Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

6 Must-Haves for Working Moms Who Breastfeed

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If you're one of the thousands of working moms who breastfeed, or will be soon, take a look at some of these.These days, more and more mothers are working outside the home. Toward the end of pregnancy, there is a swarm of decisions that must be made, from what car seat to purchase to what birth plan to use. One of those decisions is whether or not to breastfeed. If you plan on becoming one of the working moms who breastfeed, then here is a list of must-haves to help your transition.

6 Must-Haves for Working Moms who Breastfeed

I worked full-time when my first child was born. After maternity leave, I asked that my hours decrease, but I was still there long enough to require pumping.

Leaving your baby with a sitter and pumping at work is hard. Pumping at work instead of the comfort of your own home isn’t that fantastic at first, either.

After a while, though, I did discover several must-haves I was so grateful to use. Here they are.

A top of the line, dual breast pump

I’m a bit of a cheapskate, but I’m so glad someone talked me into buying a Medela Advanced Breast Pump. My transition into joining the working moms who breastfeed was so much easier than it could have been because of that breast pump.

For more information on quality baby items like the Medela, read here.

A full water bottle

The minute I began pumping, I got thirsty. It would drive me mad not to have water nearby. Keep a quality water bottle freshly stocked at all times – especially when you pump.

A breastfeeding cover

Even if you have total privacy when you pump – and you should – having a breastfeeding cover like this one is a must-have at all times. It’s like have a spare diaper and some wipes on hand. You just never know where you’ll end up when you need them.

Besides, if you’re tense when you pump, you produce less milk and the process takes longer. That can be incredibly frustrating. Invest in something that will help you feel at ease.

Something to do

Pumping at work takes time, and you just sit there. Even though your hands are somewhat tied up, be sure to bring something along to entertain yourself. You could listen to music, an audio book, or a podcast. Or you could read (it can be done).

Or you could count ceiling tiles when you forget to bring something. ::sigh:: I’ve been there.

Storage bags

Breast milk storage bags were also crucial to my success as one of the working moms who breastfeed. They’re designed to hold enough for a single serving and hold up well in a freezer. You’re able to write the date on each one which makes sure your baby gets milk before it expires.

These storage bags were my favorite because they could be attached directly to my Medela breast pump – with the correct accessory. That saved SO much time with a lot less clean up.

A firm understanding of your rights

The biggest thing I’d want working moms who breastfeed to understand is their rights in the working place. They are legally permitted to take breaks to pump as often as necessary. Employers are required to provide a private room, other than a bathroom, during these break times.

Obviously, harassment from co-workers or their unwillingness to comply with regulations is illegal.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift you can give your baby. Know your rights. Click here for more information.

Would you add any must-haves for working moms who breastfeed to this list?

Image Credit: William Iven (UnSplash)

This post contains affiliate links.

5 Quality Baby Items That Are Worth the Investment

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If you want to know what quality baby items are worth the money, I definitely recommend this list!In 2014, my husband and I had two in two years. We also lived on less than $2,000 per month. Having a lot of baby things simply wasn’t an option during that season of life. However, we did save up for a number of quality baby items, and I’m glad we did.

We may not have had new living room furniture or all new kitchen appliances, but if there was something costly that got its money’s worth for our kids, then it was money well spent.

5 Quality Baby Items Worth the Investment

Hear me out. One thing we did not do is go into debt to purchase these items. Nor did we dip into our emergency fund. Either option would have been so much easier. Instead, we opened a checking account with no minimum balance required and labeled it our “Baby” account.

Each month, we’d budget an allotted amount into the account. Having it separate from our primary checking helped protect that money from being mishandled.

We saved up, used coupons, used gift cards, or we said no to the purchase.

There are so many different brands of these products, but here are the ones we chose and that I recommend.

1. Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper

We kept our babies in this Rock N’ Play throughout their entire newborn stage. It was so nice to have them right next to our bed at night, elevated so they could probably breathe when congested. Another perk was how lightweight the product was. After I had an unexpected c-section with my second child, I had a major weight restriction during the first several weeks. The Rock N’ Play was easy to fold and transfer from room to room.

2. Medela Advanced Breast Pump

I made the choice before my first child was born to breastfeed. I was still employed at my banking job during that time, so have a reliable and efficient breast pump was crucial. Since that time, the government has made it much easier to obtain breast pumps for free or to receive reimbursement on a purchase. Definitely look into that. If you can’t get one (a QUALITY one) for free, then I highly recommend this product. It hasn’t given me any problems and I was able to breastfeed both of my children for at least 12 months.

3. Aden + Anaias Swaddle Blankets

The features I love most about these swaddling blankets is that they’re sheer which reduces the risk of suffocation, and they’re large enough to do a full swaddle on a baby throughout the first six months to a year. My 2-year-old son still chooses his Aden and Anaias blankets to sleep with over any other bedding.

4. Braun Ear Thermometer

If you’re up at 2:30 AM with a screaming, feverish baby, you need a reliable thermometer that will tell you exactly what’s going on, every time. I tried the cheap route at first, using a knock-off thermometer under the baby’s armpit (try getting a fussy baby to keep his arm down long enough to get a consistent reading). Finally, I realized it wasn’t worth the risk of misdiagnosing. High fevers can spike at any time. I’ve caught each of them in time with my Braun ear thermometer.

5. Wooden Toys

What I love about wooden toys is that they’re made well. My parents grew up in the era of wooden or metal toys. I was raised throughout the dawn of plastic. To see the difference in toys like Melissa & Doug and many others is very refreshing. I head straight to that aisle every time I buy a gift for a baby shower or child’s birthday party.

What quality baby items are you grateful you purchased? Share in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links.

Image Credit: Gaelle Marcel (UnSplash)

5 Ways to Save Money on Diapers Using Amazon

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If you're already a fan of online shopping, then here are some great ways to save money on diapers using Amazon.Every parent knows having a child drastically changes your finances. One of the largest expenses to enter the picture is diapers. It’s a fixed expense for the first three years of a child’s life, right? So, how can we save money on diapers?

The list is long. I wrote a post about this earlier called “How to Save Money on Diapers.” That would be a good place to head once you’re done here.

Since there was more to say after writing that first article, I decided to write a follow-up post specifically talking about Amazon.

5 Ways to Save Money on Diapers Using Amazon

I’m not saying you should only shop at Amazon for your diapers. I actually buy mostly off brand diapers in bulk at places like Target or Costco. That’s just how I do my shopping.

If you’re a pretty active online shopper looking to save money on diapers, then give these tips a try.

1. Subscribe & Save

No Prime membership required. All you do is sign up for Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program and choose from their selection of products. If there is something you need regularly, like paper towels or diapers, then subscribe. They’ll show up on your doorstep on the selected date saving you up to 15% off each time.

2. CamelCamelCamel.com

Want to know when diapers are at their lowest market price? Head over to CamelCamelCamel.com to find out. Enter the name of the product and look at its track record of the last year. That’ll help you determine when it’s best to shop next.

3. Price Tracker App

Do you prefer shopping on your mobile device? Save money on diapers by using the Price Tracker App. If you have Amazon’s store app already on your phone, then you have the Price Check feature within that app. That is a second method you could use to save money on your phone.

4. SnagShout.com

Find deep discounts on Amazon products on SnagShout.com. I first described SnagShout as a great resource when you’re searching for frugal Christmas gifts (read the full article here). But SnagShout can also be great for everyday items that aren’t quite as exciting but cost just as much green stuff in your wallet.

A.K.A. diapers.

Up until October 2016, SnagShout users were required to leave a review on Amazon in exchange for receiving the deep discounts on products. However, the policy was revised to reflect Amazon’s choice to make it illegal to require anyone to leave a review.

So, now you simply need to check out SnagShout’s merchandise, find the kids & baby section and see if there are any cloth diapers or nursing covers or other gems up for grabs.

5. Register for an Amazon baby registry.

If you’re having a baby shower, then consider registering on Amazon. Some perks include: free 90-day returns, millions of products from which to choose, 15% off Completion Discount on eligible items for Prime members.

Plus, people have the option of giving Amazon gift cards. Combine those with the 15% off through Subscribe & Save and you’ll get a bunch of diapers for not a bunch of money.

Have you ever tried to save money on diapers online? What’s one thing that worked for you?

Image Credit: Janko Ferlic (UnSplash)

How to Save Money On Diapers

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Looking to save money on diapers? Here's how.After having two children under two years, I “get” diapers. We lived on a tight, single-income budget, so I’ve also done my share of deal hunting. It turns out, you can save money on diapers every time, if you know where to look.

Whether you’re raising a family, pregnant with your first child, or shopping for a baby shower, deals are constantly out there. They come in all shapes in sizes. I want you to leave this article with enough information to never pay full price for diapers again.

5 Ways to Save Money on Diapers

Crunch some numbers.

The best way to figure out how to save money on diapers is to start calculating the price per diaper every time you shop. Diapers come in so many different sizes, quantities, specialties, and brands, that it can be confusing to find the least expensive option.

You can calculate the price per diaper manually or by reading the store label for a “price per unit.”
This step is the foundation in educating yourself about how much money you’re actually saving.

BONUS TIP: Try writing the price per diaper on a piece of masking tape and placing it on your diaper box when you bring it home. That way, you can compare each purchase to see where you find the best deals.

Buy the largest quantity available.

When you calculate the price per diaper in any super market, you’ll usually spend more on fewer diapers. Do your best to buy the largest quantity available.

The only exception to this rule is if you have a coupon for a fixed amount like “$1.00 Off Any Pampers Diapers 52 Ct. Or More.” If you buy a smaller box of diapers, then that $1.00 will impact the price per diapers greater and may save you the most money.

Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club are great for buying larger quantities of diapers. Costco also has a terrific return policy. Pretty much anything you buy from them you can return in 90 days with few questions asked.

Recommended Reading: “Why a Costco Membership is Beneficial for Our Family”

Collect coupons or codes.

If you tear open a box of name brand diapers, like Pampers or Huggies, you’ll notice a rewards code on one of the diaper packs. If you enter those into the rewards site, you can eventually earn a discount on your next purchase. Coupons, whether in-store or via manufacturers, also add value to your savings.

Buy new diapers secondhand.

A new diaper is a new diaper. Even if you buy from a yard sale, a consignment sale, or on a Facebook garage sale, it’s still (HOPEFULLY) unused. The only time I’d ever consider buying a used diaper is if it’s cloth. They’re washable, reusable, much less expensive in the long run, and much friendlier to earth.

Stock up during a great deal.

One of my favorite ways to save money on diapers is at Target. Their Up & Up brand of diapers is consistently less expensive than the name brand competitors. Also, they routinely offer a $5, $10, and sometimes $20 gift card back to you for purchasing two large boxes. If you know your little one’s size and can afford stocking up on multiple purchases, you could earn some serious Target cash right at the register.

BONUS TIP: Don’t forget to use store apps to get the latest deals. Target’s Cartwheel is a great example.

How do you save money on diapers? Tell us in the comments below!

Image Credit: Juan Galafa (UnSplash)

Things to Consider When Buying a Car Seat

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When buying a car seat there are many things to consider including safety and price. Here's what you should be looking for.Car seats are a necessity with children. Though some parents scoff at the added expense, there really is no price to put on the safety of our children’s lives. We’d feel awfully bad if we were in an accident and our child was hurt due to a preventable scenario in buying a properly fitted car seat. In saying all this, it can be overwhelming when it comes to actually choosing a car seat for your child.

It’s been a few years since we’re had to shop around for a car seat but now that we’re in the process of buying a second vehicle we’re faced with the added expense of another car seat as well (because any parent knows how fun it can be to play musical car seats between multiple vehicles!). There are a lot of great resources out there on child car seat safety, helping to direct you in terms of exactly what specifications you need for your child, but I will also offer a few things to consider from a mom perspective.

Consider Price, But Don’t Let It Dictate Your Purchase

If you’ve ever shopped around for a car seat you’ll know that they can range anywhere from $100 to $1000, easily. The price alone can be overwhelming and you can’t help but assume the more you spend, the safer your child will be but that’s not true. While the $1000 car seat will likely have some nice options it doesn’t mean your child will be ‘’more safe’’ and that is the main point when it comes to car seats isn’t it? Find a few within your price range and do your research. Which brings me to my next point…

Do Your Research!

Like any important purchase, research will be necessary before buying anything. There are many resources out there to help you read up on the safety and/or known issues with the car seats you have selected. Also don’t forget to research car seats that fit will in your current vehicle. We researched car seats forever and finally settled on one only to receive it and find out it didn’t fit in our vehicle at all. The base was way too large so we had to return it and start our search over. Had we started with searching forums about seats that fit well in our vehicle it would have greatly narrowed our search down and saved us a ton of time.

Pay Attention to Expiration Dates

Car seats actually expire. There are a number of reasons manufactures choose to do this (and it really isn’t just a money grab), things like plastic breaking down and safety labels falling off are a few. When we bought out first infant car seat we got a great sale for a car seat/stroller combo only to find out the car seat would actually expire before we were done using it. Thankfully the store had another (with a longer expiration date) in store and exchanged it for us allowing us to use it for the almost full 18 months we intended.

Invest In a Seat Saver

At most major retailers (think Walmart or Babies ‘R Us), you can find car seat savers. They are essentially a pad you put in your car and can sit your car seat on. We didn’t buy one and regretted it. The car seat can make your vehicle kind of…gross. While nothing much happens during the newborn infant stage, the car seat (or base depending on model) can seriously indent the seat of your vehicle. Once kids are old enough to have snacks and drinks in the car it becomes a whole new world. You will find things under the car seat you didn’t know existed (food, water stains, toys…) having one of these seat savers will help you preserve your car. Bonus, they’re pretty cheap, I see them in sale for less than $20 quite often.

A car seat is an important purchase for your family and there is a lot to consider when buying one.

What was the biggest influence on you when deciding on what to buy?

Planning for a Baby

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planning for a babyWhether it’s your first or fifth, babies take planning. Even in the event of an unexpected pregnancy there are still nine months leading up to baby’s arrival that will require plans of some sort! A lot of couples plan everything from baby’s conception to nursery color. A lot of these plans require spending money everything from pregnancy tests to diapers. Being prepared will ease some financial pains when it comes time to have a baby.

 

Conception

You don’t necessarily think of conception requiring money per se but for millions of couples worldwide, conception can be the most expensive part of having a child. We were fortunate in only requiring the purchase of pregnancy tests, which only set us back $20-$30 total but have had friends spend hundreds on fertility drugs and tens of thousands on IVF. Though I wish any couple who wanted a baby could easily have one, it’s just not that simple. There are hundreds of reasons why it doesn’t just happen for some and my heart hurts for them. Conception costs can range from a few dollars on pregnancy and, or, ovulation tests to tens of thousands for IVF. If you think getting pregnant may be difficult for you, bring you concerns up with your doctor and see if you can make plans before hand.

 

Pregnancy

Now that you’ve had that “My Wife’s Pregnant!” moment, it will probably hit you that pregnancy itself can be very expensive. Though I live in Canada and don’t pay for any medical appointments, a huge proportion of the world has to pay for prenatal, pregnancy and post natal care. Make sure when you’re planning for a baby that you factor in any medical appointments, medications (even pre-natals), ultrasounds or medical tests such as bloodwork.

You will also have to clothe your growing body. While you don’t necessarily have to buy maternity clothes you will likely need to invest in a few pieces of larger or maternity items to get you through the last few months of pregnancy (and possibly first few months postpartum). I shopped around at local thrift stores, borrowed from friends and only ended up buying three or four items of my own throughout my entire pregnancy. I couldn’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on seasonal clothes I may only wear once, for three to six months. This will obviously depend on your lifestyle too. I wear scrubs all day and was able to wear them throughout my pregnancy only buying two pairs of bigger pants so really only needed clothes for the weekend. I also recommend checking online and larger department stores as well. Old Navy, Walmart and Target all have decently sized maternity sections now at affordable prices.

 

Postnatal

After baby is born you will need stuff. Babies require a lot and again this will vary depending on choices you and your family make (such as to breastfeed or formula feed or cloth vs. disposable diapers). Shop around before you have your baby and price stuff out. Ask friends, research certain things and get an idea of how much you will need ‘extra’ per month for baby. Also factor in any maternity leaves or loss in income.

The more prepared you are financially the better off you and your family will be. You can never be too prepared for a baby. If you end up saving more than needed, reallocate the funds to something else for kids such as post secondary savings or child activities. We weren’t prepared for our daughter’s arrival and spent the first six months after she was born scrambling to get our footings. I know if we choose to have a second child we will be in a much better spot financially.

Did you plan for your baby?  What steps did you take?

Baby Swimming: What is a Swim Nappy?

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Baby NappyYou may have heard of baby swimming already. Though what you may NOT have heard about are the *ahem* ‘little surprises’ than a baby without a swim nappy can leave behind in the pool.

One company in the UK pioneered a defensive system: the Happy Nappy Swim Nappy! (More info here).

A swim nappy is designed for use in water, primarily for babies but can be worn by adults also. They are used either underneath a bathing suit or as the bathing suit itself.

Although they can serve the purpose of containing waste for some incontinent grown-ups, swim nappies are more commonly manufactured for babies who are not capable of visiting the toilet themselves.

For parents who wish to take their infants to the seaside or a public swimming baths, investing in a swim nappy can make the experience a whole lot easier and save potentially embarrassing situations. Some public baths will actually not allow babies entry into the pool without a swim nappy for hygienic reasons.

 

How do Swim Nappies Work?

Normal bathing suits do not provide adequate protection from accidents. Likewise, regular nappies are not suitable for use underwater as they will soak up water and weigh down the baby. A swim nappy is designed to combat these problems.

Contrary to popular belief, their main purpose is to actually catch waste and not absorb it; a nappy like this would simply actually swell up. Urine can simply be allowed to escape as it is not sterile.

There are two types of swim nappies available for consumers. These are:

Reusable – Lined with soft, stretchy fibres, the reusable swim nappy will encourage solids to cling to the inside without soaking up waste into the material. An inner mesh layer helps with this, where fluids can escape though solids can’t. The main disadvantage of the reusable nappy is that they must be washed after each use, although this is cheaper in the long run and more eco-friendly.

Disposable – The alternative comes with disposable swim nappies that come in multi-packs and need to be thrown away after each individual use. An absorbent core is present but is designed so as not to take in too much liquid. A tight but comfortable elastic around the legs and waist are essential for containment purposes.

 

Which Nappy to Buy?

The size and weight of the swim nappy should be the main buying considerations; comfort for the baby is paramount along with functionality. Lycra materials and a stretchy elastic waist will make for easier changing also.

Different types of nappy are available. Think of easy they will be to put on and take off, especially if they are reusable swim nappy. Trying out different versions in store, or simply buying a range of them from various manufacturers, can help parents decide on the best nappy.

In the UK well known brands Huggies and Pampers produce swim nappies, marketed as Little Swimmers and Splashers respectively. For parents who already use them yet are still worried about any leakage, The Happy Nappy by Splash About can be purchased as an extra assistant to a regular swim nappy.

Regardless of the type of swim nappy chosen for your child, staying vigilant whilst they are in water is a good idea. Check every so often to see if the swim nappy has been used and, if it has, how well it has performed.

Do You Enjoy Taking Your Baby Swimming?

Baby Shower Thank You Wording: Card Templates You Can Use

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baby shower thank you wording

Baby showers are a lot of fun… but they are also a lot of work.  And when you’re 8 to 9 months pregnant and trying to get everything ready for baby, putting in a lot of work can be a challenge (especially if you’re still working).  You need about 36 hours in a day – and that just isn’t happening. So, from my wife’s last baby shower, we put together some baby shower thank you wording templates to make it easy to get them done.  This way, your husband or friend can easily help you get everything done quickly and easily. Feel free to use these for your own baby shower.

Organizing Your Cards

The essential part of making writing thank you notes is organization.  When you’re actually at your shower, it can be so hard to keep track of everything because everyone wants to chat, and you’re trying to get through a bunch of bags and boxes.  Instead, ask the host of the shower, or maybe your best friend or sister, to keep a list of what you get.

A simple tracking for can include:

  • Who Gave The Gift
  • What The Gift Was (Write down everything)
  • If Money/Giftcard include the Amount

Then, when writing your thank you notes, you can go right down your list, instead of having to track down all the bags, boxes, and look for cards to remember who gave you what.

Baby Shower Thank You Wording for Clothes

You’re going to get a lot of clothes.  Here’s a great template for clothing thank you notes:

Thank you so much for the adorable (insert clothing items here).  There’s no doubt in my mind that Baby Smith will be decked out in the cutest outfits for the first three years of his life.  Your kindness is overwhelming and your support is so appreciated.  Thank you again for everything! 

How to Say Thanks for Essentials

Essentials include all the random baby toys, diapers, and butt paste that people will give you at your shower.  This includes the basket of essentials that a lot of people put together to give you. When it comes to baby shower thank you wording for this, you can do something like this…

Thank you so much for the (insert essential items here).  It’s a little overwhelming to see how much Baby Smith will need in the first few years of his life, but I’m getting so excited and I’m so thankful to have such a caring group of people to send me into motherhood.  Thank you again for everything.

Money and Gift Card Thank You Notes

A lot of people will simply give you money or giftcards to stores like Babies R Us or similar stores.  That is so useful, but it’s sometimes hard to write a thank you note for.

Thank you so much for the (Babies R Us) giftcard).  I thought I had everything I needed for Baby Smith, but it turns out this little guy has quite a preparation checklist to fill.  I really appreciate you thinking of me and thank you again!

The Unusual or Unnecessary Gifts

No matter what, people will stray from your registry, and give you something totally odd.  Or maybe Aunt Mae will have made something that you know your baby will never use.  Regardless, here’s a catch-all for the random and unnecessary stuff people will inevitably get you.

Thank you so much for the (odd item here).  I really appreciate you thinking of us and taking the time to (make/find) this for us.  I know that it will definitely be useful once Baby Smith gets here.  I appreciate your support and thank you again!

Ordering Simple and Inexpensive Thank You Cards

You can get classy and custom thank you cards on sites like Amazon, but for most, that really isn’t worth it.  Remember, everyone who gets your thank you card will throw it away – and it’s more about that thought than anything else. If you and your friends are trying to be green, then you might want to send ecards instead, just remember to personalize them with the baby shower thank you wording above.

One of my favorite sites for thank you cards is partybell.com. You can find a bunch of other Baby Shower Thank You Cards for extremely reasonable prices on their site.

Hopefully, this helps you make the job of writing thank you cards a little easier, especially given everything else going on at this point in time.

Choosing a Baby Name

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Baby On BoardWhen a baby is “on board”, there is a lot that goes into preparing for the newest member of the family, including the picking of the baby name. This task can be both fun and daunting as friends and loved ones all give their two-cents. As you wade through the seemingly endless sea of possibilities, there are a few factors to consider as you hunt for your favorite name.

  1. Current Trends: Many of us want to give our child a name that is both familiar and unique, and so we try to find new inspiration. Unfortunately, lots of parents find ideas in many of the same things like celebrities, pop culture and more. Therefore, be aware of the current trends so you can anticipate what your child’s third grade class will look like. Right now, parents are loving the idea of naming their children after locations; Reese Witherspoon named her child Tennessee, Ashlee Simpson named her son Bronx, Ethan Hawke named his daughter Indiana, Chris Hemsworth named his daughter India . . . the list goes on and on. Another popular trend right now is to bestow monikers with Scandinavian and Roman influences, as these provide “just the right amount” of exoticism without deviating too far from the easily-recognized. So, be aware that if you name your baby daughter Octavia as a way of differentiating her from her peers, she may just end up in a classroom full of Brooklyns, Viggos and Caesars.
  2. Cruel Nicknames: Being a child and teenage is hard enough without a horrible nickname, so make sure that you aren’t giving bullies potential material. For instance, while you believe that Harry is a lovely name, you may want to rethink it if your last name is Pecker. Be aware of what the initials spell out, what bad phrases may be all-too-easily rhymed with the name. And never underestimate the creativity of children!
  3. How the name will age: Certain names have certain ages associated with them – some are regarded as uptight and appropriate for older individuals, while others are overly adorable and may make being taken seriously a bit more challenging. Therefore, try to find a name that will “age well”. To be safe, consider whether your choice has numerous nicknames that your child can call upon when appropriate. For instance, Victoria; as a child she may want to be called Vicky, as she matures she might prefer Tori and revert back to Victoria when being interviewed by potential employers.
  4. Reflect upon what inspires you: With there being a world of options at your fingertips, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the responsibility of settling on a name. Therefore, consider what has l meaning to you. Perhaps you want to use the name as a way to celebrate your cultural heritage, pay homage to a personal hero, honor Mother Nature or instill the characteristics of your favorite fictional hero. Say the name over and over again, and write it down so you can see what it looks like spelled out. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, just remind yourself that there is no such thing as the “right” or “wrong” name, and that your new baby is going to be wonderful regardless.

What are your thoughts on choosing a baby name?

A Look at Baby Carriers

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beco butterfly carrierThis weekend I finally bought myself a good baby carrier. I like to take walks with baby when the weather is nice and we’re big on camping in the summer, sometimes a stroller isn’t always a great option. A stroller is not ideal in some situations (campground) but for me, most of the time it just bothers my wrists. I suffered from sever carpal tunnel in my pregnancy and still feel some of the effects today, pushing the stroller can be a pain, quite literally.

 

Ring Sling

When baby was a newborn I used my ring-sling religiously. Though I still like the ring-sling, it was never a great option for any real movement like hiking. I still throw it in my bag when we’re out and about in case baby girl gets fussy and just wants to be held. The ring sling can do multiple positions but again isn’t an option if you plan on breaking a good sweat.

 

Infant Carrier

Aside from my ring sling I had an infant carrier that accommodated babies up to 18 pounds. Though my daughter is only 17 pounds, she is much too heavy for me to use this carrier comfortably. This was nice option though in her early days when we would go for our hour-long walks around the neighborhood but as she started gaining weight the carrier wasn’t offering enough support for the front carry position. After a few minutes I would begin to feel the discomfort in my back from lack of support and the straps digging into my shoulders. I knew I needed to look into a better quality carrier that offered more support if I wanted to continue to carry her while we walked.

 

Thank You Online Classifieds

The carrier that I had my eye on was the Beco Butterfly. The price range was anywhere between $150-$180, not cheap, but after much research I had decided it was the one I wanted. Knowing I would use it often, I started saving my pennies to buy one.

This past week one popped up on our online classifieds listed for $80, only a year old. The pictures looked great. I emailed and asked if she would accept $65. She did and I picked it up on Friday. I am so happy with it. It has totally lived up to my expectations.

I did a 5k trail hike today and the carrier was perfect. With this carrier, you have the option of doing a front or back carry depending on what you and baby are feeling. Today baby girl is suffering from a bit of a sinus infection so I put her on a front carry so I could watch her, attached the hood that comes with it to protect her from the wind and sun, and let her nap our hike away. She sleeps while I hike, winning for both of us!

The Beco can accommodate infants as small as five pounds (using an insert) and toddlers as heavy as 45 pounds. The shoulder straps are very well padded and wide to help distribute the load. There is also a thick padding around the waist/back depending on what position you carry. I also like that there is a small pocket that I can stick my keys in.

If you’re in the market for a good baby carrier I highly recommend this carrier. The Beco Butterfly design was re-branded in December 2012 and replaced by the Beco Soliel on the Beco website but you can still buy the Butterfly (new) from stores like Amazon.

I’m very happy with my purchase, more excited that I stole it for $65 and looking froward to many more years with it!

Have you ever used a baby carrier? What’s your favorite?