Real Mom Reviews
AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers
There’s no avoiding it. Having a baby means buying diapers. For our second child, we made the eco-friendly and cost-saving choice to switch to cloth diapering—and I have never looked back! I love my AppleCheeks diapers. They offer an awesome fit in two sizes to cover birth to potty training, a rainbow of colors and a wonderful online community. Plus, can we just drool over those adorable ruffles on chubby baby legs?! From $19, www.AppleCheeks.com (or locally at Itsy Bitsy Bums in Brookside)
OBaby App
Most current camera phones are just as nice as point-and-shoot models, so chances are that you take a lot of pictures on your phone, like I do. This app offers the sweetest artwork to add to your photos and makes customizing pregnancy, newborn or monthly baby pictures fun. Babies grow up way too fast, so I try to snap as many photos as I can—even when I am sleep deprived. $4.99, www.OBabyApp.com
Knocked Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy by Erica Ziel
Staying fit while expecting is important, because your overall health can shape your delivery experience and your recovery after birth. This book offers exercises for common pregnancy discomforts, such as round ligament, back, neck, hip and sciatic pain, plus teaches the “Push Prep Method” to help prepare you for labor! I found the postpartum exercises to heal diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscle) particularly helpful! $29.95, www.Knocked-UpFitness.com
Mama Strut
Heads up, moms-to-be: After you give birth, you’re going to need some time to recover. This new postpartum product from PELV-ICE is designed to bring post-birth care into the 21st century. With tummy support and an ice pack holder, it addresses any need a mama might have during recovery. I know I would have been glad to have it after my last birth! $129, www.MamaStrut.com
aden + anais Stretch Mark Reducing Cream
Stretch marks may seem inevitable (they were for me, anyway), but there are proven ways to minimize or even avoid them. This new cream from aden + anais contains no harsh ingredients, is all natural and can be used from the beginning of pregnancy for the best results of keeping stretched skin to a minimum. Plus, it’s made in the USA! $29.95, www.AdenAndAnais.com
The Big Baking Book – The Yellow One by Ella’s Kitchen
When babies broaden their palates from liquids and purees to “real” foods, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to feeding time. This book provides a plethora of ideas for bite-sized baby and toddler snacks and gives lots of ideas to involve little ones in the baking process. My kids love the superhero raisin rolls and the fizzy volcano experiment! $19.99, www.Amazon.com
TWELVElittle Companion Satchel
Every mama deserves a diaper bag that she loves, and this one is my latest favorite. Babies need lots of gear on the go, and this satchel is perfect for a weekend trip or just a day at the park. There are multiple pockets for maximum organization! TWELVElittle offers a variety of stylish bags made from waterproof materials and genuine leather, so there is a style for everyone. $200, www.Shop.TwelveLittle.com
Julie McKinley is a stay-at-home mom of a 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, so she is always on the lookout for innovative baby products that make life a little easier! In between snuggles and diaper changes, she blogs at www.DirectorJewels.com.