v 3 issue 8: On the Run

On the Go


Mom's on the go require organization and great products that make on the go easy. Check out our current reviews on great gear to have while you are on the run.

Cover by Shannon Stewart

Out and About


1. The Packin' SMART by Innobaby is an all-in-one-on-the-go feeding solution for infant and toddler years. The five-tier stack can be used as a formula dispenser, snack case, serving bowl, and a pacifier holder. With a secure click design that prevents the cap from falling and separate containers that keep contents from mixing, the Packin' SMART will be a staple in your diaper bag.

2. The Ciela baby stroller by Mia Moda is a dream come true for traveling or space-challenged moms. The Ciela folds with one hand and is freestanding when folded. Its Unique Compact Fold isn't all that grabbed our attention…its lightweight with an adjustable seat recline and easy to carry when folded. Mia Moda strollers are fashionably designed while not forgetting important features like height-adjustable handles and removable washable seat pads and all-wheel suspension.

3. The Diaper Survival Kit by Baby Dish is the perfect shower gift for a mom-to-be or to keep at grandma's house. The kit comes pre-packaged with baby's first year essentials including a onesie, bib, burp cloth, diapers, changing pad, rattle, bottle, pacifier and case, sun hat, travel wipes and box. With this survival kit includes all you need to for a day on the go.

4. Protect-A-Bub offers protection from the elements with their variety of stroller covers. Their 3-in-1 sunshade protects your little one from 98%+ UV rays as well as mosquitoes and other insects. Protect-A-Bub Sushades are the must-have stroller accessory for celebrities like Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, and Sarah Jessica Parker to keep their little ones safe. Also check out their Wind and Rain cover for cool rainy days.

5. While packing up for a day out in the city, be sure to include Skip Hop's triple bottle bag on your packing list. Their triple bottle bag is insulated with 3M THINSULATE(tm) to keep three bottles or sippy cups cold for up to four hours. The bag converts to a backpack and is also perfect for snacks and quick trips out to the store when you don't need a large diaper bag.

6. For those with two, the versatile Caboose Stand-On Tandem by Joovy will do! This stroller allows your older child to stand on the rear platform while your younger child rides in front. Once tired, your oldest can turn and rest on the padded rear seat. With a universal car seat attachment, this stroller can be used form day one. We love that this lightweight stroller has a large basket along with storage pockets and easily folds up compactly for storage.


This Week's Mom Tips

Cleaning Tip: Found some annoying rust spots, but hesitant to use something harsh to remove it? A great natural and safe alternative (that actually works!) is table salt. Use a cloth or sponge to work it into the rust spot and you'll have your own 'rust-no-more'. And, you'll find that salt works great as a scouring agent as well.

Green Tip: If you are troubled by hard water (spots on your dishes? water spots on the sink?), we've got a solution, and there's no need to pay for expensive water softeners. Simply add some white vinegar, and you'll be amazed!

Financial Tip: Think having a mortgage is a bad thing, and can't wait for the day you pay off your house? We'll maybe you should think again! Financial experts remind you that as long as you are paying interest on a mortgage, the federal government is paying you at tax time.

Parenting Tip: Experts say that over-tiredness and hunger are the two leading reasons that children misbehave. So, before you wonder what you did wrong as a parent, consider your child's sleep patterns, and make an effort to sneak in a few more snacks, or some bigger meals!


A well packed diaper bag

Getting out the door with baby can be an exhausting process, one that must be well planned and executed. A well-packed diaper bag can mean the difference between a stressful day and a smoothly executed experience.

Our recommendations for a day out with baby include these diapering essentials:

Diapers - Depending on the length of your time spent out and about and the age of your baby. A good rule of thumb for infants is a diaper per hour out.

Diaper Wipes - We think a travel container of wipes for the diaper bag and an extra tub of wipes for the car is a safe bet.
Diaper Cream - A necessity for sore bottoms…keep a few samples in your bag for when a diaper rash appears on the run.
Changing Pad - We prefer a changing pad that either has a Velcro or snap closure or that has a different pattern or color on one side…that way you always know which side is the clean (baby) side and which side touches the changing table (you don’t want to know what germs are on those tables!). A good idea is to keep a receiving blanket with your changing pad so that pee will be absorbed on the blanket instead of running up baby’s back.
Hand Sanitizer - Either gel or wipes for mom after changing…also great for wiping surfaces baby will come in contact with. We love all natural cleanwell products!

Bags for Dirty Clothes - A must for soiled clothing. You can use large Ziploc bags, recycle grocery bags or we love the Ultimate Diaper Bag Organizer Pouches found at Babystyle.
Extra clothes - We recommend two extra outfits…you never know when a major diaper blowout is going to happen!

Now on to feeding needs:
Burp Cloths - Perfect for spit up, changing messes…you name it.
Nursing Essentials (if nursing) - Nursing Cover (try bebeaulait.com ), nursing pads, extra shirt (for just in case!), and nipple cream for sore nipples.
Bottle Essentials (if bottle feeding) - Extra bottles and Extra formula.
Solid Food needs (if applicable) food, bowls, utensils, snacks, and bibs.

Extras that are needed:
Blanket - Blankets are great for warmth and for floor time. Again receiving blankets are perfect since they roll up well and can be used for nearly everything.
Pacifier - For babies who love their binkies! Be sure to bring along an extra.
Toys and Books - Entertainment is essential for keeping baby happy. Choose toys and books for your child’s age and make sure you have plenty of options.
Extras for you - Don’t forget that you need essentials too! Pack a few snacks, water bottle and essentials like your cell phone (and your emergency phone list) and money.

Then there are the miscellaneous items that you want to bring along when needed like medicine when your child is suffering from a cold/virus, a camera to capture special events, weather appropriate items like sun hats and sun block, and teething rings.

This list is for new mothers but can be adapted as your child grows. Fewer items will be needed as he gets older and you may even get to move from a diaper bag to a large stylish purse (though with the designer diaper bags available these days you may not want to!).

We also recommend packing a smaller diaper bag with a few extras to keep in the car at all times just in case you walk out the door without all you need!