Undercover Mama Sponsor Spotlight & Review

Undercover Mama is one of those super genius products that really does make life with a little one a little easier. Developed by a mom, it is the only nursing shirt that doesn't take away from style. I personally never bought any nursing shirts because I felt like the were all so ugly & just weren't me. I only wish I would have found Undercover Mama 18 months ago; because, you can wear this little tank under any shirt that you already own. Since the layered look has been in for quite some time, nobody would be able to tell that you we wearing a nursing shirt.

The Undercover Mama Tank is a strapless tank top that has the ability to attach to any bra.  It comes in several colors & there is even a lace trim line. Also, its super affordable. It also has the ability to be worn past nursing as a layered tank look since it is so undercover!

*G-E-N-I-U-S*

We love Undercover Mama because it is an amazing, innovative design & because they are a company that is focused on giving back too. They work with World Vision Micro to help out other Mama's around the world. 

World Vision Micro is an AMAZING company that offers micro loans to women around the world who have dreams and goals to be entrepreneurs and support their families. I have heard a lot about them; and, actually thanks to Undercover Mama, I remembered this company. I have been praying for more ways to give back through Booty Buns Cloth Diapers & I have found it! We made our first donation to World Vision Micro today & can't wait to be able to donate more next month! Click here to join our WVM group!!

Allie's Review:

 As a doula (http://birthofthefamily.blogspot.com) and mother of two, I've done the nursing thing.  It's wonderful and crazy all at once.  But no matter your opinion of it, it is the absolute best thing you can do for your baby.  No ifs, ands, or buts.

Lucky for me, I've been able to review a few different products to help with this wonderful/nutty time of life, and I have found my personal favorite:  THE UNDERCOVER MAMA TANK.  


 I love this!!  

It was right up my alley.  I knew going into newborns and nursing that I wasn't about to buy an entire new wardrobe of shirts that would make me more accessible, and had accepted the fact that it would just be a little awkward at times and that was fine.  It was worth it to me.  But this little tank solved on of my biggest problems:  keeping my beautiful stretch-marked midsection out of sight.

This tank top goes under any shirt and clips onto your bra.  There are a couple of different clasps, so you might need to take a minute to figure out which one will work best with the bra you've got on.  I preferred the hook and just slid it through the fabric right above my bra clasp.  It worked like a charm. 

I flew back to my parents for a visit with the kiddos, and nursed my baby at the airport and on the plane with this thing.  It was easy to do and undo, and kept me discreet and comfortable for optimum nursing-on-the-go. Plus I didn't have to feel that cold metal chair on my back while nursing.

I am definitely going to be purchasing a few of these!!

Look at how simple it is to use Undercover Mama with any bra:

You can buy your own Undercover Mama Tanks here.

Undercover Mama is donating a $25 gift certificate to the Summer Lovin' grand prize! You can get a head start on entries by liking Undercover Mama on Facebook & Following them on Twitter. Also, please leave a comment below stating which color tank you would chose if you are chosen as the winner.

***The Summer Lovin' grand prize will be open to US & Canada residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** Thank you Undercover Mama for providing a Universal Nursing Tank to us for review! All reviews and discussions presented by me are to be interpreted as my opinion as I was not compensated for this post. You should always follow the directions, instructions, and guidance provided by the maker or producer of any product or service reviewed or discussed by me, and you assume the full risk inherent in the use of any such product or service. BBCD disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding any product other than BBCD, service, website and/or other topics reviewed or discussed by BBCD, and further disclaims any liability related to the use of thereof.

Double Blessings Nursing Pillow by San Diego Bebe Spotlight & Review

  

We were sent a Double blessings nursing pillow for review from our friends over at San Diego Bebe.  When it arrived at my house I was *AMAZED* at all the stuff that was included in the design of this pillow. First, it is covered in a super soft minky fabric! I love the thought of the baby resting on something soft while nursing; since, anyone who has ever nursed knows that in the first few months the baby is nursing practically round-the-clock. It also comes with a nifty little pillow for lumbar support & a strap to buckle the pillow to you - no more dealing with a nursing pillow that doesn't stay attached to you! My favorite part about the pillow is that it has a built in nursing cover; so, if you've got company, you can take your pillow with you & nurse in comfort & privacy.

I gave this pillow to my friend Allie from Birth Of The Family for use & review since I am not nursing & couldn't judge the actual use of it. Allie is a full time mommy of 2.  She is nursing her four month old in between moments of chasing after her super hero 2 year old. She also works as a doula who strives to help you in your birth experience in what ever way she can. If you would like to talk to her about her work as a doula; or, if you have questions about pregnancy, labor & delivery, breastfeeding or any other baby/mommy questions, you can get in touch with her through her Facebook page.

Breastfeeding is quite the transition for most women today.  It takes some getting used to, and getting a good start is vital.  I have been able to use a product that I think will do wonders in helping to keep you and your new baby comfortable as you explore and learn and figure out the process together.  It's called the "San Diego Bebe Eco-Friendly Nursing Pillow", and it's basically the Rolls Royce of all nursing pillows.

It is, in essence, a complete nursing station.  It has pockets for phones or keys, pockets for snacks, and holders for water bottles.  It has a pillow for lumbar support and a cover that goes around your neck to keep things kosher without smothering anybody. 

Newborns are especially time consuming to nurse. They generally take at least thirty minutes, but more commonly about an hour for each feeding.  They are awkward to hold in your arms; especially for that long.  This soft pillow for them to lie on is ideal; they can easily reach your breasts while you have both arms free to snuggle them and tickle their faces ... or catch your two year old as he attempts to dive-bomb you, or answer a phone call.

And if you have multiples?  This nursing pillow becomes a necessity. There is plenty of room to get two nursing at the same time, giving all three of you a much needed quiet bonding moment, and making you feel like you might just be getting a handle on things. They even make one that is specifically designed just for twins!

This nursing pillow is a great investment for all beginners and should help you get the positive start you need to nurse your baby throughout that vital first year and beyond, if you'd like.

You can buy your own Double Blessing Nursing Pillow & other twins gear here.

Or you can win one through our Summer Lovin' Event. You can get early entries in by liking San Diego Bebe on Facebook, following San Diego Bebe on Twitter & leaving a comment below telling me which color you would chose if you win. They are giving away 1 single nursing pillow.

***The Summer Lovin' grand prize will be open to US & Canada residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway








*** Thank you San Diego Bebe for providing the Double Blessings Nursing Pillow to us for review! All reviews and discussions presented by me are to be interpreted as my opinion as I was not compensated for this post. You should always follow the directions, instructions, and guidance provided by the maker or producer of any product or service reviewed or discussed by me, and you assume the full risk inherent in the use of any such product or service. BBCD disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding any product other than BBCD, service, website and/or other topics reviewed or discussed by BBCD, and further disclaims any liability related to the use of thereof.

Boob Toob Sponsor Spotlight & Review

BooB*TooB

I found Boob Toob on Etsy while searching for nursing covers for the grand prize. I was an instant fan!! Nicole is a genius; because, she has found a unique way to fix the toughest part about public nursing - keeping you covered all around while your little gymnast nurses. She created a cover that actually keeps you covered! The Boob Toob is the world's first and only cover that has your back & sides covered - literally!  It comes in several great prints (so hard to choose!) & ships super fast. 

Since my youngest started using me for her teething toy, I counted down the days until she turned 1 & weaned her to be done on that magical day. I have days where I miss the bonding with her in that way, then she bites me some where else & I remember why I stopped. ;) I gave the Boob Toob to  my lovely friend Allie to review for me. In fact, I gave all of the nursing products in the grand prize to Allie to review! She has a blog dedicated to her family & her life as a doula. Be sure to check it out after you read her review!

Being a mother to a two year old and four month old, working as a doula, and having a great new friend with a fantastic cloth diaper business, I was given the opportunity to review a new baby product.  I suppose I've got a little experience with these things.  My two beautiful babies have rocked my world and changed me forever, and it has been an adventure figuring out the best ways for me to raise them and keep us all happy -- including myself.  My doula work takes me to all sorts of births to all sorts of couples; I've been blessed to be a birthing companion to new families from many different cultures.  I've been documenting my experiences and collected wisdom here: http://birthofthefamily.blogspot.com.  Turns out, we're all quite different; some of my favorite baby tricks may not quite be their cup of tea.  However no matter the background, I have yet to find a mother who does not want to keep the ladies covered while sustaining her little one.

Breastfeeding is one of the absolute most important things a mother can do for her baby.  So many don't because they find it "inconvenient".  I've heard all sorts of reasons why people stop, but I've just been given a product to help with the most common frustration: nursing in public. 

You know the drill; you've finally decided you're ready to get out of that house.  Some friends offer to take you out to eat ... and not cooking sounds divine.  You've fed the baby, she's peacefully sleeping, and your meal goes smoothly.  But you're counting the minutes.  You know that baby is destined to wake up at any moment and of course, want to eat.  You know you'll have to go out to that car, but it's raining and windy ... yuck.  If only you could sit in your discreet little corner and feed that baby without giving anyone the oh-my-word-is-that-a-boob-I-just-saw heebie jeebies.

Well, if you've got this great little nursing cover, then you are set.

The boob toob is by far the most discreet cover I have seen, and I've seen quite a few.  It covers your front.  It covers your back.  It covers your sides.  You could sit on a stool in the middle of a restaurant and nobody would be the wiser.  If you happen to have a shirt on where you can pull yourself out the top, then not one bit of skin will be showing.  If you do need to lift your shirt, then don't worry -- the fabric is adorable and you'll just look like you're rockin' a loose halter top.

The elastic all the way around is genius.  Your baby can wiggle all she wants without pulling anything off of you.  You'll have one arm out to do what you need; and that one arm is a life-saver.  You could finish your food, check your phone, wrangle your two-year-old, or pull the top out a little so you can gaze into your little one's eyes.  And those adorable eyes will have no choice but to look back at you, the task at hand; something invaluable once your baby gets to that 5-6 month stage and gets distracted by everything.

And last but not least ... I'm sure you're looking at this, worrying about your hair.  I had no problems with that.  The wrap is plenty big enough to slip off without doing much damage.  Much less than your baby will to do as soon as you sit her up to burp her.

So, having used this new product for a couple of weeks now, I have nursed in parks, at stores, and at my husband's graduation from chiropractic school.  I did it all without a single side-ways glance from a single bystander.  I felt protected, my baby was cozy, and nursing had never been easier.  In my opinion, the Boob Toob is a great tool to help moms get comfortable with one of the most awkward, yet most vital transitions that comes with motherhood. 

Buy your own Boob Toob here

Get a head start on the grand prize by Liking Boob Toob on Facebook & Etsy. 

Also, you can leave a comment below telling me which print you would chose if you were to win the grand prize.

***The Summer Lovin' grand prize will be open to US & Canada residents only


*** Thank you Boob Toob for providing the Boob Toob Nursing Cover & lil' squirts Nursing Pads to us for review! All reviews and discussions presented by me are to be interpreted as my opinion as I was not compensated for this post. You should always follow the directions, instructions, and guidance provided by the maker or producer of any product or service reviewed or discussed by me, and you assume the full risk inherent in the use of any such product or service. BBCD disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding any product other than BBCD, service, website and/or other topics reviewed or discussed by BBCD, and further disclaims any liability related to the use of thereof.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

lil' squirts Sponsor Spotlight & Review

lil' squirts

If you're anything like me, breastfeeding is messy.  I am a mother of two crazy kids and also work as a doula -- which is a birth companion, if you're unaware.  (And if you'd like to know more about that, I've got a little doula blog with all sorts of information: http://birthofthefamily.blogspot.com)   I've got a little experience with breastfeeding and all that goes with it.

Unfortunately, leakage is something that almost always comes with it.  Some have it only at the beginning, and some have it the whole way through.  With my first, I started buying throw-away nursing pads purely for lack of knowing any better.  But the money began to add up as I realized I was one of those blessed few to experience leakage throughout my entire nursing experience.  And so I did a little searching, and much to my relief, I discovered re-useable nursing pads.

 

And these "lil' squirts" are great.  They are significantly cuter than any I've seen, and you'll be surprised how much happier you'll feel slipping something slightly adorable & comfortable into your bra verses the basic blah you'll find anywhere else. 

These are also massive.  It's really useful in soaking up everything possible, keeping your bras drier, and your shirts less ... spotty.  

Then of course, I couldn't do a real review on these without mentioning this great little tidbit:  they make your boobs bigger.  Who doesn't want that? 

Turns out nursing has more perks for yourself than you'd think.

And these lil' squirts will do a lot to improve your experience. Each one is made from 4 layers of flannel and a layer of soft fleece. They are way more comfortable than the throw-away ones I used the first go 'round.

 

Buy lil' squirts here

$12.99 for a set of 3 pairs 
 

Get a head start on the grand prize by Liking Boob Toob on Facebook & Etsy.


Also, you can get more entries for leaving a comment below telling me what you love most about the lil squirts nursing pads! 

***The Summer Lovin' grand prize will be open to US & Canada residents only

*** Thank you Boob Toob for providing the Boob Toob Nursing Cover & lil' squirts Nursing Pads to us for review! All reviews and discussions presented by me are to be interpreted as my opinion as I was not compensated for this post. You should always follow the directions, instructions, and guidance provided by the maker or producer of any product or service reviewed or discussed by me, and you assume the full risk inherent in the use of any such product or service. BBCD disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding any product other than BBCD, service, website and/or other topics reviewed or discussed by BBCD, and further disclaims any liability related to the use of thereof.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Lovin' Sponsor Spotlight & Review Schedule

Here is the schedule for the Sponsor Spotlights & Reviews for the Summer Lovin' Baby Basics Event:

5/19 Boob Toob & Lil Squirts

5/20 Double Blessings Nursing Pillow
 5/20 Undercover Mama

5/22 Fashion Bums

5/23 Rockin' Green

5/24 Raw Organics

5/25 Peanut Shell Shopping Cart Cover

5/26 Bobee Diaper System

5/27 Jack's Choice Amber Necklace

5/28 Spuds Inc

5/29 Boba Carrier

5/30 Mama's Milk Sling

5/31 Balboa Sling

6/1 The Lovely Yarns, 
Puff N Stuff Crochet, 
Mom's Crochet Corner

6/2 Peaceful Housewife

6/3 Katy's Bow-tique

6/4 Zooper

6/5 BBCD 

Each day you will be given the chance to get a head start on your entries for the grand prize for liking the sponsor on Facebook, following on Twitter and / or favoriting their Etsy shop.

Zooper Stroller Review & Giveaway $400 value!!

I was sent a Bolero stroller by Zooper for the purpose of review for our Summer Lovin' Event & I have fallen head over heals for this stroller!! 'MORE THAN YOU THINK' is their motto; and, I have to tell you, it fits them perfectly! They included so many accessories; more than I thought possible.This stroller is the Mercedes Benz of strollers!! For a complete list and pictures of all the features, please click on the the first link & scroll down the page. I love that Zooper offers bold & bright colors and prints; for too long our choices have been black or gray for stroller choices. Its exciting to see so many fun hues!!

{Image from Zooper.com}

When the box was delivered at my door, the very first thing I noticed was how small the box was in comparison to other stroller boxes I've seen. It was only 12 inches wide on all 4 sides!!!

I expected to have to assemble to whole stroller if the box was this thin; but, I didn't! The only assembly required from me was to attach the wheels. When it is fully collapsed it is barely bigger than an umbrella stroller ~ this has got to be my favorite feature!! Look at how the stroller stands, notice that the wheels tuck in so that it rests on a flat surface & the handle bar collapses:

This stroller comes with some standards like a cup holder, snack/play tray & storage under the seat. But, they didn't stop there with the average add-ons. They went above and beyond and made a stroller that has the ability to be used with any infant car seat & can convert into a bassinet!!  Who would have thought of that? ZOOPER!!

{The canopy can also be used with the bassinet!}

The Bolero's ability to convert to a bassinet also means that the seat can fully recline to a flat position. This is great when your child falls asleep in the stroller; because it has a smooth transition from upright to flat and your child wont have to sleep with their neck all twisted.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you're walking the sun can hit your baby right in the face; and, you wish that the sunshade was bigger so you didn't have to use a blanket to cover that precious face? Well, this stroller has a sunshade that can go all the way to the snack/play tray!!

The canopy also has 2 pockets so you can put you cell phone, camera, wallet, keys or whatever you need to in there. 

You can also remove the back portion of the canopy so you & your child can see each other if the it's fully extended.

The stroller also lets you chose if you want the front wheels to swivel or not. I've kept them on swivel & it has been wonderful! Its super easy to navigate, even while on the phone. I also love the fact that the brakes are controlled by 1 lever instead of 2. 

Want a UV sheild for the stroller? Well, Zooper also includes that standard with the Bolero! They really did think of everything!! It fully attaches to the stroller to protect your child. You can't really see her; but, my toddler is under there - protected from the UV rays!!!

I've been trying to find a stroller that I can compare Zooper to, and I can't! Zooper really is in a class all its own. There are several other strollers in the same price range as Zooper; but, none come close to offering as much bang for your buck as Zooper does! It really shows how much time, thought and innovation went in to designing the Bolero. Zooper has really raised the bar for strollers!

I absolutely love this stroller & wouldn't change a single thing about it. However, I would *LOVE* to see them release a jogging stroller! The one I have right now is so bulky that it won't fit in my trunk; so, I'd love to see what the geniuses over at Zooper can do to fix that problem!!

Now that you are drooling over the Bolero Stroller by Zooper, you can buy it here:

Online Retailers

In Store Retailers 

You can feel good about your purchase from Zooper, not only because do they offer amazing products; but, they also support a number of charities and organizations!

Or you can win it now! Use this Rafflecopter form to enter. 

Zooper is also donating another Bolero to the grand prize for the Summer Lovin' Event; so, you have 2 chances of winning!!

Mother's Day Cloth Diaper Hop

Mother's Day is almost here and we are celebrating with our love for cloth diapers!

Welcome to the Mother's Day Cloth Diaper Giveaway Hop hosted by Daily Mothering! Nearly 100 blogs have linked up to bring you dozens and dozens of exciting cloth diaper giveaways. Enter my giveaway below and then hop to the other blogs listed at the bottom of this post to enter their fluffy giveaways too! Each blog has a cloth diaper prize valued at $15 or more, and many blogs have prize packs worth over $100. And, don't forget to enter the GRAND PRIZE giveaway at Daily Mothering for your chance to win this amazing $1300 Cloth Diaper Prize Pack! 

The lucky winner from our giveaway will win an Original Booty Cloth Diaper in the color of their choosing.
 The giveaway on this blog is open to US residents.
 

***NOTE:  Booty Buns Cloth Diapers & Amy's Craft Bucket EACH are giving away an Original Booty. Please enter both giveaways on each blog & leave comments on both posts. Who knows, you may just win both!!***

COLORS INCLUDE:

 *Pink-A-Booty      *Love Booty        *Pun'kin Booty

*'Nana Booty       *Cutie Booty        *Lucky Booty

*Moon Booty      *Royal Booty      *Snow Booty

*Night Night Booty

For those who found our blog through the linky, 

I'll give you a little bit of background about our company & diapers.

ABOUT BOOTY BUNS CLOTH DIAPERS:

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers is the official cloth diaper sponsor for Operation Showers of Appreciation. We donate cloth diapers to each of the baby showers they throw throughout the year. Our first donation to them was for their Phoenix, AZ that took place on March 31, 2012.  We also donate cloth diapers to babies with debilitating diseases. Many of the families of such children have so many other things to worry about including doctor visits & bills that diapers should be the last thing they should have to worry about. We also have desires to donate cloth diapers to developing countries; because, many babies in these countries are wrapped in old t-shirts because their parents can't afford to diaper them.

At Booty Buns Cloth Diapers, we desire to cover the booties of the world with cloth. For every cloth diaper we sell, we will donate one to a baby in need whether local or around the globe. We are trying to make the world a better place ONE BOOTY AT A TIME™, join us in our efforts!

ABOUT OUR CLOTH DIAPERS: 

Our patent pending design the world's only TRUE one-size cloth diaper that fits from 3-45 pounds; so you only need to buy one set of cloth diapers. The cloth diaper itself consists of a waterproof outer polyurethane laminate layer and a super soft suedecloth inner layer. The Original Booty comes with double gussets and back elastic designed to better contain messes. Each cloth diaper comes with 2 inserts {1 newborn & 1 large size} and a 100% cotton flannel liner to place between your baby and the diaper to make BM clean up easier. It also helps those babies who have a sensitivity to suedecloth. We also include a double sided cloth wipe so you don't have to buy anything on the side.

 Every part of the diaper is 100% machine washable ~ shell, inserts, liner & wipe.

These cloth diapers were designed by a mom who has not only your baby, but your budget in mind. She was frustrated that if she wanted to cloth diaper her baby, she had to buy 2-3 sets to cover all the sizes her baby would be between birth & potty training. She couldn't understand why a cloth diaper was called a 'ONE SIZE CLOTH DIAPER' if not all babies are 8-10 pounds at birth, or 30-35 pounds when potty training. Her family is on tight budget & couldn't justify buying 2-3 sets of cloth diapers, and knew that there are many other families in the same boat.

This is exactly why she designed The Original Booty with the ability to mimic disposable diaper sizing from preemie to potty training pants.

Night Night Booty Sized To Preemie

Royal Booty Sized To Potty Training Pants

 

Being a mom of multiple children with limited time & money, she sought a truly one-size-fits-all & gives all diaper; however, since nobody offers what she wanted and needed, she decided to create it & offer it to other moms & dads who seek to cut the fat in cloth diapering & get everything they need all at once - included with the diapers.

{Here is her daughter (left) & niece}

She worked really hard to create a diaper that addresses the top complaints about cloth diapers, while throwing in some things that she feels are necessary while cloth diapering; and, she is pleased to introduce the world to a whole new generation of cloth diapering! 

Just to review, with each cloth diaper you will receive:

2 inserts {1 newborn & 1 large size}

1 100% cotton flannel liner

1 matching double sided cloth wipe

AND. . .

with each diaper you buy, you are helping make the world a better place

ONE BOOTY AT A TIME™

You can buy the cloth diapers designed with both your baby and your budget in mind here.

Please use this RaffleCopter form to enter our giveaway