By Carly Kirsch, Newly Nested Baby Planners

You might think that after 10 months of caring for baby inside your body that one of the first things you’d consider is continuing to carry your baby on the outside of your body after birth.

Say what?

I know you’re thinking this might be the last thing you’d possibly want to do after not being able to see your toes for so long and finally not being pregnant anymore.

However, baby wearing is one of the best things you and your partner can do for your baby once they arrive – and it’s been around for a lot longer than strollers and bouncy seats!

According to Baby Wearing International just a few benefits to wearing baby include:

• A happier baby
• A baby who cries less
• Parents & caregivers may be more confident
• Caregivers can respond better to baby’s needs
• Lastly, it’s just easier

I know that I personally felt that when I was able to safely wear my kids when they were babies, my days were indeed easier! I could get more accomplished and when I was out and about, I could chase my toddler while wearing my newborn. Also, since there are so many types of carriers I could choose from, I was able to wear both my kids despite their sizes, weights and age differences. Today, I still use the same carrier to carry my now 3 ½ year old daughter and my 2 year old son!

Denise Xagorarakis of  OC Baby Planner shares that her personal preference is to “ use a stretchy wrap until about 15 pounds and then switching to the Ergo.”

However, there’s no one carrier fits all needs and most people end up purchasing multiple types of carriers. So, here is an overview of some favorite carries from the team here at IBPA:

• Soft wraps & woven wraps – These are made of cloth and can be tied and wrapped around the body to support the weight of the baby/toddler within the folds of the cloth.  They vary in material and are very versatile.  Melissa Moog of ItsaBelly Baby Planners shares “The Moby Wrap & Boba’s Sleepy Wrap are also great baby carriers, but there are so many to choose from!”
• Soft Structured Carriers – These are carriers that include straps, buckles, waist and back support and most may be used from birth to ages 4 and beyond.  Some are able to be worn on the front of the body and allow for an easy back carry as well.  My personal favorite is a Beco Butterfly 2 carrier and the Beco brand.  Kristen DiCicco Rogers of The Baby Coordinators baby planning shares a story about her recent experience with her Ergo carrier – another very popular choice among parents today.  “A couple of weeks ago a went on a 3 mile walk with a 25lb 1 yr in the Ergo and my back felt great after! I was so pleasantly surprised!”
• Sling Carriers – There are a few kinds of slings.  There are Ring Slings, Rebozo and one piece fabric pouch slings.  In any form, slings are easy to use and offer versatility and ease of use for any age.
• Mei Tais – A Mei Tai originates from China and is a combination of sorts for a soft structured carrier and a wrap offering a little of both.

A great resource for all things baby wearing is TheBabyWearer.com. The web site is packed with detailed information and offers forums, chat rooms and a whole community to discuss and exchange information with babywearers everywhere. Another great place to go for information on babywearing (and SO much more) is KellyMom.

Now – with all this said and with anything regarding our babies and children, there are some precautions and safety measures to be aware of with baby wearing.

So a few words of caution:

• Always make sure there is no part of your carrier obstructing your baby’s airways – the nose and mouth should always be free of fabric or the carrier
• Never do anything while baby wearing that you wouldn’t do when holding a baby in your arms – i.e. cooking, carrying awkward items, running or vigorous exercise, etc.
• Always read directions and visit the manufacturer’s web sites for videos or instructions.  (I recommend that you even practice wearing, wrapping, tying or buckling your carrier a few times before using it with your baby – sounds silly but at first it can seem tricky!)
• Use the carrier as it is intended – i.e. do not try a back carry with a carrier that does not allow for that type of use
• Make sure the carrier you are using is suitable for the weight and age of your baby/child
• Check your carriers for rips, tears or defects to make sure they are safe for use and able to properly work to carry the weight of your baby/child

One other health concern to note and be aware of is offered from Stephanie Zerr of Birth Matters. Stephanie shares this this link regarding Hip Dysplasia with the use of products.

For more information on baby wearing – find a local Baby Planner near you and we are always happy to help!

I’d say it’s now safe to say that green may possibly be the new black! Thankfully, there are some amazing product manufacturers that are on board with this here-to-stay trend and making some truly fantastic swag that is good for baby and the environment.

Naturally (no pun intended) a huge part of baby planning is dedicated to helping parents make the best choices for their families – from the perfect nursery décor right down to the creams they choose to rub on their baby’s delicate skin. Therefore, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite green baby products for you to either learn about for the first time, rediscovering them for your expanding family or for you to pass along to a new mommy-to-be!

Products & Clothing

Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics has an amazing line of health, wellness and baby products that are safe and natural and oh-so pampering for both mom and baby. A few favorites are the Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm & baby Shampoo.

Stephanie Zerr of Birth Matters recommends Hevea pacifiers and teethers to keep baby safe while soothing gums when teeth begin to come in.

Joanie Whitman of Itsabelly Kansas City loves Boon Odd ducks for play time in the bath.

Sophie the Giraffe – Need we say more? Sophie is a favorite for a reason and babies cannot seem to get enough of her – which is okay by our standards!

Diapers

Cloth Diapers – Colorful and eco-friendly, both Bum Genius and Apple Cheeks offer some great ways to diaper your baby. Trust us. These are not your mama’s cloth diapers.

If you’re looking to cloth diaper but are looking for a bit of a mix, we suggest both GroVia Hybrid Cloth Diapers or gDiapers.

If you’re not into the idea of cloth diapering but you are still looking for safer diapers, try Seventh Generation Disposable Diapers or Bambo Nature diapers.

Cleaning

Dapple – I came across Dapple in 2008 for my first born and I’ve loved it ever since. Their entire line of products are really great and truly clean without unnecessary toxins.

Feeding

Plum Organics – Not only are Plum Organics foods tasty, they are more than just organic.  Their packaging is BPA free and makes feeding baby easy since the packaging is so portable.  It makes feeding baby carefree in more ways than one! http://www.plumorganics.com/index.php

5 Phases bottles - Check out this blog post by Stormie Sowinski  of Hello World Baby Planning for the scoop on these neat bottles:  http://helloworldbabyplanning.com/?p=905

Beaba products – From safety to making meals and more, Beaba products are sure to please with their fun colors and safe designs.  http://www.beaba.com/flash/#/en_GB/homepage/index

Hygeia Breast Pump – http://www.hygeiababy.com/ While many people first think of other brands when thinking of breast pumps, but Hygeia is making their products known for ease of use and their Green Breast Pumps and their eco-friendly recycling program.

Sleeping

Babyletto’s affordable green convertible crib –  The Babyletto brand prides themselves on being modern with fresh, clean designs. With a variety of products to choose from, you’ll see why we love Babyletto!

Green Buds http://www.greenbudsbaby.com/ Rest easy with Green Buds line of sheets, mattresses, covers and pillows.

Swaddle Designs Organic Collection – http://www.swaddledesigns.com/page/Category-Organic-Collection.html Their blankets, crib sheets, blankets and more are just pure heaven for baby’s bottom.

For a closer look at any of these products mentioned and for more reviews on strollers and other gear, visit ItsaBelly’s blog for their 2011 Seal of Excellence award winners!

As both a mom and a baby planner, I fit a lot into my day.  Mostly, I’m able to get so much accomplished because of multitasking.  So, I began thinking about multitasking in the context of baby planning.  More specifically, I thought how a large part of our role as a baby planner is to provide expecting parents with great products that help make their lives easier.

If busy parents are used to multitasking, shouldn’t our baby gear and products do the same?  Even more so, maybe these products could save us some time, space and even money, too?

Is that possible? You betcha!

Thanks to our members here at IBPA and some fabulous product companies, we’ve saved you some time and rounded up some of our favorite items and suggestions just for you on double duty and multitasking baby gear and products.

• Boppy – The primary purpose and use of the Boppy is proper positioning for parents to not strain their backs while nursing or feeding baby or babies for those with twins. However, the Boppy is also fantastic for propping up your baby for tummy time.  Then, it may also be used as a stabilizer around the baby when they are learning to sit up.

• Convertible car seats – If you are considering skipping the separate infant car seat, then convertible car seats are a great way to get the most use from a car seat for quite a few years!  Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s ratings for weight so you can ensure you rear face for as long as possible and recommended, which is 2 years or longer.

• Play yards or pack and plays – Their main purpose is a safe place for slumber.  They also collapse and store well for ease of use and travel.  However, at home they can be used as a play pen with the bassinet portion removed, as well as become a place to store toys when not in use.  I’ve even used it to block off a door opening before to keep my curious crawler away!  Graco, Chicco, Britax and Baby Trend are some of the popular brands that offer many different selections and styles with different amenities.

• Fabric storage bins (like these ClosetMaid brand from Target) are excellent for holding diapers, burp cloths and accessories for baby now and can be used to conquer clutter later on.  They’re a perfect size for storing toys, books, and more.   They come in a variety of colors to fit your preferred color scheme or style and have sturdy handles for kids to carry or drag them around!

• Baby Wipes – These “magic” wipes are not only a must-have for cleaning your baby’s precious parts, but is also perfect for tackling sticky messes and spills, removing scuff marks from the floors and walls and much more!  There’s a reason to stock up on these as they definitely top the multitasking list!

• Diaper caddy – Denise Xagorarakis of OC Baby Planner share that one of her must-haves is a diaper caddy. While this is a great way to keep your diapers, creams and wipes organized (especially if you have a multi-level home and change baby in various areas) you can use it later on for an arts and crafts caddy or to store or organize smaller items later on.

• A reusable water bottle.  If you haven’t already, you’ll soon discover that bottles (and other everyday objects) make amazing toys for little ones.  Melissa Moog of Itsabelly Baby Planners recommends the Klean Kanteen water bottle because she says “You can convert into a sippy cup with the special spout by Avent (for your toddler to older child).”  This minimizes plastic waste and saving money!

• A high chair – This is on the list of most registries we come across.  Finding one that one that grows with your child from baby to toddler and beyond is a great investment. Your baby will spend quite a bit of time discovering food in their designated seat.  Also, a high chair that is easy to clean and will last with all the growth spurts is just a plus!  Denise recommends the Stokke Tripp Trap Chair or Melissa’s recommendation of Signet’s Complete high chair.

• A rocker/play space in one – Amber Carlson of Baby Ever After shares with us that Fisher Price’s Rock n’ Play Sleeper is one of her favorites. “It works great as a soother in place of a bouncer for babies who prefer to be rocked, but because it folds up, it’s also the perfect travel bed to take with you on the go. I also recommend it for babies with reflux issues in place of a bassinet because it keeps them on an incline.”

• Organic, pre-folded burp cloth or diapers – Not only are they super absorbent and soft, after your baby outgrows a use for them, Denise shared with us that “They make the best cleaning rag EVER!”  Saves on waste and they’re easy to clean, re-use and continue to wipe up the messes they continue to make.  (It’s never ending!)

• Baby Blankets – These are great for swaddling, a nursing cover, and a burp cloth if one’s not close by – oh, and of course for its intended use of an actual blanket!  Baby blankets of any kind are great for keeping in the diaper bag for any of those reasons.  BUT, if you’re looking for something fashionable as well as functional, then check out the DRIA accessory! You can read the full review on the ItsaBelly Blog.

• Infant Carrier-turned-tummy time mat – Infant carriers make transporting an infant a snap – but as you know, babies grow…fast!  That means that lightweight carrier can become heavy quickly!  Shannon Choe of Premier Baby Concierge shares with us this great dual purpose item that is sure to make that infant carrier more comfortable while offering a great on the go tummy time or play mat.  It even comes with three loops to hook on a favorite toy! 

• For a stroller that is functional and can expand to fit a potentially growing family (now or in the future), we love Britax’s B-READY. With over 14 configurations – that’s right – 14 ways to make this stroller work for both your babies/toddlers.

So, there you have it from the pros!

Do you have a favorite multitasking baby product?  We’d love to hear from you!

LizzieBtv Interviews Nat’l Baby Planners Association from LizzieBtv on Vimeo.

I’ve owned my share of strollers…22 to be exact. I have owned Graco, Baby Jogger, Inglesina, Zooper, Baby Planet, Mutsy, Maclaren, Phil & Ted’s, and now the Micralite. Some have stayed in my stable for weeks and even months, and others have gone out the same day the UPS man brought them to my doorstep. No, this does not mean that I am crazy, but instead a dedicated Mom trying to find the right stroller that works; just like you! The revolving stroller door in my house has given me the inside track on the do’s and don’ts when it comes to strollers.

The list of strollers to choose from is endless for new parents. There are lightweight, full-size, all-terrain, joggers, twins/doubles, sit and stands, side by sides, triples, mid-size, tandems, and of course my least favorite travel systems. While the travel system can serve its purpose I feel most new parents buy a travel system simply because they are not given the opportunity to see what is available. And yes, the Graco Metrolite travel system was the first stroller I ever purchased for my son. Looking back…if someone would have pointed out to me that there was a whole world of strollers out there waiting for me to discover instead of the 5 or so brands at my local big box baby retailer; I would and could have purchased something different.

While a travel system may seem like the wonderful happy answer to your prayers it really is just a simple solution for many parents, and you most likely think this is what you should buy. The deal with a travel system is that you get a stroller and an infant car seat with a base for one low price, and that is really where the deal ends. Many new parents get hung up on the big baskets, snack trays, and parent cup holders that come with them when there should be more to your decision making process than that.

One place I think new parents fail to ask themselves when choosing a stroller is how will they actually be using their stroller. Here is a list of some questions you should ask yourself when choosing a stroller:

1. What are you going to use the stroller for? Jogging/Running, Walking, Mall Cruising, Outdoor festivals, etc.
2. What type of city do you live in? Urban, Suburbs, Country, etc.
3. What terrains you will be pushing your child over? Grass, Sidewalks, Cobblestones, etc.
4. Are you interested in a bassinet/carrycot option?
5. What style stroller are you looking for? Lightweight, All-Terrain, Full-Size, 3-wheeler, Jogger, Twin/Double, Side by Side, Tandem, One that can accommodate a second rider, Snap n’ Go, etc.
6. Do you prefer one handed steering?
7. What kind of recline?
8. What type of wheels? Pneumatic, EVA, Plastic, etc.
9. Color? Solids, Patterns, Sporty, Funky, Stylish, Designer

More stroller shopping tips:

1. If you are going to jog or run while pushing your stroller it is not recommended that you jog/run with an infant under 6 months of age, and some argue children under 12 months because of the increased risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome. While many swivel wheeled air tire strollers can handle light jogging when the front wheel is locked; I recommend a fixed wheel with at least a 16” size wheel.
2. Why use a bassinet or carrycot? The infant car seat was never meant to be used for long periods of time. There is research that shows your baby can develop breathing problems from the angle at which they sit in their infant car seat. It is perfectly safe for them to ride in the seat in the car, but definitely was not intended to be used in place of a crib or for somewhere to stroll around for hours while you shop. A bassinet or carrycot is one of the best options; however, a completely reclined stroller seat with an insert will work well too.
3. Keep in mind things like footmuffs, parent consoles, snack trays, cupholders, stroller hooks, and liners can all be purchased separately from many different retailers.
4. I am all for helping the environment and recycling, but…If you are buying a pre-owned stroller carefully inspect every inch of the stroller for defects, and check for things like 5 point harnesses, and if there have been any recalls before you purchase.
5. If you are on a budget, yet want a fantastic ride for your little one; all kinds of deals can be found by searching Craigslist, Ebay, Consignment Shops, and different stroller groups found on many online resources. And if the sky is the limit don’t forget you can always import a great European Pram too if you can’t find something you like here. So…go online, do your research, be informed, and when all else fails call a Baby Planner!

Below you will find a list of some GREAT Stroller Manufacturers:

Adventure Buggy Company
Baby Jogger
Baby Planet
BebeConfort
BebecarBOB Gear
Bugaboo
Bumbleride
Chicco
EasyWalker
Emmaljunga
GT Baby – I’coo & Rock Star Baby
Inglesina
Kelty Kids
Joovy
Maclaren
Maxi-Cosi
Micralite
Mountain Buggy
Mutsy
Orbit Baby
Peg Perego
Phil & Ted’s
Quinny
Silver Cross America
Stokke
Stroll-Air
Teutonia
UppaBaby
Valco

If you’re familiar with baby planners, you know that they offer services to expectant parents as they prep for baby’s arrival: Baby Registry, Nursery Design, Personal Shopping, and Nanny Sourcing to name a few. You may not be aware that they offer a variety of help for after delivery as well.

Looking back, how I would have loved for someone to have prepared meals delivered to my door once we returned from the hospital! Or to help me get my birth announcements out! My first child was over three months old when I finally got around to sending announcements. The thing of it is that I’ve always been an organized person, but I didn’t expect to need a Master Plan just to get a shower in each day, forget finding time for a project!

Enter the baby concierge who can help parents adjust to their new “norm” by offering some direction and assistance. She has expectations of what your potential needs may be, and is ready with a list of local contacts to meet them. Baby planners can find classes or breastfeeding resources in your area, run errands, baby proof your home, teach you how to make and store your own baby food, etc. This help can be priceless to someone who doesn’t have family nearby to lend a hand or whose friends can’t offer advice because they don’t have young kids. Some baby planners are even available by phone or email for a period after the baby is born to field questions on baby products or to provide you with research on various topics like vaccinations or sleep issues.

Best of all, whether you plan ahead or the need arises suddenly, whether you need help with it all or just with say, baby proofing, a baby planner can help. Most offer set packages or the opportunity to design your own.

By Kelly Glorioso, Wednesday’s Child Baby Planning

Preparing for a new baby and all the details therein can be a bit overwhelming. Add the fact that the preparation includes a sibling (or more), and the stress level can increase very quickly. Here are a few tried and true tips I have found to be beneficial in helping siblings cope with a new baby. As with anything, keeping in mind your child’s age and personality will be key.

· Sharing the news of your pregnancy as early as possible to allow your child(ren) to get used to the upcoming arrival is a good idea. Of course you may want to make sure that you are out of what you may feel is the “danger zone” of the first three months before doing so. But giving them time to process the information and get used to the idea is the way to go.

· Introducing the baby while still pregnant will allow your child(ren) the opportunity to talk to him/her. The more they are getting to know the baby while it is still in the uterus the more they will feel already acquainted when the baby arrives. Informing your child(ren) that the baby can hear their voice and that it may respond with kicks or movement is also very exciting for them.

· Taking your child to one or more of your doctor’s visits will build excitement as well. This is especially true when hearing the heartbeat or seeing a sonogram. Seeing and hearing the baby will add to the realization that it is really there and on its way.

· You may or may not choose to find out the sex of your baby. Doing so can also be a great way for your child to become acquainted with the new little one. Along with this comes naming the baby. Letting your child become part of the baby-naming process is fun for them. When we were in the process of naming our last baby each member of the family chose about five names they liked and all of the names were put on the fridge. We would review each other’s names and comment on the ones we liked. It was surprising how we really agreed on the names we liked. Children feel important when involved in these kinds of details.

· Bringing out pictures of your other children when they were babies and talking about how excited you were when they were on their way makes them feel special too. They come to realize through your stories that you went through a lot of preparation and excitement when you were expecting them as well.

· Preparing your child(ren) for what to expect when you go to the hospital for the birth of the baby will be important as well. This is especially true for younger children who could be afraid when mommy and daddy rush out of the house to head for the hospital. Let them know what is going to happen and who will be looking after them if they are not going to leave for the hospital when you do.

· Once you are home with the new little one you will want to let them help you out as much as possible. Little ones love to bring you a diaper when needed or help bathe the baby by pouring little cups of water over their arms and legs. Little things mean a lot to them when they feel they are helping to care for the baby. This may mean a little more time to complete each task and a little more patience on your end but it really does pay off.

· Do try to spend one-on-one with your other children whenever possible. Make the most of these times and let your child know how special and loved they are. It is important to capture these times as often as you can.

· When discipline problems arise – and they will – do handle them with consistency and just as you would before the baby arrived. It is imperative that your children see that, new baby or not, their behavior must remain in check.

· Most of all, relax. Children sense tension. And tension can breed more tension. Try not to overreact. Try to let your other children touch, hold, and play with the baby as much as they want. After all, this is their way of bonding. Don’t be afraid that they will break the baby. Babies are pretty resilient and they love the attention of their brothers and/or sisters.

You can have a happy home and happy children. As with most situations, preparation is the key.