10 Products New Moms Don’t Even Know They Need

If you’re one of those “with it” chicks who does all her research and knows just what she needs, and wants, for every life transition, this post may not apply to you; however, I’ve compiled a list of must haves most moms don’t even know they need for the other 95%. 

Most, if not all, of these products are available at ShopWholeHeart.com via the links in the post or page on this blog. Toot, toot! (#ShamelessPlug)

New moms have a habit (that must be broken) of getting pregnant, rushing to big name baby store, and registering for everything they’ve seen at friend’s houses figuring it must be the best. I’m here to say, “Stop it!” Alot of these products are low quality, high toxin, and poorly constructed. But don’t worry, I gotcha covered.

1. Keekaroo Diaper Changing Pad

Ever changed a kid’s diaper on a regular diaper changing pad or table? It’s a great way to get your eye gauged, drop a kid on their head, or paint the walls a, ahem…baby poop green. Well, the Keekaroo company has designed a peanut shaped pad that prevents the gymnastics your wee one will inevitably do during a diaper change. Plus, it’s not made from the highly toxic polyurethane, vinyl, plastic, or foam that mainstream pads are made of. It’s 100% nontoxic, ecofriendly materials, AND it’s puncture proof, water resistant, and stain resistant. Plus, it comes in a plethora, if you will, of colors. Check it out!

2. Baby Shusher

Dr. Harvey Karp, famed pediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, includes shushing loudly as one of his “5 S’s for Calming” fussy babies. The Baby Shusher is the ONLY white noise machine on the market with a human voice doing the shushing. What will they think of next?!

3. Lalabu Soothe Shirt

Many parents nowadays have learned that babywearing is not only convenient (hands free rocks my world), but it’s also best for baby. Better trunk control, physiological development, language development, sleep, etc. yada yada yada…but, many carriers aren’t safe for a newborn. Either they’re only front facing which is overstimulating, or they’re rear facing, but have the face squished against mom and the hips splayed out (hip dysplasia, anyone? Bueller?) Well, there’s always wraps for newborns, but alot of moms are overwhelmed by wraps. The Lalabu Soothe Shirt is actually a shirt, with a pouch like a kangaroo that you just place “Roo” in and snuggle. Plus, it doubles as a nursing tank. I can hear you sighing in relief.

4. Woombie

Halle-freakin-lujah for the Woombie, y’all! I’ve been told I’m pretty kick ass at swaddling babies (shout out to Julie Nietzel, another baby whisperer, for her fine training), but I’m not a fan of swaddling once babies get their super human strength around day 3 and can houdini out of things. I love the peanut shaped Woombie because it allows baby to be swaddled snuggly WITHOUT wrapping, baby can be hands down or hands-to-heart for comfort, Plus, the legs are free to roam which again protects them from hip dysplasia. Bonus: It’s got a double zipper for easy late night diaper changes. wahoo!

5. 5 Phases Bottles

I hate…no, I LOATHE, plastic bottles! You don’t heat your food up in plastic tupperware, right? Why not? Because you know that plastics contain BPAs which are endocrine system disruptors and have been linked to cancer. So, why would you use a plastic bottle for baby’s milk? Glass is the ONLY sure fire way to protect baby from BPAs because even the “BPA free bottles” are made with a cousin of BPA that hasn’t been tested for safety logitudinally yet. 5 Phases are glass, ecofriendly, come in 4oz or 8oz, have vented silicone nipples and a silicone sleeve for added protection.

6. Knock Nanny

This lil device slides right over your doorbell and has a heap full of decals you can use to let noisy neighbors or the UPS man know that mama bear will kick some ass if they ring the doorbell during naptime. We love it!

7. Shrinkx Belly Wrap

Shrinkx Belly Wrap should be in your travel bag for the hospital so you can wrap your belly after birth and encourage your uterus to retake shape, hold ab muscles in for comfort, and encourage healthy posture while nursing. Plus, there’s the added benefit of getting your pre-baby body back, but we heart moms who don’t make that a number one priority.

8. Softskin Stretch Mark Prevention System

This system includes the Soft Skin Signature Oil (all natural, paraben free, organic) and a soft tank and boy short made from a material that keeps the oil on your skin without making clothes sticky or rubbing the oil away.

9. Humidifier

We have a whole section on humidifiers and air purifiers because babies breathe through their noses primarily until 6 months. If their nose is stuffed, they can’t breathe. Yikes! Keep their noses wet with a cool mist humidifier in the nursery.

10. EzPz Less Mess Happy Mat

This mat is great once baby starts eating solids. The mat is made from nontoxic, food grade silicone so food won’t stick to it which makes for easy clean up. Nonstick, dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe, AND, the coolest part? It sticks to the table’s surface and will NOT budge unless an adult lifts the corners. Get it here.

If you’re a veteran mom, what would you add to this list? Create a registery on ShopWholeHeart.com for 10% off and FREE shipping.

I Heart the “Snot Sucker”!

Just like every other mom I know, I cringed the first time I saw the “snot sucker”. But, when you’ve got a new baby that can’t sleep ’cause it can’t breathe, or one that sounds like Master P while he sleeps (preventing you from catching any shut eye), you’re willing to give the snot sucker a second glimpse.

The “snot sucker” , more formally known as the Nose Frida, is THE best suction system on the market for getting pesky boogies and congestion from your new baby’s nose.

No, you can’t suck it’s brains accidentally.

No, you won’t get snot in your mouth (there’s a legit filter).

No, you won’t catch pneumonia or sinus infections from the bambino.

Yes, baby will sleep better!

Yes, baby will breathe better!

Yes, you will sleep better at night knowing your baby is breathing & sleeping!

HollywoodLife.com spotted the chicest moms I know, Victoria Beckham and baby Harper loving the Nose Frida! 

This lil’ baby had a booger so big we had to grab our resident pediatrician and use tweezers to get it out. I sure wished we had the Nose Frida that day!

You can get the Nose Frida on Amazon, Magic Beans, or by typing WANT in the comments section of this post and it’s yours for only $15 and FREE shipping.

What’s a Maternity Concierge?

I’ll never forget telling someone I was a “maternity concierge” and hearing them laugh at me and asking through chuckles, “Is that actually a lucrative business?” I felt defensive for two reasons- 1) They insulted my profession & lifestyle and 2) I don’t do this work for the money

So, what is a maternity concierge anyway? A maternity concierge is someone you’ve hired to assist you with needs during and directly following a pregnancy. Back in the good ol’ days, we raised our babies as a village. The village elders, neighbors, and family would assist the expectant mother with everything from breastfeeding, swaddling, bathing, and preparing meals. If the baby was sick, they provided a break for the mother to rest.

Well, times have changed! We no longer live in villages and in fact most people don’t even know their neighbor’s names. Many of us live in different cities than our immediate family and we may live 20-45 minutes from our best friends and fellow moms. The parties come to an end, the baby is born, husband returns to work, family goes home and…mom thinks, “Ahhh! There’s so much to do and I have no idea what I’m doing!”

Mayday, mayday!! Enter the Maternity Concierge!

Every concierge is different, but some services I provide clients include:

• Overnight care/assistance
• Sleep training/consultations
• Staff creation (finding & scheduling your doula, midwife, nanny, lactation consultant)
• Personal shopping, grocery shopping
• Baby registry assistance and/or completion
• Event planning
• Nursery preparation & organization
• Product & service provider research
• Pediatrician interviews, booking appointments
• Postpartum support
• Newborn Care education

My services can be purchased a la carte or as a package. I offer a free consultation to assess your needs, meet with you and your spouse/partner to assess your style & goals, and we move forward from there. You are in charge! You get to sit back and relax! You no longer have to worry about preparing for this bambino! You will have a knowledgeable, well trained professional at your beck and call. A Maternity Concierge is no longer just for the “elite” anymore!

Let me be your village. 

Fertility Smoothie

After a year of trying to get pregnant with no success, you see a doctor. After two years, you see a fertility specialist. After three years, you’ve created an entourage of specialists AND you eat and drink things most people have never heard of. I give you…

The Fertilty Smoothie

Photo credit: WeareLivingalive.com

My “smoothie” of specialists currently includes an Ob/Gyn, a fertility specialist, an acupuncturist, a holistic healer, a naturopath pharmacist, an abdominal masseuse, my friends Ashley and Kristy, and Katy Perry (don’t judge, her jams are very motivational!).

I’m also talking about the smoothie I drink daily to boost my chances. Now, drinking this does not replace my docs or my meds, but it does optimize my chances by pumping full of nature’s goodness and creating healthy eggs ready to become babies.

Ingredients:

• Maca Powder
• Goji berries or berry powder
• Berries (blue, black, or rasp)
• Cherries (natural, not marachino)
• Almond or coconut milk
• Wheatgrass or chlorophyll tabs
• Sugar free, organic protein powder
• Royal jelly

Maca is known as the “wonder herb” for fertility. It is an endocrine system tonic, it increases energy, reduces stress, fights against disease, and encourages healthy hormonal balance.

Goji berries increase libido, which could be beneficial, but are mainly recommended for men with low or slow sperm count. I don’t add goji to mine but it is suggested.

Berries are antioxidants, which are powerful in boosting fertility, plus they’re naturally sweet, inexpensive, and can vary up the flavor of your soothie.

Cherries are also antioxidants, but they’re the super fruit because they also contain beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate. I’ve been told I “look” internally like someone with PCOS (polycystic overian syndrome) event though I’ve not been diagnosed and cheries have a natural anti-inflammatory property.

My acupuncturist says to stear clear of dairy so I use almond or coconut milk instead. Coconut milk has high detoxifying properties which is an added bonus.

Wheatgrass helps to detoxify, balance Ph levels, increases oxygen, it’s loaded with folic acid and is considered a “complete food” due to it’s level of vitamins and minerals. Whole Foods sells wheatgrass shots in their frozen section that can thaw out under hot water or you can buy wheatgrass powder and add it to your smoothie.

Protein powder because…you’re making human life! You need protein. Plus, it bulks it up and makes it thicker.

Royal Jelly: this one I saved for last because this is THE most crucial ingredient. This supports hormonal balance, supports a healthy endocrine system, increases egg quality naturally, encourages healthy estrogen levels and is considered the fertility superfood. A jar of this schmazz costs about $30; however, it only takes 1/4 tsp each serving and will last 3-6 months.

So, there you have it. Enjoy my nasty hodge-podge of fertility superfoods. You may find yourself sipping it and loving it. I, on the other hand, find myself chugging it. It can be used as a meal replacement if you’re looking to decrease your weight to increase fertility, or it can be used as a snack if you’re increasing your weight to increase fertility. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for you to concieve.

Other super foods for fertility include:

• Lean meats
• Fatty, low mercury fish
• Dark, leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach)
• Herbs: chives, parsley, basil, mint
• Tumeric, cinnamon
• Kiwi, bananas, berries
• Tomatoes
• Yams, sweet potatoes. butterbut squash

Oh, and water isn’t even drank the same way to an infertile. I infuse my water with lemon, mint, cucumber, and basil overnight. Drink 10-12 glasses a day to keep flushing your system.

Good luck, happy sipping!

Infant Sleep: Dos and Don’ts

As a new parent (or parent again), the common worry is not being able to get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial! I typically get 9-11 hours of sleep a night (no, I’m not joking); however, I recently started caring for 2 newborn twins a few nights a week, which sparked a desire to share the dos and don’t of infant sleep with you all. 

First thing’s first- do NOT expect your babies to “sleep through the night” or even sleep longer than 3 hours, the first few weeks, or even months. Babies need food! Their only job right now is to grow, which means they need to eat and sleep; that’s it.

What do I do?

1. Create appropriate daytime and nightime environments

Daytime: open the blinds to let natural light in, go about your business talking, cooking, doing laundry, etc., and keep feeding ’round the clock (on demand)

Nighttime: the nursery or bedroom should be DARK, warm, and have a white noise machine on full blast (this recreates the sounds of the womb)

2. Swaddle tight!

I personally love Woombie swaddles and Mod S’wads. If you have a Summer Infant Swaddle or Swaddle Pod be aware that the velcro is loud and likely to wake baby during nighttime changing. Also, the fit of these swaddles can be poor so you may need to double swaddle by using a breathable blanket first.

3. Feed before they’re hungry

Yes, you’re tired and you’re hoping they’ll sleep 4 hours…let’s be real, you’re hoping they’ll sleep 8 hours; however, if you don’t feed them every 2 hours (newborns) or every 3 hours (if that’s their schedule), you’ll be sorry. They will wake up MAD and you won’t be ready with a warm bottle or they could have difficulty latchingbecause they’re so pissed off.

4. Nighttime is business time

We all love babies (if you don’t, get the hell off my blog, lol), but it’s important not to interract too much at night. Keep stimulation to a minimum. Pick up, feed, burp, change, swaddle, put down. Repeat a few hours later.

NOTE: “Sleeping through the night” is technically 5 hours so pat yourself on the back when they reach that long between feeds. They’ll eventually do 10-12, but only when they’re no longer infants.

 What DON’T I do?

Don’t pick them up everytime they grunt or fuss; this doesn’t mean they’re awake. Babies are still learning how to sleep and it ain’t always pretty. They tend to channel their inner “Master P” (uhh, uhhh, na na na na)

Don’t fall asleep with them in a chair or on a couch (SIDS risk)

Don’t stare at the monitor all night! In fact, get rid of the monitor. You will hear your baby when they really need you. You’re feeding them in a few hours anyway.

Don’t lose sleep over SIDS; just follow the rules and then go to bed. A breastfed, swaddled tight, baby on their back in an EMPTY crib will be fine.

Don’t be afraid to put them in the swing or bouncer overnight as long as they’re not chin-to chest.

My favorite gear for infant sleep?

Woombie

Hats

Zipper footie pajamas

Mimo Baby Smart Monitor

4Moms Rockaroo or Mamaroo

Gas free bottle like a Mimijumi

Cloth diapers (WAY more absorbant)

Crane Humidifier (infants are nasal breathers)

Sleep train: Wait until they’re 10-14lbs or 2 months+, gradually increase feeds by 20% and begin to space out more time between feeds.

Need a sleep coach? Whole Heart has the best Sleep Coach in Austin! Click here to get in touch with her.

A Guide to Baby Boutiques & Brands

We know looking at baby clothes, nursery decor, and baby gear can be downright addicting, even if you don’t have a baby, so we’ve compiled a list of the best baby boutiques and unique brands for baby clothing and gear that are “haute” right now.

ShopWholeHeart.com

TheCoutureBaby.com

Wee on 2nd Ave, Austin Texas, shopwee.com

Baby Bliss, Ft. Worth http://www.shopbabybliss.com

Stroller Depot 

Lollipops & Lace, Lake Jackson
Pink Baby Boutique
Dimples and Dandelions
Patticake Posh
Hipster Baby
Pink Taffy Designs

PokkaDots and Modern Nursery
Mud Pie Baby
NUI Organics
Shop Sugar Babies

Magic Beans

These are some of my FAVORITE brands for babies! They are totes-magotes cute! The underlined brands can be found at shopwholeheart.com

• Smocked Auctions
• Giggle Moon
• Baby Bella Maya
  

  baby Soy USA shopwholeheart.com

• Under the Nile
• JuDanzy
• Baby Legs
• Swaddledesigns
• Baby Soy USA
• Rufflebutts
• Hatley
• Well Dressed Wolf
• Matilda Jane
  

  Matilda Jane

• Haute Baby
• Oopsy Daisy
• Posh Litle Tutus
• Mini Rodini
• Swanky Baby Vintage
• Persnickety
• Zootie B. Little
• NUI Organics
• Heather Hill

As the owner of Whole Heart and shopwholeheart.com, I am ALL ABOUT natural parenting, keeping it local, and keeping it clean and toxin free! Here are some of my favorite natural parenting stores and boutiques I’ve come across. 

• Zuka Baby
• Terra Tots
• Baby Earth
• Wildflower Organics
• ShopWholeHeart.com
• The Natural Baby Co.
• Elemeno-Pee

As a regular at the ABC Baby and Kids Expo in Las Vegas as “That Girl”, I’ve come across alot of innovative designs and brands. These are at the top innovative products and brands on my list! The highlighted brands can be found at shopwholeheart.com

• EzPz Fun Mat
• Boon
• Lalabu
• Teething Bling
• Keekaroo
• Puj
• Bloom
• Belly Buds
• Zoli
• Apple Teethers
• KiBand
• Happy Baby Wrap
• Innobaby
• 3 Sprouts
• Phil & Teds
• Nuna
• Uppababy
• Mimo Baby Smart Monitor
• Joovy
• MD Moms
• Belly Armor
• Mima Moon
• PlanToys
• Hape
• PateMM
  

  Mimo Baby Smart Monitor shopwholeheart.com

• Melissa & Doug
• Rhoost
• Woombie
• Bumbo
• ItzyRitzy
• Pura
• Ubbi
• Kiinde
• Banana Brush
• Sloomb
• True Womb
• 7am Enfant
• Green Sprouts
• Orbit

Choosing furniture for your little one can be difficult and unfortunately what’s in most “big name” baby stores is not the top of the line. In fact, the quality and craftsmanship can be downright pitiful. Here are my fave places to shop for furniture.

Stokke and stokke.com (I’m a bit biased towards the Stokke crib because I LOVE the fact that it starts as a basinette and grows with your child until age 4!)

Babys 1st Furniture
Picket Fences
Poshtots.com
Laylagrayce.com
Spoiledrottentoo.com

Magic Beans

Nursery Werks is for the creme de la creme, as their designs are the Louis Vuitton’s of cribs! Check outthese two discovered at the expo this year. Product designer Mathew Grayson introduced me to these cribs…

What’s HAUTE for babies now?

Ruffle butts
Hipsters
BIG bows
Baby fedoras
Prepsters
Thrift shopping
Over the top
Tutus
Smocking/Vintage

What’s NOT haute?

Cartoons or Disney characters
Cliche typography (“daddy’s little princess”, blech!)
Old stains or holes
Poor fitting clothes

What’s your baby’s style?

Maternity Concierge, Austin

Ever since the reality show, “Pregnant in Heels” starring Rosie Pope, Maternity Concierge services have been perceived as something for elitists. In fact, instead of putting us “on the map” so to speak, I feel like Rosie Pope gave us a bad rap.

My services, unlike Rosie Pope’s are not just for the elite! I keep my prices affordable as I like to think of my services as something every new mother needs in order to feel prepared and confident and SAVE money. Yup, paying a Maternity Concierge, such as myself can help you SAVE MONEY.

Here’s how I help you save:

1. I help you narrow down your baby registry and wishlist only the things you need based on your lifestyle. I also help you utilize things you already have at home instead of what’s marketed as a “must have for baby”.

2. I prevent you from wasting time researching service providers and baby gear or driving around town interviewing pediatricians, photographers, Ob/Gyns, child care providers and doulas.

3. I provide comprehensive education for you and your partner in one sitting, preventing you from taking 2-5 different types of classes and expensive, unnecessary workshops.

My Maternity Concierge services can be purchased a la carte, or as a comprehensive package. Money is saved by purchasing services in bulk…

• Maternity Concierge $495
  • 1.5 hr Newborn Care Education ($125 value)
  • Nursery preparation, design support & organization
  • Registry assistance/completion, product research
  • Pediatrician interviews, follow-up and appointments set
  • Referral Services (doula/midwife, pediatrician, nanny, babyproofer, sleep consultant, lactation support and photographers)
  • Postpartum support (1hr support in-home)
  • 4th Trimester training (sleeping/calming)

Other parenting services I offer include:

Lactation Consultation

• 3 packages based on your needs

Sleep Coaching with a Certified Infant Sleep Coach

• 4^th Trimester Training
• Sleep coaching in-home
• Sleep consulting via phone or email
• Various packages available

Healthy Baby Food Making 

• Personal chef
• In-home class & food prep

Placenta Encapsulation $175

• PCBI Trained Professional has your placenta picked up following the birth, encapsulated within 24 hours and returned to you in-home or birth site (hospitals or birth centers)

Parenting Support

• Love & Logic workshops in home and around town
• In-home parent training
• Behavior management
• Counseling, Sandtray Therapy, and Play Therapy

 Visit www.maternityconciergeaustin.com for more information and to book services. 

Newborn Care with Austin’s Maternity Concierge

The moment a couple find out they’re pregnant, what do they do? They call family, schedule all of their prenatal appointments, host a few parties, and maybe they’ll sign up for a birthing class or lamaze class. Then, six months down the road or so they begin their baby registry and start getting ALL of those things they “need” to welcome their new baby home.

What’s missing?

Surprisingly, most couples neglect to take a newborn care class to learn how to properly care for their new baby. They get the baby home and think, “now what?” They rummage desperately through the ginormous packet of info from the hospital desperately seeking help. They 911 their pediatrician every hour that first week. Or, they just wing it and hope for the best. You might think, “People have been taking care of baies for centuries with no classes”, and you’d be right. However, they also had villages of support from their elders and community. We don’t have that. No longer do we assist each other in caring for our young and, believe it or not, caring for a newborn correctly is not instinctive.

One of my dad friends told me he read everything there was on pregnancy and childbirth before his wife delivered, but she had a c-section so guess who cared for the baby the first few days? Dad! I laughed when he told me his conversation with the nurses, “I need you to pretend like I’m a total idiot and know nothing. Tell me everything you know”. The thing is, babies are easy to take care of…once you KNOW what you’re doing.

Hey mom, you sure you got this?

My experience with babies ranges from a BS in Early Child Development and 6 years as a Certified Child Life Specialist in various children’s hospitals (including internships, practicums, and cross coverage of NICUs). My master’s degree is in Counseling and Play Therapy, but I believe that thos first months of a person’s life are crucial to their overall well-being and sense of self.

In my Newborn Care Class at Austin Born, parents will learn:

• Birth (options, advocacy, creating planS, procedures, and protocol)
• Feeding: bottles, cleaning, routine, making baby food and introducing solids
• Breastfeeding and nutrition
• Baby gear & registry: what you DO need and what you DON’T need
• Wellness: bathing, nail care, cradle cap, dental/oral care, umbilical cord & circumcisions
• SIDS risks, carseat safety, infant CPR basics (this is NOT a certification)
• Caring for mom (self and spouse)
• Routines, play, development, milestones
• Placenta encapsulation
• Babywearing benefits & options
• Vaccines (schedules and options)
• Sleep: healthy habits, safe practices, establishing routine
• Tips for calming fussy babies
• Infant massage & bonding

This is THE only infant care class you’ll ever need to take! You and your spouse will leave feeling like newborn care masters! Plus, you’ll leave with an information packet, diagrams, charts, checklists, and important phone numbers and email addresses for local resources.

REGISTER NOW

Saturday, May 30th at Austin Born

5210 Ave F. Austin, Texas

$75 for single/couple

I am “That Girl”

I often get asked about my background and how I came to be where I am, who I am, and do what I do. I get asked questions like, “How’d you become such a ‘baby expert’?” or I hear things from moms like, “I feel like you know everything about everything”. But, truth be told, I don’t know everything about everything. I know everything about ONE thing…

BABIES!

I am the girl who volunteered at a children’s hospital in college and got to hold a 4 month old while an NG tube was placed in her nose and LOVED comforting her! I spent every Wednesday and Sunday singing to, and reading to, the babies on the respiratory unit confined to their bouncers or swings.

I am the girl who rocked the “drug” babies to sleep during her internship at the children’s hospital in Houston and who’s heart broke a bit when they cried because I knew there was nothing I could do to ease the pain.

I’m the girl who carried my baby cousin back to the OR for day surgery so that his mother would find peace knowing he wasn’t scared before being put to sleep.

I’m the girl who was assigned to cross-cover the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at Dell Children’s Hospital and LOVED when my pager would go off for that unit because I’d get to comfort and help the preemies.

I’m the girl that resembled “Mary Poppins on speed” when 8 babies under 5 months were admitted to my unit within an hour of each other without parents and I spent my entire day feeding, bathing, changing, playing, holding, and rocking them, but still think of that day as one of my favorite days in the hospital, ever.

I’m the girl who begged her sister for admittance into the delivery room when my niece was born because I knew how powerful it would be to see someone enter the world and be apart of their first moments.

I’m the girl that reads everything by Dr. Sears, Dr. Karp, and every other famed pediatrician who specializes in babies and newborn care.

I’m the girl the reads reviews on baby products, baby gear, and baby marvels just for fun and watches hours of live births on youtube because it’s beautiful. Fascinating. Breathtaking.

I’m the girl who has researched, read, studied, theorized, and analyzed everything on prenatal care, postnatal care, newborn development, child development, infant sleep, baby nutrition, and infant health.

I’m also the girl who hasn’t yet been able to have a baby of her own yet, but that’s okay. Maybe motherhood will happen for me and maybe it won’t. I’m still okay being “that girl” for every mama out there who is looking for someone who knows her stuff in the “baby world”. Someone who knows babies, who knows moms, and who knows baby products.  I’ve been referenced as the “female version of The Baby Guy” and although that’s a great compliment, I’m definitely not the baby guy, but…

I am THAT GIRL!

Top Products Discovered at the ABC Kids Expo

For the past several years I’ve been wanting to attend the ABC Kids Expo, an annual trade show hosted by All Baby & Child in Las Vegas, but this year I finally got to go! I was overwhelmed with all of the products being introduced; some new, some familiar, and some were mindblowingly innovative! 

Here are some of my top picks for products discovered this year at the expo…

The Shaidee Sun Cover

When I first saw the Shaidee Sun Cover I thought of my brother-in-law shielding my sweet neice from the glare of the blazing sun at the zoo, at the Arboretum botanical gardens, or traveling overseas. I felt silly for not having invented it myself because it’s so necessary! We drown our babies in sunscreen and put hats on them to protect their delicate scalps, but what about their eyes? Those brand new eyes are so sensitive to the light, but also at-risk for sunburns to the retina, and any mother will tell you, “We’ve tried sunglasses but they just don’t stay on.” Well, Shaidee understands that which is why they designed the Saidee Sun Cover.

What is Shaidee Sun Cover™? Ultra-light, sun-protective baby gear gives parents the freedom to enjoy life on-the-go, with baby in tow! The Shaidee Sun Cover™ is the newest solution for active parents who want to protect babies from the sun while enjoying the great outdoors. It is a lightweight, easy-to-wear visor design that fits comfortably around ANY person carrying a baby in a front carrier or sling, and also attaches easily to most cars seats and strollers. A dynamic, multi-use item, Shaidee Sun Cover™ is weather-and-wind-resistant, and made from safe and effective fabrics to keep babies shaded, cool, dry and comfortable. When not in use, Shaidee Sun Cover™ rolls up and pops neatly into a stylish carry bag ideal for travel or storage.

EzPz Fun: Less Mess, Happy Mat

The EzPz Fun Mat was developed by a busy mom who’d had enough of the placemats that don’t work, the dishes being thrown, food stuck to the plates, and the stacks of dishes to clean after dinner time from mixing, heating, and serving to feed 3 kids and 2 adults. The EzPz Fun mat had me floored! It’s a plate divided into sections resembling a smiley face, but it’s also a placemat that sticks to ANY flat surface. The unique design of the mat and the materials used create a sort of suction that NO ONE can lift straight up. It can, however, be lifted very easily by lifting the corners. Shhh, don’t tell the kids! It’s also stain resistant, BPA-free, food grade silicone, nontoxic, dishwasher safe, oven safe, and microwave safe! Want one? They’re still being manufactured, but you can submit a pre-order via shopwholeheart.com

What makes the Less Mess Happy Mat special?

ALL-IN-ONE placemat & plate (catches all of the kids’ messes)
Placemat suctions to the table (no more tipped bowls & plates)
Easy cleanup & storage
Easy entertaining (mats can be stacked & carried)
Extra fun (dry erase markers can be used on mats)
IT WORKS!

Did you feel like a dairy cow with your first baby? Or, have you seen colleagues grabbing snacks and water and rushing to the restroom to pump during their work breaks? Ugh, it used to be so inconvenient to pump…but, it’s not anymore! Last week at the expo I discovered the Freemie! With the Freemie, moms can pump anytime, anywhere, with their shirt ON! The Freemie hands free cups (placed directly inside your bra) are designed to collect milk that can be poured directly into the bottle you’re feeding baby with. This prevents pumping into a bag, pouring milk into a storage bottle, then pouring milk into the feeding bottle. Alot of valuable nutrients and “liquid gold” are lost that way; not to mention the added products needed and dishes to be cleaned. The Freemie Deluxe Set includes concealable collection cups, two sets of breast funnels (25 mm and 28 mm), and the electric Freedom pump with smoothly adjustable suction—all for hands-free single or double pumping and is compatible with hospital grade pumps or most other popular breast pumps.

• Slide the cups under your bra
• Connect to a compatible pump
• Relax, work, play, while pumping
• Pour milk into bottles to store and/or feed

This two-toys-in-one product was actually designed by a kid named Max whose school project tasked him with designing a toy for both boys and girls of various ages. With a little help from mom and dad, Max designed “BuddyBalls“, a line of teddy bears that can hold all of your favorite toys inside them like a backpack, or can convert to a squooshie ball. This toy reminded me of a new and improved version of “Popples” circa 1985 and I fell in love with the nostalgic feeling I got from holding, and playing with, this toy. These designers also pulled on my heartstrings as a Certified Child Life Specialist when they told me they’ve partnered with the Child Life Council and donate for the kiddos in the hospitals around the country. Can you not love Maxland Toys with your whole heart?!

I had the pleasure of seeing ALL Crane USA products at the expo and I went nuts wishing I could own every single one! The adorable animal humidifers, drop humidifiers, heaters, fans, and nightlights are designed state of the art and are wildly popular globally! They’re popular for their adorable animal humidifers for nurseries, playrooms, and kid’s rooms, but as an adult, I also LOVE the drop humidifers. The design of the drop humidifer is modern and sleek and they come in a variety of colors that fit in nicely with any decor. What I love about Crane humidifers is that they’re not noisy like most other brands, and the soft, cool mist provides sort of a feng shui sense of movement that’s peaceful and calming. Given that Whole Heart is an Austin based company and I live on 4 acres filled with cedar trees, I use my drop humidifer all winter and spring long to moisten the dry air in my bedroom, courtesy of the cedar trees, but I also consider this product a new mom must have. Newborn babies and infants breathe primarily through their nose. Keeping their nasal passages clean ad moist is essential to a healthy baby and promoting healthy sleep for baby.

Raise your hand if you’re nervous about potty-training your kiddo? Don’t be! No longer do you have to buy boxes and boxes of training pants or pull-ups, stay at your house for 3 straight days pottying every hour on te hour, or doing hundreds of oads of laundry due to accidents. Meet BottomzZup! BottomzZup is a complete potty training tool kit designed to take the guess work out of potty training and transition your child out of diapers and in to “big kid” underwear in 3-4 days, flat. The unique design looks and feels like a diaper, but allows the child to feel wet inside, but there’s no leakage or spillage on the outside. A celebratory t-shirt, sticker chart, and potty training suggestions accompany the underwear in the BottomzZup box. This product is still in manufacturing stages and won’t be available until Jan. 2015; however, pre-orders will be received via chelseavail@wholeheartaustin.com. Encourage. Participate. Celebrate.

I fell in love with SO many new products and toys at the expo that I came home and immediately added them to my website! Be sure to check out:

• Mimo Baby Smart Monitor
• Cornelius Teething Toothbrush
• The Monalito baby hammock
• Mamachi (creme de la creme) Baby Bottle
• 5 Phases BPA free glass bottles
• Kiinde Twist and Store Feeding System
• Belly Armor Radiashield Nursing Cover
• Babyganics Foaming Hand Sanitizer
• Bean Clean cradle cap brush
• My Dental Choice Tooth Tissues
• Knock Nanny
• Umbilical Bodysuit by Assessables