Hello & Happy Sunday!!

 

 

 

 

 

With the Memorial Day Weekend sales in full swing I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds since becoming pregnant. As a first time parent we were starting from scratch and truly wanted to find the best products on the market for everything. While exciting, there are countless items to choose from and it can be overwhelming at times navigating the options and figuring out what’s the perfect fit.

Especially when these items fall into the category of the more expensive ones. We literally waited until the very last moment to order our nursery furniture, because again, these are large ticket items and I wanted to make sure that it was exactly what we wanted. 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve scoured the internet, read countless reviews, and the below items were the best of the best in various categories. Be sure to check back for a full review on product quality and at the end of the day what worked for us and the new babe!

 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend! Be sure to check out the links as there are great sales going on!!

 

 

Have you tried any of these products?!

Did you choose others?! I’d love to know in the comments! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Miku. A passionate group of engineers, fathers, and mothers who banded together to create a revolution in awareness for parents and a safer world for babies.

 

A whole lot goes into building a product that delivers peace of mind. But we’re hoping you never notice because parents have their hands full enough, right? We made our monitor simple to use and intuitive enough to seamlessly fit into your life whether you’re in the next room over or traveling around the world. As we see it, the more you know, the better you can care.

 

 

 

 

Experience real-time breathing and sleep tracking.

Miku’s proprietary sensors require no wires or wearables and work with your smart phone to alert you of changes to your baby’s vitals and nursery conditions.

 

Why I chose Miku: One of the first items I thought about once we were pregnant, is a good camera system. Technology has significantly advanced in this arena since I was a child so I wanted to seek out the most advanced option. While there are endless options with all varying price points, a good camera can be used for years and with multiple babies. The Miku system is sleek, modern, monitors breathing, and has no monthly fees for video storage. 

The set up is said to be easy, you connect it to an app, it does have to be plugged in, but I’ve read that it doesn’t zoom in. However, being new to the parenting game, I don’t know if that may even be warranted. Be sure to check back for a full review on how the Miku Camera worked for us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about their company here

Pregnancy Band coming later in 2019

 

The Owlet Care Smart Sock comfortably wraps around your baby’s foot to track heart rate, oxygen levels and sleep using clinically-proven pulse oximetry. The base station glows green to let you know everything is okay but notifies with lights and sounds if heart rate or oxygen levels leave preset zones.

 

 

 

Owlet Smart Sock comes with:

• 3 Fabric socks (Sizes 0-18 Months)
• Smart Sock sensor
• Base station
• Charging cords
• Owlet App

 

CAM FEATURES

• • Live stream from anywhere via NEW Owlet App
  • Secure, encrypted WiFi
  • Background audio
  • Room temperature sensor
  • Night vision
  • HD 1080p video
  • Adjustable magnetic base
  • Two-way audio
  • 130° wide angle lens

 

DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS

• The Smart Sock comfortably wraps around your baby’s foot to track heart rate and oxygen levels using clinically-proven pulse oximetry.
• The base station glows green to let you know everything is okay but will notify with lights and sounds if something appears to be wrong.
• Using Owlet’s app, you can receive notifications and stream real-time heart rate and oxygen levels on your phone.

 

 

Why I chose the Owletcare Sock: This particular device was one I kept seeing the most long before we were pregnant. From conception to birth, it’s an anxiety filled journey to say the least. The Owlet sock fits on your babies foot and enables you to seamlessly capture everything from their sleeping patterns to oxygen levels. It stores it in an app on your phone and will alert you of any sudden changes with a docking station that lights up and alerts with sound.

 

Through utilizing the data we’re able to not only improve their sleep, but ultimately our own, which can lead to decreased stress levels and an easier time adjusting to potential sleepless nights. In addition, it’s also great for travel! The only potential cons I’ve read about this device is that the green light that conveys the baby is fine, may be on the brighter side and not ideal when trying to catch up on some Z’s. I’m so excited to test this device and share our experience with you! Be sure to check back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s feeling, and then there’s knowing. With Bloomlife, you have all the data you need at your fingertips so you can see exactly what you’re feeling (or not feeling yet) in real time. It’s like a secret decoder ring for your pregnant body.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

 

 

 

 

When should I start my rental?

Most moms begin using Bloomlife between weeks 31-34 of their pregnancy. But there’s no wrong time to get started!

 

 

 

 

When should I track contractions?

Moms routinely use Bloomlife in the evening, while comfortably resting, or overnight, while they’re sleeping. Many also wear it whenever they need to check in with their body.

 

Learn more about how this Bloomlife device works here

 

 

Why I chose the Bloom Life: As a FTM, I wanted to be able to discern whether my body was experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions versus actual labor contractions, and better gauge when it was time to head to the hospital.

If you arrive at the hospital too early they’ll literally send you packing until your contractions are closer together. On the other hand, if you arrive too late you run the risk of delivering not at the hospital.

Until the Bloom device there wasn’t anything available on the market to assist with monitoring contractions. We had phone apps or the antiquated method of counting and or relying on your husband to do so while breathing through them. 

However, thank goodness for devices such as these as it takes the guess work out of everything. While they recommend using the device starting at week 34, I started at about 28ish weeks. I typically wear it while I sleep, but the only drawback is that the device will flash as it works. That being said, the baby can respond to the light with movement, which isn’t conducive to sleep. I’m still getting familiar with what works best for me with using the device and analyzing the data. Be sure to check back for a full review coming soon to EDS!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our mission is to develop dramatically better juvenile products and build a great company. Dramatically better products redefine the most important attribute in their category. Great companies care about more than financial success.

Learn more about the company here

 

Believe in better®

Parents don’t vibrate like bouncy seats or swing like swings. We believe that infant seats would be better if they replicated the natural motions parents use to comfort their babies. That’s why we created the 4moms®mamaRoo®4 infant seat. We put sensor vests on parents to understand those motions and then replicated the bouncing and swaying in the mamaRoo to soothe and entertain better than traditional infant seats.

 

The 4moms® mamaRoo®4 infant seat bounces up and down and sways from side to side, just like parents do when comforting their babies. It features five unique motions and five speed options for a total of 25 different combinations.

Soothe your baby with one of the four built-in sounds, or connect any MP3 device. The mamaRoo4 seat offers full recline to allow baby to lie back and relax or sit up and play.

The mamaRoo4 is available in three fabric options: the plush seat fabrics (multi and silver) are a softer, blanket-like material; the classic seat fabrics (grey and black) are a smooth, woven polyester material; and the cool mesh seat fabric (dark grey) has a smooth, breathable surface to maximize airflow to keep baby cool and comfortable. All seat fabrics are easily removed and machine washable.

 

Get more product information here

 

 

Why I chose the mamaRoo: Before we were pregnant, I wasn’t even quite sure what a “rocker” was. However, I soon realized that a baby struggles to acclimate to being outside the womb and anything to mirror that environment is soothing to them. Continuous movement is key, which is where the rockers come in handy. While there are a myriad of options today, they don’t stack up against the mamaRoo and there was something that just significantly stood out about this product. 

The mamaRoo rocker is a tech based product that came out around 2017, but a newer model has since been released that is said to offer even greater movement. In addition to it’s sleek modern design, it can be controlled through an app, the seat cushions are washable and now even come in a breathable fabric, and it’s said to be more compact than other rockers making it easy to store. Something to always emphasize is that all babies are different. So while the majority of babes enjoy this rocker, there may be a few that perhaps won’t.

At the end of the day, test it before purchasing to avoid this or keep your receipts! The device has to be plugged in for usage making it imperative to be near an outlet and the time frame to use the product is also said to be 6-8  months before the baby is able to sit upright. Check back soon to get the full review on this product!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Green Mattress was founded by Tim Masters. Tim is an experienced businessman, master craftsman, and devoted family man. Tim’s daughter, Emily, inspired him to expand his offerings to include all natural mattresses. Shortly after Emily was born, it was apparent that she suffered from eczema and allergies. Tim and his wife, Cindy, took Emily to see the best pediatric dermatologists, but also did their own research and found that all-natural products could help alleviate Emily’s symptoms.

 

 

 

 

Crib Mattress

Healthy sleep for your baby is our priority. Natural materials like GOTS certified organic cotton, GOTS certified organic coconut and wool layered over an innerspring, makes this mattress perfect for your baby’s crib.

 

• GREENGUARD Gold Certified
• GOTS certified organic cotton quilted
• GOTS certified organic cotton quilted cover with Oeko-Tex certified American Eco-wool sewn in underneath

 

 

Our Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector provides a natural protection for your mattress from moisture, dust mites, and other allergens.  Materials include two layers of soft jersey GOTS certified organic cotton with a moisture barrier that is waterproof, breathable, comfortable, and quiet. Our mattress protectors are fitted with an organic cotton skirt and elastic perimeter.

 

• GREENGUARD GOLD
• Soft jersey GOTS certified organic cotton for comfort and flexibility
  • Highly absorbent materials for protection from moisture
• NO chemical flame retardants, vinyl/PVC, phthalates, or rubber

 

 

Why I chose My Green Mattress: Preparing for a baby is definitely a learning curve. Today there is organic everything, which can be overwhelming for many first time parents. However, when you think about the amount of chemicals used in everything from clothes to plastics and even mattresses, combined with a babies skin, which is more permeable than ours, it just makes sense to opt for organic.

Unfortunately there are still only a handful of companies that offer organic mattresses. With that in mind I knew it was the perfect opportunity to feature the U.S. based My Green Mattress Emily Natural Crib Mattress. It’s a flippable bed with eco-wool and organic-cotton comfort layers over 13.5-gauge coils. 

My Green Mattress offers free shipping within the U.S. and each mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty. Stay tuned for a full review on product quality coming soon to EDS!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our mission at Awair is to empower you with the knowledge, motivation, and confidence to be healthy and thrive in your environment.

We design products that complement you and your home or office, while equipping you with insights and personalized solutions. Though we build technology, our products shouldn’t feel like technology. Our products enable you to have pride in all aspects of your environment.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

 

 

Conquer

Awair gives you personalized recommendations that are proven to improve the health and safety of your air.

Breathe Easy

Awair also works with other devices like
Nest, Alexa and Google Home to automatically
keep your air clean and healthy.

 

 

Why I chose Awair: Many people don’t consider air quality when it comes to wellness. However,  it’s just as imperative as the diet and exercise.

According to the EPA, inhaling poor quality air can lead to decreased lung function, and it can aggravate chronic medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. The new model now monitors temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), chemicals, and dust. Numerical levels for each of these can be displayed on the Awair, as well as a score (on a scale of 100) that takes each of those levels into account: the higher the score, the better the air quality.

That being said, I was intrigued by the Awair device and the purpose it serves with a newborn. The device serves as a way to seamlessly gauge the air quality in your nursery and connects to an app to give you updates and even suggestions. It monitors more than just the room temperature enabling you to make your baby more comfortable, prevent sickness if there isn’t enough moisture in the air and improve their overall sleep. 

Something to keep in mind is that while the monitor can accurately tell you when your indoor air is getting uncomfortable or even toxic, the downside is that it can’t do anything to personally remedy it. However, with their new Awair Glow that plugs into an outlet, it not only can respond when it detects changes in your indoor air quality, adhere to a schedule or be activated by movement, but it also activates fans, heaters, purifiers, humidifiers, and other appliances to resolve the issue. Be sure to check back soon for more product feedback!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Spectra: a team of registered nurses, lactation consultants and fellow mothers who have a passion for breastfeeding in all forms. We’ve committed our lives to providing the best breast pumps, accessories, education, and customer care that we can. Because breastfeeding is a journey of love—and it’s our mission to make that journey as natural and comfortable as can be.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

Premier Rechargeable

Electric & Portable Breast Pump

 

Loved by moms and lactation consultants worldwide, the Spectra S1 soft blue electric breast pump is designed to bring confidence and comfort to every moment of the breastfeeding journey.

 

The S1 which is portable and quickly rechargeable for active moms, is also quiet and discreet for soothing pumping, and yet weighs only 2.9lbs. Our Founder, Heidi Humphries, insisted on the quietest motor available for the S1Plus, which when in the “massage mode” simulates the natural suckling of baby. Spectra Baby spent years developing features for the S1 Plus like “backflow protection” to keep your breast milk from harmful bacteria – there’s a lot more. We thought hard about things like “adjustable suction levels” because that provides a more natural flow of milk.

 

Spectra S1 Pump Features: 

• Wide Neck Bottles for easy storage
• 250 mmHg
• Single or Double Pump capability
• Vacuum suction up to L12
• Discs, Locking Rings and Caps for Leak Protection (2)
• Duckbill valves (2)
• Back-flow protectors for environmental protection.
• (2) Tubing, (1) Power Cord & Adapter
• (2) Full Years Pump Warranty ( 90 days on accessories)
• Includes 24mm & 28mm Breast Flanges for the best comfort.

 

Why I chose Spectra: I never thought I’d be scouring the internet for a breast pump, but whether you’re with your babe full time or work full time, a pump is an integral part of caring for a newborn. You may need to pump to have reserves for when you can’t nurse, reserves for when you want your husband to take the reigns, or simply reserves because you’re producing milk in excess. No matter how you spin it, you’ll need a reliable pump and today there are still just a handful of staple companies, Spectra is one of them!

 

I personally loved the sleek design, the portability of this model with the handle, it’s price point which is more affordable than others, it’s considered hygienic due the back flow protector, said to have great battery life, a quiet motor, and adjustable cycle length and speed, which means greater milk production and even a light for pumping at night. All in all this model seemed like the perfect fit and I can’t wait to circle back with a full review!! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainability is bountiful too. You grew your little one organically, so why add chemicals now?

 

Only the finest 100% organic cotton, eco friendly dyes, and all natural wood will do for your little munchkin, and we’ve got plenty at Finn + Emma. And on top of that, our garments and accessories are produced in fair trade settings that focus on social and economic independence for local people, women especially, working to provide for their families in a safe and fair environment.

 

 

 

In addition to the rocker above, they also carry precious organic baby and child apparel along with hand knit toys

 

Why I chose Finn & Emma: As I mentioned prior, newborns struggle with getting acclimated to being outside of the womb. Items that create movement are essential for keeping babies calm. While tech based rockers are wonderful, there are also great options that create more organic movement such as the Crane Rocker. I personally loved the design of this rocker from wood base and just the overall simplicity in the design. Many rockers are heavy on the plastic and somewhat loud, but this piece creates a statement and won’t stand out like an eyesore in your home. In addition to offering this fab rocker they also specialize in  organic apparel, teethers, and hand knitted dolls. I can’t wait to explore their designs, but also to see which rocker he gravitates towards more. Stay tuned for a full review!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The modular design of the Joolz Geo² makes it possible to add a second seat or bassinet. A second baby or twins? The Joolz Geo² simply grows with you, while remaining as compact and maneuverable as ever. The wheels are al terrain, the basket is large and holds up to 22 lbs, allows for easy access since the back of the basket goes down, and won’t sag as the bottom of the basket is comprised of wood. The stroller itself folds up in one smooth motion and even with two seats it is a compact one-piece fold.

 

 

 

Footmuff

The bottom of this footmuff has been finished with an anti-mud layer, keeping the footmuff nice and clean, and your child nice and warm.

 

 

 

 

Joolz Essential Nest

• The organic cotton is very comfortable due to its softness and excellent absorbing capabilities
• The Joolz Nest can be used for your baby from birth to 6 months old
• 100% organic cotton – good for your baby and the world
• Absorbs moisture and regulates heat
• Easy zip to fasten the seat belt through the nest
• GOTS-certified and Oeko-Tex Standard 

 

 

 

Joolz Essential Blanket

Wrap your baby lovingly in your arms in this super soft blanket right from the start. And your baby will like it even more than your singing. 

A honeycomb pattern has been knitted into the outside layer because children like bears and bears like honey.

• 100% organic cotton – good for your baby and the world
• superpowers – absorbs moisture and regulates heat
• authentic honeycomb pattern – for sweet dreams 
• GOTS-certified and Oeko-Tex Standard 100

 

 

 

 

Diaper Bag

Diapers: check. Fruit snacks: check. With this stylish diaper bag you have everything to hand—even your own changing mat and insulated bottle holder.

 

 

 

 

 

Parasol

You can do more to protect your child from the sun. This unique design with UV-filter provides additional shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I chose Joolz: One of the biggest purchases with a new baby is furniture, but also.. a good stroller! The traditional stroller has come a long way and today is much sleeker, innovative, and made with premium materials. However, there are still just a handful of high end strollers companies. Some have become more popular over the years and dominate the industry, however, I honestly only liked the design from 2 companies and decided to go with Joolz for many reasons! 

Joolz brand strollers is an Australian based company, which I actually prefer becuase I find the quality tends to surpasses that of anything in the states. I also was instantly drawn to the modern design, color range, the company mission, transparency with the materials used, and even the organic accessory items, which I didn’t find with other companies. In addition, their strollers have a 24 month warranty! We sampled the Geo 2, which converts to a 2 seater, because we’ll be expanding our family in the near future.

 

When you think of a 2 seater, you think, heavy. However this Joolz Geo comes in at 30 lbs while the Vista weighs 26 lbs, which is roughly the same. 

 

Surprisingly there are not many high quality strollers that even offer 2 seats. So when I found Joolz and that they offered all of the above, I was instantly sold. The only mild complaint I’ve found about this model is that it’s said to not have an adjustable leg rest. Whether that’s a deal breaker remains to be seen. Get a full review on their Geo 2 coming soon to EDS!!