v 3 issue 27: New Mom Necessities

New Mom Necessities

Are you a new mom or mom-to-be? Or are you headed to a baby shower? Then this issue is just for you. We have found the best new gifts and products for those first months.


Cover by Julie Butler.



Gifts for the New Mom


1- From simply chic to just plain eloquent, photocards from paperlocket.com are a fabulous way to share the joy of your new loved one with family and friends. Paper Locket offers a multitude of dazzling designs with the opportunity to change colors and fonts as you like. Work with a delightful predesigned background or add a little flavor of your own to create a unique birth announcement or thank you card. You are sure to be satisfied!
2- Attention all new Moms: Sara Bingham, founder of Wee Hands, has compiled 300 symbols of American Sign Language in one clear and concise handbook. Memory aids, along with songs and games, make the learning fun and easy for all. The Baby Signing Book is sure to be the ultimate tool for opening the lines of communication between you and your pre-verbal counterpart.
3- Tender moments await at reneeandjeremymusic.com. Guaranteed to soothe the soul, this dynamic duo has spun a web of melodies capable of inducing immediate tranquility. The truthfully inspiring lyrics of "it's a big world" send a peaceful message which reminds parents to enjoy the moment (because it does go by so fast!).
4- After the baby is asleep, slip on this little number from the Jolie Maman Collection. Made of organic cotton and soy bean fiber, you'll be eco-friendly and ready for nursing... Nice job Joli Bebe Boutique! You've brought sexy back to nursing apparel.
5- Do you trust your mother's intuition? We do! After the success of Tummy Honey, the launch of Bella B Natural Bodycare brings us seven new all-natural products made of quality ingredients. Still with no mineral oil, petroleum, lanolin (which is made of sheep wool) or parabens, Bella B proves they are great at keeping moms in soft and smooth skin with their effective body treats. We especially love the Nipple Nurture Cleansing Pads for a quick oh-so-fresh feeling and Nipple Nurture Butter to prevent or heal discouraging sore nipples.
6- Hee-hee-hahs aren't just about breathing techniques in these videos. Just ask celebs like Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera and Selma Hayek. We all love Sheri Bayles RN, the award winning Certified Lamaze Instructor and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Sheri has put together three Laugh and Learn DVDs to teach you all you need to know about newborn care, breastfeeding and childbirth. She brought the humor, along with 20 years of nursing experience, at no extra expense. No more worrying about how your going to fit those classes into your hectic schedule before the due date. These DVDs teach you all you need to know in the privacy of your own home!
7- No more hiding in the car to feed the baby! Joia products has tweaked the nursing cover to prevent peek-a-boos with a patent-pending design. What's the secret of The Mommy Cover? A clever retractable reel system keeps the sides of your cover in place securely, adjustments can be made easily and viewings are a cinch with the semi-rigid necklines of this breastfeeding cover. Available in tons of designer fabrics,which are machine washable and reversible, these covers are a hit. Visit Joiaproducts.com to read more about this must-have product and watch the clip to see just how it works.
8- Wrap yourself in a little blessing from the Baby Institute. The nursing sleeve is about comfort and versatility. Ultra-soft fabric wraps around your arm for needed softness when feeding or cuddling. When the timing is right, voila, release the velcro closure and place it on your shoulder for an instant burp cloth. Easily attaches to the strap of a diaper bag for easy access and it looks great too.
9- Bathe him upright with the Spa Baby bath tub**. This European-styled baby bathtub allows your baby to sit with the warm water up to their shoulders. Spa Baby has created a tub that is much like the environment where they spent their first nine months. $39.95 at Petiteposh.com.

**Denotes product is made in China. The company has assured us that the product is made with safe products and processes and they have observed the manufacturing plant where the product is made and believe they follow safe practices.

Top Tips Parents-To-Be Must Know

By Melissa Moog, Founder of Itsabelly LLC, www.itsa-belly.com, Baby

Concierge & Planning Services for New and Expectant Parents

1. Work as a cohesive team & have a support network. Your spouse is your best partner and accept help from others.
2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Family first, laundry last (it's ok if the laundry piles up).
3. Getting your baby on a schedule is key. It will help get both of you into a regular eating and sleeping routine.
4. The first 3 months will be the hardest because you're feeding and changing diapers every two hours while exhausted.
5. You can't spoil your baby in the first 6 months because a baby cries out of need during this early stage so it's ok to be attentive.
6. You can save money by not buying baby products like special laundry detergent, bottle warmer, diaper stacker or fancy baby quilt.
7. Best baby gear to have handy - carrier, sling, bouncer, porta-crib(for hands free situations).
8. Allow parenting breaks, a re-energized parent is a better parent!
9. Remember every baby develops differently. Don't get caught up in comparing your baby to others.
10. There are few perfect births, all that matters is mama & baby come out of labor healthy.


This Week's Mom Tips
Cleaning Tip:
Need to get out an ink stain? Apply rubbing alcohol to a white cotton cloth and dab the stain carefully (don’t spread the ink!). Now use a cloth and blot in order to remove a bit of the stain. Repeat this until the stain is removed. Rinse well. Works for carpets and cloth furniture.

Organizing Tip:
Reduce clutter in the playroom or your child’s bedroom by going through their toys periodically and picking out the toys they don’t play with anymore. Pack them up and donate them to a local play area, church, clinic or goodwill.

Time Saving Tip:
Save time by having your grocery list sent directly to your cell phone with Cozi, a free family organizer. Cozi helps busy families manage schedules, appointments, shopping and communications from wherever you are — the kitchen, car, office or even the grocery store. Learn more at www.cozi.com

Financial Tip:
Live within your means! Truly a problem in America today, but beyond what problems it creates for us, our children grow up not learning about restraint and personal finance.