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Black Friday Pregnancy Guide

 










 

 








Hello & Happy Friday!!










 

Today is Black Friday!! While I’ve never been one to hit retail stores on this day, I love to find online sales on things I really need. With a second baby on the way, there were honestly just a handful of things we needed and I wanted to share them with you.

 

So just how essential are these items? Very! I sampled countless items with our first baby and from those I selected the best of the best, and these are them!

 

From items that helped me navigate the first trimester, to pajamas, monitors and more..these are a few of my favorite things!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parasol Diapers

 

 

Browse all their products here

 

 

 

 

 

Natural diapers for sensitive skin with RashShield™ protection to guard your baby against diaper rash. Our premium diapers feature a unique, absorbent system that instantly wicks moisture away and locks it deep down to keep baby clear and dry.

 

 

 

 

Parsol Wipes

 

 

Parasol unscented and hypoallergenic baby wipes are made from medical grade nonwoven fabrics and a gentle plant-based formula to nourish and restore baby’s sensitive skin. Our natural baby wipes are 99% reverse osmosis H2O and thicker than average for an effective wipe that will clean more with less.

 

Why Parasol: Out of all the diapers I sampled during my first pregnancy, these felt the most luxurious. That’s a bold statement as I sampled upwards of 10 different non toxic brands! The prints are precious! So precious I honestly feel bad tossing them when done lol. The material is buttery soft, they do hold a lot and have the sizing printed on them. (preference) I didn’t experience any leaks with these as long as they fit. However, the do run on the smaller side and don’t have an absorbency line.

Ronin outgrew a size 2 in these while others fit. I also loved the wipes! They are the standard size, you get 80 in a pack next to the common 60, thick, soaked, and get the job done. I also enjoyed the feminine care options they offered. At this time I believe they no longer carry them, but now feature skincare products and have rebranded their packaging to be a lil less colorful, but still eye catching! Needless to day, Parasol holds up and is absolutely one of my favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The idea for Kickee Pants came to me while on bed rest with my second son. I felt that although a clothing company cannot hope to change the world, we could strive to create something that would support those who would celebrate these same ideas by providing clothing that is created and designed with a sense of love for the children who will wear it.

My baby boy was a kicker and this kept me awake at night. KicKee Pants became the nickname for my son, and in turn the name of the company we would launch in honor of that reminder that he gave me to appreciate the small moments we would share together.

learn more about the company here

 

 

Everyday Heroes Navy Stripe

You will want to snuggle your little one up just a little bit longer in our soft and cozy Footie. Our best selling Footie feature flip paws to cover cold hands and prevent scratching. The inside of the foot is lined with super soft fleece and the bottom is embroidered with our signature spots to prevent slipping. Pair with one of our Swaddling Blankets in coordinating patterns for a great gift!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Layette Gown

Our sweet Layette Gown converts into a Coverall in a snap! This outfit grows with your child, and will keep your little one snug and cozy. Our Layette Gown Converter comes with a matching hat, what could be better? Pair with coordinating Stroller Blanket for an extra special shower gift!

 

 

Why Kickee Pants: One of the many staple pieces a newborn needs is gowns and footies.Believe it or not there are limitations with organic options. That being said, I was elated to find Kickee Pants. KP designs are all bamboo based and buttery soft! They have everything from 2 pieces to onesies, gowns, and have countless designs being created so you’re never getting bored. I know I’m not the only one that loves this company, because the designs sell out so fast. This second go around all our footed jammies and gowns are still in mint condition because they wash so well. If you’re looking for the softest sleep clothes that will last, I highly recommend Kickee Pants!





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



I’m Elle and I’m so glad you’re here. Originally from Texas, I now live on a little three acre farm in Bonsall, California with my husband and partner, Jared, and our four little ones. We love being together (until we don’t, haha), taking on projects that are way too big to finish, and going to the movie theater on Fridays.

I never thought I’d be a CEO. I barely graduated high school and I couldn’t have dreamt this whole thing up if I’d tried, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here, making wraps that literally bring families together, comfortably, confidently, and happily. I had a tough transition into motherhood so I also love supporting mothers in any way I can through that first year.

 

Learn more about Solly Baby here

 

 

Solly Sleeper

  • NO HASSLE
    PULL-ON-STYLING
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & SILKY SOFT
  • HIGH WAIST TO WEAR ABOVE THE UMBILICAL STUMP
  • IDEAL COMFORT AND STYLE FOR GOING HOME OUTFIT
  • EASY WIDE NECK

 

 

 

 

 


Let your little one experience the same comfort of our lightweight and silky-soft wraps all night long with our fitted crib sheets

 

 

Why Solly Baby: One of the very first baby products I was excited to explore, was carriers! You can opt for the heavy duty kind or the lighter wrap options like SB, it just depends what type of activity you’ll be doing. As a FTM, I was interested to explore both options to see what what works best for us. SB offers everything from swaddles to carriers, baby clothes, and even sheets. All are made from the same buttery soft fabric.
I loved the fact that they are made of 100% Certified Lenzing Modal, offer an array of neutral colors, and that they are a small business that truly cares about their customers.

This pregnancy I wanted to explore their baby clothes more and sheets! Believe it or not, there is a lot lack in the crib sheet department. I love that their fabric is buttery soft, comes in neutral designs, and is organic. While others may be organic, the fabric is generally cotton. The same can be said for baby clothes, the softness just doesn’t compare to Solly! Highly recommend.




 

 

 

 

 

 

At Cuddle & Kind We’re a family of five on a mission to help feed children in need. There’s nothing we love more than being parents. We think nurturing our three children is the most important, rewarding and sometimes challenging job in the world!

 

 

 

With a background in health, we recognize the crucial role nutrition plays in a child’s development. As parents, we believe all children should have enough food to eat and the opportunity to thrive, so when we saw a documentary on the devastating impact of childhood hunger on millions of children around the world, it inspired us to help. On that day, we decided to start a company whose purpose is to help improve the lives of children and to make a difference.

 

We created cuddle+kind because we wanted to make beautiful hand-knit dolls that help feed children. So for every cuddle+kind doll sold, we give 10 meals to children in need.

 

Learn more about Cuddle+Kind here

Learn more about how they give back here

 

 

 
 

 

 

NOAH THE DOG

 

1 doll provides 10 meals to children in North America and around the world

 

FABRIC + FEATURES:

  • hand knit with premium 100% cotton yarn
  • high stitch count for durability and softness
  • premium felt and knit details
  • stuffed with hypoallergenic polyfill to be the ideal cuddle weight
  • safe + non-toxic: US + Canadian safety standard certified
  • available in two sizes: little 13″ and regular 20″ in height
  • signature 10 meal wristband
  • handmade in Peru using sustainable, fair trade practices

 

 

Why Cuddle + Kind: If there is one company you’ll see endlessly on social media, it’s CK. They offer an array of handmade dolls that are not only unique and gorgeous, but with each sale a portion of the profits goes towards feeding children in other countries. I loved their designs, the company mission, how they have new designs periodically, and the marketing behind the brand. I also found that given the fabric that it holds up really well.

You can gauge the quality by simply looking at the pictures. That being said, I knew I wanted to gift our son and new baby one that they could share together. They say when your child gets a sibling, give them a gift and this was the perfect idea! I selected Noah the dog in both sizes so they’ll have that to share from day 1.








 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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.

 

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. We’re still using their kits as ronin develops more and plan to reuse the sets we acquired with the new baby. I can’t say enough about this company. If you’re worried about the price point, you can absolutely resell the kits online once you’re done!







 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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



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, bath toys and more. 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.

 

With this second pregnancy I knew we would choose Ubbi again for our nursery needs. I love that they also offer and array of new colors and they are just so sleek. If you’re trying to decide what brand to go with, we love Ubbi!











 

 


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.

HD Vision means beautiful memories, day or night.

Miku’s Night Vision paired with premium optics and HD storage means you’ll never miss the chance to capture an important moment. Share and download unlimited HD video and photos from your smartphone.

Dreamy Analytics.

Miku’s analytics will track and graph your baby’s sleeping habits allowing you to view your child’s statistics with pinpoint accuracy and help you create an ideal sleep environment. It works even when your internet connection is down.

 

Capture the moments that matter.

With Miku’s sensory-driven video capture you can store unlimited photos and video on your smartphone.

 

Why I chose Miku: One of the first items I thought about once we were first 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, and the customer service has been impeccable.

When deciding on which monitor to go with for our second baby it wasn’t even a question, we’d get another Miku! As a first time parent it removed all the anxiety we had and enabled us to sleep with ease. If you’re searching for the top of the line monitor, this is it!











 

 

 

 

 


California Baby founder Jessica Iclisoy has always questioned the status quo. While pregnant with her first child, she began to think deeply about how to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Shocked to discover carcinogens in products for newborns, she set out to find a better option. There wasn’t one. So she found plant based substitutes for unsafe cleansing and fragrance ingredients and used them to develop her own recipe for a gentle, calming shampoo & bodywash.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

Why California Baby: Before you question why California Baby, you have to ask yourself, ..why not lol. This company has my name written all over it! Since the early product review days of Eat Drink Shrink, I’ve been eagerly waiting to explore this brand. Whether its the company name, branding, or their accessibility at Whole Foods, I was instantly taken by CB!

While they don’t cater to moms, they have a wide range of baby products from SPF to shampoo, bubble bath and more. In addition to all of the above, they have a great price point and come in a variety of sizes to gauge the quality without burning a hole in your pocket. Below is the array of items I sampled based on my personal favorites with out first. Ronin has significantly dry skin, so I love the unscented items as they didn’t exacerbate the condition like others did. I have to also say, since we started using the sensitive shampoo and body wash, this dry patch on his arm he’s had since birth has just resolved itself. Whether your baby has skin sensitivities or not, CB has been such a win for us!

 








 

 


Every MUSH starts with one of the healthiest grains on the planet- oats. This nutrient dense superfood contains large amounts of beta-glucan fiber, a type of soluble fiber known for lowering blood sugar, improving insulin resistance, and reducing cholesterol levels.

 

Heart and metabolism healthy.





Did we mention how healthy our overnight oats are?



No heat pasteurization. No preservatives. No fillers. No artificial flavors or colors. Gluten free. Dairy free. Non-GMO. Protein rich. High in fiber. Plant-based.

Made with simple, whole food ingredients.

They’re all you need.


View all their flavors here



Why Mush: When the first trimester nausea took over, it was hard for me to eat anything. I constantly had to be snacking throughout the day or the nausea would hit, and hit so hard I couldn’t eat period. Simultaneously, if I ate too much I’d also get hit with nausea. Needless to say, it was a never battle for weeks. This is one of the many reasons I fell in love with Mush! I had never seen the product, nor even heard of it and I had watched every Shark Tank episode that aired, but this was such a unique find! They specialize in overnight oats that are ready made and not comprised of endless ingredients or packed with sugar.


As someone who never got on the overnight oats train I didn’t see the appeal. However, the product is so good! It became my go to during the first trimester as it’s packed with fiber, filling, I could have a few bites and the nausea would dissipate, and even found it great as a dessert. They come in a variety of flavors, you can modify he consistency by adding milk, the container enables you to save it for later and the fiber helped keep me full without having to constantly snack.


Bonus, if you’r nursing, oats are great to increase production! If you’re looking for the perfect ready made overnight oats, you have to try Mush!














Our plant-powered beverages are organic, never (ever) GMO and free of preservatives, fillers and chemicals. From our cold-pressed juice to our functional shots and our slow-brewed Kombucha, find a drink that’s right for you.






Cold Pressure or High Pressure Processing is a method of preserving packaged food products using extremely high pressure instead of high heat. Hydraulic fluid (normally water) is placed in a chamber and pressurized with a pump. This pressure is transmitted through the package into the food itself.

 

 

 

 

This process extends the shelf life without the use of preservatives and helps to maintain the nutrients in our organic cold-pressed juices and functional beverages.







We’ve brought some of our favorite ingredients together in a refreshingly unique organic ginger drink. A bright lemonade flavor with a zing of ginger, touch of pineapple, a hint of heat and only 2 grams of sugar per bottle!





Like sunshine and a cool breeze in a bottle. Pucker up for the classic flavor of freshly squeezed lemonade juice with a hint of spice.




Why Suja: When the first trimester hits, it’s all about hydration. My nausea was so bad that I craved hydration perhaps more than food. Anything ginger or lemon immensely helped and I was just so grateful for Suja cold pressed juices.
I’ve tried countless juices over the years and love that they were one of the first companies to hit the scene when the green juice market exploded. While many haven’t stood the test of time or evolved, Suja has.

They offer new products all the time, the price point is good, it’s always organic, the bottles are recyclable and they have the best lemon/lime/ginger blends that enabled me to keep the nausea at bay. When my nausea dissipated, I reached for the green juices to pack on a lil extra nutrients. Bonus, I love the shots as they come in a variety of blends. One in particular I always take is the Vitamin C and the Zinc/D. Ironically I came up on the lower end with my Vitamin D levels so it was great to have those on hand. Needless to say, Suja was essential in that first trimester and even currently in the second! I highly recommend!



















 

 

 

 

 

Brand founder, Dr. Gary Goldfaden has a love and passion for skincare, wellness and a healthy lifestyle. He has been a Dermatologist for over 40 years. Inspired by his in-office experiences, Dr. Goldfaden develops innovative and technologically advanced skincare solutions that provide results, well tolerated even by those with sensitive skin.

 

Review: I had randomly come across the Goldfaden MD company (God bless that I did) and was intrigued by the fact that it was curated by an MD and I loved the sleek modern packaging. In a sea of disappointing non toxic skincare, I instantly fell in love with this company for countless reasons, one being that they are non toxic and work with pregnancy. I’ve previously tried their spray spfexfoliator scrub that will change your life in minutes (a must try), a fab hand cream, and a staple eye cream. Everything was a win, so I was excited to experience more of the line. 

 

My favorite product that is hands down a game changer, was the scrub. Having dry skin I’ve tried just about every scrub on the market and they either miss the mark on the level of graininess to effectively exfoliate or just completely dry out the skin. This product seamlessly exfoliates to the level of microdermabrasion while simultaneously hydrating the skin without leaving you a greasy mess. I will continue to use this product as long as I’m alive as it’s just THAT good. 

 

 

 

 

This time I samples the buttery soft night cream (pictured above) and found that while hydrating it wasn’t over saturating, so even great for day, and smooths out the skin. The product is on the pricier side, but it’s so whipped and rich that a little bit goes a long way. I promise that it’s worth every penny!

 

 

Believe me when I say, I’ve tried endless oils and this Fleuressence oil is one of my personal favorites. It’s  brightening and non-greasy golden elixir oil that boosts radiance and improves the appearance of skin color and tone. The pumps give you more control on dispensing the oil and a little goes a long way. I love to try things as a set to build a system so I use the serum below, then the lotion, and seal it in with the oil. We can do them in whichever order we like, but with oils you want to use them last in your routine. 

 

 

I’m in love with the Plant Profusion line so I sampled the serum to again create a skincare system. When the hormones hit with pregnant, it was hard to find products that worked without all the harsh chemicals. This line is light, non drying, contains active plant stem cells combined with powerful hydrating agents and key ingredients to make skin appear smoother, feel firmer and look stronger, resulting in a more luminescent complexion. GF products are on the pricer side, but a lil goes a long way. 









 

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