Posts Tagged ‘slings and carriers’
Amy on September 14th, 2009
This is our new baby, Teagan Reese. She arrived on July 8th and we’ve been knee-deep in babydom ever since. After Teagan arrived, I anxiously awaited the arrival of our new travel collection from Britax, the Chaperone. The Chaperone infant carrier and stroller were sent to us for review by the company.
Even though the new travel collection was gifted to us, I could still say that I’m not happy with it if I truly wasn’t. But truth of the matter is, I can’t say that I don’t like it. I love it and highly recommend it and would have gladly purchased it myself.
Almost four years ago, we were given a hand-me-down infant carrier and stroller of another popular brand. I always complained how uncomfortable my then infant seemed to be in the seat and the stroller, although lightweight and compact, it wasn’t the greatest when it came to steering and rolling on surfaces. But enough about that.
Let’s talk more about the Chaperone. It’s a brand new product from Britax. What we have here is True Side Impact Protection. The infant seat is roomy enough and comfortable (at least it looks comfy). The car seat base has an Anti-Rebound Bar, which was introduced by Britax in 2004. All in all, I’m confident that this car seat is going to protect my little one in the unfortunate event we’re involved in an accident.
Here is the Chaperone stroller that is paired with the infant carrier. There wasn’t an instruction guide with the stroller but my husband was easily able to figure out the assembly and by watching the Chaperone video on the Britax site, I was able to figure out how the carrier works with it and how to fold and unfold it. (I spoke to a Britax rep via Twitter and they’re going to send me the instructions.)
I’m completely thrilled with the stroller. It’s ridiculously easy to push around, one or two-handed. It strolls gracefully over all surfaces (at least the store/pavement/cement/grass surfaces I’ve had it on so far). I could go on and on about the features but you can find all of that information on the Britax site. I’m just here to tell you that if you’re thinking about purchasing this travel system, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Well worth the money and they have a good deal going on right now, $100 off if you purchase the Chaperone infant carrier along with the Chaperone stroller. Not a bad deal at all.
annaholler on May 14th, 2009
When my girls were little my husband and I swore by the ERGObaby carrier. The bulkiness of strollering our children combined with the benefits of wearing your baby prompted us to try every type of carrier on the market until we found the one best suited for our lives. At that time we were living in a rural town and used the carrier for trips to the mall or walks around the neighborhood.
As our children have grown strollering has become a helpful tool that we use at amusement parks, shopping trips and places we might spend a lot of time walking. I feel that it’s important for my children to have the independence to hop out and walk around, but not to feel overwhelmed by the expectation of too much exercise, particularly on the hot days of summer.
We quickly learned that strollering is very similar to baby-wearing in the respect that one stroller does not meet every need. We tried several models before we came to love our Phil and Teds sport double buggy. First we used a front to back double stroller, but it was too long and difficult to navigate. Then, we tried a side by side jogging stroller, but it was difficult to fold, bulky to travel with and didn’t fit through the aisles of stores. Finally, we settled on a sit-and-stand model that worked for us…
until..
DUN
DUN
DUN
…we moved to the city of Philadelphia. For those of you who have not visited the city of Philadelphia, I am here to testify to the fact that the aged, historic and loved sidewalks of this city are not conducive to long walks with a stroller. The nicer sidewalks are slanted and often still in their original cobblestone or brick form.
We lived here for no more than a week when I turned to my husband and said, “We need a city stroller no matter the cost. It’s a quality of life issue for me. I am willing to sell a kidney if need be. I need a stroller more than both of my kidneys. And THAT is where I stand.”
I started my research with the parents at the park. I moved on to the families at the zoo and I stopped after I had stopped a good dozen people on the street to quiz them on their stroller choice.
My findings were as follows:
Each person I ambushed stopped had at least one complaint about the double stroller they pushed with the exception of the folks behind a Phil and Teds double buggy. It was overwhelming and universal. Every parent with a double buggy by Phil and Teds was willing to talk the ear off of one frazzled mama and her two tots about just how great our lives could be… if only…
I have never been a person who has been that comfortable spending outrageous amounts of money on a stroller. I’m not a particularly showy person, so the Bugaboos on the street seemed a silly expense. After researching retailers who sold the Phil and Teds sport double buggy, I was able to find a great deal at Pish Posh Baby.
My order had standard shipping, but the stroller arrived the following day. After a little bit of assembly it was ready to go.
My friends, my fellow lovers of Mums the Wurd, parents from all over the land, I am hear to promise you that your life will infinitely improve with this stroller. It is as light as a cloth nappie and takes bumps and dips and cricks, cracks and uneven sidewalks in a way that makes me wonder if the stroller has some sort of magical properties and is able to rearrange the pull of our earth’s gravity. My children love this stroller. No one minds sitting in the back (which was my only real concern) and the fact that I can remove the bottom seat to make it a single when need be is just good design and practical thinking. It comes with a “mommy hook” to hang your bags on and has ample storage beneath the top seat. The front wheel rotates, so I am able to easily navigate through tight aisles and big crowds. I could easily take on a corn maze, I’m sure. Recently, we traveled with this stroller to Disney World and walked for miles each day. This stroller took airports, plane rides, shuttle buses, ferry boats and days of pavement while carrying our children, food and souvenirs for a full week. At the end of our vacation, I could not have imagined what life would have been like had we left it behind.
In summary, if I were single and I met Phil or Ted… I would marry either or both of them.
Laura on December 17th, 2008
As many of you know, we support ANY business that produces quality goods. Many of those businesses that make safer, handmade toys and good are in danger of being shut down. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is attempting to mandate 3rd party testing and certification for all toys and require toy makers to permanently label each toy with a date and batch number. An act like this would require the manufacturer (”manufacturers” being many work at home moms) to invest TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars to ensure that their product is safe. The same people that let your child play with lead-laden Thomas toys now want to “regulate” the handmade industry…and this is absolutely deplorable. MANY people went to buying handmade items to AVOID store bought items that are potentially dangerous. This will affect places like Etsy in their entirety, and many of our on-line retailing friends.
BOTTOM LINE: Handmade toys and goods will be ILLEGAL unless they pass 3rd party testing that costs approximately $4,000 PER ITEM!
How can you help save handmade?? Join the Handmade Toy Alliance’s Facebook Group and write to your United States Congress Person and Senator to request changes in the CPSIA to save handmade toys. Use our sample letteror write your own. You can find your Congress Person here and Senator here (from the Handmade Toy Alliance homepage). You can also see what the Handmade Toy Alliance has proposed to the CPSIA.
We implore you: HELP TO SAVE HANDMADE ITEMS!!!!
Laura on October 19th, 2008
Have you noticed that we have another new Mum? Jaymi, better known as FlipFlopMamma, has joined the awesomeness that is MumsTheWurd! She is the bomb. Welcome her! Jaymi is another babywearing mamma of 3 cool kids that you’ll see from time to time on Mums.
While we’re on the topic of babywearing, I have to tell you about the pouch from Rockin’ Baby Sling! Well, first of all, they’re gorgeous! Secondly, all the pouches and slings are named after songs, and really good songs, at that! Check their huge selection of slings and pouches. You are bound to find one that suits your style! My issue with the pouch has always been that it seems to snug. Not the Rockin’ Baby Pouch-these slings are generously sized. My Medium/Large “I’ll Stop the World and Melt With You” fits me on the smallest setting for carrying Lennon, and on the biggest size for carrying Noel (it’s happened a couple times). Like a sling, this pouch allows you to hold your baby in a variety of ways. Find a way that is comfortable for both you, and your child, and start babywearing! Want another reason to buy from these two Rockin’ Mamas? They give 3% of their profits to Heifer International.
Do you enjoy babywearing, but find that it takes time away from doing certain things, like exercising (as if hauling around your baby isn’t exercise enough…)? Well, the gals at Chicks-n-Chickens found a way to make it easy for you to get a little workout in while cuddling on your little bundle. The Chicks Lullaby Exercises is a great way to get a little exercise for yourself, keep your baby close, and get them ready to nod off to dreamland. I’ve done Lullaby Exercises with Lennon a few times, and it was pretty great. It was a fun workout, without being too over the top. I really enjoyed the sleep set, which was very relaxing, and did indeed put Lennon right to sleep! Want to try it?
Win it!
Enter here and tell us how you enjoy getting exercise with your kids! Winner will be selected randomly, and contacted via email. Contest ends October 26rd at 10pm (CST).
Laura on October 15th, 2008
We are sad to announce that Fooey USA will be closing it’s virtual doors. However, they are having a closeout sale that you won’t want to miss! It’s all rad stuff, and it’s super cheap! My mom got these shorts for Noel & Lennon (they won’t fit Noel next summer) for $8.99! They are SOOOOO CUTE. Fooey’s also got the best collection of shirts for kids and infants. Some are as low as $3.99, people, but they won’t last! Get over there, and say goodbye to one of the best stores out there. Fooey, we are sorry to see you go!
On a sunnier note, Ashlee has come up with a new name for her store! Nonny & Boo, formerly Nest Baby Sling, now offers even more great items, like wraps (that are the coolest EVER), hoodies, and plushies! As usual, Ashlee’s wares are quite simply the coolest! Pictured here, are Steph and Ivy in nonny & boo’s bamboo sling. We have this sling, and Elliott and I share it. We love it. The fabric is light, but very strong, and it works well going out in the Texas heat. We just heart the lady over at nonny & boo, and you will too.
Laura on September 14th, 2008
Since we’ve already told you about Bethany’s awesome store, I thought MumsTheWurd! could instead help spread the word about Bethany’s latest undertaking-adopting a new child! Baby Luxe is sponsoring a raffle on behalf of the Balsis family, who is preparing to go to Russia to meet the newest member of their family-a little girl, Addison.
From the BabyLuxe post:
Bethany & her husband have been very busy lately, preparing for their trip to Russia, to meet their future little girl, Addison; a Down Syndrome orphan whom she and her family are adopting in the coming weeks. The Balsis’ already have two biological children, a little boy Mason & a little girl Payton. Payton also has Down Syndrome, so the Balsis’ are well versed in the special care that Addison will require.
As many of you know, adoption is a very expensive process, and the costs to bring home their new little girl will likely be high. On top of that, Addison’s initial medical expenses will likely be high.
To help with this wonderful cause, BabyLuxe is proud to be co-hosting a major fund-raising event for the Balsis family, which is taking place on
The Mom Crowd. They will be selling raffle tickets for $5 each, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly towards the adoption of Addison.
Many of the designers that are donating to the raffle include: Serena & Lily, Bella Tunno, SaraBear Baskets, Baby Rock Apparel, SlickSugar, Ellie Bellie Kids, Made by Angie, Wet Happened? Wet Bags, Georgie Tees, Baby K’tan, JP Lizzy, Ribbies Clippies, Paperluxe Studio and more!
We hope that you will take a moment to check out the raffle, which ends on September 24th. Pick up a few raffle tickets; and whether you win or lose, simply know that you are contributing to bettering the life of a special little girl who is truly in need; Miss Addison.
Thanks a bunch!!
The Balsis’ are chronicling their adoption journey on their blog, Dreaming on an Angel. Go support them with a comment, or a contribution!
You can show your support by click the “Buy Now” PayPal button below. Donating just $5 will get you a raffle ticket to enter to win prizes listed over at The Mom Crowd. If you do not have PayPal, you can mail a check and include a note with your contact information to:
Balsis Family Adoption Fund
Raffle Tickets
PO Box 61
Washington, Virginia 22747
*Mailed entries must be received before Sept. 24th
Laura on June 29th, 2008
Jaymi, better known as The Flip Flop Mamma, rules. She’s a stay-at-home mom that spends several hours a day in her kitchen, concocting handmade lotions (seriously great smelling), body butters, (for babies and adults alike!), and glycerin soaps. She’s also got the best chai in the world, and lots of other great things! Check out her Etsy Store; Flip Flop Mamma’s Place.
Her customers love her products:
“This is the first cream/butter that has EVER worked on my son’s skin. He’s healing, and you have no idea what a big deal that is! His back has been a huge rash and bloody (from uncontrollable itching) for literally about 7-8 months.” – Arianne
“I have to say that your Chai Tea is absolutely by far the best I have ever had! I did not have time to make it this morning, as I have been every morning since I received it, so I stopped by Starbucks to pick one up. It didn’t even come close to yours. Normally I would drink mine hot, but since you mentioned you liked your iced that’s how I’ve been making mine. It is delicious! I will definitely be buying more of it… so please, keep it around.” -Season
“no lie – the best chai I have ever had”-Beck
“Sooooo delicious! We love it so much, will defently be back for more soon!”-Raimbow Tree
Read more about Jaymi here, and be sure to check out her personal blog! We’ll be talking more with Jaymi on our BlogTalkRadio show on Sunday, June 29th, at 10 PM CST! Come on and join us!
Laura on June 27th, 2008
We are excited to tell you a little more about the beautiful Ashlee Allen. Since she was unable to podcast with us a few weeks ago, we sent her a couple of questions. Here’s a little info about the Nest mama:
MTW: What inspired you to start nest?
Ashlee: I had always planned to wear my baby but when Xavier was born unexpectedly at 28 weeks I knew babywearing and kangaroo care would be critical. Through our journey I discovered that while there were many carriers I adored, I couldn’t find *the one*, so I made it! Nest as a business evolved from there.
MTW: What did you do before you became a “mompreneur”? How did you get started?
Ashlee: I’ve dabbled in many carrers other than mom – photography, psychology, advertising, yoga instructor, nanny and of course mama. After making slings for many friends and people I’d run into all over the place I realized my life would be easier if I had a place to send people. So after much research, I started designing and thanks to my sewing and my husband’s design skills nest was hatched.
MTW: Without giving away any of your “secrets”, where/how do you find the items for your store?
Ashlee: I lauch new collections in the spring and fall and am always on the look out new styles and fabric. One of my favorite things to do is scout out random fabric shops in person and online and I, of course, pay attention to the current fashion scene for inspiration.
MTW: What are some of your favorite items?
Ashlee: Our limited edition slings are always my favorite, the Heart Nouveau being my current favorite. The hatchlings are super cute and we actually have some items in production that I can’t wait to launch- I’m in love! ***I am too! This is why we’re waiting to tell you about E$’s Sling!!!***
MTW: Tell us more about Project X.
Ashlee: Project X provides person to person support to NICU familes. As I mentioned before our son Xavier was born at 28 weeks and spent 6 weeks in NICU. It was a really terrifying time for us and the biggest help was talking to other people who had been there. We do a lot of one on one work, but our biggest event is Project Christmas, provinding a traditional Christmas dinner to all of the local NICU’s. We spent Xavier’s first Christmas in the hospital and having just a hint of normalcy would have made all the difference. Since our first year in 2006 we’ve had several sister programs launch in cities nationwide. 10% off all nest profits are donated directly to Project X.
MTW: Tell us a bit about you and your family!
Ashlee: I get to spend my days with my amazing 2 (going on 17) year old X and my super cool, artist husband David. When David’s not tattooing, I’m not sewing or blogging and X isn’t napping you’ll likely find us up to our eyebrows in paint or building some killer lego cities.
See what else Ashlee’s up to here, here, here, and here.
Laura on June 19th, 2008
As parents of babies and small children, we have one never ending battle: Make blanket stay. You’ve been there…it’s a windy day, and the blanket goes flying off of the carseat into the street, or you’re taking a leisurely stroll with your tot on a brisk winter morning. A cold gust of air comes out of nowhere and sends your kid’s blanket swirling into the air. She starts crying, dogs start barking…chaos ensues. Amy Long has taken the stress out of The Blanket Dilemma: Secure2Me! Secure2Me clips easily onto anything: carseats, strollers, even slings. Such a great, simple idea!
Weird that I’m blogging about blankets in the middle of summer? There’s a reason…In addition to the cozy Secure2Me Blanket and Grand Blanket (big people sizes!), Amy also offers the Eclipse Solarveil, which will actually help protect your child from the harmful UV rays!
Want one of these luxurious blankets for yourself? Get one for 20% off of your entire purchase when you order from the online boutique! Coupon code: WURD20
Laura on June 15th, 2008
*Update: Congratulations to Melissa! She is our Nest Baby Sling winner and has been notified via email.
As we’ve talked about many times here on MTW, we think babywearing is pretty darn cool. I’ve been wearing Lennon since he was born, and he & I both love it. I even got my husband on board and got him is very own black sling to go with his black t & jeans uniform 
. Through her blogs and twitter, we’ve gotten a chance to get to know a rad babywearer and sling maker extraordinaire, Ashlee Allen. Her sling store is Nest, and her designs are sure to please. E$ and I both dig our Nest slings! Here’s mine. It’s beautiful! Elliott’s, we will speak about soon…
Ashlee wants you to have one of her gorgeous slings for yourself.
WIN IT!
Email us at mumsthewurd [at] gmail [dot] com and tell us the name of Ashlee’s preemie project, which you can learn more about HERE. 
This contest ends on Friday, June 20th. Winner will be chosen randomly, notified via email and announced here on Saturday.
We’ll tell you more about Ashlee and her boutique, “Nest” soon, but for now, enter the contest for one of Ashlee’s awesome slings! I totally love mine!
