These big sibling gifts from the new baby are fabulous hospital take-homes for the new big brother or sister! You’ll also want to check out the best baby products on a dime. This post contains affiliate links.

If your family will be welcoming a new one soon, you may be thinking non-stop about the big sister or brother, and what they’re going to think about the new invader/playmate… And we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.

One tip that many parents employ is to give big sibling gifts from the new baby. Of course, if your children are old enough, they’ll realize it’s not actually from the baby. But it’s a fabulous way to create a positive first impression.

In this post:

• Big Sibling Gifts from the New Baby
• Big Sibling Gifts for Toddlers
• Big Sibling Gifts for Ages 3-6 (Preschool)
• Big Sibling Gifts for Ages 7-10 (School Age)

We like to give the older sibling(s) gifts in the hospital. However, when A was born, the siblings were unable to visit the hospital. So we “brought them back” from the hospital – as if A bought it from them at the hospital!

You can simply leave the gifts hidden in the trunk of your car and gift it that way.

Big Sibling Gifts from the New Baby

This list of big sibling gifts from the new baby is organized by age group. There’s definitely some overlap, and you’ll find it best to skim through other sections as well, however I did want you to be able to sort through it a bit more easily.

You’ll also find that some big sibling gifts from the new baby are directly related and some are simply nice, highly entertaining gifts to give at this stage.

Big Sibling Gifts for Toddlers

This is the trickiest age since they don’t really understand what’s going on – other than now mama’s not only mine. Of course, a gift alone won’t do the job but that’s what this is about. It’s a small part of creating the first positive association.

It also serves to pre-empt the fact that the new baby will be getting lots of new things. (On that note: I highly recommend adding items for the big sibling to your registry too!

A baby doll and gear

Go all-in with bottles and strollers, clothing and diapers for your child’s new baby doll. This helps show the nurturing aspect and will help the big sibling feel involved.

A toy camera

My children actually chose a camera rattle for A before she was born – and then ended up stealing it all the time for themselves! They see all the grown-ups taking photos of the baby and can “help” too. For the toddler stage, I recommend getting a toy camera that’s non-functional but that they can pretend with.

An Activity Subscription

The cool thing about gifting a subscription is that it keeps giving. And often, sibling jealousy gets worse as baby gets older starts doing things.

A monthly activity subscription covers a few bases: it entertains, it’s something special in the mail from baby, and the newness of it can last longer. For under 3 get Panda Crate (featuring toys and activity cards – learn more here) preschoolers (age 3-4) get Koala Crate, for ages 5-8 get Kiwi Crate, and other ages, get the line closest to their age/interest.

A personalized book

It’s all about making them feeling special, and there’s nothing quite like a personalized book to do the trick! M (age 8) still loves the one he got at age 2.5 when he first became a big brother. There are even special sibling versions you can opt for. But if you’re opting to name the baby after birth, any personalized book will make them feel special.

4 in 1 Trike or Stroller Wagon

If baby is going to take over your toddler’s gear, it’s best to wean him or her before the birth. But if it’s too late, or you can’t for whatever reason, you can also upgrade to something fun and cool such as a trike or wagon.

Make sure it’s something you’re willing to push as well!

Personalized Family Finger Puppets

While not a perfect portrait, this set of family-inspired finger puppets is not only a fabulous dramatic play toy, it’s also a great way for a toddler through preschool-aged big sibling to learn more about their new family structure, and to come to terms with their new position in the family through play.

Since it’s an Etsy seller, you can likely request any customization you’d like, including different family sizes. Here’s another fun option – this one is felt.

Big Sibling Gifts for Ages 3-6 (Preschool)

At the preschool age, a lot of how they act will depend on how attached they are to the parents. They can get jealous at this stage but it’s likely not as brutal. They can be involved more in baby’s care.

The big sibling gift from baby is still a fabulous bonding tool and a great way to preempt any hard feelings, especially if their position as the youngest is being usurped.

Playmobil Maternity Ward

This incredible new set from Playmobil is simply perfect for a newly minted big sibling to learn all about where mom is staying and baby care basics – perfect for ages 4-10! And in true Playmobil fashion, the attention to detail is incredible.

It’s perfect for kids who are a bit beyond the doll stage, or aren’t that into dolls, which tend to be the classic new baby gift. In fact, it’s just so much more engaging!

It includes tiny baby bottles and rattles, a mother, a nurse, and a swaddled baby, a bassinet and a baby scale and so much more. The bottles even have a baby warmer and the baby care table has a sweet little mobile!

This can be combined with other hospital themed sets to make a full hospital, or just play with it as a standalone toy.

A Kid’s Camera

For this age group, a camera that actually takes photos but is designed for kids is perfect. The KidiZoom Printcam can even print them out using thermal paper – so it costs pennies. It does come with games too, which will involve screen time but will also grant the new mom some sanity.

And it allows them to get involved with early memory-making for the kids. And you can even get them an album to go along!

A Big Sibling Kit

There’s nothing quite like unboxing a fun package, and this one is designed for big siblings! It’s got a few low key activities that double as entertainment, in the big sibling theme.

An Educational Tablet

Even if you’re the kind of parent that keeps screen time to a minimum, it was created for a reason. And if there’s any time it’s appropriate it’s as a postpartum sanity saver… So why not choose one that’s full of preschool games and activities, and turn it into a gift from baby? And it can still be limited to specific times.

Matching Big Brother or Sister Shirts

When A was born, I made Big Brother shirts for the boys and a Little Sister shirt for her. I also made M, the oldest, a “promoted to biggest brother” shirt and Y a “promoted to big brother” shirt. They were old enough to understand it – and young enough to still appreciate it. It helped form a kinship. If you’re a crafter, it’ll be fun to make with your Cricut.

If not, you can get them made up by an Etsy seller.

Building toys

In the coming days, it’s going to be a big blessing whenever your preschooler is highly engaged by a toy that is educational and productive. Screen time can’t happen all the time! Building toys such as Magformers or age-appropriate LEGO are timeless, classic hits.

Big Sibling Gifts for Ages 7-10 (School Age)

Jealousy is less of an issue at this stage, however giving a gift from baby is still a great tool to connect them to the new family member. They can be more helpful at this age, and rewarding them in advance for the new responsibilities they may face is a great approach to making this whole new experience exciting.

You can find more ideas in my list of best birthday gifts for 8 year old boys (and girls too, of course).

Low End Real Digital Camera

Again, your child will likely see everyone with cameras in baby’s face, so why not establish their position as one of the big ones by getting them a real camera? You can get them a photo album to go with it as well, so that they can keep memories of their time with their new sibling.

A Journal

And finally, my favorite gift – especially for older siblings: A big sibling journal for them to mark down memories, paste photos and more! It’s the perfect length, and attainable, fillable for kids who don’t love to write too. It’s full of meaningful things to jot down. It’s perfectly pairable with one of the camera options!

Pair it with some washi tape for pasting photos, some spare photo paper, some gel pens, or anything else that’s fabulous for journaling.

A more humorous and mature big/little sibling shirt

While your grade schooler might be a bit beyond the “big sister/brother” shirt stage, something like this “Did we just become best friends?” shirt can be quite adorable – especially when gifted by the baby!

Jewelry

A bit more mature than clothing, a pretty big sibling bracelet can be a super fun way to get an older sibling involved and feeling great about these changes.

A Comfy Beanbag Chair

When A was born, M really, really wanted to hold her. But he didn’t quite have the experience, so it was all sitting, pre-positioned holding only. Having a special cuddle zone where the big sibling can hold baby can be really special. And which 7-10 year old wouldn’t love a new comfy bean bag chair as a reading spot regardless?

You can include a fun note from baby as well, about how they hope they’ll spend lots of moments together.

A new watch

I feel like I’ve asked my son a zillion times while nursing the baby “what time is it?” Even though I wear a watch… It is a sweet gift regardless but also has a tie-in, making it a fabulous big sibling gift from the new baby.

A new hobby

A great way to occupy a school-aged child and a fabulous way to boost a healthy self-esteem, a hobby is a really great gift. This needs to be catered to the child. Get a new set of art markers for an artist, purchase a beginner jewelry making kit for the aspiring fashionista. More hobbies that can be gifted as beginner kits: polymer clay, STEM or model building kits, science experiment sets, cross-stitch, and more.

It can also be related to the baby – such as a Cricut Joy beginner set to allow them to make your thank you cards, custom bodysuits, or milestone blocks. Or, go for something like Annie’s Kit Club.

There are so many possibilities for big sibling gifts from the new baby – starting with their favorite things to do, and on to unique ideas that are big-sibling themed.

Whatever you get, remember that your child wants to know that you’re still there for them, and the small, low-energy things you do will make the biggest impact. Read them a book. Watch a movie together – their choice. Ask how their day was. Let them choose (takeout) dinner…

What are your favorite big sibling gifts from the new baby? Comment below!

The post Big Sibling Gifts from the New Baby appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When I was pregnant with M, finances were extremely tight, and I was very much on the lookout for free stuff for moms. There are so many brands out there that are trying to market to new moms, and one of the ways they market is by offering samples of their products for free. Not only is that a wonderful way to explore the various baby brands out there, and decide which you like, but you’ll also save some money on all those free stuff for babies.

I did the same with Y and Princess A (born 2016 and 2020) and I update this post as often as I find necessary so these should pretty much all be active today!

Table of contents:

• A few words of caution about free samples
• Free Baby Registry Boxes
• Free Stuff for Moms via free Sampling Clubs
• “Just pay shipping” Free Baby Essentials & Conveniences
• Free Stuff for Moms via Insurance Benefits or Child Safety Programs
• Community and Needs Based Baby Freebies
• Free Trial Memberships and More

A few words of caution about free samples

Some things are totally free, but some will require you to pay shipping. Often, it’s worth it, as the shipping is a fraction of the cost of purchasing that product.

Tip: Get those that you can really use, and skip the rest.

Avoid samples that say “when you complete offers” like fire! In my experience they are NOT legit, sometimes take you through so many hoops where you accidentally sign up for magazines, insurance, and whatnot. Some of them seriously seem to sell your info (but I could be wrong).

Most companies offer you a freebie because they hope you’ll like it enough to buy afterward. Indeed, I have chosen the brands of baby bottles I stick to based on free samples.

Many free stuff for moms are actually trials. Meaning, the company is giving you a chance to try the service before you buy it – and you might just want to continue! That means, once the trial period is over, it will charge you. ALL OF THOSE IN THIS LIST CAN BE CANCELED! I made sure! I wouldn’t share with you any kind of subscription service that can’t be canceled.

Tip: You can spot auto-renewed trials by the terminology – they are usually referred to as trials, not samples.

Another tip: when you order it, note when the renewal is. Set an alarm on your phone a few days before the renewal. Assess how much you liked the service, if it’s worth continuing. If not, cancel it. You won’t be charged. I’ve done this many times and it’s been fool-proof. I have yet to pay for a service I didn’t like.

Free Baby Registry Boxes

Oh glorious registries! These are my absolute favorites! I’ve gotten so many goodies in registry boxes and they’ve helped me figure out the right bottles and pacifiers for my babies, stockpile some basics, and try new things. Some have even come with swaddle blankets and bodysuits! Baby registry boxes usually come with a good mix of full size and samples and also help you with your first few weeks of needs.

Some registries have basic requirements before they send a box, noted below. Content varies so any images are just samples of what you might see in one of these boxes.

They also come with other perks, such as completion discounts, which can save you a LOT!

Amazon – My absolute favorite. You need to complete (as in put together, NOT purchase) 60% of the registry, and purchase $10 from it. I purchased an essential from the registry myself since I shop Amazon anyway. If you get only one of the free stuff for moms on this list, this should be the one!

Target – You’ll need to go in store to pick this one up but you can create the registry online first. You’ll get a QR code they’ll scan to give you your gift bag. You’ll also probably get some coupons to use. No requirements other than having a registry.

Walmart – just fill out a form and it’s shipped to your house.

Free Stuff for Moms via free Sampling Clubs

Free $10 Children’s Place Credit – Through their referral program! If you sign up through this link, you get $10 toward baby and kids’ clothing and accessories – that ship free!

Sign up with Similac – You can sign up for free samples of baby formula, plus they’ll also send you checks in the mail. Even if you plan to breastfeed, you’ll want to have a few cans handy just in case.

Sign up with Enfamil. Both clubs are very similar, and it’s a great way to see which formulas your baby takes.

Medela Moms Room – If you plan to breastfeed, join the Moms Room for a few samples (such as breast milk storage bags, sterilizing bags, etc).

Bump Club and Beyond Baby Bag – This one was similar to the registry freebies and so cool! Follow the instructions to claim your totally free baby samples.

Motherhood Preggie Perks – I haven’t received this one, but it seems to be Motherhood Maternity’s club, which gives you a welcome bag when you arrive. From my research, it seems to be a much more slimmed down version of the registry freebies with lots of coupons and a few samples.

Get a free $10 if you’re new to Rakuten. Rakuten is an online rebate website. If you shop through their links, you get rebates at various merchandisers. You also get a $10 bonus when you use them the first time. I use them ALL.THE.TIME. and have made quite a few nice payouts. This is possibly one of the best free stuff for moms (or anyone else) – I got a $10 Target gift card when I signed up, used it to buy diapers, AND got 2.5% back on the Children’s Place order I was anyway placing.

Tip: Install their web browser add-on to remind you to use them when you shop – they auto-load the best coupon code for that website too!

“Just pay shipping” Free Baby Essentials & Conveniences

Reminder: since you’re paying shipping, stick to those that are helpful to you and get incredible value!

Free Nanobebe sample pack: just pay under $5 S&H. I love this brand and used their products for Princess A.

Instructions for the rest of this section: Click on “shop now” and select the amount of the coupon value that you would like to your cart. I tried to list coupon value on each product/website. Once you have made your selection, you will automatically be directed to the shopping bag. Enter the promo code “PJBABY” and the coupon value will be deducted. These books make GREAT gifts too; selections dwindle quickly so get yours ASAP! *Remember, you can use the promo code “PJBABY” more than once, just open a new browser to do so!* *Offers valid while supplies last.

Belly button band for pregnancy – Promo Code PJBABY. Code has $40 value so you can get 2 belly button bands or one belly button body. I had these and they helped me get much more use out of my bottoms while pregnant and saved me so much $$! They are also great for postpartum until my old clothing fit again.

Breast pads – Promo code PJBABY. Code has $35 value. Reusable pads are so convenient (no peeling wrappers, etc), save money, and are greener. If you plan to breastfeed you’ll want these! They also helped keep me warm when I was having issues with vasospasm.

Baby leggings or bandana bibs – Promo Code PJBABY for a $50 value. At $10 each you can get 5.

Baby Board Books – Promo Code PJBABY for $40 off. Books are $8 each and perfect for establishing that first library, and for gifts.

Free Ruffle Buns – Promo Code PJBABY for $60 off. These are incredibly cute ruffled diaper covers for girls, including dressy options. They also have a line of non-ruffled ones for boys. You can get 3 for this value.

Free Custom Snappies Bodysuits – Promo Code PJBABY for $50 off. That works for two bodysuits – either their designs or create your own.

Free Car seat canopy – use code PJBABY for $50 off. For free, choose from jersey stretch covers, hanging canopies, muslin canopies, and more. Some items are pricier but you can still use the $50 off coupon for them.

Nursing Pillow– use code PJBABY for $40 off. That covers the cost of the print pillows, but you can upgrade to minky fabric for a few bucks.

I really wished I had this when I was breastfeeding M, but did not know about this freebie for moms. The cost of buying one in the store was too forbidding, so I did without. I used nursing pillows for Y and Princess A. They are a lifesaver.I highly recommend paying the shipping cost on this – it’s worth having!

Free Nursing cover – use code PJBABY for $35 off. Same story as above! I missed this so much with my first!

Free Baby Carrier – Code PJBABY for $40 credit. Get a free sling-style baby carrier for this value! They have wrap carriers too but those are $20 more.

Free Stuff for Moms via Insurance Benefits or Child Safety Programs

Free breast pump: As part of the Affordable Care Act, new moms can get a free breast pump via their insurance. I actually didn’t place an order from mine, until I learned that the Medela that I had and loved with M has an open system and is not safe to reuse (as bacteria and mold can build up inside and reach the baby.) So I finally ordered a new one via my insurance.

Car seats – Some insurance companies help with or provide a baby car seat. Contact yours to find out.

Free Window Safety Retrofit Kits: Window shade cords are a strangulation hazard, so if your home has corded shades, you can order free kits to fix it.

OTC card: Some insurances offer a free Over the Counter benefit. That’s a monthly budget that’s usable for certain items. You may be able to use it for lactation supplies, adult incontinence products (which are great for postpartum), diaper rash creams, and more. Reach out to your insurance (or google) to find out.

Community and Needs Based Baby Freebies

Having a baby is expensive for most people, but if you’re really struggling, the occasional sample might not be enough. Thankfully, there ARE community resources that can help you, and I’ve tried to include as many as I know about here.

Craigslist, Facebook local groups/marketplace: Many people are looking to purge old baby stuff. Hit up “give away” websites and you might even find someone charging $0 for their old baby gear! Meet up safely – here are some tips.

Some items shouldn’t be used second hand – such as cribs and car seats – unless you know and trust the person giving it to you.

Car seats: There are some income-based resources for free car seats which you can find here. If you receive WIC or SNAP benefits you are likely eligible. There may be additional requirements (such as owning a vehicle or attending a child passenger safety class). You can also ask at your local WIC offices about this.

Diaper Banks: If you are in need of diapers, find out if you have one near you or how you can access free diapers here.

Free Trial Memberships and More

Try Amazon Family for 30 days – free! You have all the benefits of Prime, plus extra discounts on things such as diapers. (You should definitely do this if you’re creating an Amazon registry, as it’s likely required for your gift box, plus you’ll get a larger completion discount.)

Free month of ABCmouse.com – Entertain you kids while educating them! I love this for keeping kids busy. This is also perfect for summer and winter break boredom – a productive activity to save mom’s sanity!

Free Kindle Unlimited Trial – When breastfeeding I read A LOT. Frankly, being incapacitated while recovering postpartum can be boring. Sign up for Kindle Unlimited’s free trial.

You can also give Audible Plus a try for free.

Want more? I put together a new list of freebies for women! Check it out…

Did I miss something? Which free stuff for moms did you get, or do you know of? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

The post 21 Free Stuff for moms and babies appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

March 10 was the holiday of Purim, with blissfully-unaware house parties happening all over.

March 12 came with the first confirmed positive cases in our community (there were many that had slid under the radar undetected due to testing challenges.)

March 13 M came home with all his books, despite school cancellations not yet having been mandated and no positive cases in school yet. They realized where things were headed and pre-empted disaster.

March 20, after our first hectic week of distance learning, I took a positive pregnancy test….

And that’s how our Spring began.

Stores were unsafe for non-essentials, with up to 800 people dying in my state alone daily and I was pregnant. I tend to start showing early, and I dress modestly (including long sleeve and high necklines) making summer maternity shopping even more challenging.

So here I was, in Spring, stores were closed (or in the case of stores like Target, better to avoid), already almost needing maternity, and the winter stock slowly slipping away. So I did some heavy duty research on places to shop online for maternity clothes and figured I’d be downright selfish not to share with you, right?

First, here’s the logic behind which places to shop online for maternity clothes are my favorite…

What makes a store a top pick to shop online for maternity clothes?

Price is of course a biggie… but there’s one thing that makes the biggest difference and that is free returns!

I heavily prioritized stores that allow for free returns (no shipping fee/penalties, no restocking fee) in this list. I found that maternity just fits differently sometimes and that’s a necessity, even if I typically know my size.

Price is probably the second factor here, especially since most of these outfits won’t be worn long-term.

With price comes free shipping and timeliness of shipping. It’s always annoying to pay for shipping fees, right?

And the final factor when choosing where to shop online for maternity clothes is the delicate balance of style and quality. I’ll explore these factors as I discuss the various places I shopped.

My favorite places to shop online for maternity clothes

I organized the different places to shop online for maternity clothes by their main “perks” so that you can navigate it easier. However, make sure you verify as you buy, since I anticipate that this post will be read for years to come. So for example while, as I write, Gap and Old Navy offer free returns, verify this before buying.

Read through each store’s policies before taking my word for it! This is all based on US store and customer locations, with the most basic shipping option.

Of course, there’s some overlap, which is why I’ll be going over each quality of each store.

Prices are very approximate, and just a general idea of where items lie price-wise.

Top picks for free returns

Gap/Old Navy:

• Returns: Free with prepaid return shipping label or when you return in store
• Average price: $20-50 with frequents significant sales
• Shipping: Free with $50 minimum. It’s pretty quick, but one of my items got delayed (probably not their fault…)
• Great for basics and building a capsule wardrobe! I got my favorite gray striped tee here, a classy black pencil skirt (great for work!), as well as my jean skirt that I wear almost daily.

Shop Gap and Old Navy here!

Asos:

• Returns: Free
• Average price: $10 – $100 and up – they have a HUGE price range
• Shipping: Standard shipping is free over $50
• I found some amazing sale items, some basics, an edgy skirt, and more. They tend to have a huge variety and a good mix of cool fashion finds, basics, and basics-with-a-twist. Another big perk: fantastic filtering options so you can browse quicker.

Shop Asos here!

Amazon

• Returns: Some Prime items have free returns
• Average price: $15+ – Varies by seller
• Shipping: Free for Prime members on eligible items or with minimum purchase
• Good old Amazon, amiright? I didn’t end up keeping what I bought there (the fit wasn’t right) but definitely take a good look – they have loads of options and the convenience of being able to return so easily!

Shop Amazon maternity here!

Target:

• Returns: Free
• Average price: $20-35 (some basics are lower)
• Shipping: Free with a minimum order
• I actually bought non-maternity short sleeve crop tops to wear under low-cut tops from Target, but they also have a decent maternity selection online. It’s very minimal, but you have the convenience of a great return policy and the ability to add your favorite shampoo and prenatal vitamins to your order…

Shop Target maternity here!

Top picks for price

Walmart:

Note: comments below refer to items sold by Walmart and not a third party on their website.

• Returns: Free
• Average price: $10-25 (basics like tanks as low as $5)
• Shipping: Free with minimum $35 order
• I ordered a lot of my early basics from Walmart’s clearance – mostly in the $10 or below range! I did take a hit in quality, but I really only need these to last a few months.

Shop Walmart maternity here!

Zulily

• Returns: Many items allow returns, however they deduct the cost of return shipping and give you store credit – not cash back.
• Average price: It ranges based on current sales! I got some good basics at 2/$12 and there are usually many items in the 15-30 range
• Shipping: Starts at $5.99. Tip – once you order once you get free shipping on any orders you make the same day! So order one item, pay the minimum shipping, and then order the rest of your order for free. This will save you at most a few bucks, but hey, it can add up!
• Since Zulily is a limited time deal site, their variety really changes. Shipping can take time so shop early. They have a totally changing assortment of options, and it’s really fun to shop there. The biggest drawback is returns: they can cost you. Since shipping isn’t free, if you return your whole order, you lose shipping in two directions, not just the return shipping. This loss is not significant if you’re really stocking up, since even if you need to return a few items, you’re still getting a good value for the rest.

Another thing about Zulily: because of how they operate, it makes sense that they don’t refund purchases and only give store credit. Pay attention to value and you might just become a big fan (I know I am!)

Shop Zulily Maternity here!

Burlington (coming soon)

• Returns: In-store
• Average price: $7-15
• Shipping: Free on $75 orders
• I always thought I’d stock up on cheap essentials at Burlington when I got pregnant again, and then they shut their website just as we couldn’t shop in-store! They do plan to reopen and I highly recommend them when they do. All information provided is based on my experiences with them in the past and in-store after they reopened. I will try to update this post when I see they reopen, but meanwhile you can check in on their status here.

Update 8/24: unfortunately, they’ve updated their website and it doesn’t look like they’ll be back online.

Top picks for quality

If you’re after better quality, current fashion, and maternity clothing that will make you feel GLAMOROUS during this special time, try these top picks to shop online for maternity clothes.

Motherhood

• Returns: Accepted minus shipping fees
• Average price: $10 (basics) – $50 (dresses and jeans) with frequent sales and markdowns
• Shipping: Free for $79+ orders
• I shopped there more for M than my others, but they are a classic store with lots of great choices.

Shop Motherhood Maternity here!

H&M

• Returns: Free in-store (for online orders too), $5.99 online returns deducted from our refund amount
• Average price: $15-50 (with the bulk in the $25-35 range)
• Shipping: $3.99 and free over $40
• I love their selection and probably would have shopped there more if I hadn’t fulfilled most of my maternity needs before I got there.

Shop H&M Maternity here!

PinkBlush:

• Returns: Free within 10 days, $7 after, up to 30 days on most items, minus shipping charges on original order
• Average price: $35-65
• Shipping: Free over $50
• I got some PinkBlush items from a local store and the quality is consistently far superior to that of Walmart and some of the others. If you plan to be pregnant again, resell your clothing, or need maternity clothes that are truly work-ready and well-made, PinkBlush is a fantastic place to shop online for maternity clothes. They also have LOTS of modest options that are classy and don’t require layering.

Shop PinkBlush Maternity here!

Seraphine:

• Returns: Free
• Average price: $30 (basics) – $100+ dresses with lots in the $75-90 range
• Shipping: $6.95 2-day shipping
• Another great high quality resource for fantastic high quality maternity and breastfeeding wear loved by celebs.

Shop Seraphine Maternity here!

Do you shop online for maternity clothes? Which favorite resources do you have to add to this list? Comment below!

Looking for more parenting and pregnancy resources? Check these out!

The post The best places to shop online for maternity clothes appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

What is the best video baby monitor – Parent Unit or WiFi?

There are two main kinds of video baby monitors featured here:

1. Those that include a parent unit with a display for viewing the baby
2. Those that require you to use your phone for viewing over WiFi

When searching for the best video baby monitor, there’s one thing you’ll need to keep in mind: they simply do not have the crisp, clear images that they are advertised with. In that way, they are all equal. You need to see photos in the reviews for the real image quality.

In that way, I have found that my WiFi connected monitor was my best video baby monitor that I tried. I believe that this is due to the fact that your phone in general has a much better video quality, so they can invest more into making a quality camera and not worry about the display.

The downside of a Wifi monitor is that I find the connectivity to a bit more complicated to get going. That being said, I’ve scoured for the best reviewed monitors even beyond the ones that I personally tried and came up with FOUR for you to choose and decide what’s the best video baby monitor for your needs.

You’ll find a budget-friendly and a top-rated option for standard video monitors and for Wifi-connected ones that work with your smartphone.

In each section, I’ll outline the pros and cons of that type of video baby monitor too.

The Best Video Baby Monitor with an Included Parent Unit:

Pros of video baby monitors with a parent unit:

• You don’t need to drain your own phone battery
• You don’t need to spend any of your phone resources: memory
• Connection is easy and seamless – no complicated setup

Cons of video baby monitors with a parent unit:

• You can’t view baby remotely (from a different location – meaning, it doesn’t work as a “nanny cam”)
• You have another thing to keep charged and keep track of
• I have personally found screen quality to be lower than on phone apps

The top rated best video baby monitor: over 17,000 4-5 star reviews:

The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor has consistent glowing reviews – and with an average of 4.4 stars out of over 20,000 reviews, I know I can rely on them. And it’s not even the most expensive one out there – surprise, surprise!

It’s the Amazon #1 best seller as this article is being written, and let’s explore why.

Some cool features:

• The lens of the camera itself is interchangeable. While it includes one specific lens, that means that you just need to replace the lens to customize it to your needs. For example, you can add on a wide-angle lens to see more of the room for just a few bucks.
• The LED display is sound activated, so that you’re not draining the battery while your baby is quiet.
• One feature that is SO convenient and often missed when  you get the wrong baby monitor: remote pan, tilt, and zoom! This best video baby monitor has it, allowing you to reposition the camera from the parent unit.
• Long battery life: 6 hours active, 10 hours in battery saver mode
• It takes just a few steps and a few seconds to pair or re-pair the camera and the parent unit.
• Night vision is a MUST considering your baby usually sleeps in the dark, right?
• Expandable up to 4 cameras
• Displays baby room temperature on the parent unit
• Talk-back feature – you can talk to your babies from your parent unit (my kids call our baby monitors “the robot” for this reason – much cooler, no?)

There are more features, way to many to list, so check it out for yourself!! And you’ll want to pop into the reviews section too – multiple customers gave feedback on amazing customer service, something that’s essential when choosing the best video baby monitor.

The budget-friendly best baby video monitor with a parent unit:

Once I shifted goals to saving money, as opposed to getting the best out there, my standards dropped. I scoured many products for those whose complaints were simply on par with decreased quality due to decreased price.

The one that I felt had the best balance of save vs. still good enough was the incoSKY one. It’ll do the job for more short-term use, for an older child, or if you’re not too picky. So why’d I choose it? It works without a lot of bells and whistles. And while at this price point you WILL need to make some compromises, these are the ones you may be willing to make.

Some bullet points:

• It has a star light projector that projects stars on your ceiling
• It features talk-back so you can sooth your baby, and it can also play lullabies.
• It does not pan and zoom remotely – it actually has no zoom feature at all
• It’s limited to a single camera – you can’t connect additional ones
• There’s a perk to paying less: it’s small enough it can probably even fit in  your pocket!
• The screen quality works but doesn’t compare to higher end models
• Reviewers reported low battery life  as well as a lag, and poor viewing angles

This budget pick for the best video baby monitors seems to have a good percentage of satisfied customers, and downvotes for the right reasons.

The Best Video Baby Monitor that connects to your iPhone or Smartphone via WiFi:

Pros of video baby monitors that connect to you phone:

• Remote viewing: many of these double as a nanny cam and allow you to view your baby remotely by viewing over the cloud.
• Most phones have better displays than baby monitor parent units, so with the right camera you get a clearer picture
• Many of them offer the ability to record your baby or take photos
• App features: many of these offer various extra functions through the apps – check your cameras features list before purchasing.

Cons of IP video baby monitors with no parent unit:

• There are security concerns with others being able to access your camera. Make sure you use secure WiFi passwords always.
• Typically, IP cameras have some lag time/gap time between the event and when it shows on your camera
• I personally find it annoying to use my phone as a baby monitor. It drains the battery if I keep my screen on. It takes up precious space on my phone (I’ve only recently switched to a phone with decent internal memory.)

The top rated best WIFI video baby monitor: The Nanit

To be honest, it wasn’t easy to choose which best video baby monitor to put in the “top rated” spot – there are so many new and emerging ones that the ones with top reviews don’t have THAT many. But reading through the reviews on each, I chose the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor because users seemed to consistently love it.
 

 

The crisp, clear overhead view results from the “showerhead” design and is just one of the reasons that reviewers have made statements such as “Buy this one, Momma. Yes. This one.”

Some cool features:

• The showerhead design allows you a direct view into baby’s crib – by far my favorite way to mount a baby monitor. It extends out more than others, making it the perfect pick for that overhead view.
• Built-in nightlight
• Temperature and humidity sensors allow you to monitor your baby’s comfort level too and make sure that the room isn’t too warm.
• Remote viewing – you can check up on baby even when the sitter is there!
• A cable management system is included – I mean, EVERY baby monitor should have one of these. Cables can be a strangulation hazard and this video baby monitor tackles that head-on!
• The app that manages the Nanit includes insights into your baby’s sleep with scientifically-backed tips as well!
• Background audio means  you can listen without watching, saving your phone’s battery so that you can “wake up” your phone and peek in if you hear something
• It includes local streaming as well so even if your internet is not working, you can continue to monitor that angel.
• Recordings and timelapsed summaries: you can go quickly through hours of sleep or wake time, and not have to skip all the empty crib footage.

Once again, there are so many more features – check out the full list here!

If you’re looking for the remote viewing WiFi capabilities, this is the best video baby monitor according to my research.

Some comparable options in case you’re looking for other features:

• Lollipop for cool design and a lower price point
• Arlo Baby  for a smart home connected option
• Cocoon Cam for a breathing monitor that doesn’t require you to wire up your baby…

The budget-friendly best baby video monitor that connects to your phone:

Once again, when you’re saving you’ll be getting lower quality, less features, and since we’re working with IP cameras here, a poorer quality app.

The LeFun WiFi camera isn’t necessarily designed as a baby monitor (although they do promote it as such). It’s quite inexpensive, and with 3.8 star average reviews at the time this post is being written, it outperforms the budget option with a parent unit.

Some bullet points:

• Reviewers reported decent video quality, although it clearly underperforms in comparison to the high-end alternative.
• It’s got night vision – a must on any video baby monitor!
• It has a talk-back feature so you can soothe your baby through the microphone
• You can add a high capacity micro SD card or store up to 1TB on the cloud giving you generous video storage options for when you’re away
• Reviewers have reported that it’s hard to connect, but once you do it usually stays connected
• As with other inexpensive WiFi video baby monitors, your screen needs to be on – there’s no standby audio-only mode, so your battery will drain fast.
• You do have remote access as well

From the various options I’ve explored, this seems to be the best video baby monitor for WiFi connections if you’re on a tight budget.

So, what is the best video baby monitor?

If you’re the kind of person who needs someone to tell you “just get this one!!” I’m happy to share what I’d do the next time around.

The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor is hands-down the top-rated, with an extremely high number of positive reviews. I personally prefer NOT to occupy my phone, and the easy connectivity.

I’ll remind you that it’s very easy for a baby monitor to get negative reviews, there’s so much that can go wrong, so for a product like this to have so many positive reviews makes me really trust it.

Many video baby monitors that I’ve tried and have worked for me, although not “like a dream” have ridiculously negative reviews, leading me to believe that the Infant Optics video baby monitor is the king of all monitors.

Which do you think is the best video baby monitor out there? Have you tried and loved something that I didn’t mention? Comment below!

Loved learning about the best video baby monitor? Check out these posts below!

The post Best Video Baby Monitor – WiFi or Parent Unit appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Avoiding sibling jealousy in your toddler when the new baby is born is possible – it just takes a simple strategy. This goes beyond getting big sibling gifts and encourages a certain kind of interaction. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links and images.

M was two and a half years old when Baby Y was born.

I was determined to do everything right so that he wouldn’t be jealous. And while some things are simply out of our control, taking the steps below helped minimize what could have been drastically.

I can’t say they get along perfectly -they fight like siblings do (Baby Y is now 21 months old, and M is four) but as a toddler with a new baby brother, we simply did not experience crazy amounts of jealousy.

I wanted to share with you the tips to avoid sibling jealousy below, but before I do, a few words of encouragement:

The insane sibling jealousy of a toddler with a new baby in the house is a stage that passes. It’s a natural reaction of a child who feels like his or her space was invaded. And if your child reacts violently, yeah, it can be scary, but it doesn’t mean that your toddler has a problem with rage. Toddlers don’t know how to express themselves, and they sometimes act out in surprising ways. If you’re concerned, of course, you can (and should) talk to your doctor about it.

Try to empathize with how your toddler must be feeling and where the sibling jealousy is coming from.

But most importantly, make sure that you discuss any concern pertaining to your children’s health and safety with your pediatrician or family doctor. Do not take any advice that you read on blogs as anything more than a chat with a fellow mom, and always consult with a professional if you are concerned.

6 simple ways to avoid toddler sibling jealousy:

Try one of these strategies, or try all – every little bit helps!

1. Realize that each child reacts differently:

It’s easy to compare, but each child is different. Realizing this is the first step toward empathizing.

My niece really lashed out when her baby sister was young. Not only was she much  younger than M was when his brother was born, but she was also a first grandchild on one side of her family, and really pampered.

Having that competition really confused her.

Not comparing can be hard when you’re in a large family where people are always having babies, but if you’ve done what you can and your child still reacts, don’t feel guilty about it, or like it’s your fault.

It’s also important to realize this BEFORE you take steps toward preventing sibling jealousy, because if something doesn’t seem like it’ll work for your child, it might not. You know your child better than I do. I’m just sharing what worked for mine.

2. Buy a gift from the baby:

Note: I said FROM the baby.

I learned this cool trick to avoid sibling jealousy from Katie of Pick Any Two and it really took an edge off the “big bad baby” aspect of sibling jealousy from the start.

Katie suggests exchanging gifts in the hospital, and to be honest, we just had Baby Y “give” M a gift when he came to visit. That means that the first time M visited his new brother, he was received a cool new toy from his brother, creating a positive first impression.

A perfect gift idea: a customized sibling book! We love this one.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQjhts8hbJK/?taken-by=momsandcrafters

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3. Gifts for the big sibling instead of the baby:

Building on the point above, it can be very difficult for a two year old to see all those gifts come in… and they’re not for her.

With Baby Y, since we pretty much had everything we needed from M, I created a baby registry mostly with things for the big brother. Having two kids of the same gender does help in this respect.

I created this list of big sibling gift ideas with some real winners that worked for us, and I also listed some tips for creating a baby registry for a second child here.

While I did register for a few things for Baby Y, most of my registry was for M. People who asked me what to buy were told to think of the big brother. And I gave him a small gift almost every day for those two weeks where I was really bedridden and couldn’t give him enough of me.

It doesn’t have to be as big as a new tablet (that was our one BIG gift). It can be a new outfit with her favorite character. It can be an inexpensive book. The idea is, the big sibling is the one that is receiving, and that will make him feel special.

Another great idea is to schedule a Mommy-kid date or two in the months following the baby’s birth, once you’re up to it. It can be an ice cream date, or even an at-home play date. The main thing is: it should be one-on-one.

4. Be aware of the interactions that are happening:

This is possibly my best tip for avoiding sibling jealousy and possibly the hardest.

Imagine: your toddler is used to being the absolute center of your attention. She missed you for the past day, and when she comes to visit you, you’re with a new baby. But wait, we’re taking that thing that stole my Mama home too?

It gets worse.

Some toddlers are old enough to already get a sense of how Mama is doing. M is a sensitive soul, and he definitely would get worried every time I wasn’t well, already at that age.

Some things can be stopped, some can’t. But we can try out best to nurture a better understanding of the new sibling in our little ones.

When people came by to visit the new baby, I insisted that they first say hello and talk to M, even if it’s about the new sibling. When M first came to visit me in the hospital, I put the baby down before he came into the room.  I did not hold the baby if he was not being cared for, and while I couldn’t hold M, I made sure that he could sit near me, read a book, cuddle a bit – with the baby down.

There are some non-negotiables. The baby was breast-fed – that was going to happen if we could manage it. So M had to deal with it. But giving him enough outside of those moments helped them not be as bad.

It’s also important to make sure not to take away any comforts from the toddler too soon.

For example, moving the toddler out of her crib, into a bed can make her feel displaced. We had the baby in a play yard in our room and moved M to a bed a few months after baby Y was born.  M actually begged to have a roommate and told us “He can sleep in MY crib!” when Y was about six months old.

The same goes for the high chair, stroller, or whatever it is that your tot might feel is being taken away.

Including M in “Baby Y” activities really helped too! Tummy time was always a family affair (hey, it can be good for toddlers too!) instead of focusing exclusively on the baby.

5. A baby doll might prevent sibling jealousy by helping your toddler feel more involved:

In addition to sending a gift home from the hospital, we let M bring his own “baby” home too! I’m not sure how much of a part this played in avoiding sibling jealousy – he wasn’t really interested in playing with the doll much afterward. He was excited to bring it home from the hospital.

This worked better with another niece of mine.

It awards kids the opportunity to play Mommy (or Daddy) too. It gives them the chance to practice some nurturing and feel involved in the care of the baby, instead of feeling like their place was taken.

And while M did NOT play with his doll once he was home from the hospital, he did practice “breastfeeding” his Elmo doll, so there’s that…

6. Don’t let your guard down – sibling jealousy sometimes comes later:

My wise mom (who raised ten of her own and went through the sibling jealousy thing NINE TIMES!!) warned me of this, and so I was aware.

A new baby isn’t really cute. Yeah, it’s charming how tiny he or she is, but there’s no interaction, no “look what she did!” – or at least less of it. There’s less to play with.

As the baby grows older and starts to open her eyes, interact, roll over, say clever things, etc, the attention can really shift in a way that can cause sibling jealousy.

Especially if you’re dealing with an older toddler like I was, the big sibling is STOPPING to be that adorable toddler, doing cute things every day. And in a subtle way, the dynamic of who the “cute one” is can shift.

I’m not saying that either child is loved more or less. It’s just how we react to the things our little ones say or do that changes. And  your toddler WILL notice it.

Just because you’re a few months in and are “fine”, doesn’t mean you’re in the safe zone. Continue to be aware of your child’s sensitivities. Your toddler is making major advances, even if they’re not “cute” ones. Give her credit for it. And remember to show your love at any given opportunity.

While sibling jealousy might be somewhat inevitable, it’s something that CAN be reined in. And while some things aren’t in your control, doing your best for your child is simpler than you might think – it just requires a bit of foresight and a lot of love. Since you already have the latter, I hope these tips to avoid sibling jealousy have helped you with the foresight angle!

What are your best tips to avoid sibling jealousy in a toddler with a new baby in the house? Comment below!

And if you want another favorite sanity-saving solution, check out the best baby products that I wish I’d known about sooner! These are sanity savers, all under $25.

Loved this? Check out these favorite posts on Moms & Crafters:

The post Sibling Jealousy – How to Avoid Toddler Jealousy with a New Baby appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

There are many pregnancy myths out there, and there are many facts that should be widespread knowledge, but aren’t.

When I was pregnant with M, I read up on everything there was to know about pregnancy. With Baby Y, I was too busy dealing with a cranky toddler, who sensed the oncoming competition.

Having a  one stop resource for information can be vital for a smooth and happy pregnancy, and when it’s presented in an easy to consume format, you can simply sit down with a cup of coffee and relax while you read!

YourCareEverywhere is an amazing one-stop resource for anything health-related, but they present it in a way that works. I didn’t feel like I was reading a medical journal. I felt like it was my big sister talking to me, telling me about her experiences.

Between the app and the website, all the information that I need for the various stages of my life is at my fingertips.

When I read about these 9 Pregnancy Myths, I was truly surprised by some (and #6 was truly life-changing 😉 ). But that brought to mind some things I wanted to share with you, things that can happen during pregnancy that you may not know about. As you prepare for the blessing that’s about to come, be well-informed and educated and you’ll get life started on the right foot.

11 Things that can happen during pregnancy that you may not have heard of:

1. You may be miserable.

This subject is taboo.

No one wants to be the one to “admit” that their blessing is making them miserable. But depression and anxiety during pregnancy is extremely common, and talking more about it can help normalize it, and make it feel like less of a disgrace when it happens. I shared my story here.

2. You might be full of energy.

We all talk about and relate to the “tired pregnant woman” but we rarely hear about those crazy bursts of energy.

When I was pregnant with Baby Y, I tackled so many organization projects that had been waiting for years (of course in-between stages of totally neglecting everyday tasks like the dishes.) Those bursts of energy kept me going and lifted my spirits, as accomplishing a large task can often do.

3. You might not actually get any cravings.

Obviously, every pregnant woman craves chocolate and pickles, right?

Well, not really. Some of us just crave FOOD. Lots and lots of FOOD…

I never really had any specific cravings while pregnant, I was just always really hungry. But I never knew what to eat because I never craved anything… Of course that meant that I wandered the house and purged it from top to bottom from anything edible… By the way, you may want to check out this pregnancy myth if that happens to you.

Which brings me to my next point:

4. Some people crave non-edible items!

Some pregnant women crave non-food items. How many calories in a cup of dirt?

This is called pica and definitely warrants a chat with your healthcare provider, since you don’t know how safe or healthy it is, and it may stop you from eating the things you should be eating (the same can be said for some “food items, I suppose?)

5. You may start hating your favorite foods:

I have a thing for ketchup flavored potato chips.

Before I was pregnant with M, I was eating them daily. When I was pregnant with him I couldn’t touch a chip unless it was totally bland. I’ve sine recovered…

But it’s kind of cool to know that your taste in foods can totally change during pregnancy. Look at the impact our children can have on us!

6. You might actually lose weight!

Again, always follow up with your doctor, but did you know that some people lose weight during pregnancy? Sometimes it’s due to sever nausea, or sometimes better eating habits can help an obese woman lose some extra weight, while the baby gains. To be sure, always check in with your doctor.

7. You may need to do some heavy-duty shoe shopping:

I was quite thrilled during my first pregnancy with M when I saw that my shoes were fitting fine… but then came along Baby Y, and I went up a shoe size.

There were two perks involved: one, I got to do lots of shoe shopping with plenty of justification. And two, this took me out of the “average” range of shoe size, which is always out of stock, into a large size 9.5, with its full racks and clearance sections. So hurray for expanding bones!

8. You can even have an allergic reaction to pregnancy:

Okay, well not exactly an allergic reaction.

PUPPP is a rather mysterious situation where a pregnant woman breaks out in hives. It happened to me actually AFTER M was born in the first days postpartum (and there seems to be some correlation between induction – as I was induced – and PUPPP) but it is more common during the third trimester.

I was pretty surprised when this happened, but a bit of research showed that such rashes are not uncommon.

9. Your belly might learn to dance:

I remember quite clearly sitting on a bus, noticing only how badly I needed to pee and how far I still was from home, when the lady sitting across from me said to me “Your baby is in a good mood.”

I look down to see my belly quite visibly jumping up and down.

Granted, M was an active little fetus, who liked to break dance in his spare time, but it never failed to amaze me to see the signs of life from the outside.

10. You’ll be delighted to vomit:

Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration – no one enjoys a good barf, but since you’ll likely be constantly anxious about the welfare of your fetus. In those first few weeks I was sure that this was too good to be true (pregnancy did not come very easily for me) and was waiting for the blessing to suddenly end. Every time a wave of nausea hit me, it was as if my baby was telling me, “Don’t worry, Mama, I’m hanging in here…”

11. You might feel more glamorous and better than you’ve ever felt before:

I was suffering from adult acne before my pregnancy with M, and then just like that it disappeared.

I have suffered from chronic migraines for as long as I can remember. During both pregnancies, and all through breastfeeding, it mostly disappeared. And when I stopped breastfeeding, they returned.

Pregnancy is a time full of challenges, and blessings, all working toward the ultimate gift – and an experience so rewarding that nothing can compare.

Find out what you can expect every week of pregnancy, along with an enormous health resource to take you through the various stages here!

Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

YourCareUniverse, Inc. All rights reserved. Information from YourCareEverywhere does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. Individual treatment, diet, and exercise results may vary.

The post 11 Things you Didn’t Know Might Happen During Pregnancy appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

The main reason to create a baby registry for second baby is so that you get the gifts you actually need.

Baby registries are great to have, whether you are having a baby shower or now, because they eliminate waste (when done right).

You are going to need some things for your second child that you do NOT still have from  your first, even if you are having another of the same gender. When Baby Y was born, we had M’s clothing for him, but the seasons didn’t always overlap. Baby Y was born in the beginning of Spring, and M in Autumn. At first there was overlap, and then winter came and nothing fit him.

We had some hand-me-downs from his cousin, who was born the same month two years earlier, but was also born three pounds smaller than him… so once again, the seasons didn’t totally overlap. And that doesn’t even touch the issue of clothing that has yellowed in storage.

So you can see that even if your children are both the same gender, you should definitely register for your second child.

People are going to buy you gifts for your second child. Having a registry to point them to will ensure you get what you need and not more junk…

With Baby Y, I registered on Amazon (simply because they have literally everything so I knew I’d find what I wanted. Plus, people like to shop there – as shipping is easy and they know the site well.)

Granted, most of my gifts were not from there, but for the few people who asked, I did have a place to send them. I got a couple of things I really needed and had my completion discount to get the rest. Which brings me to…

Like this? Check out ten questions every pregnant woman should ask.

6 reasons to make a baby registry for second baby:

1. Stock up on diapers –

And other things you still need! Between consumables (like diapers and baby food), filler clothing, that expired car seat and the baby bottles, there are going to be things that are no longer good. Register for those.

2. Get your dream stuff –

Being a mom is hard.

The first go round, you likely registered for all the practical things you knew you didn’t want to buy (or couldn’t). The second go round, make use of your registry to get those few items that you couldn’t even justify registering for the first time – that cool swing you were digging, that travel high chair or baby lounge…

3. Get stuff for the big sibling –

If you don’t need much for the baby, you can take advantage of the registry to get things for the potentially jealous big sibling. For ideas, check my list of big sibling gift ideas.

This includes not only jealousy-busting goodies, but also highly entertaining toys to gain mom some sanity.

4. Get free samples –

We all know that baby registries come with some awesome free samples, and that applies the second go round too!
When I registered on Amazon for Baby Y, did a free Amazon Family free trial too (which gets you a discount on diapers, by the way), and got a box of goodies… including full sized things like a pacifier, a baby hat, and more!
 

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5. Get your completion discount –

Even if you DON’T anticipate that anyone will buy from your registry, and you don’t plan to have a baby shower, it’s worth registering just for the completion discount. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, a completion discount is a discount code that the store you registered at sends you to buy things off your registry. With an Amazon baby registry I believe it’s between 10-15% (that can save you a nice chunk of cash off the double stroller!)

Which brings me to…

6. Get gear for two –

If you have a toddler, you’ll likely still need some of your baby gear for her.

Register for a double stroller or a buggy board, an additional convertible car seat (since your older child likely still needs it), or even a baby carrier so that you can wear one while pushing the other! Many of these cost a nice chunk of cash, making your completion discount more handy.

Want to know what to put on it? Find out what second-time moms need here!

Did you make a baby registry for your second baby? Which tips do you have to share? Comment below!

The post Should You Have a Baby Registry for Second Baby? appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

There are certain things a new mom should do for HERSELF about a month postpartum. EVERY new moms should do it.

Your baby has just been born, and you are becoming about as selfless as you can get. You may even be neglecting yourself. In the days postpartum, or even the weeks, you may have had some help. But even for those who do have family pitching in, that help doesn’t last forever. And just like I did, about a month after your treasure is born, you’re probably bearing the brunt of the new beautiful life you just created. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

In the first month, a lot of the focus tends to be on mom and on her recovery. I personally had meals prepared for my family for the first couple of weeks.

But then just like that life hits, and we’re back full force, before we’re really recovered. We’re sleep deprived and overworked. And we rarely take a moment to think about our own needs.

So while you may expect me to advise you to “take a shower” and “eat a solid meal”, this list is more about the extras that can keep us going beyond basic self-care. Treating yourself right can help set the mood. Get into the habit of taking care of yourself.

Six Things a New Mom Should do for HERSELF:

1. Dress up – in non-maternity clothes!

I wore maternity for months after my baby was born because a simple issue: nothing fit anymore. Until I finally got up, got some new outfits, and allowed myself to buy clothing for ME, not just the baby, I felt like… a blob.

Maternity clothing is designed to flatter the belly. When you’re not pregnant anymore, you kinda want to HIDE that belly. The main thing that deterred me from buying new clothing: I wanted to LOSE that weight.

The thing is, it can take a long time to lose it. Now, my baby is seven months old, and I’ve lost about half with LOTS of hard work.

One thing I’d highly recommend: rent a wardrobe! Even if you just do it ONCE to feel dressed up. Feel like yourself again. It can really help you adjust to motherhood and find yourself there.

There are a few reasons I recommend renting clothing or using a “clothing concierge” type of service:

• “Try before you buy” – without leaving the house. Your body type changes, and you no longer know what flatters you. Clothing rentals such as Gwynnie Bee allow you to get brave trying new styles. You can also buy the contents if they really flatter you, or you can just return.
• Get a free trial – Gwynnie Bee actually lets you try them out for FREE – up to three outfits out! I did this myself and it was so much fun. I learned which styles flatter and which don’t.
• Your body may still be changing – if you’re hoping to lose the weight, you may be better off renting. I waited seven months, wore maternity clothing, and felt frumpy and undressed.

Even if you just do it one day, to bring your spirits up, it’s worth it!

Get your free month of Gwynnie Bee! If you fit sizes 10+ give it a try. Cancellation is easy, and you won’t be billed if you cancel within 30 days and return your outfits. That gives you a chance to see if it’s a service you’d like to keep. They even include easy shipping envelopes with postage.

2. Call friends to chat:

I simply lost touch with my friends after my babies were born, and I really regret it.

One month is not a very long time, so if you haven’t yet, that’s the perfect time to catch up and set the tone for keeping in touch.

3. Go for a manicure

I remember overhearing my aunts chatting about their nails when I was younger. I’ll never forget how one of them said “I haven’t had a manicure since my baby was born”. Her baby was a few years old.

While I don’t enjoy and don’t get manicures, I also neglected my nails, which was the one thing I always cared the most about. That’s what I see all day. It’s important for me that they should be well-groomed. Even if I’m in pajamas, when my nails look nice, I feel nice.

If you can and that’s what you’re used to, go for a manicure. A one-month-old is still young enough to sleep through it. If you can’t go (or don’t like to) invest in a gel manicure kit. If you don’t want to do any of the above, you can just make sure you go ahead and treat your nails right!

4. Go on a date

You’re busy building a new relationship, but don’t forget your past ones! This is the perfect time to catch up and go out with your spouse.

When M was two months old, we went out to a concert together just for fun. This time around, with the move and everything, it kind of fell by the wayside until our anniversary. Don’t skip your dates!!

5. Get a full house clean

During that first month of recovery, your house probably took a hit.

Now, it’s time to clean up. But you’re still in semi-recovery mode. Hire help. Get someone, even if it’s only one time, to give your house a good, thorough cleaning, to get you going on the right foot.

Try Amazon Home Services to find something in your area.

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6. Carve out half an hour of “hobby time”.

Moms, you need that me-time. You need it for your sanity.

Whether your hobby is catching up on the latest flick, crafting a new necklace for yourself, or yoga, GET IT BACK! Practice time-management skills. Communicate your needs to your spouse during above-mentioned date, so that he can help make sure you have that time.

Mama, what you do is HARD. Even if it’s for those few minutes, treat yourself right. Help yourself feel good, feel human.

Got any things a new mom should do for herself to add to the list? Comment below!

Sign up for your free 30 days of Gwynnie Bee here! Get dressed up and feel good like I did.

The post 6 Things A New Mom Should Do for Herself appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

“Mommy cry? Boo-boo?” he asked, concerned.

“Yes,” I sobbed, and he kissed me on my forehead (because that’s where Mommy boo-boos usually are).

A sloppy toddler kiss should make anyone feel great, but it didn’t. I couldn’t get out of the dark world I was living in.

We had wanted this baby for some time. The news of this pregnancy brought with it joy. As sick as I felt the first and second trimesters, whenever someone would ask me how I felt, I’d respond “happy.”

I couldn’t stand on my feet because of sciatica but I was happy. 

I couldn’t keep food down, and when I did, the heartburn made me need to lie down, but I was happy.

I didn’t know where we would live once the baby was born, as we didn’t even have enough floor space for a Pack ‘n Play, but I was happy.

Then the third trimester set in. 

One sister had a baby girl. My best friend had her baby girl. My baby sister had her baby girl. We were no closer to finding a home (there wasn’t even what to look at!) My house was getting messier. My toddler more demanding. But I was still happy. Except that I wasn’t. I was only telling myself that I was happy. I was trying to be happy.

But there was a deep darkness, an apathy, a despair that kept setting in.

It switched off with that overwhelming anxiety, where I’d just pull at myself, at a loss, insomnia keeping me awake.

I told myself I need to be happy and couldn’t think of a single reason not to be.

But I wasn’t.

It spiraled downward quite quickly and for a full week, I just spent my whole day crying, getting nothing done. My toddler would look at me in concern. My husband was supportive, but couldn’t understand. I couldn’t explain it well enough for him to understand.

What’s wrong?

Nothing.

I’m happy.

Except that I’m not.

And then it spiraled even deeper when I noticed that I was getting nothing done. And I hated myself for being useless. For confusing my son. For not being able to get myself help. For not cooking dinner. For not getting a single blog post written. For not completing anything when I was feeling perfectly fine. And happy. Except that I wasn’t.

Guilt that I wasn’t happy set in further. 

How long and how badly had I wanted this baby? How many other women would do anything to be in my shoes?

It’s called depression. It’s an illness. 

It’s like asking a pregnant woman why she keeps throwing up if she’s happy.

It’s asking someone who broke a leg why he can’t dance if he’s happy.

Depression is not the depressed person’s fault, like cancer isn’t the sick person’s fault. But, even more important for a woman going through prenatal depression, is to know is that she’s not alone. She’s not crazy. She’s not ungrateful, selfish, lazy, or “being ridiculous.” She is sick and just like any sick person, she needs to take care of herself.

According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) anywhere between 14-23% of pregnant women will experience symptoms of depression. 2-5% of pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes during pregnancy. We hear about it. We test for it. We never blame them. Yet far more experience some level of depression, and we don’t talk about it. We are afraid to.

I am writing this post while still in that state because I know I need to write it. I need to share for the moms out there who are going through it. I need to share it for myself, to help me feel better.

But as I write, I know I won’t publish this post until after my baby is born.

I know I can’t share it to the public just yet.

Why?

Why can’t we think of this like any other pregnancy symptom? Why can’t we lift up other moms who are going through it, but doing it together?

I still don’t know if I will discuss it with my doctor – it depends on how long this lasts. I know that I probably should, as there are risks for both me and my baby involved. But will I be brave enough? 

If you are feeling sad when you should be happy, and can’t get past it, know that you are not alone. It’s not your fault.

You can read more about depression during pregnancy here, and try to discuss it with your doctor. You can comment below if you want and type in “anonymous” as your name if you want to remain that way. Or feel free to shoot me an email at menucha at momsandcrafters.com at any time.

As women, we need to empower each other.

We need to be there for each other.

And we need to know we’re not alone.

Update: I am publishing this post as my son hits his third month. I feel that it’s important to share it. These feelings lasted for most of my third trimester. I never did tell the doctor about it, but had he asked I probably would have. Pass this on to let a fellow mother know that she is not alone.

The post The common pregnancy symptom that no one talks about appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Sounds familiar?

It occurred to me that these days, me ‘n him are one and the same! So I compiled this list and as you can see, the similarities are uncanny!

10 reasons pregnant women and toddlers are basically the same:

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

1o. We’re both crying and we don’t know why

Between toddler tantrum and hormones, we’ve been going through plenty of tissues these days. But what does it really matter? We’re both simply experiencing growing pains…

9. We both woke up with wet pants

I know, I know TMI. But when M was born, that’s how it all started – wet pants. Yep, my waters had broken, but I didn’t realize it at first, because we all know that the wet pants aren’t unique to that.

Well, when your toddler calls to you from his crib, “My pants are WEEET!” you just can’t help but laugh… Or go to the bathroom first. Then laugh.

8. Our attention span has a 30 second duration

Or not even. My sister-in-law asked for help last night with something. I mistakenly said “yes” before double checking how long I’d need to pay attention for. Apparently I had over-promised… 

Never mind the memory. Last pregnancy, I accidentally stole cucumber from the corner market (my husband went back and paid.) This one, I forgot to eat ice cream! Found it (wrapped) melted the next morning.

And from the toddler angle – does this sound familiar?

Me: go get your shoes.

M: What?

Me: Go get your shoes

M: What?

(repeat ten times).

Me: Go get your shoes.

M: What? A shoes?

*sigh*

7. We’re both attached to our sippy cups

I think I need to invent “bottle wrist straps” that basically ties both toddler and mommy sized bottles to our wrists. The words “where’s my bottle/cup?” seem to be heard a bit much in our house.

Wait – looks like I’m too late. Apparently they exist for mom and baby. 

6. We NEED chocolate/ice cream/chips and we need it NOW!

One new word M learnt during the past few months – “NEED”. 

“I need it cookie! I need it chocolate!” I was all ready and prepped to teach him an important difference between the concept of NEED and WANT. But then I realized, I may just need to start with myself.

5. We both “can’t reach it!”

Well, technically he “can’t WEACH it”. But I’ve taken to saying it that way too. It seems more effective.

4. We keep outgrowing our cutest outfits.

At the start of this pregnancy, I was almost looking forward to a whole new wardrobe! Out with the maternity – including my sister’ stash, of course. But as the months passed, each favorite outfit got too small. Now that I’m at the stage of being asked “when WERE you due?” (um, in three weeks) it’s only the tents that fit. Not even the oversized hoodies…

Same goes for my grand plans to shop clearance a season in advance for my big boy. Apparently, if he was size 2T last summer, I should DEFINITELY go for 4T for this year. Not 3T. I prayed all winter for an early summer.

3. We both sport chubby feet and pot bellies.

He’s proud of his. I am grateful for it, but “proud” wouldn’t cut it.

2. We don’t like what was once (yesterday) our favorite dinner.

My husband says “but I thought you like that!”

Well, so did I. And so did my toddler…. Well, who’s to say a bit of experimentation wasn’t called for?

1. We know what we’re saying even if you don’t.

Coherence can be a challenge (did you comprehend a single word of this post? Or the past three months of posts?) My toddler definitely knows what he’s saying, and can’t understand why we don’t seem to listen. I do have a special knack for getting his drift, and him mine, but I think my husband is somewhat excluded here too.

And the rest of the world.

Disclaimer: I am writing this three weeks before my due date and scheduling to publish it on that big day. So any dicrepencies in timing on the post can be explained that way. I think.

Have you ever been pregnant with a toddler? What similarities did you find? Comment below!

Did you relate to this? I created an image you can share on Facebook to amuse your friends too! My only request is that you hit the “share” button and spread the word that way, and not download the image and upload it directly. Just click below!

The post Pregnant Women and Toddlers are Basically the Same appeared first on Moms and Crafters.