertation titled Current Research Findings on the Neurological Development of Infants. (Such a nerd, right?)

 

 

 

 

Through reading the study Jessica learned that the human brain has about 100 billion nerve cells, all of which are present at birth but have few links between them. Babies brains develop by constructing an intricate communication network. The network’s structure is formed by experiences children have in the first 3 years of life. The research revealed the more you expose babies to how the world works, the richer the neural networks become. Jessica’s takeaway was that early development experiences wouldn’t just happen on their own, she had to create them.

Learn more about their story here

 

 

 

 

 

We did all the research and built The Play Gym for you. Lovevery’s award-winning debut product includes everything you need in an activity gym—from batting to teething to learning to focus—for a whole year of play. Designed by child development experts.

 

• Sustainably-sourced wood legs
• 2 minute setup and take down, no tools required
• Baby-tested removable accessories:
  • Organic Cotton High Contrast Montessori Ball
  • Sustainably-sourced Wooden Batting Ring
  • Organic Cotton Teether with BPA-free Silicone Ring
• System of interchangeable cards
• Play Guide with inspiration and activities from child development specialists
• Five development zones on the Play Mat that reveal or conceal to prevent overstimulation and promote learning. 

 

Subscribe to receive a new kit as your baby progresses here

 

Why Lovevery: This company kept popping up via FB and I was intrigued by it’s purpose with a newborn. As a FTM, I honestly wasn’t quite sure what a play gym was, its functionality, and why it’s imperative with newborns. Browsing online, I saw many of the commonplace companies marketing these generally plastic and loud looking play gyms that just came across as just very dated, and would like like an eyesore in our home lol.

With Lovevery, I liked the idea of a wood option, the fact that the materials are non toxic, the items are paired with your babies current skill set and it even comes with an effortless subscription.

Given all of the above and that the learning items were selected based on current research, I was instantly sold on Lovevery. Be sure to check back for a review and watch IG stories as I share their innovative Play gym with our babe. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainable Baby pillows are handcrafted with love and care. They are made locally in Denver, Colorado using only the finest organic materials to provide an heirloom quality product that is safe for you and your little one, and free of chemicals.

We use materials that are Eco-friendly, vegan, fair trade, and compo-stable so that our pillows won’t be a burden on the environment for future generations. None of our materials or products are ever treated with pesticides, chemicals, or flame retardants. 

 

Learn more about their company here

 

 

MoonWomb™ ☾

 

•All materials are 100% organic
•90% locally sourced.
•Pillows unique design allows for a womb like stable experience for the baby.
•Buckwheat hulls have a unique structure that allows the pillow to form to your body and baby’s.
•Perfect maternity pillow to alleviate belly pressure.
•Pocket with removable aromatherapy pouch filled with organic lavender and chamomile flowers.

 

Why Sustainable Baby: I was searching for a non toxic nursing pillow and was coming up empty handed. There is the widely used Boppy, however it’s not made of organic materials, the prints were underwhelming, and they only had perhaps 2 organic covers. That being said I was on the hunt for an organic option and struck gold with the Sustainable Baby Moon Womb.

Not only is it great for nursing, it can also support the baby, serves as pregnancy pillow, is made of organic materials, handmade, comes in fun modern prints, and even has a holder for lavender, which is relaxing. I can’t say enough good things about this pillow as I already fell in love with using it as a pregnancy pillow. Be sure to check back for a full review on how it works with nursing! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ubbi is a brand under Pearhead Inc, a Brooklyn based company launched in 1999 by Tom Sakaguchi and Ken Berlin. In 2007, Tom became a father and couldn’t find a diaper pail that kept the smell locked in when closed. An engineer by trade, he started working with a team of industrial designers and engineers.

In 2011 the Ubbi brand was created to launch the first steel diaper pail that offered the convenience and value of using any standard trash bag, a breakthrough in the diaper disposal market. Now a recognized brand worldwide, Ubbi has expanded into other popular categories, continuing to offer a wide range of products for today’s modern parents looking for innovative, stylish, and functional baby essentials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ubbi Diaper Pail

 

• steel
• rubber seals
• innovative sliding lid
• no special bags required
• eco-friendly
• childproof safety lock
• safe, convenient, & economical
• easy to load, use, empty & clean
• holds up to 55 diapers

 

 

 

Diaper Caddie

• holds an average of 8 diapers
• convenient window to monitor quantity of wipes
• fits standard wipes dispenser
• includes soft changing mat
• drawer to store smaller items
• integrated handle for easy carrying
• non-skid protective rubber feet
• PVC, BPA & Phthalate free

 

 

Ubbi Wipes Dispenser

 

• fits most diaper caddies
• wipes come out one at a time
• rubber seal to keep wipes fresh and moist
• window to monitor quantity of wipes
• non-skid protective feet
• holds standard pack of wipes
• fitted for most cloth wipes
• PVC, BPA & Phthalate free

 

 

 

They also have bath Squeeze Toys, Cloud and Droplet Toys, Interchangeable Bath Toys

• dishwasher safe – no mold: the cloud and droplet can be opened, to be cleaned on the top rack of a household dishwasher to prevent mold growth
• non-toxic: Safe and free of PVC, and Phthalate free

 

Tweet Snack Container

• large enough opening for easy snack access
• soft spill guard
• interactive weighted base leans and wobbles
• rubber seal to keep the contents fresh
• PVC, BPA & Phthalate free

 

 

Why I chose Ubbi: Years ago whether you were pregnant or not, the name Diaper Genie was tossed around everywhere. I wasn’t sure what it was, but needless to say, I knew it was something that was said to be a staple with babies. Fast forward to today, the diaper genie has taken the backseat to an even better product, called Ubbi! 

 

The Ubbi nursery trashcan seals in the foul diaper smell, has a modern sleek look, is comprised of steel versus plastic, and doesn’t require special bags unlike the diaper gene, which requires their bags.

 

In addition to the trashcan, they also offer diaper caddies, a baby wipe holders and even bath toys and snack containers. Everything they offer is made with non toxic materials and the bath toys even come apart to make for easy washing and mold prevention. I love their marketing, designs, and even the brand name so I’m excited to share the product quality with you. Be sure to check back to see how these  products worked for us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Toddler Monitor

 

When one of our children, who was only 2 years old, got out of the house one night undetected, we were terrified. We couldn’t believe this had happened, and that we had not woken up. We went straight to the internet in search of a solution and came up empty handed. we were shocked to find that there was no solution on the market to monitor the movements of toddler aged children.

What we did find were baby monitors that are not well suited to children once they are out of their cribs, locks on the door didn’t feel quite safe, and security systems that were so expensive and couldn’t be used to when travelling with our families. When we talked to parents, we found that this was a problem for many, and our research found innumerable news stories of children wandering at night, some with tragic outcomes.

 

 

  

 

Toddlermonitor™ has turned into a mission to help keep kids safe, and also a labour of love in honor of our original inspirations, our sons Declan and Cooper. Whether it’s transitioning your child to a “big kid bed”, traveling to a family member’s house or taking a trip to the cabin, we hope that toddlermonitor™ helps give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your child is safe, sound and were they are supposed to be, asleep in their bed.

 

 

 

Why the Toddler Monitor: As a millennial, I love tech based products, especially those that could ultimately making parenting easier! I was excited when I came across the Toddler Monitor for countless reasons. While we have a camera monitoring system, once your baby is up and walking around it may make you nervous to think of them getting out of bed at night etc.

The TM device hangs simply on the door of their bedroom and sends an alert to your phone when opened. Not only is it great for any door you want to monitor in your house, it’s also great for travel. Think about it. Even if you have a camera/security system in place at home, that means nothing while traveling. That being said, I knew I wanted to try this product. Check back for more product feedback this fall. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturepedic specializes in the design and manufacturing of quality organic mattresses for adults and children. Our organic bedding and mattresses are only made with natural, organic, and non-toxic materials that provide comfort and overall health and safety. Our bedding designs remove the need for fire retardant chemicals and chemical barriers, meaning that the products from our organic bedding company are safer and healthier for you and your family.

Learn more about the company here

Learn more about why organic is important, studies and certifications here

No-Compromise Organic Cotton Changing Pad

Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Non-allergenic and easy-to-clean. Safety buckle helps secure baby while changing and snap screws included to secure the pad to a dresser while at home. New size, better fit!

• Waterproof Organic Cotton Fabric
  Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a patented polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Allergen friendly and easy-to-clean. 

• Organic Cotton Filling
  Pure, Natural, and chemical-free

• Firm Support
  Features Air-Core™, a support layer made from 100% food-grade polyethylene. Air-Core is a network of closed cell air pockets that provide a firm and comfortable base without the concerns of polyurethane foam or latex rubber.

• Non-Toxic Design
  NO Vinyl, PVC, or Phthalates
  NO Polyurethane Foam
  NO Latex or Soy (for allergy concerns)
  NO Flame Retardant Chemicals or Barriers

• Safety buckle helps secure baby while changing and Snap screws secure to dresser while at home. Unsnap for easy traveling.

 

 

Why Naturpedic: This company has received more exposure in recent years. I wasn’t familiar with them until I started noticing flagship stores and we were searching for an organic mattress/changing pad. Even today there are only a handful of companies that cater to organic with both. I chose the Naturpedic changing pad as it’s organic, soft, and I preferred this design versus the more plastic options I’ve seen.

While plastic enables you to wipe it down, that just doesn’t seem comfortable for the baby. I considered the Hatch changing pad, which weighs the baby, but it’s a hard surface, more expensive, there are many factors that can give you false measurements, and it just seemed wasteful and not a necessity. That being said, I chose the traditional Naturpedic! Be sure to check back for a review on product quality. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Jives & Co started when new mom Jahje Ives couldn’t find the perfect mobile, so she made one. Since 2010 Jahje has been working hard to put a bit of wonder into the world with her art inspired by the magic of childhood. In her designs clouds twinkle in the sky, wings appear on babes, the moon is within reach and anything is possible.

 

 

 

 

Jahje’s studio just outside Philadelphia, PA is where her designs are born and many of her mobiles are handcrafted by her & her team. What they can’t tackle is made with love by her US based and fair trade partners in India. Together we craft responsibly made items to last for generations.

 

Baby Jives Co is a lifestyle brand for this generation and the next. Crafting mobiles, swaddles and artwork with a focus on natural and sustainable materials and eco friendly and ethical manufacturing practices. Our items are hand crafted in the USA in our own Philadelphia based studio and also by our production partners: a family run sewing studio in Pennsylvania and a fair trade certified printing studio in India. Together we create modern heirlooms made to last long after the nursery is gone.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

GOLD STAR CLOUD MOBILE

 

As seen on the cover of Today’s Parent Magazine, this white cloud mobile is scattered with golden stars handmade to twinkle and delight your little dreamer. Perfectly balanced to spin with the slightest air current and perfect for over a changing table or anywhere you want to inspire wonder and imagination.

 

Love these mobiles?! They also produce swaddles!!

 

Why Baby Jives: I came across this company in recent months and something about them just stood out to me. Believe it or not, when it comes to crib mobiles there are a handful of fun modern designs, but they typically come with hefty price tags and the more affordable designs are just very dated/loud. I love that this is a small business, the designs are unique, made by hand, and the price point is approachable. Whether you’re looking for a crib mobile or something to hang above the changing pad to make diaper changes more seamless, you have to check out Baby Jives! Review on product quality coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wav Hello doesn’t have a lot of company information provided online. However, you can view all of their products here.

 

 

 

 

The Sound bub is a white noise machine that enables you to soothe, stimulate and connect with your children in the nursery and on-the-go with voice messages from family or songs from your favorite playlist.

 

Why Hello Wav: Something I learned about in the realm of staple baby items, is that you need a white noise machine! The white noise enables the baby to fall asleep easier as it mimics the sound while inside the womb. Anything that improves their sleep, improves my sleep, so it’s a win win in my book!

 

While there are a generous amount of white noise machines on the market, this one spoke to me for various reasons. They have a great price point, are great for travel, and you can play white noise or your own music. The majority of other machines have to plugged in, occupy a lot of space, and are not travel friendly. The white noise machine is great for not only the crib, but stroller and car seat. Excited to see how this device improves the baby’s sleep! Check back soon for a review. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As design director and founder of Hello Spud, Melanie Kayam set out to create a nursery decor collection she knew mothers and babies would love.

With a fine arts degree in textile design and product development from Parson’s School of Design, Melanie has spent the last 20 years traveling the world in a career of home decor creations.

She combined her professional and personal family experiences, along with her motherly touch to offer products to support you and your baby’s comfort and spirit. Melanie is a proud wife and the mama of three happy spuds.

 

 

Organic Cotton Blue Paper Airplanes Fitted Crib Sheet

 

Our Navy Paper Airplanes fitted crib sheet is made with 100% organic cotton jersey. Coordinates great with our quilts, blankets and crib skirts. Fits standard size crib and toddler mattresses. 

 

 

Organic Cotton Scotti Dog Crib Sheet

 

Our Boy Scottie Dog fitted crib sheet is made with 100% organic cotton jersey. Coordinates great with our quilts, blankets and crib skirts. Fits standard size crib and toddler mattresses. Crib .

 

 

 

 

Organic Cotton Hooded Towel & Washcloth

Our Gray Stars Hooded Towel Set is a lovely gift for any baby. Made with certified organic cotton. Each set includes one hooded towel and one washcloth. Our organic terry cotton is super soft! Hooded towel is oversized so you can keep using it as your baby grows into toddlerhood.

 

 

 

 

 

Organic Cotton Hooded Towel & Washcloth

 

Our Gray Pintuck Hooded Towel Set is a lovely gender neutral gift. Made with certified organic cotton. Each set includes one hooded towel and one washcloth. Our organic terry cotton is super soft! 

 

 

 

 

Chenille Paper Airplanes Blanket

 

Our Navy Blue Paper Airplanes Chenille Blanket will add a sense of adventure to your little boy’s nursery. Super soft and great for snuggles, tummy time and stroller rides. 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Hello Spud: I came across this company towards the very end of piecing together the guides, and I’m just so glad I did. When it comes to modern organic bedding or changing pad covers, the majority fell short or were priced too high. Hello Spud offers fun designs at a competitive price that you just can’t beat. While not organic, they also have gorgeous blankets to pair with the sheets! I can’t wait to test these out and see how they hold up with the babe. Be sure to check back for a review on product quality! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My name is Iryna, I’m the founder of OMOLOKO and I live in Kharkov, Ukraine. I have a wonderful daughter Eva, who inspires me to create handmade things and natural clothes. She is my chief assistant, supervisor, and the best model for our products.

 

 

Why OMOLOKO: While we all gravitate towards accessible options for everything in our lives, I’m all about artisan items from Etsy shops. Everything is more unique, hand crafted, and you help support small businesses. I came across OMOLOKO and I loved her designs! She offers these gorgeous handmade linen leaf mats that come in a variety of sizes, can be used under the play gym, as an accent rug, or for even those quick diaper changes while on the go.

It has reversible sides, comes in an array of gorgeous colors, is washable, and made of non toxic materials. Love this mat? She also offers linen baby clothes! Be sure to check back to see how this mat holds up!