Parenthood is like no other journey you’ve ever had before. Preparing for the arrival of a new family member is an exciting yet challenging experience. Among the many tasks on an expectant parent’s to-do list, setting up a baby registry often falls to the wayside. However, creating a comprehensive and thoughtfully curated baby registry can significantly ease the transition into parenthood. Here’s why you need to set up a baby registry, a guide for expectant parents.

Why You Need to Set up a Baby Registry

1. Streamlining Gift Giving:
   A baby registry serves as a convenient way for friends and family to choose gifts that are essential and meaningful for the newborn and the parents. By curating a registry, expectant parents can ensure that they receive items that align with their preferences and needs, reducing the likelihood of receiving duplicate or unnecessary gifts.
   
2. Financial Planning:
   Welcoming a new member into the family comes with its own set of financial considerations. Setting up a baby registry allows parents to plan and budget effectively, as they can prioritize and focus on the essential items needed for the baby’s care and well-being. This strategic approach helps in managing costs and avoiding unnecessary expenses on items that might not be immediately required.
   
3. Access to Expert Recommendations:
   Many baby registry platforms provide access to expert advice and recommendations on the most essential and beneficial products for the baby’s growth and development. From cribs and car seats to feeding essentials and diapering supplies, expectant parents can rely on the expertise of professionals to make informed decisions about the products they include in their registry.
   
4. Convenience and Ease:
   Managing a baby registry offers convenience, not only for the parents but also for those looking to purchase gifts. With online accessibility, friends and family members can easily access the registry, select desired items, and have them delivered directly to the parents’ doorstep. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience for both the givers and the receivers.
   
5. Preparation for the Baby’s Arrival:
   Setting up a baby registry prompts expectant parents to research and educate themselves about the various products and essentials necessary for the baby’s arrival. This preparation not only equips parents with the knowledge required for infant care but also empowers them to make informed choices that align with their parenting values and lifestyle.

1. Building a Support System:
   A baby registry can serve as a platform to involve loved ones in the excitement of welcoming a new baby. It fosters a sense of community and support, as friends and family members contribute to the parents’ journey by providing them with the tools and resources they need for the baby’s care and upbringing.

The process of setting up a baby registry goes beyond merely compiling a list of items. It is an opportunity for expectant parents to plan, prepare, and organize the essentials for their new arrival, while also creating a sense of community and support around the joyous occasion. With the convenience, financial planning, and expert guidance it provides, a well-curated baby registry is an essential tool for every family embarking on the beautiful adventure of parenthood.

If you set up an Amazon Baby Registry, here are the perks

• Get a free Welcome Box gift with full, travel, and sample-size surprises for parents and baby.
• Discover baby gear just right for you, whatever your style or budget.
• Enjoy a 15% discount on your baby registry, saving up to $300.

Shop Amazon – Create an Amazon Baby Registry

Here are some items from Amazon that we recommend to add to your registry:
Diapers – lots of diapers

Huggies Diapers

Check Price

Wipes

Car Seat (We’re fans of everything Britax)

Or if you prefer, Babylist is a great place to have a registry.

To qualify for a Hello Baby Box from Babylist, here’s what you need to do:

• Add three items to your registry directly from the Babylist Shop.
• Add three items to your registry from other stores.
• Make a minimum purchase totaling $10 from the Babylist Shop (this purchase can also be made from your registry by a friend or family member).
• Verify your address and pay $9.95 + tax, where applicable, for shipping

When I buy anything online, I always look at sites like Rakuten for cash back. I’ve saved so much money over the years!

For Baby Clothes – we like PatPat

Shop PatPat and receive up to 60% Off.

Did you know that you can get tons of free stuff (like samples and more) as a parent? I mean, who can say no to Free Baby Stuff?

Go here for sign up: Free Baby Stuff

Most moms may plan to nurse, so having a good breast pump on hand can help.
Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow Breast Pump through your insurance.

• Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.
• Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits required paperwork.
• Pick a Top of the Line Breast Pump.
  

Some moms may end up formula feeding – Enfamil Family Beginnings can save you money.
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings® and get up to $400 in FREE gifts including coupons, formula samples, Belly Badges, and more! (Available while supplies last!)

And for when baby’s here – this would make a great gift!
Square Baby – Submit your child’s birthdate and a Registered Dietitian will help you design a 100% Daily Nutrition meal plan tailored to your baby’s age, dietary needs and preferences. This is a subscription service.

The post Why You Need to Set Up a Baby Registry: A Guide for Expectant Parents appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

While these are formulated for pregnant women (no, I’m not!) and breastfeeding mothers, it’s also formulated for people with sensitive skin — which I definitely have.

Features of Earth Mama Organics Mini Deodorants:

• There’s NO propylene glycol, artificial fragrance, parabens, or aluminum.
• It’s dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation
• There is baking soda and magnesium, but just some, not enough to hurt
• It’s formulated for pregnancy because the armpit is connected to the lymph nodes, the lymph nodes are connected to the blood stream… etc.
• Earth Mama Deodorants contain essential oils but no Fragrance — Fragrance (aka Parfun) can hide loads of chemicals from parabens to phthalates to preservatives to formaldehyde.

But the big question — I sweat a lot and would these work. Would I have to do one of those armpit detoxes? I wasn’t sure, but I decided to try out Earth Mama Organics Deodorants. The Verdict so far is that I’m pretty happy and I smell good (I’m wearing the citrus right now). It’s a touch less strong than my usual deodorant but way better than the other “natural deodorants” I’ve tried in the last two years. As in, I can leave the house right now and feel confident that I’m not going to sweat like crazy. 

You should always check what’s in the products you put on your skin and if a company cannot fully disclose what’s in their products, please steer clear. This doesn’t mean that I am completely as “Green” as I’d like to be, but I’m trying. I’m making small changes. Deodorant is something that I wanted to change this year and I’m happier with Earth Mama Organics — I just may use this fulltime now.

Earth Mama Organics is owned by Melinda Olson, a nurse and herbalist who believes “mamas, babies and families have a right to natural and organic herbal products, without any ingredients that make you cringe! An expert in the benefits of plant medicine, Melinda began formulating organic herbal remedies for friends in her Oregon kitchen many years ago. Her love of organic gardening, passion for herbs and desire to find safe products for mamas and babies led to founding Earth Mama. Since 2002 Earth Mama has been supporting mamas and babies through the entire miraculous birth process, offering nature’s perfect solutions to perfectly natural pregnancy discomforts.”

Here are Earth Mama Organic’s social channels:
http://www.facebook/earthmamaorganics/
https://www.pinterest/com/earthmamaorganics
https://www.instagram.com/earthmamaorganics
https://twitter.com/earthmama

Or visit their website at https://earthmamaorganics.com to find a retailer. You can also find their products on Amazon. The mini pack of deodorants is listed on their website for $15.99 for four.

ShiftCon Founder Leah Segedie’s new book, Green Enough, which was just released. 

We were not compensated for this post, we were given samples. This post contains affiliate links (which doesn’t affect your purchase price, but we get a small commission). 

#shiftconlovepackage

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Winter pregnancies are not easy, having to wear bulky coats that you can barely button up and trying not to slip on ice, if you live in some parts of the country. But dressing for comfort is the most important thing so I’ve put together some super-comfy loungewear for every taste and budget to wear around the house while the wind is howling outside. These maternity pajamas also happen to be gorgeous so you don’t have to compromise on your looks! Bonus — you can also wear them after the baby comes to nurse in! Here are 7 maternity and nursing pajamas for the winter or colder climates!

Latuza is such of favorite of mine and they make maternity and nursing pajamas. Their fabric is 95% Viscose (made from bamboo) and 5% Spandex. Buy on Amazon.

Ekouaer Maternity Nursing Pajama Set Long Sleeve Top & Pants with Pockets

I love this elegant, classic set which features an opening in the front for nursing. Buy on Amazon.

Women’s Cotton Maternity Pregnancy Soft Nursing Pajama Set

This casual pajama set doesn’t really look like pajamas so you can wear it around the house even when you have company. There’s an underbust slit for discreet nursing. Buy on Amazon.

US&R Women’s Owl Motif Maternity Breastfeeding Pajama Set

The owl trend is still around and for a good reason! This whimsical pajama set features an adorable owl in the front and tiny owls all over. Not only does it feature an underbust slit for nursing, it also has an adjustable waistband to it grows with your pregnancy. Price is $27.99

VENTELAN Women’s Embroider Cardigan Maternity Nursing Pajamas

I love the gorgeous light purple that’s flattering on almost any skin tone! Elegant embroidery and tiny polka dot pattern complete the look. It features side slits for nursing, adjustable waist and cute pockets. Price is $17.99.

Mamajas The Margo PJ

Black is always flattering and this set has a classic look which features a v-neck opening for nursing. Price is $39.95.

Cotton Jersey Holiday Stripe Maternity Pajamas

Get into the holiday spirit with this adorable pajama set. These pajamas grow with your belly but also look great as simple loungewear that you and wear at every holiday season. Price is $59.99.

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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for fourteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 9, 7 and 4) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier. 7 Cozy Maternity Pajamas for the Winter or Colder Climates

The post 7 Cozy Maternity and Nursing Pajamas for the Winter or Colder Climates appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

You attach Undercover Mama shirts to the outer flap of a top-opening nursing bra by sliding each hook onto the flap a little below the clasp. Usually it will slide on just below the seam where the bottom of the clasp is sewn to the bra. You want to push enough material into the hook so it is snug. On most bras you can slide the hook clear on so that the entire width is inside the hook, but even if the strap is too wide to fit completely in, it still works just fine. You can also slip the hook of the Undercover Mama on to the strap of your bra instead of the flap. Keep in mind with this option you will need to unhook the Undercover Mama each time you nurse.

How it works:

Buy Undercover Mama Here: http://amzn.to/1pow7uj

We’re giving three Undercover Mama tanks — Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Undercover Mama for providing this prize. I was not compensated for this post. 

Undercover Mama Turns Your Favorite Bra into a Nursing Tank

The post Undercover Mama Turns Your Favorite Bra into a Nursing Tank appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

See how it works:

Simple Wishes’ patented design is adjustable and uses high-quality Velcro to sustain a perfect fit over time as a nursing mother’s size changes. From petite to plus, this pumping bra will fit all sizes and shapes of mothers. Which is great, because when you are a pumping mom, it’s so much easier when you can pump and be hands free! 

So whether a woman wants to read a paper to catch up on current events, put the finishing touches on a big presentation, or simply sip a cup of tea while visiting with her sisters, Simple Wishes is the pumping solution that nurtures her needs.

Straps and 1” Zip In Center Panel included to help achieve the perfect fit!

This a sister owned and operated business. There are six out of nine children in their family who have worked to build Simple Wishes. Their mission is to provide exceptional products that support women during their breastfeeding journey to help give them a stronger sense of confidence in their ability to provide for their family and themselves.

To Buy: Use the store locator or buy on Amazon.

The post Pumping Moms Need Simple Wishes Handsfree Pumping Bra appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

It’s the first baby registry to combine a personalized shopping experience with consumer reviews and industry expert input to deliver“perfect match” product recommendations for new parents.

Founded by Monica Banks, a consultant with a focus on the Mom & Baby industry and mother of two, Gugu Guru was built with the belief that creating a baby registry can be easy and fun for mom, while also highly personalized to her lifestyle and personal style.

Gugu Guru makes an extremely overwhelming baby registry experience feel manageable for an expectant mom by guiding her through the process in a visual and engaging manner. Mom tells Gugu Guru about her style preferences for herself, baby and nursery, as well as her unique lifestyle and product preferences, Gugu Guru then delivers the products best suited to her through a patent-pending proprietary algorithm. The registry experience also includes expert, unbiased overviews along the way to give mom a helping hand as she builds her registry.

“Moms-to-be are extremely overwhelmed with the baby registry process and turn to friends, family, 3rd party reviews and blogs for what winds up being mostly biased advice.

Because of this, a new mom often registers for things that are not right for her, creating dissatisfaction and waste in the market,” said Monica Banks, founder of Gugu Guru.

“Similarly mom and baby brands are facing a very crowded market and it becomes very hard to break through the noise to the ‘right’ mom. I developed Gugu Guru to overcome the chaos and create an elevated, stress-free and joyful baby gift registry experience for pregnant moms.”

Moms expecting twins and triplets will also enjoy Gugu Guru’s personalized multiples-specific baby registry the first ever of its kind – developed with the guidance of Natalie Diaz founder of Twiniversity – the largest global resource for parents of multiples.

The Gugu Guru website was built with heavy input from pregnant moms. All of the site’s tailored, limited and definitive product recommendations are organic – wholly based on consumer data as well as guidance from industry experts such as Hollie Schultz of The Baby Gizmo Company, Melissa Schweiger author of the Sephora Book on Beauty and co-author of the Belli Beautiful, April Beach founder of Baby Planner, Inc. and Elina Furman author of over 20 books and publisher of A-List Mom. Product recommendations include leading brands as well as new and emerging brands in the mom and baby space. In the end, every mom, no matter what her style and lifestyle, will be very pleased with her straightforward and personalized Gugu Guru baby registry that allows her to focus on what’s most important – her new baby.

Right now Gugu Guru is having a huge giveaway — Four lucky winners will be selected to win a featured carrier along with some goodies for mom & baby inspired by these super fashionable mom looks. All winners will be announced on Monday May 3 – just in time for Mother’s Day!

Check out http://guguguru.com/.

The post Gugu Guru Makes Registering for Baby A Breeze appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Last week I got a sneek peak of cool things that you’ll be able to find on zulily this fall.

Besides great clothes for kids, you can also get cribs, strollers, toys, and anything you need for baby on zulily.

They also offer a lot of great women’s clothes.

As well as men’s (this is recent!). I love their home section (we bought our bedroom and living room curtains off zulily). But you can also stock up for your holiday entertaining.

zulily just announced curated event with Instagram sensation, Mini Style Hacker (@ministylehacker), featuring stylish trends for tots this fall and winter.

Mini Style Hacker has gained a huge following for showcasing smart looks for less. The duo at Mini Style Hacker, Ryker Wixom and his mom, Collette Wixom, have teamed up with zulily to curate deals on the top trends this season. The event will start on zulily on October 16^th and run through Oct. 19^th.

zulily and Mini Style Hacker’s  top trends for fall and winter include:

·      Color, Color, and More Color: The leaves may be losing color, but color is definitely staying in kids’ clothing! A little bit of POC (pop of color) jazzes up any outfit as kids layer up this season. Depending on how bold you want the look, you can add a dash with colored socks or belts or make a more daring statement with colored chinos.

·      Slim Fits: The slim cuts from the runways are now available in kids’ sizes. You’ll find these flattering looks in slim fit button downs and skinny jeans. Stay warm with fitted outerwear including slim-fitting blazers, trench coats, and moto jackets.

·      “Fast Track” Trend:  For the especially styled child, try the “Fast Track” look, which blends the urban look with athletic inspiration. Pieces from this look range from varsity jackets layered over sweatshirts and sweatpants in dark colors. Experiment with jogger pants, which combine the best of both comfort and fashion.

·      Rocker Cool: Kids are channeling their inner Joe Strummer and Joan Jett with rocker cool clothing such as graphic band and instrument tees. Distressed military boots and high tops complete the look for your little rock ‘n roller.

·      Classic Comfort: You can’t go wrong with perennial favorites such as crew neck cable knit sweaters and comfy long sleeves. The traditional looks are both comfortable and chic. Half boot half oxford, chukka boots have emerged as a new classic shoe for any occasion.

·      Tribal Prints: The intricate and colorful patterns of tribal prints continue to be popular as the weather turns cold. Incorporate the print subtly through bracelets, patterned panel hats or a tribal print t-shirt.

Shop the sale here: http://zuli.ly/1p6lgi3. If you aren’t a member of Zulily, use my referral link to sign up: http://www.zulily.com/invite/nhorn329/.

Thank to zulily for inviting me to their preview. I received a gift bag. 

The post Shop zulily for Amazing Finds appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Their cute birth announcement:

Melisa explains, “After 6.5 years of blogging as ProjectNursery.com, Pam and I set out to curate a simple and stunning product offering for our audience based on the design trends we see daily from our very own reader’s room and party designs.”

The post Project Nursery, the Ultimate Children’s Design Resource, Launches Online Shop appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

If you’re over 35 and pregnant, you need a different kind of prenatal vitamin. Recently I learned about Embrace Prenatal 35+ by Rainbow Light, the only multivitamin formulated specifically for women age 35+ who are trying to conceive, pregnant or nursing. Embrace provides optimal potencies of nutrients that are critical to baby’s healthy development, and 35+ mom’s unique nutritional needs, with vitamins, minerals, superfoods and botanicals that nourish and protect mom and baby, help relieve discomfort and energize mom naturally throughout the day. Plant-source enzymes and live probiotics ease digestion, and non-constipating iron is gentle on the stomach. Rainbow Light Embrace Prenatal 35+ has no gluten, wheat, milk/dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, fish or shellfish. It is easy to swallow, vegetarian, sugar-free, 100% natural and contains no artificial additives.

The Only Prenatal Multivitamin Specially Formulated for 35+ Women!

For my last two pregnancies, I was over 35 and it would have been great to know about this. Embrace contains targeted, essential nutrients in optimal potencies that nourish and protect 35+ mom and baby throughout conception, pregnancy, and nursing, including 800 mcg of Folic Acid, critical for preventing birth defects, to promote healthy new cells and baby’s brain, skull and spinal development.* Mineral-rich, algae-sourced calcium, lutein, choline, and vitamins D3 and K, help to form baby’s healthy brain, eyes, nerves, bones and teeth.* A Circulatory Bioflavonoid Blend, plus vitamins K1 and K2, zinc and non-constipating iron build blood cells, enhance circulation and strengthen connective tissue*. Greens and superfoods, B-complex and C vitamins, and chromium promote mom’s healthy blood sugar and natural energy.*

Food-Based, Easy-to-Digest Formula

Embrace contains Energizing Greens and foods blend of organic spirulina (one of nature’s most complete foods with 9 essential amino acids that the human body can’t produce on its own), organic kale and collard greens, and superfruit concentrates, provides added nutrition and natural energy, and aids absorption and digestion of co-nutrients. Soothing Botanical Blend of chamomile, lavender, and ginger, plus magnesium help ease nausea, muscle aches, and tension, while Gentle Digestive Complex, containing plant-sourced enzymes and 100 million live probiotics (healthy bacteria), aids digestion.

Vegetarian, Free of Most Common Allergens, Sugar-free & 100% Natural

Embrace Prenatal 35+ is free of gluten, wheat, milk/dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish. It is vegetarian, sugar-free, 100% natural and contains no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or additives. While I was not lactose intolerant during my pregnancies (I am now), I did have gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy in 2010 and Embrace would have definitely worked well for me.

Your Purchase Also Does Good

Rainbow Light® donates a percentage of their sales of prenatal and children’s vitamins to Vitamin Angels, an organization working to reduce child mortality by providing essential nutrients to at-risk mothers and children worldwide. Every purchase of this product counts toward our donation.

Take With or Between Meals

For comprehensive daily nutrition and protection while trying to conceive, pregnant or nursing, take 3 capsules throughout the day, with or between meals. The capsules are small — even I would have been able to take them when I was pregnant (I hate big pills).

100% Post-Consumer Recycled, 100% Recyclable Eco·Guard® Packaging

Packaged in 100% recycled, 100% recyclable BPA-free Eco·Guard® packaging with a 92% lower carbon footprint than virgin plastic.

Featured Ingredients

3 easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules a day provide:

• Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, superfoods and botanicals that nourish, protect, promote increased energy, and help ease nausea and discomfort*
• 800 mcg of Folic Acid, critical for preventing birth defects, to promote healthy new cells and baby’s brain, skull and spinal development*
• 30 mg of non-constipating iron to support metabolism and red blood cell production, plus 800 IU of vitamin D3 for healthy bones and teeth*
• 120 mg of vitamin C and 300 mcg of chromium to promote healthy blood sugar levels*
• 125 mg of bioflavonoids, 15 mg of zinc, 80 mcg of vitamin K1, 45 mcg of vitamin K2, plus vitamin C to enhance circulation and strengthen connective tissue*
• 91 mg of botanical concentrates (equivalent to 706 mg of powder) and 100 mg of magnesium to ease the daily discomforts of pregnancy, plus  high potency vitamin B-complex and superfood concentrates  for natural energy, and stress and immune support*
• Plant-source enzymes plus 100 million probiotics to enhance digestion without stomach upset
• Vegetarian. Wheat-free, gluten-free, milk/dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free and egg-free. Contains no sugar, fish or shellfish, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or other additives.

Find Rainbow Light Embrace Prenatal 35+ at Amazon, as well as other vitamins by Rainbow Light. 

Thank you to Rainbow Light for providing a sample vitamin package. I was not compensated for this post. There are affiliate links in this post – we get a tiny percentage if you buy from this post. 

The post Pregnant and Over 35? Have We Got A Prenatal Vitamin for You! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Besides dealing with the weight gain and subsequent stretch marks during pregnancy, us moms-to-be also have to continue to care for our face and other parts of our body during this hormonal time! This week I had the pleasure of reviewing three skin-care products from Beaute de Maman (natural, herbal and hypoallergenic products): Facial Scrub, Face & Body Cream and Nipple Gel.

Beaute de Maman Facial Scrub

I tried the Facial Scrub first. It is a light liquid with tiny little beads in it for exfoliating. I applied it to my face, neck and chest and rubbed it around for 45-60 seconds. It wasn’t rough but still felt like it was exfoliating, so I liked that. I also have pretty sensitive skin and this didn’t leave any redness. After using, my face and skin definitely felt smoother.

Beaute de Maman Face & Body Cream

After I exfoliated using the Facial Scrub, I moisturized using the Face & Body Cream. This is a thick cream that with a somewhat herbal scent… it was nice. I applied this to my face and neck and now hours later my face still feels soft and moisturized. Also, I have very dry skin so staying moisturized for several hours after I apply my face lotion is not easy to do!

Beaute de Maman Nipple Gel

The last product I tried was the Nipple Gel. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one because I have never used a nipple gel before! The gel was very thick and non-greasy, and I needed to use a bit more than I thought in order to spread it all around. Nothing felt different after I applied it, but I could tell that it would help repair my skin had my nipples been dry or cracked due to nursing.

Note: The Nipple Gel is 100% Lanolin-free.

All Beaute de Maman products were developed by and Obsterician/Gynecologist and are natural, herbal and hypoallergenic. They are available online at www.BeauteDeMaman.com.

Thank you to Beaute de Mamen for sending me their of their products for review. No compensation was received.

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Maternity Contributing Writer Valerie Umans also writes the blog ValsBakedGoods.com where she posts recipes, DIY projects and other things! A native San Diegan, she now lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and is expecting her first baby this Fall.

The post Maternity Skin-Care by Beaute de Maman appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

One down-side of pregnancy is the stretch marks. I’ve been trying really hard throughout my pregnancy to stay moisturized, and was just given two new lotions to try made by the maternity skin-care experts at Mustela: Specific Support Bust and Stretch Marks Double Action.

Mustela Specific Support Bust

The Specific Support Bust lotion smells really good. It’s hard to describe, but is pretty crisp and refreshing. It goes on thin and smooth and dries in just a minute or two, which is a plus. It is a little bit oily, but because it dries so fast — that aspect doesn’t bother me.

Note: This lotion is hypoallergenic and safe to use during breastfeeding.

Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action

The Stretch Marks Double Action lotion, which I’ve been using on my stomach, feels so good on my skin. It is thicker than the Specific Support Bust lotion and not the least bit oily. In my opinion, one of the worst things about putting lotion on is waiting for it to dry before putting your clothes on. With this lotion, it dries almost immediately which means I can put my clothes on right away. I love it!

Note: This lotion is safe to use during breastfeeding, and Mustela claims that “96% of expectant mothers who used Stretch Marks Double Action did not develop stretch marks.”

Mustela products are available at ULTA, Sephora.com, Nordstrom.com, Buy Buy Baby, Babies “R” Us, Drustore.com, Dermstore.com, and Destination Maternity. For more information on Mustela products and to find other retailers please visit www.MustelaUSA.com.

Thank you to Mustela for sending two of their products for review. No compensation was received.

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Maternity Contributing Writer Valerie Umans also writes the blog ValsBakedGoods.com where she posts recipes, DIY projects and other things! A native San Diegan, she now lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and is expecting her first baby this Fall.

The post Maternity Ahhh: Mustela Skin Care appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

“Maternity” + “Fashion” aren’t two words one usually puts together. At the Destination Maternity Holiday Preview, however, the two were a perfect pair. Designers have proven that maternity clothes can be fashionable, while still maintaining the necessary comfort and function that us pregnant women need.

Destination Maternity (also Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod) has a beautiful line of clothes coming out this holiday season. At this preview, I saw collections from A Pea in the Pod, Jessica Simpson and Destination Maternity:

The Jessica Simpson collection focused a lot on body conscious pieces, such as dresses with a flattering silhouette (specifically requested by Jessica Simpson herself!).

The Destination Maternity collection had Alice in Wonderland and Velveteen Rabbit themes, as well as some cute baby clothes and graphic tee’s.

A Pea in the Pod collection boasted lots of different textures and some glamorous pieces perfect for the holiday season.

From dresses to jeans to tee’s, it was all there. One underlying trend I saw in all of the collections was mixing different textures and fabrics, like leather and lace or lace with soft cotton. It creates some drama and interest in what could otherwise be considered a plain top or dress. So this season, let’s mix it up a bit!

Thank you to Destination Maternity for showing me their new line. A swag bag was received.

The post We’ve Got the Scoop on What’s New for Destination Maternity appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

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By Valerie Umans, Contributing Writer

Being about 20 weeks pregnant now, I’m finding it a bit difficult to look good and feel good in what I’m wearing, especially when I’m exercising. I had the pleasure of trying two new exercise tops from FitBump this week.

The first top I tried was called Thalia:

Front of shirt

Back of shirt

I liked that it had a snug fit with light and breathable fabric. I think the orange color is great for a little splash, too. What I liked best about this top though was the ruching in the stomach area. It really rounded out my bump in a cute way, since right now I’m still in a sort of awkward belly bump phase. It also has stretch and room for my bump to grow into, which is nice for long-term use. The only con with this shirt is that during my prenatal yoga class the top kept riding up in front and back, which was annoying. However, for walking it was fine.

The second top I tried was called Pandora:

Front of shirt

Back of shirt, zipper up the middle

The maternity detail on this top is amazing. The front of the top has the ruching in the stomach area to allow for future growth, like the top above, but the back is where it’s really special. It has a zipper going up the back that you can unzip to let out more fabric so that you have even more room for when your bump is really big. I think that will be really helpful later in my pregnancy. The fabric on this top is similar to a swimsuit, stretchy and smooth. It wore great during my prenatal yoga class, because it was longer like a tunic – so no need to worry about it riding up!

Visit the FitBump website to learn more about their products and community.

Thank you to FitBump for sending two of their products for review. No compensation was received.

The post Enjoying a Healthy, Active Pregnancy? You Need FitBump Maternity Exercise Tops! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

We had a wonderful time at the Brooklyn Baby Expo recently. Presented by A Child Grows, this Expo was jam packed with some of our favorite companies (Britax, Joovy, Stokke) and some new companies we’re digging (FitBump, Yellow Sneaker Productions).

Check out our video:

(Read More after the jump)

FitBump –  http://www.fitbump360.com.

Yellow Sneaker Productions –  http://www.yellowsneakerproductions.com.

Joovy – http://www.joovy.com.

Britax – http://www.britax.com.

Stokke – http://www.stokke.com.

A Child Grows – http://www.achildgrows.com.

What company would you want to see more from?

Thank you to to A Child Grows for inviting me to their Expo. No compensation was received.

The post Recap: Brooklyn Baby Expo, Presented by A Child Grows [VIDEO] appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

We love it when celebrities and companies do good. Jenna Dewan-Tatum, actress and expectant mother, has partnered with nursing apparel manufacturer Bravado! Designs to donate nursing bras to help support the critical work of Baby Buggy®, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families in need across the country with essential equipment, products, clothing, and educational services for their infants and children ages 0-12. Founded in 2001 by Jessica Seinfeld, Baby Buggy works with a network of more than 50 community based organizations to distribute new and gently used essentials: from cribs to strollers to clothing and bottles, all of which are vetted for safety. Personally, this is the charity I donate gear to and highly recommend.

Dewan-Tatum’s generous donation of Bravado! Designs nursing bras speaks to the essential role of a strong support system in assuring that new moms and babies thrive. Baby Buggy is dedicated to helping new mothers and their babies by providing the essential tools and resources necessary to make breastfeeding possible. Baby Buggy’s programs provide specific curricula designed for mothers and fathers, as well as a clear focus on community and peer involvement as a means of empowering women, children, and families.

“I am so grateful to Bravado! Designs and Baby Buggy for partnering with me to donate nursing bras through the Nurse Family Partnership,” said Dewan-Tatum. “I am lucky to have the essential gear, not to mention the support of my husband, family and friends as I begin my motherhood and breastfeeding journey, I realize not all new moms are as fortunate. Without proper resources, tools and the support of a strong community, breastfeeding and the whole of parenting an infant can seem impossible to many women. It is a privilege to make this donation and help new mothers on their way.”

“Bravado! Designs is thrilled to work with Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Baby Buggy to provide nursing essentials to mothers and babies in need across the U.S.” said Kathryn From, Bravado Designs Managing Director. “For more than 20 years, Bravado has played a meaningful role in the lives of new mothers. We are well aware of the powerful role Baby Buggy plays in the lives of young families and mothers in particular. This partnership with Jenna is an example of Bravado’s deep commitment to serving all women, helping to build their confidence as they embrace motherhood and nursing.”

“Baby Buggy is extremely thankful to Jenna and Bravado! Designs for this generous donation,” Seinfeld said. “The bras will help provide the mothers we serve with a comfortable nursing experience.”

To learn more about this donation and products offered by Bravado! Designs, please visit www.bravadodesigns.com.

I was not compensated for this post.

The post Jenna Dewan-Tatum Partners with Bravado! Designs to Benefit Baby Buggy appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Although the weather is so much warmer and it feels like Spring on most days, my seven-month-old baby still has some dry, rough skin from eczema. His legs and especially his back can get so rough that they feel a little like sandpaper. I was worried that he might be uncomfortable or itchy but ever since I tried Baby Balm from Noodle & Boo, my son’s eczema is no longer an issue. On top of that, I discovered a brand that carries of plethora of items that are perfect for moms and can possibly be given as gifts for a certain someone on a certain national holiday that’s coming up in May (ahem!) (Read more after the jump)

I recently received the Baby Balm from Noodle & Boo ($16) for review and after one application (the next morning) my baby’s skin was completely soft and smooth. Babies’ skin does heal quickly so I’m not surprised that it happened so fast. What I am surprised at is that I’ve used other all-natural lotions which made my son’s skin soft but didn’t get rid of all the rough patches. The Baby Balm did! It also helped with my 6-year-old’s rough patches on her back (although it took 3-4 days to get a perfectly smooth skin) so I think this is great for treating kids’ and adults’ eczema as well. Although the cream is thick is absorbs into the skin relatively quickly. It contains sunflower seed oil, which is a moisturizer as well as calendula, which provides relief to irritated skin. I also love the jasmine-like scent – it’s strong and stays on the skin so whenever I pick up my baby I like to sniff him a little…yummy!

Noodle & Boo, an award-winning brand for luxury maternity and babies skin care, also has some amazing products for moms and moms-to-be. Check out their Pregnancy & Newborn gift set (pictured above) which includes shampoo and lotion for baby, stretch mark cream, body lotion and hand & foot cream, along with other items. ($95)

You can purchase the above items and many more at Noodle & Boo.

I was not compensated for this post. I received a sample.

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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been l been living in New York City for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 6, 4 and a baby) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.

The post Noodle & Boo: Luxurious Skin Care Products for Mom & Baby appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

by Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman

Spring is in full swing and I have officially run out of excuses; I need to start exercising. My body hasn’t changed much since the birth of my son, 7 months ago. In other words, I have a lot of weight to lose. For Two Fitness is a company that makes adorable maternity fitness clothing but since I only look like I’m pregnant, their clothes fit me perfectly. The clothes are made in the USA and are worn by professional athletes and celebrities such as Josie Maran. (Read more after the jump)

The Signature Racerback Tanktop ($47.99) is a beautiful tank top that comes in 8 colors. I got a chance to sample it and loved how soft the material was. The side-ruching made it snug and slimming and it was super-comfortable. There’s no excuse not to exercise with such a pretty tank top!

Visit For Two Fitness to see more apparel and to purchase online.

I was not compensated for this post. I received a sample from  Celebrity Baby Trend Expert, Rachel Florio-Urso.

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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been l been living in New York City for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 6, 4 and a baby) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.

The post For Two Fitness: Cute Fitness Clothes for Maternity and Beyond appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Growing a baby inside your body and giving birth, whether naturally, with meds or via a c-section is one of life’s few incredible experiences that are exclusive to women. That is why we like to be as prepared as possible for the birth and the hospital stay – so that we can ensure the best possible outcome. At almost seven months pregnant I am starting to look up lists for what to pack to the hospital and I already know what’s the first thing I’ll put in that bag: a Birthingown.

What’s a Birhingown, you ask? Good question. I also did not know until I was sent one for review by Cindy Lintel. A labor & delivery nurse with 26 years of experience under her belt, Cindy created the Birthingown through the eyes of a nurse, to meet the medical needs of birth, but designed it with women in mind, to meet their feminine and comfort needs.

The result turned into a mega-hit! Not only are women using the Birthingown for natural delivery, they’re also using it for hospital stay, as an at-home loungewear that allows for easier nursing, even as hospital gowns for post women-related surgeries. The style of the Birthingown is sexy and flattering and the color palette looks great on any skin tone. The velcro at the shoulders allows for easy nursing and IV’s. The Birthingown itself looks like a dress but it’s actually a warp that ties around with a sash. When I tried mine on (I sampled the Midnight Blue) even my husband commented that it flattered my figure! Made in the USA and machine washable, the Birthingown comes in 11 different color schemes. It is very soft and luxurious and can make a fantastic baby shower or post-op gift.

The Birthingown retails for $63.95. Purchase on my website.

Gone are the days when us women have to be subjected to unsightly, uncomfortable gowns in the hospital. With the Birthingown we can choose what’s best for us!

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a sample for review purposes.

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Contributing Blogger Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Healthy Bites and also writes for Savvy Sassy Moms. She has been living in New York City for eleven years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but writing about nutrition and helping families eat better is her true passion. She grew up in both California and Israel, which explains her love for California cuisine (fresh, local ingredients), as well as Mediterranean food (flavorful, heart-healthy ingredients). Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to two kids (ages 5 & 3) and works hard to ensure they eat healthy, unprocessed food, while trying to make it as delicious as possible. Married to a vegetarian and being a pescetarian herself, this can be quite a challenge. On an ordinary night at her dinner table, you can hear things like “More cauliflower, please!”, “How come I didn’t get a lot of tomato?” and “Fish oil! Yaaaay!”

The post Birthingown In the Delivery Room: Have it Your Way! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

by Contributing Blogger Maytal Wichman

There are literally dozens and dozens of stretch mark creams on the market and since most of us will be pregnant a couple of times at most, we don’t need to try them all – just one. We might as well go straight to the best and if it happens to be affordable, well, that certainly doesn’t hurt. Basq Skin Care line has a wonderful collection of luxurious and terrific-smelling all-natural creams that are to-die-for, and at prices that fit any pocket.

The Advanced Stretch Mark Butter is a rich cream with a scent that is unbelievable: very natural, like body wash or soap, so you walk around with a “just got out of the shower smell”. It absorbs immediately, even on moist skin. I also discovered a hidden benefit: if you put the cream on dry, cracked hands it will heal them within a couple of days. I had a bad cut from overly dry skin on one of my hands and this worked better than Vaseline and other types of hand creams. Some of the ingredients in the Advanced Stretch Mark Butter are shea butter, borage seed oil, rose hip oil and Jojoba butter.

As a complement to the Advanced Stretch Mark Butter, the Resilient Body Oil Trio Set is another fantastic product that can also be used on its own. The oils come in three scents: CALM (lavender pear), REVIVE (grapefruit citrus) and FRESH (eucalyptus). The lavender is my favorite scent and I love using it at night – I swear it helps me sleep more soundly. The citrus is also excellent and while the eucalyptus is my least favorite of the scents, it really does make me feel invigorated – there’s just something about it that is so revitalizing, that makes me feel like I have a burst of energy, so I like using it during my 4 pm afternoon slump. I use the body oils on my belly, as well as décolletage, neck and arms. The oils absorb immediately on dry skin, but take about 5 minutes to absorb if you just got out of the shower (I timed it). Some of the ingredients are: sesame seed oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil and vitamin E.

The great thing about these products is that even though they are so affordable, they can also last you through your pregnancy and beyond because you don’t have to slather your body with them – a little goes a long way. All products have been tested for zero skin allergy and irritancy, are Paraben and Phthalate free and have not been tested on animals. They make great Baby Shower gifts for any mom-to-be who wants to pamper herself (and who doesn’t?!)

You can purchase the Advanced Stretch Mark Butter here. Price is $35. You can purchase the Resilient Body Oil Trio Set here. Price is $40.

I was not paid for this post. I did receive samples for review.

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Contributing Blogger Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Healthy Bites and also writes for Savvy Sassy Moms. Maytal has been living in New York City for eleven years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but writing about nutrition and helping families eat better is her true passion. She grew up in both California and Israel, which explains her love for California cuisine (fresh, local ingredients), as well as Mediterranean food (flavorful, heart-healthy ingredients). Maytal is a mom to two kids (ages 5 & 3) and works hard to ensure they eat healthy, unprocessed food, while trying to make it as delicious as possible. Married to a vegetarian and being a pescetarian herself, this can be quite a challenge. On an ordinary night at her dinner table, you can hear things like “More cauliflower, please!”, “How come I didn’t get a lot of tomato?” and “Fish oil! Yaaaay!”.

The post Basq Belly Creams & Body Oils: Pamper Yourself with Affordable Luxury appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Not all of us have the body of a supermodel; when we’re pregnant, some of us – in fact, most of us – end up gaining weight in other places than just our belly. Does this mean we are doomed to wear frumpy “pregnant lady” jeans throughout our pregnancy? Not at all! 7 For All Mankind has the perfect jeans that don’t look like maternity jeans at all, yet are comfortable. And they magically (I swear I have no idea how they do it!) adapt to your body.

I recently received a sample of the Bootcut Maternity in New York Dark. At 4 months pregnant with my third, I am definitely starting to show so I tried them on. The jeans immediately adapted to my body type and felt snug, but not tight. The material is thick, yet is also incredibly soft to the touch. They are comfortable enough for lounging, but gorgeous enough for date night, plus I love how the fabric just pulls everything into a nice little compact package (and by “everything” I mean all that jiggles). The jeans are a good investment – they can be worn well after you have the baby, since the stretchable part is only a small part on top. Plus the fabric, as mentioned before, is thick and won’t rip easily, so they will last for years.

I also received some samples for my 5-year-old daughter that looked too adorable on her! She tried on the Roxanne in white, denim shorts and the Skinny Crop & Roll in blue. All three pairs have adjustable waist so she can get a lot of mileage out of them. The shorts are perfect for spring and summer and the blue and white pairs are perfect for spring and fall. The “no white before Memorial Day” rule is going to be broken this year, I’m afraid. These are just too stunning to leave in the closet.

You can purchase all the jeans in stores and online. The Bootcut Maternity jeans are $240.

Even though this is my third pregnancy and I’m older and more tired, wearing a pair of “Sevens” is making this pregnancy more exciting for me! It’s true – when you look good, you feel good! Now if only these jeans came with a built-in babysitter…

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive jeans for review purposes.

Guest Blogger Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Healthy Bites and also writes for Savvy Sassy Moms. Maytal has been living in New York City for eleven years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but writing about nutrition and helping families eat better is her true passion. She grew up in both California and Israel, which explains her love for California cuisine (fresh, local ingredients), as well as Mediterranean food (flavorful, heart-healthy ingredients). Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to two kids (ages 5 & 3) and works hard to ensure they eat healthy, unprocessed food, while trying to make it as delicious as possible. Married to a vegetarian and being a pescetarian herself, this can be quite a challenge. On an ordinary night at her dinner table, you can hear things like “More cauliflower, please!”, “How come I didn’t get a lot of tomato?” and “Fish oil! Yaaaay!”

The post 7 For All Mankind – Jeans for Maternity and Beyond! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.