An Affordable AIO!

Disclosure: I have receive this product in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from that of yours.

There are start up cost associated with cloth diapering.  Depending on your diaper choice, those can get expensive.  Regardless, you will still save money but you can save even more money if you choose an affordable option.  Typically, this would steer you towards prefolds and covers which can be daunting to some if you aren't familiar with how to fold a prefold.  There aren't to many All-in-one style diapers that fall under the "affordable" tag.  Imagine Baby Products actually makes a great affordable AIO!  Their bamboo edition is on sale right now for $14.95.  Imagine sent me this diaper to try out on Nugget and I just can't believe the quality you get for the price.

The Bamboo AIO is a one size diaper. Compared to some of my other one sizes, I would rank the Imagine diaper on the smaller side.  Nugget is about 30 inches tall and 20 pounds and needs the diaper completely unsnapped on the rise, but the waist still had plenty of room to grow.  I think this would fit a baby earlier than most one size diapers due to the rise snaps.  It is hard to make the comparison now that Nugget is so big, but it looks to get pretty small.

The Bamboo AIO is most like a disposable in the ease of use department.  There is no stuffing or folding with this diaper but you will need to snap in the soaker, though.  

After you snap in the soaker, there is a piece of fabric that covers the snaps for your baby's comfort.

I like when the soaker is a snap in because the diaper will dry faster this way.  The diaper itself is  1 layer of an absorbent bamboo and cotton blend, then you add in the 4 layer bamboo soaker and you get a great diaper system for an awesome price.

This is a great diaper for someone who is looking to start out cloth or who is established and would like to expand their collection.  It just proves that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a really great, absorbent diaper.  

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Bathroom Remodel means Fun Tub Time for Nugget

Disclosure: I receive Nuby products through the Nuby Mom Blogger Program.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from that of yours.

I feel like I have been on a never ending journey with my bathroom in my house.  When I first moved in it was great, totally my style.  I had an all pink bathroom.  Then one day it all came crashing down, literally, while I was showering.  Life happened and it never got fixed.  I went through pregnancy without being able to relax in a bathtub and now we brought Nugget into a house that had this atrocious bathtub that we needed to use.  This past month we have been working on doing the most cost effective remodel that is possible and now have a great bathroom at a fraction of the cost.

So this is what we started with:

There were so many things going wrong with this room of my house.  The shower walls, well they fell in.  The tub had lost its shine and was pink.  The toilet, also pink, had lost its finish and would get dirty easily.  The sink, pink as well, was old and nasty too.  The floor, pink, was about to fall through to the basement because of water damage, so yeah, that had to be fixed.  Our original plan was to gut the whole thing but we only have one bathroom.  That is when we decided to do quick switch outs to minimize the time we would be without a toilet.

We cleared the whole bathroom out and the contractor got to work.  First to go was the rest of the tile in the shower!

All gone!  Well almost, we decided that we are going to paint the remaining tile to make the project go faster.  Next we had to cover up that ugly wall.

 At this point I was so happy to not have tiles fall on me, they could have stopped and I would have totally not cared.  The next thing that had to go was the floor.  We thought we could tile over it, but realized there was some serious water damage that needed to be fixed, so out with the floor!

See what was under there...It had to go.  picking out tile was difficult because we needed something that atleast kind of went with the exisiting tile.  While waiting for the tile to be installed, we need to have the tub resurfaced.  I figured that ripping out the tub would cause a whole other issue, so we just kept it and made it white.

The refinish was just as good as getting a new tub and way cheaper and easier.  You would never even know that the tub was pink.  After about 3 days of work we had our bathroom completed and a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.

We just need to paint the trim, hang the shower curtain and get some storage items.  Now that our bathroom is finished we were able to use Nugget's new Contoured Bath Seat by Nuby just in time for him to grow out of it.  

When this first came in the mail, Dufda looked at it and thought it was pointless.  Then one day I was at work and he sent me a message about how great this seat was.  He uses it while he showers with the baby and Nugget cannot get out of the seat.  It has very high walls and a deep seat that allows him to lay back and sit up, all while staying safe.

It is also easy to keep clean because there are no additional parts.  When I am done, I use the suction cups and put it on the wall of the shower to dry.  The seat has a hole in the bottom to drain water while in use as well.  The Contour Bath Seat takes up much less space than a typical baby tub and would be great for travel.  This seat would work for a kiddie pool or a day at the beach.

In a couple more week, Nugget will have out grown this.  It is ideal for babies who cannot sit up or who sit assisted.  If you baby sits assisted, this chair gives him the freedom to play in the big tub, with the safety of a smaller tub.

If you like to purchase the Contour Bath Seat, www.buybabydirect.com sells them.  Check out this and many other products by connecting with Nuby!

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Fluff Mail - Cotton Booty Review

Disclosure: I have received a Cotton Booty bow to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

People cloth diaper for a ton of different reasons...I secretly think that the underlying reason is because we all have a shopping addictions and buying diapers is more sensible than buying designer purses, but not at all cheaper.  Well that is unless you are cloth diapering to save money, which we all are doing, right?  Before I had a baby's bum to slap a diaper on, I could not have predicted my pure obsession with the very article of clothing that I place on that bum.  Is there a 12 step program for cloth diaper addicts?  There has to be one and to go along with it is probably a blog of how to cloth diaper, strip diapers, diaper a newborn, and all those questions we love to answer.  Well if there is such a program, Cotton Booty is the addiction feeder to those member.  Cloth diapers in the mail, every month, and someone else does the shopping for you...genius.

Cotton Booty is a cloth diaper subscription service that will ship you a box filled with a cloth diaper, samples and another bonus item each month.  You are able to choose the gender of the box and boxes are geared toward newborns to 3 year olds.  So what did I get in my box?

The diaper is a Kawaii Goodnight Heavy Wetter.  It is a one size diaper and is specifically made for heavy wetters...which Nugget is!  We also got a Angel Dear Muslin Swaddle.  Although I know it can be used for other things, we have really grown out of the swaddle blankets.  It is really cute though.  The last item was Wash with Water baby massage cream.  It smells divine and feels great on Nugget's skin.
Although I love the service, there are some improvements that I would like to see.  I received a swaddle blanket for a 7 month old, unlike my other subscription boxes that are age based, this is not.  I think it would be much more beneficial if it was at least a smaller age range than newborn to 3 years old.  I think I would also prefer to maybe spend more each month and get at least one more item. Either way, it is great service for someone who is starting out and wants to build their stash or if you want to add variety to your stash without doing the research.

Check Cotton Booty out on Facebook to see all the boxes they send out!

Relief is on its way!

Disclosure: I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger.  I receive Nuby products in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Being a Nuby Mom Blogger, I have a whole basket of teethers.  We are lucky to give all of these little devices a try to see which ones our baby like the most.  This is the winner.  I know I may have said it before, but this has replaced Nugget's old favorite.  This is Teetheez.  We like it so much that if you scroll to the bottom of this post, you can win one of your own.

Teetheez is a fish shape teether that has a perfect little handle on one side and massaging bristles on the other.  Think silicone toothbrush.  When Nugget chomps down on this teether I can hear it going to work.  I can see the relief in his face that this little teether brings.  Teething is serious business and none of us remember how much it hurts.  I try to do everything in my power to make Nugget comfortable and not forgeting the Teetheez is now on the top of that list.  

Teetheez is one solid piece of 100% silicone which makes it great for babies of all ages.  It is ideal for the beginning stages of teething when the front teeth are coming in.  Nuby has even made a great carrying case to tote this teether around in.  It is needed because the bristles pick up lots of stray hairs or what ever may be laying in your diaper bag.

Would you like to buy one?  Teetheez is available at these retailers:

• Tuesday Morning
• Walmart
• Bealls
• Meijer
• Sears
• Baby Depot at Burlington
• Dollar General
• Kmart
• CVS
• www.babyearth.com
• www.idealbaby.com
• www.diapers.com
• www.amazon.com

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Want win a Teetheez?  Enter today to help that little teether of yours!

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SIDS Awareness Month - Practice Safe Sleep

Disclosure: I have received a HALO SleepSack in exchange for my review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Winter is upon us.  Well not yet, but the chill is in the air and we need to keep those babies warm.  Your first reaction may be to put lots of blankets on your baby when you put them down to sleep.  Please resist this urge because blankets in the crib are a SIDS risk.  With October being SIDS Awareness Month I would like to talk to you about safe sleeping practices and give you another option to keep your little one warm.

What is SIDS?  This is the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.  There is a type of sleep related  SIDS that is associated with airway obstruction in the sleep environment caused by suffocation by soft bedding, another person rolling on the infant, becoming wedged between two object, or strangulation.  To counteract these dangers, we need to create a safe sleep environment for our little ones.

Did you know that 80-90% of SIDS-related deaths are due to unsafe sleep practices?  During the month of October HALO will donate $1 to SIDS Awareness for every new Facebook "Like" they receive.  Help us spread the word about Safe Sleep by sharing this post today.  You may save a baby through educating another.

Safe Sleep Practices begin with:

ALWAYS

• Place baby to sleep on his or her back at nap time and at night time.
• Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snuggly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
• Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers, pillows and positioners). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
• Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
• Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.

NEVER

• Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface
• Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.

With all of these dangers, how do we keep our babies warm?  HALO has a great micro-fleece SleepSack that will do the perfect job.  During the warmer months we are a fan of the cotton SleepSack, but definitely needed something heavier for the winter.  The HALO micro-fleece SleepSack (also available in Early Walker and Big Kids sizes) is made out of the softest material.  I pair the Sleep Sack with some foot pajamas and we are good to go to beat the chill.  I know Nugget loves his new Sleep Sack because he falls asleep much quicker when he is wearing it.

Make sure that you are providing a Safe Sleep environment for your baby.  Ditch the blankets and pick up a HALO micro-fleece SleepSack today!  My Jordanian Nugget is also giving away one in honor of SIDS Awareness Month.

You can stay up to date with HALO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

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Chew on This!

Disclosure: I am a Nuby Mom Blogger.  I receive Nuby product in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Nugget has two teeth on the bottom so far.  This past weekend we noticed a definite change in his demeanor and knew his top two are about to pop through.  He wouldn't sleep, he was very cranky and since we have been through this with the bottom, I was able to know exactly what was going on.  The Chewbies Teether by Nuby is made for front teeth teething so this is perfect teether for this time frame.  Say that last sentence ten times fast.

This little teether packs the punch with three different surfaces to chew on: either "handle" and the flower part around.  It is very light weight and flexible making it perfect for the 3 month and older crowd.  Nuby even includes a great little carrying case as well so you can store your Chewbies while on the go.  Dr. Grace Yum - founder of Yummy Dental and Orthodontics for Kids in chicago, Illinois endorses this BPA Free teether.  We love it here as well!

Want to pick up your own Chewbies?  They are sold at your local Walmart.

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Scrub-a-dub-dub...Fighting the Battle against Bottles

Disclosure: I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger.  I receive Nuby products in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Raise your hand if you hate to wash bottles.  I should see everyone's hand flying off their mouse...well unless you are luxury to the convenience of a dishwasher.  I obviously do not possess one of these magical machines.  Due to the lack off upscale appliance within my kitchen, I must hand wash bottle after bottle after bottle.  

How does one little being use so many bottles?  This is how:  Every morning I pump at 8am, that requires 2 bottles and flanges.  Every day I pump at work 3 times.  This mean that I need at least four bottles, with lids.  I then have two flanges that I use with my machine.  The flange breaks down into three separate pieces.  When I come home I have to prepare the milk to be fed to Nugget for the next day.  I take those three bottles and prepare 5 - 2.5oz bottles and cap them all off with a lid.  The  milk is then transferred into a bottle that Nugget prefers to eat out of.  Let's say he goes through 3 bottles because Dufda doesn't feel like washing the bottle between feedings.  Lost yet?  It is a lot of bottles.

 With all that washing, you go through a ton of soap and lots of your time is just wasted.  The real solution to this would be for Dufda to go buy and install a dishwasher into our kitchen(hint, hint Hubs...our anniversary is next month.)  Since I won't be holding my breath for that to happen, I went a little easier route and got the Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base. 

This brush stores your favorite soap in the handle and will dispense just the right amount while washing your bottles.  It has the suction base, which I love, so that it doesn't lay in your sink or by your sink and get all wet and gross.  The brush head fits perfect in both my standard opening bottles and my wide mouth bottles.  The brush has a texture handle for a comfortable grip and, of course, is BPA free.

My bottle cleaning routine before was to line up all bottles and squirt soap in each then wash.  With the Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base I just grap the bottle, wash and rinse while saving myself time and soap.  Would you like to pick up a Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base? 

It is available at these retailers:

• www.buybabydirect.com
• Sam’s Club

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Disclosure: I have received the Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush  through the Nuby Mommy Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Ice, Ice, Nuby!

Disclosure: I have received the Icy Bit Animal Teether through the Nuby Mommy Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

CHEW ALL THINGS! This is Nugget's motto right now.

The Icy Bite is one of Nuby's newest teethers and will soon hit stores for you to buy for your babe.  I think they got it right with this one.  None of my other teethers that go in the fridge have a cover.  Without the cover, Nugget's hands get cold and wet and with the temperature dropping I really do not need that.

With or without the cover the teether has multiple teething surfaces to soothe your little ones gums.  It is small which make it good for anyone over 3 months old.  The teether is filled with purIce gel for cooling relief and, as always, it is BPA Free.

Nugget's favorite part of this teether?  He loves to chew on the ears or just shove the whole thing in his mouth and chomp down and stay there.  Look out for the Icy Bite Animal Teether online and stores near you!

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Disclosure: I have received the Icy Bit Animal Teether through the Nuby Mommy Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Little Monster Diaper Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I have receive this product in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

When it comes to my baby there are two things that I have an obsession over:  Cloth Diapers and Monsters.  If you haven't checked out Nugget's nursery, then go here for proof.

When I found out there was a cloth diaper company called Little Monster Diapers I just knew that I had to give them a try.  Little Monster Diaper had popped up a couple of times on Zulily which also was enticing and if I see them there again I will snatch them all up.  Well, the diaper came in the mail and we could not wait to throw it on the bum.  We actually put it on right out of the package, but it is suggested that you wash them three times to get more absorbency.  Everyone knows the law of a brand new cloth diaper, right?  The moment it goes on the bum, your baby must take a giant poo in it....this diaper was no different.  The one thing that was different though, there was no leak.  Nugget poops about once a week so for a diaper to contain the mess is pretty impressive.

Now about the diaper:  Little Monster Diapers are pocket diapers.  You get one microfiber insert with the diaper at purchase.  If you aren't familiar with a pocket diaper, these diapers have an opening in the back.  That opening is where you stuff the insert that absorbs the pee and poo.  Pocket diapers are great because you can double or triple stuff them for absorbency or change out the insert to something that you may prefer more.  The insert that was provided is nice and soft and we have no had any leaks yet.

The fabric that touches the babies skin is definitely one of the softest that I have felt.  It has stayed that way through several washes as well (this diaper is worn just about once a day).  This is important to me because I like cloth due to me thinking it has to be more comfortable than a disposable.

Little Monster diapers are a one size fits most diaper.  As you may know, one size diapers are usually not ideal for newborns.  These start at 9 pounds, but it always depends on the build of your baby.  What is a little different...Little Monster gives three rows of adjust-ability versus the typical two.  This allows for the diaper to get a better fit.  It has cross over tabs as well.

The best part, and the reason why so many of us get sucked into cloth, Little Monster diapers are super cute.  You can buy solid ones if you like, but you can also get the diapers with characters on the back.  They have anything from a cupcake to a koi fish.  Nugget is sporting the Owl for this review. 

Check out Little Monster Diaper on Facebook and Twitter!



With the fit and the comfort of this diaper it has definitely became one of my favorites.  Little Monster Diapers retail between $20-$23.  You can buy them here....or you can enter to win one!

Which one would you choose?

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What makes your baby happy?

Disclosure: I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger. I receive Nuby products in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

What is that one thing that you know that you can do that will always make your baby smile?  Mine is totally random and has worked since birth.  I sing tunes from The Little Mermaid to him.  Boys can like The Little Mermaid right?  For bed, I always up for with a nice rendition of Part of this World.

When we are having fun, though, Under the Sea is the ideal choice.  This must have been my favorite movie as a child because I know every word to every song.

What does this have to do with the teether that I am reviewing...well nothing, but who doesn't love some Little Mermaid? Actually it does have something to do with it, this brand new teether from Nuby is the Under the Sea Teether.   This fun little guy has yet to hit stores but I am going to have you waiting to buy him.

How fun, right?!  It is bright, easy to hold and has lots of different textures for teething.  My guys favorite is the tags...actually he has an obession with all things tags, string or similar so I knew he would love this the moment I received it in the mail. 

This little guy is perfect for out 3+ monthers and great for little baby hands.  I would say it is unique to other teethers because, look at your stash, do you have an octopus teether yet?  I didn't think so.  Of course, as with all Nuby teethers, it is BPA free because only the best for Nugget.  So what do you think?  Are you excited about the Under the Sea Teether?

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Disclosure: I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger. I receive Nuby products in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.