<![CDATA[Sticky Bellies, LLC: Latest News]]> http://www.stickybellies.com Fri, 18 May 2012 20:34:08 +0000 <![CDATA[Preparing for a New Sibling]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/preparing-for-a-new-sibling/ Fri, 11 May 2012 16:24:02 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/preparing-for-a-new-sibling/ Imagine if your husband came home to you today and said this...

"Guess what, honey? I have great news that I am so excited to share with you! I'm getting a new wife!  Don't worry, I'll still love you just the same, and we'll still do lots of fun stuff together, but now we'll have someone else to share all that fun with us.  She's not coming for about 9 months, so you'll get to help me get the house all ready for her. You can go shopping with me to buy her gifts and help me get her room ready. Won't that be fun?"

Umm....yeah...I'd be less than thrilled. In fact, he'd be lucky if he even got to finish the second sentence! 

When I was expecting my second, a friend at work shared this little gem with me as I told her about my uncertainty as to how my 2.5 year old daughter would react to having a new baby in the home.  My response to her story? "You've got a point there!"  It's so true! We have only pure elation and joy when we find out we are expecting a child, and we expect our other children to react with that same enthusiasm.  But what this story made me realize is, even if our first child is as excited as we are, s/he can't help but feel a little of that "Hey! What about me?" reaction. It's normal. It's healthy. They might not express the jealousy with words, or even with their actions, but it's somewhere deep inside, and as parents it is our responsibility to prepare for it and address it.

Today I'm sharing with you a few things that helped us as we prepared our daughter for her new baby sister.  Many of these tips are a result of my background in early childhood development and what we know to be true about the emotional and cognitive stages in young children.

 

sibling.jpg

photo credit: Sunbeam Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #1: Use children's books - but think about the message!

Books are a wonderful way to introduce new concepts or teach lessons to your chlid.  BUT - before you head to amazon.com and purchase every book with the words "big brother" or "big sister" in the title, think about the "take away" you are looking for.  As I was shopping for these types of books, I noticed most had a similar theme - Older child doesn't like new baby. Older child does mean things to new baby. Older child says bad things about new baby. Older child learns to love new baby. While this storyline might be helpful for those dealing with an older child that is feeling negatively about his/her sibling, my daughter had not expressed any concerns or negativity. So, I knew I did not want to introduce that idea to her.  In her little 2.5 year old mind, you loved your baby sister and took care of her, so why would I provide her with examples that proved otherwise?  I had to think about what I really wanted her to take away from these stories. What could she learn that would help her through this change in our family? The two books she and I loved most were:

I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole (there is also a big brother version) -

The New Baby by Mercer Mayer

There are MANY, MANY books written about new babies, big brothers, and big sisters. Just be sure to think about why you are using the book and what you want to teach your child as a result of sharing that story with them.

Tip #2: Have siblings exchange a special gift at the hospital.

This was a tip shared with me by a friend who had her second just before I did.  In the weeks leading up to her delivery, she thought about something that her daughter REALLY wanted and couldn't have. (For her, it was a special doll from Pottery Barn Kids that she begged for at the mall.)  My friend purchased the doll and brought it to the hospital.  When "big sister" arrived, the new baby was there waiting with the doll for her!  We did similar with my daughter and she still is still in awe that her little baby sister could know how much she wanted the "Beast" figurine (from Beauty & The Beast).  She repeatedly said, "How did she know I wanted that?"  (Obviously this will only work with younger children who don't realize that a baby can't go shopping in-utero! ;)

Tip #3:  Find some new friends!

Okay, not really... well...sort of...  We were fortunate that three of my daughter's closest friends all welcomed "little sisters" to their familiies in the months leading up to our own new addition.  To my daughter, having a baby sister was "the cool thing to do." (Nothing like toddler peer pressure, right?) All her little friends brought their baby sisters to playdates and parties, and she wanted one, too!  Having these examples helped to make something very abstract a little more concrete. (Read more about the concrete thinking of toddlers here.) When I talked about our new baby, I could use friends' babies as an example.  "When your baby sister comes, you can give her a bottle, just like Ashley gives one to her sister."  If you have any friends who have recently had a baby, it may be helpful to invite them over and let your child see siblings in action!

Tip #4: Plan for big sibling's arrival at the hospital.

If a family member or friend will be bringing your first child to the hospital to see you and meet baby, think about how this is going to happen.  Again, think about that "I'm getting a 2nd wife!" scenario.  This could be a very emotionally overwhelming experience for your chlid to walk into a room and meet his/her little sibling for the first time, especially if s/he's gone a few days without seeing you or dad and is feeling particularly vulnerable. It may be helpful to have your child be the one to get the baby.  Send the baby to the nursery (if available) right before s/he arrives. Then, let your older child be the one to go down (with an adult) and wheel the baby into the room.  This will allow your child to feel like  s/he is in control of the situation, and that this is not something that is being done to him/her, but rather something s/he is a part of.  Seeing mommy holding the new baby could be very overwhelming, so it may also be helpful to have someone else hold the baby while big brother/sister and Mommy get some cuddle time first.   Allowing your older child choices, rather than forcing the situation: "Would you like to see the new baby?" or "Would you like to put this hat on the baby?" etc. will boost his/her confidence in an unfamiliar situation.  Again, this is a great time to share those special gifts. We had my daughter pick out anything she wanted for her new sister in the hospital gift shop. She was so excited to share the gift she had chosen, and it really made her feel like she was a part of the excitement, too! (The book, "The New Baby" (see tip #1) also helped, as it mentions that a new baby will grab and hold your finger, so my daughter was very excited to try this when she met her sister!")

Tip #5: Find special one-on-one time with your first child.

This is important both before the new baby arrives and after. I would recommend a Mommy-Child date and a Daddy-Child date before the birth.  Let your child choose what s/he wants to do and make it a really special outing that they will remember. Let them escape from all the talk of baby stuff for a while and just enjoy each other's company.  The same is true for after the baby arrives. No matter how much your child ADORES his/her new sibling, it's important to give that one-on-one time, too!  (Although, I went out of my way to make sure I could take my daughter to a storytime at the library without the baby last week, and then she cried that she wanted her sister to come! You can't win!)

These five tips are just a small sampling of what worked for us as we transitioned from a family of three to a family of four.  My daughter loves her new baby sister, but I can tell she's also trying to figure out her changed role in our family and how to share attention with another (very needy) human being! So... what's worked for you? Do you have any tips to share with our our readers? Please post below! I'd love to read them!

 

 

]]> Imagine if your husband came home to you today and said this...

"Guess what, honey? I have great news that I am so excited to share with you! I'm getting a new wife!  Don't worry, I'll still love you just the same, and we'll still do lots of fun stuff together, but now we'll have someone else to share all that fun with us.  She's not coming for about 9 months, so you'll get to help me get the house all ready for her. You can go shopping with me to buy her gifts and help me get her room ready. Won't that be fun?"

Umm....yeah...I'd be less than thrilled. In fact, he'd be lucky if he even got to finish the second sentence! 

When I was expecting my second, a friend at work shared this little gem with me as I told her about my uncertainty as to how my 2.5 year old daughter would react to having a new baby in the home.  My response to her story? "You've got a point there!"  It's so true! We have only pure elation and joy when we find out we are expecting a child, and we expect our other children to react with that same enthusiasm.  But what this story made me realize is, even if our first child is as excited as we are, s/he can't help but feel a little of that "Hey! What about me?" reaction. It's normal. It's healthy. They might not express the jealousy with words, or even with their actions, but it's somewhere deep inside, and as parents it is our responsibility to prepare for it and address it.

Today I'm sharing with you a few things that helped us as we prepared our daughter for her new baby sister.  Many of these tips are a result of my background in early childhood development and what we know to be true about the emotional and cognitive stages in young children.

 

sibling.jpg

photo credit: Sunbeam Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #1: Use children's books - but think about the message!

Books are a wonderful way to introduce new concepts or teach lessons to your chlid.  BUT - before you head to amazon.com and purchase every book with the words "big brother" or "big sister" in the title, think about the "take away" you are looking for.  As I was shopping for these types of books, I noticed most had a similar theme - Older child doesn't like new baby. Older child does mean things to new baby. Older child says bad things about new baby. Older child learns to love new baby. While this storyline might be helpful for those dealing with an older child that is feeling negatively about his/her sibling, my daughter had not expressed any concerns or negativity. So, I knew I did not want to introduce that idea to her.  In her little 2.5 year old mind, you loved your baby sister and took care of her, so why would I provide her with examples that proved otherwise?  I had to think about what I really wanted her to take away from these stories. What could she learn that would help her through this change in our family? The two books she and I loved most were:

I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole (there is also a big brother version) -

The New Baby by Mercer Mayer

There are MANY, MANY books written about new babies, big brothers, and big sisters. Just be sure to think about why you are using the book and what you want to teach your child as a result of sharing that story with them.

Tip #2: Have siblings exchange a special gift at the hospital.

This was a tip shared with me by a friend who had her second just before I did.  In the weeks leading up to her delivery, she thought about something that her daughter REALLY wanted and couldn't have. (For her, it was a special doll from Pottery Barn Kids that she begged for at the mall.)  My friend purchased the doll and brought it to the hospital.  When "big sister" arrived, the new baby was there waiting with the doll for her!  We did similar with my daughter and she still is still in awe that her little baby sister could know how much she wanted the "Beast" figurine (from Beauty & The Beast).  She repeatedly said, "How did she know I wanted that?"  (Obviously this will only work with younger children who don't realize that a baby can't go shopping in-utero! ;)

Tip #3:  Find some new friends!

Okay, not really... well...sort of...  We were fortunate that three of my daughter's closest friends all welcomed "little sisters" to their familiies in the months leading up to our own new addition.  To my daughter, having a baby sister was "the cool thing to do." (Nothing like toddler peer pressure, right?) All her little friends brought their baby sisters to playdates and parties, and she wanted one, too!  Having these examples helped to make something very abstract a little more concrete. (Read more about the concrete thinking of toddlers here.) When I talked about our new baby, I could use friends' babies as an example.  "When your baby sister comes, you can give her a bottle, just like Ashley gives one to her sister."  If you have any friends who have recently had a baby, it may be helpful to invite them over and let your child see siblings in action!

Tip #4: Plan for big sibling's arrival at the hospital.

If a family member or friend will be bringing your first child to the hospital to see you and meet baby, think about how this is going to happen.  Again, think about that "I'm getting a 2nd wife!" scenario.  This could be a very emotionally overwhelming experience for your chlid to walk into a room and meet his/her little sibling for the first time, especially if s/he's gone a few days without seeing you or dad and is feeling particularly vulnerable. It may be helpful to have your child be the one to get the baby.  Send the baby to the nursery (if available) right before s/he arrives. Then, let your older child be the one to go down (with an adult) and wheel the baby into the room.  This will allow your child to feel like  s/he is in control of the situation, and that this is not something that is being done to him/her, but rather something s/he is a part of.  Seeing mommy holding the new baby could be very overwhelming, so it may also be helpful to have someone else hold the baby while big brother/sister and Mommy get some cuddle time first.   Allowing your older child choices, rather than forcing the situation: "Would you like to see the new baby?" or "Would you like to put this hat on the baby?" etc. will boost his/her confidence in an unfamiliar situation.  Again, this is a great time to share those special gifts. We had my daughter pick out anything she wanted for her new sister in the hospital gift shop. She was so excited to share the gift she had chosen, and it really made her feel like she was a part of the excitement, too! (The book, "The New Baby" (see tip #1) also helped, as it mentions that a new baby will grab and hold your finger, so my daughter was very excited to try this when she met her sister!")

Tip #5: Find special one-on-one time with your first child.

This is important both before the new baby arrives and after. I would recommend a Mommy-Child date and a Daddy-Child date before the birth.  Let your child choose what s/he wants to do and make it a really special outing that they will remember. Let them escape from all the talk of baby stuff for a while and just enjoy each other's company.  The same is true for after the baby arrives. No matter how much your child ADORES his/her new sibling, it's important to give that one-on-one time, too!  (Although, I went out of my way to make sure I could take my daughter to a storytime at the library without the baby last week, and then she cried that she wanted her sister to come! You can't win!)

These five tips are just a small sampling of what worked for us as we transitioned from a family of three to a family of four.  My daughter loves her new baby sister, but I can tell she's also trying to figure out her changed role in our family and how to share attention with another (very needy) human being! So... what's worked for you? Do you have any tips to share with our our readers? Please post below! I'd love to read them!

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Getting Ready for Baby - The Push Pack]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/getting-ready-for-baby-the-push-pack/ Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:59:06 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/getting-ready-for-baby-the-push-pack/ Hey there Sticky Bellies' fans! It's been a while! We've been busy... having a baby!  But, we're baaaaaack with a lineup of great blog posts - all about getting ready for baby!  Today, we're thrilled to share a great new product that will make your labor & delivery just a little bit easier! (And, no, we're not blogging about epidurals!) Read on...

My due date was April 10, and, being a type-A control freak mama whose first child was born ON her due date, I didn't expect to have her any earlier.  Silly me. These babies sure do have a mind of their own!  I'll spare you the details, but just tell you that when I went for my weekly OBGYN visit on March 30, I certainly wasn't expecting to have a baby that day.  When the doctor and ultrasound tech sat me down and told me to go home, pack a bag, and come back to labor & delivery within the hour, let's just say I was a little surprised...and unprepared. I hadn't packed my hospital bag, had a "to-do before baby arrives" list that was a mile long, and we hadn't even settled on a name for the little peanut. I also hadn't prepared my 2.5 year old to expect a new sister that weekend. So, when I was given an hour to go home and get ready to become a mom of two, packing my hospital bag was the least of my concerns. I needed to see my "baby" and make sure she was okay and cared for over the next two days.

Enter the Push Pack by Small Batch Studio. It took me all of 5 minutes to pack my hospital bag because I had been gifted with this genius product that turned out to be even more of a life-saver than I had originally thought.  I didn't have to dig through my bathroom for all of my necessities, or hop online to figure out exactly what I would need to pack for my "vacation" to labor & delivery.  It was already done for me. Thank you Small Batch Studio!

The Push Pack by Small Batch Studio is a pre-packed hospital labor bag filled with the “little” things moms wanted & needed when they were in the hospital

ppcontentedit.jpg

Included in the Push Pack:


 LOVE that only organic or natural bath and body products are used in the Push Pack.

 

I also love that The Push Pack was created for moms, by a mom... (just like Sticky Bellies!) Laura, the wonderful creator of The Push Pack/Small Batch Studio says,

"After my daughter was born, I came up with the idea of the Push Pack – an all in one bag, pre-packed with the “essentials” I wanted & needed. I interviewed a bunch of moms asking them what things they were so glad to have or wished they’d had while they were in labor. The Push Pack includes the items that were mentioned most often.   Call it wisdom & experience, peace of mind, and a gift of love all wrapped into one bag."

Win a Push Pack of your own! 

Our friends at Small Batch Studio have offered one fabulous Push Pack to a Sticky Bellies fan! (Retail value $65 USD). You can enter the contest below, and there are several different ways to enter to increase your chances. The contest ends on 4/28/2012 and the winner will be announced HERE on The Belly Blog.

If you don't win, you can still get $10 off your very own Push Pack using the code BELLIES.

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> Hey there Sticky Bellies' fans! It's been a while! We've been busy... having a baby!  But, we're baaaaaack with a lineup of great blog posts - all about getting ready for baby!  Today, we're thrilled to share a great new product that will make your labor & delivery just a little bit easier! (And, no, we're not blogging about epidurals!) Read on...

My due date was April 10, and, being a type-A control freak mama whose first child was born ON her due date, I didn't expect to have her any earlier.  Silly me. These babies sure do have a mind of their own!  I'll spare you the details, but just tell you that when I went for my weekly OBGYN visit on March 30, I certainly wasn't expecting to have a baby that day.  When the doctor and ultrasound tech sat me down and told me to go home, pack a bag, and come back to labor & delivery within the hour, let's just say I was a little surprised...and unprepared. I hadn't packed my hospital bag, had a "to-do before baby arrives" list that was a mile long, and we hadn't even settled on a name for the little peanut. I also hadn't prepared my 2.5 year old to expect a new sister that weekend. So, when I was given an hour to go home and get ready to become a mom of two, packing my hospital bag was the least of my concerns. I needed to see my "baby" and make sure she was okay and cared for over the next two days.

Enter the Push Pack by Small Batch Studio. It took me all of 5 minutes to pack my hospital bag because I had been gifted with this genius product that turned out to be even more of a life-saver than I had originally thought.  I didn't have to dig through my bathroom for all of my necessities, or hop online to figure out exactly what I would need to pack for my "vacation" to labor & delivery.  It was already done for me. Thank you Small Batch Studio!

The Push Pack by Small Batch Studio is a pre-packed hospital labor bag filled with the “little” things moms wanted & needed when they were in the hospital

ppcontentedit.jpg

Included in the Push Pack:


 LOVE that only organic or natural bath and body products are used in the Push Pack.

 

I also love that The Push Pack was created for moms, by a mom... (just like Sticky Bellies!) Laura, the wonderful creator of The Push Pack/Small Batch Studio says,

"After my daughter was born, I came up with the idea of the Push Pack – an all in one bag, pre-packed with the “essentials” I wanted & needed. I interviewed a bunch of moms asking them what things they were so glad to have or wished they’d had while they were in labor. The Push Pack includes the items that were mentioned most often.   Call it wisdom & experience, peace of mind, and a gift of love all wrapped into one bag."

Win a Push Pack of your own! 

Our friends at Small Batch Studio have offered one fabulous Push Pack to a Sticky Bellies fan! (Retail value $65 USD). You can enter the contest below, and there are several different ways to enter to increase your chances. The contest ends on 4/28/2012 and the winner will be announced HERE on The Belly Blog.

If you don't win, you can still get $10 off your very own Push Pack using the code BELLIES.

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> <![CDATA[Win a $200 Target Gift Card!]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/win-a-200-target-gift-card/ Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:14:40 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/win-a-200-target-gift-card/ It's our first Pinterest contest!!!

(And there's a $200 Target gift card up for grabs!)

Hello, my name is Carly... it's been 1 hour and 14 minutes since my last "pin." Yep, I'm addicted. Goodbye Facebook, Hello Pinterest! For those of you who haven't jumped onto the latest internet/social media/time wasting craze called Pinterest, here's the Cliff Note's version direct from the Pinterest geniuses themselves:

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

I can't even begin to tell you how many amazing recipes, toddler craft ideas, decorating ideas, and just all around cool things I've discovered since joining Pinterest. So... I thought... why not have a little fun in the Pinterest world by sharing some Sticky Bellies' monthly baby pics and offering up a $200 Target gift card to our beloved fans. (I mean, really... who doesn't LOVE Target?) Sounds fun, doesn't it?  Pinterest + Target + Sticky Bellies' monthly baby stickers = 100% AWESOMENESS, right?

 

Ok, so here's how it works: (Make sure you read these important instructions!)

1. You need a Pinterest account to "play."  If you don't have an account, e-mail us and we'll send you an invitation so you can start NOW!

2. Using the image and little white "pin it" button below, pin the adorable image to one of your boards. (Just click "PIN IT" and watch the magic happen). Some board suggestions: gift ideas, products I love, baby gifts, things for baby.... you get the idea. Just don't add us to your recipes board. We really don't taste that great.

3. Once you've "pinned it," just click the button below that says "DO IT!" and add your Pinterest account name to verifiy. If you see a friend re-pin the image, be sure you tell them to come here to get entered into the Target $200 giveaway. If you don't enter here on our blog, you can't win.

4. That's it! We'll pick one winner for the $200 Target gift card on March 17, 2012. (We're thinking everyone who enters might get a little "consolation prize," too!) Winner will be announced here on our blog. Open to U.S. & Canadian residents, 18 and older, please.

What are you doing still reading this?  Start pinning!

P.S. Now's the time to get on Pinterest. We have another Pinterest contest in the works for when this one ends, so might as well jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of the prizes!

Please note: The app used to run this contest may not work on mobile devices. If you can't see the pinning image or the "Do this!" button, get to a computer! : )

 

 

Pin It



























a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> It's our first Pinterest contest!!!

(And there's a $200 Target gift card up for grabs!)

Hello, my name is Carly... it's been 1 hour and 14 minutes since my last "pin." Yep, I'm addicted. Goodbye Facebook, Hello Pinterest! For those of you who haven't jumped onto the latest internet/social media/time wasting craze called Pinterest, here's the Cliff Note's version direct from the Pinterest geniuses themselves:

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

I can't even begin to tell you how many amazing recipes, toddler craft ideas, decorating ideas, and just all around cool things I've discovered since joining Pinterest. So... I thought... why not have a little fun in the Pinterest world by sharing some Sticky Bellies' monthly baby pics and offering up a $200 Target gift card to our beloved fans. (I mean, really... who doesn't LOVE Target?) Sounds fun, doesn't it?  Pinterest + Target + Sticky Bellies' monthly baby stickers = 100% AWESOMENESS, right?

 

Ok, so here's how it works: (Make sure you read these important instructions!)

1. You need a Pinterest account to "play."  If you don't have an account, e-mail us and we'll send you an invitation so you can start NOW!

2. Using the image and little white "pin it" button below, pin the adorable image to one of your boards. (Just click "PIN IT" and watch the magic happen). Some board suggestions: gift ideas, products I love, baby gifts, things for baby.... you get the idea. Just don't add us to your recipes board. We really don't taste that great.

3. Once you've "pinned it," just click the button below that says "DO IT!" and add your Pinterest account name to verifiy. If you see a friend re-pin the image, be sure you tell them to come here to get entered into the Target $200 giveaway. If you don't enter here on our blog, you can't win.

4. That's it! We'll pick one winner for the $200 Target gift card on March 17, 2012. (We're thinking everyone who enters might get a little "consolation prize," too!) Winner will be announced here on our blog. Open to U.S. & Canadian residents, 18 and older, please.

What are you doing still reading this?  Start pinning!

P.S. Now's the time to get on Pinterest. We have another Pinterest contest in the works for when this one ends, so might as well jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of the prizes!

Please note: The app used to run this contest may not work on mobile devices. If you can't see the pinning image or the "Do this!" button, get to a computer! : )

 

 

Pin It



























a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> <![CDATA[Guest Blogger - Labor & Delivery Nurse]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/guest-blogger-labor-delivery-nurse/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:56:47 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/guest-blogger-labor-delivery-nurse/ There are so many unknowns to think about during your pregnancy...

Who will the baby look like? When will s/he be born? Will there be any complications? Which style of Sticky Bellies monthly stickers should I buy? (He..he...just kidding on that last one...I think.) But, there is one thing you can and should think about as you prepare for your big day - your labor and delivery.  To help you think about the many things you should consider before baby makes his/her grand arrival, we are honored to have a guest blogger, Ashley Stabile, RN, writing for us today. Ashley is also the creator of LaborLooks Hospital Gowns (hospital-approved and breast-feeding friendly) so she's also included a great giveaway for one lucky Sticky Bellies' fan!

 

Pin It

1.  Educate Yourself

There are great books, websites, classes and even videos and podcasts to help prepare you for the delivery of your baby. Try one! Better yet, try more than one. Each author or creator has their own belief system about how birth should be. Browse through and find the one that fits your own personal beliefs and desires. Make sure the people who will be supporting you in labor have a bit of knowledge about the process too. Nurses love to teach and will be glad to help but it's easier to teach someone if they already know the basics. Knowledge is power, it can help you have the birth you want and alleviate some of the fear that many women feel once labor starts. 

2.  Have a Plan and Make it Early

Think about what want your L & D experience to be like and talk it over with your support person. Jot these items down. Talk them over with your Doctor or Midwife at one of your prenatal appointments. In the moment is not the time to tell your provider that Dad faints when he sees blood, so please do not give him a tour of the placenta. There are birth plan templates online, pick and choose the items that are important to you, leave off the ones that are not. It may be as simple as, "I plan on getting an epidural. I would like my partner to cut the cord. I would like to have my baby skin-to-skin after delivery and breastfeed as soon as possible." When you get to the hospital, discuss your birth plan with your nurse. 

3.  Know Who You Want at the Birth

This is your decision for a very personal experience. Decide who you want in the room for delivery and let people know ahead of time. People who care about you should understand. If you suddenly discover while in labor that your best friend since the first day of kindergarten, or your mother, or whoever, is not as helpful as you had thought they would be, let your nurse know. The nurses are there for you, most will have no problem kindly asking people to go to the waiting room and take the heat for you.

4.  Choose a Support Person

I would highly recommend asking someone besides your partner to be available to support you during labor, especially if you plan on an unmedicated delivery. Do you have a family member or friend that would be there for you? Have you considered a doula? Research your doula like you researched your doctor or midwife, to make sure their birth philosophy melds with your own. 

5.  Pack your Hospital Bag

Early labor is not the best time to put together your bags. Don’t pack enough to move in, just pack the basics. Basic toiletries, gum, hard candies, lip balm, hospital gown, socks or slippers, one outfit and blanket for baby, an outfit for mom to wear home, phone charger and camera. You may consider a premade hospital bag like the Push Pack. Are you breastfeeding, did you pack a nursing bra and breast pads? Are you bottle feeding, did you pack a sports bra?

6.  Decide on a Pediatrician

Ask around, visit their offices, some may even meet with you, or have a phone appointment before the birth. Then decide who will be the best fit with your childrearing philosophy and with whom you feel most comfortable.

7.  If You Plan to Breastfeed, Prepare for It

Are you planning to breastfeed? While more and more people now days know they want to breastfeed, the reality is they often do not know how much work it will be. Understand that most of your time in the beginning will be spent feeding your baby. Express to your family and nurses your commitment to breastfeeding. Request a lactation consultation. Know your rights as a breastfeeding mom and know who you can go to for support. I knew I could call my sister. I also knew I could find encouragement and accurate information through The Leaky Boob. I could log on, ask a question and get multiple responses from other breastfeeding women in minutes.

8.  Be Your Own Advocate

It is your legal right to have an active role in the decisions made about your care. You can refuse things. You can request things. Ask questions. Here are some examples:  

The doctor comes in and says he wants to break your bag of water. Ask him why. Ask him what the risks are. Ask him if there are alternatives. 

You have been told you cannot eat anything now that you are in active labor but you are hungry. Ask your nurse why you can’t eat? There may be a very good reason or maybe she can check with your provider and bring you in some food. You don’t know unless you ask.

9.  Be Flexible

While it is important to be educated, have a plan and be your own advocate, it is even more important to BE FLEXIBLE. Nothing in my birth plan involved a crash c-section for fetal distress but it happened and it was my experience. Read this short essay “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley. It applies beautifully to the labor and delivery experience.

10.  Be Patient

Labor is a process. Sometimes it can be lightening quick, other times it goes at a snail’s pace. Once baby is born, remember that there are so many things they are trying to learn when they come out. How to breathe, how to keep warm, how to eat, how to comfort themselves. Your baby did not read a book or take a class… be patient with your baby as they adjust to this world. Be patient with yourself and your partner as you both adjust to your new roles as parents. Remind yourself to relax and enjoy this amazing new life.

A great giveaway from our friends at Labor Looks...

pinittowinitgirl.jpg

Labor Looks gowns are designed specifically for the laboring and recovering mom. They have been designed by Ashley, a Labor and Delivery Nurse and Brittani, a Certified Nurse Midwife to meet the needs of moms and hospital providers.

All gowns are made of comfortable, high quality 100% cotton. Gowns are machine washable, dryer and iron safe and are made in the U.S.A.

Win the LaborLooks gown of your choice (Retail value $58) by entering below. Good luck! (Widget needed to enter may not be viewable on mobile devices. Please try on your computer!) Scroll down a bit to see the Rafflecopter entry box! 
















a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> There are so many unknowns to think about during your pregnancy...

Who will the baby look like? When will s/he be born? Will there be any complications? Which style of Sticky Bellies monthly stickers should I buy? (He..he...just kidding on that last one...I think.) But, there is one thing you can and should think about as you prepare for your big day - your labor and delivery.  To help you think about the many things you should consider before baby makes his/her grand arrival, we are honored to have a guest blogger, Ashley Stabile, RN, writing for us today. Ashley is also the creator of LaborLooks Hospital Gowns (hospital-approved and breast-feeding friendly) so she's also included a great giveaway for one lucky Sticky Bellies' fan!

 

Pin It

1.  Educate Yourself

There are great books, websites, classes and even videos and podcasts to help prepare you for the delivery of your baby. Try one! Better yet, try more than one. Each author or creator has their own belief system about how birth should be. Browse through and find the one that fits your own personal beliefs and desires. Make sure the people who will be supporting you in labor have a bit of knowledge about the process too. Nurses love to teach and will be glad to help but it's easier to teach someone if they already know the basics. Knowledge is power, it can help you have the birth you want and alleviate some of the fear that many women feel once labor starts. 

2.  Have a Plan and Make it Early

Think about what want your L & D experience to be like and talk it over with your support person. Jot these items down. Talk them over with your Doctor or Midwife at one of your prenatal appointments. In the moment is not the time to tell your provider that Dad faints when he sees blood, so please do not give him a tour of the placenta. There are birth plan templates online, pick and choose the items that are important to you, leave off the ones that are not. It may be as simple as, "I plan on getting an epidural. I would like my partner to cut the cord. I would like to have my baby skin-to-skin after delivery and breastfeed as soon as possible." When you get to the hospital, discuss your birth plan with your nurse. 

3.  Know Who You Want at the Birth

This is your decision for a very personal experience. Decide who you want in the room for delivery and let people know ahead of time. People who care about you should understand. If you suddenly discover while in labor that your best friend since the first day of kindergarten, or your mother, or whoever, is not as helpful as you had thought they would be, let your nurse know. The nurses are there for you, most will have no problem kindly asking people to go to the waiting room and take the heat for you.

4.  Choose a Support Person

I would highly recommend asking someone besides your partner to be available to support you during labor, especially if you plan on an unmedicated delivery. Do you have a family member or friend that would be there for you? Have you considered a doula? Research your doula like you researched your doctor or midwife, to make sure their birth philosophy melds with your own. 

5.  Pack your Hospital Bag

Early labor is not the best time to put together your bags. Don’t pack enough to move in, just pack the basics. Basic toiletries, gum, hard candies, lip balm, hospital gown, socks or slippers, one outfit and blanket for baby, an outfit for mom to wear home, phone charger and camera. You may consider a premade hospital bag like the Push Pack. Are you breastfeeding, did you pack a nursing bra and breast pads? Are you bottle feeding, did you pack a sports bra?

6.  Decide on a Pediatrician

Ask around, visit their offices, some may even meet with you, or have a phone appointment before the birth. Then decide who will be the best fit with your childrearing philosophy and with whom you feel most comfortable.

7.  If You Plan to Breastfeed, Prepare for It

Are you planning to breastfeed? While more and more people now days know they want to breastfeed, the reality is they often do not know how much work it will be. Understand that most of your time in the beginning will be spent feeding your baby. Express to your family and nurses your commitment to breastfeeding. Request a lactation consultation. Know your rights as a breastfeeding mom and know who you can go to for support. I knew I could call my sister. I also knew I could find encouragement and accurate information through The Leaky Boob. I could log on, ask a question and get multiple responses from other breastfeeding women in minutes.

8.  Be Your Own Advocate

It is your legal right to have an active role in the decisions made about your care. You can refuse things. You can request things. Ask questions. Here are some examples:  

The doctor comes in and says he wants to break your bag of water. Ask him why. Ask him what the risks are. Ask him if there are alternatives. 

You have been told you cannot eat anything now that you are in active labor but you are hungry. Ask your nurse why you can’t eat? There may be a very good reason or maybe she can check with your provider and bring you in some food. You don’t know unless you ask.

9.  Be Flexible

While it is important to be educated, have a plan and be your own advocate, it is even more important to BE FLEXIBLE. Nothing in my birth plan involved a crash c-section for fetal distress but it happened and it was my experience. Read this short essay “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley. It applies beautifully to the labor and delivery experience.

10.  Be Patient

Labor is a process. Sometimes it can be lightening quick, other times it goes at a snail’s pace. Once baby is born, remember that there are so many things they are trying to learn when they come out. How to breathe, how to keep warm, how to eat, how to comfort themselves. Your baby did not read a book or take a class… be patient with your baby as they adjust to this world. Be patient with yourself and your partner as you both adjust to your new roles as parents. Remind yourself to relax and enjoy this amazing new life.

A great giveaway from our friends at Labor Looks...

pinittowinitgirl.jpg

Labor Looks gowns are designed specifically for the laboring and recovering mom. They have been designed by Ashley, a Labor and Delivery Nurse and Brittani, a Certified Nurse Midwife to meet the needs of moms and hospital providers.

All gowns are made of comfortable, high quality 100% cotton. Gowns are machine washable, dryer and iron safe and are made in the U.S.A.

Win the LaborLooks gown of your choice (Retail value $58) by entering below. Good luck! (Widget needed to enter may not be viewable on mobile devices. Please try on your computer!) Scroll down a bit to see the Rafflecopter entry box! 
















a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> <![CDATA[Babble's Best Baby Shower Gift 2012]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/babbles-best-baby-shower-gift-2012/ Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:44:29 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/babbles-best-baby-shower-gift-2012/ It's always nice to stumble across a little surprise that tells you you're doing something right...

 

 

Pin It

And that's how we felt when we were reading Babble.com's list of the Best Baby Shower Gifts for 2012 and were pleasantly surprised to see our monthly stickers for babies featured as one of the best! This is the second year in the row that we've been chosen for this honor and we truly are humbled. Of course, we do agree that our stickers make a pretty awesome baby shower gift, but we're glad someone else thinks so, too!

Think about it - how many baby blankets and onesies did you get at your shower? How many gifts did you get that seemed fabulous but were only used by baby for a few months or so? (Clothing, swing, swaddles, etc.) It's pretty great that our $15 pack of stickers will last the new parents an entire year AND provide them with adorable baby photos that will last a lifetime! Giving the gift of memories is really the greatest gift of all, don't ya think?

We're also quite excited that a few of our own favorite baby products also made the Babble's list AND we loved that we discovered some new products to consider for our Sticky Bellies' baby-to-be! Here are a few that caught our eye, or ones that are good friends & old favorites!

Blabla Dolls - our very favorite stuffed animals for kids of all ages! Our daughter received her first one when she was born and we buy one on every birthday now as a little tradition.

Skip Hop Complete-Sheet Bumper Free Bedding - Love that this still maintains the fun look of a bumper while keeping baby safe!

Earth Angel Mama Baby skin care products - Haven't tried these yet but I've heard nothing but good things and can't wait to give them a test run with Baby #2.

Chewbeads teething jewelry - I love that these teething necklaces look just like a necklace I would wear even if I didn't have baby! Stylish, functional, safe. LOVE IT!

]]> It's always nice to stumble across a little surprise that tells you you're doing something right...

 

 

Pin It

And that's how we felt when we were reading Babble.com's list of the Best Baby Shower Gifts for 2012 and were pleasantly surprised to see our monthly stickers for babies featured as one of the best! This is the second year in the row that we've been chosen for this honor and we truly are humbled. Of course, we do agree that our stickers make a pretty awesome baby shower gift, but we're glad someone else thinks so, too!

Think about it - how many baby blankets and onesies did you get at your shower? How many gifts did you get that seemed fabulous but were only used by baby for a few months or so? (Clothing, swing, swaddles, etc.) It's pretty great that our $15 pack of stickers will last the new parents an entire year AND provide them with adorable baby photos that will last a lifetime! Giving the gift of memories is really the greatest gift of all, don't ya think?

We're also quite excited that a few of our own favorite baby products also made the Babble's list AND we loved that we discovered some new products to consider for our Sticky Bellies' baby-to-be! Here are a few that caught our eye, or ones that are good friends & old favorites!

Blabla Dolls - our very favorite stuffed animals for kids of all ages! Our daughter received her first one when she was born and we buy one on every birthday now as a little tradition.

Skip Hop Complete-Sheet Bumper Free Bedding - Love that this still maintains the fun look of a bumper while keeping baby safe!

Earth Angel Mama Baby skin care products - Haven't tried these yet but I've heard nothing but good things and can't wait to give them a test run with Baby #2.

Chewbeads teething jewelry - I love that these teething necklaces look just like a necklace I would wear even if I didn't have baby! Stylish, functional, safe. LOVE IT!

]]> <![CDATA[Monthly Baby Pictures - A Simple Solution]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-baby-pictures-a-simple-solution/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:26:58 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-baby-pictures-a-simple-solution/ It's Valentine's Day! Have we mentioned how much we LOVE our customers?

Well... we do...a lot!  One of the greatest things about having a company that involves pregnancy, babies, and toddlers is that we get to watch your children grow and share in each monthly milestone along the way. There is nothing better than opening up my laptop and finding an inbox full of customer photos. Yes, we truly look forward to the photos you share with us.  Think of us like baby's third grandma. We love this stuff. 

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when a customer e-mailed me to share her gorgeous daughter's monthly baby pictures and... a really easy way to create a simple, economical, and adorable color-coordinated background each month.  I was even more thrilled when she said I could share this idea with the rest of the Sticky Bellies' world! You know we're all about keeping things simple around here, so I love that this mama has found a way to make her monthly pictures POP without spending a lot of money or time. Check it out!

watchmegrow.jpg

(I fancied up the customer pictures by putting them into this collage with Picnik, a free online editing software that you can use to create simple photo collages in a matter of minutes!)

Here's what mama wrote to us about her "strategy" for these adorable pictures:

"I throw a yard of flannel fabric over a boppy for the photos.  I've managed to use coupons/sales to purchase the fabric..usually runs me @ $2 per piece.  I'm not sure what I am going to do with all of the fabric once a year passes, but I'm sure I'll come up with something...maybe a blanket?"

Don't you just LOVE it? I love that she is in a simple white onesie each month, with only the background changing. I also love that the baby is in the same position, so you can really see how much she has grown! (Although, good luck getting a 10 month old to lay there and not move, right!?) This is just a small sampling of the creative (errr...genius?) ideas we see from our talented customers each month.  Have you shared yours? If not, please share on our Facebook page or check out our customer photo galleries to e-mail us your own pics.

You inspire US! Thank you and Happy Valentine's Day to you and your little Sticky Bellies' babies!

]]> It's Valentine's Day! Have we mentioned how much we LOVE our customers?

Well... we do...a lot!  One of the greatest things about having a company that involves pregnancy, babies, and toddlers is that we get to watch your children grow and share in each monthly milestone along the way. There is nothing better than opening up my laptop and finding an inbox full of customer photos. Yes, we truly look forward to the photos you share with us.  Think of us like baby's third grandma. We love this stuff. 

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when a customer e-mailed me to share her gorgeous daughter's monthly baby pictures and... a really easy way to create a simple, economical, and adorable color-coordinated background each month.  I was even more thrilled when she said I could share this idea with the rest of the Sticky Bellies' world! You know we're all about keeping things simple around here, so I love that this mama has found a way to make her monthly pictures POP without spending a lot of money or time. Check it out!

watchmegrow.jpg

(I fancied up the customer pictures by putting them into this collage with Picnik, a free online editing software that you can use to create simple photo collages in a matter of minutes!)

Here's what mama wrote to us about her "strategy" for these adorable pictures:

"I throw a yard of flannel fabric over a boppy for the photos.  I've managed to use coupons/sales to purchase the fabric..usually runs me @ $2 per piece.  I'm not sure what I am going to do with all of the fabric once a year passes, but I'm sure I'll come up with something...maybe a blanket?"

Don't you just LOVE it? I love that she is in a simple white onesie each month, with only the background changing. I also love that the baby is in the same position, so you can really see how much she has grown! (Although, good luck getting a 10 month old to lay there and not move, right!?) This is just a small sampling of the creative (errr...genius?) ideas we see from our talented customers each month.  Have you shared yours? If not, please share on our Facebook page or check out our customer photo galleries to e-mail us your own pics.

You inspire US! Thank you and Happy Valentine's Day to you and your little Sticky Bellies' babies!

]]> <![CDATA[Baby & Toddler Heart Art]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/baby-toddler-heart-art/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:45:01 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/baby-toddler-heart-art/ One of my favorite things about having a toddler is getting to introduce and share in the excitement of the holidays with her! 

I always try to find a kid-friendly way to explain the essence of the holiday, and Valentine's Day was an easy one! Kids naturally love making and giving gifts to those they love, so my 2.5 year old was super excited to make Valentine's Day cards to show her love to her friends and family. I'm all about keeping it simple, easy and fun, so I decided to try this Toilet Paper Heart Stamp idea that I stumbled upon on Pinterest.  (How on Earth did we ever survive without the brilliance that is Pinterest!?!? HA!) I'm sharing this little project with you today because I think it's a great one for children of ALL ages. If your child can sit up & hold objects, he can probably l do this!  My daughter enjoyed watching the circle shape of the toilet paper roll "magically" change into a heart shape and also loved counting the hearts as she stamped them. You can also have your child brainstorm a list of people they LOVE and create greeting cards for each person using his/her creations. But - for babies, just the experience of dipping into the paint and cause/effect lesson of stamping is a great cognitive, play-based activity - and lots of FUN!

93027548522710705-75xljx9q-f.jpg

(Pic courtesy of Rust & Sunshine Blog - my camera battery died while we were doing the project!)

Here's what we did:

1. Grab some paints, paper, and a toilet paper roll. (We used finger paints!)

2. Press down on the tube to make a little indent in the top of the heart, and squeeze at the bottom to make the point.

3. Wrap a rubberband (I used one of my daughter's ponytail rubberbands!) or some tape around the middle of the tube to maintain the shape.

4. Put a little paint on a plate.

5. Dip, stamp, repeat! (We also used some glitter glue to jazz things up a bit - what two-year-old doesn't like glitter, right?)

Do YOU have a favorite baby/toddler-friendly Valentine's Day idea to share? Let us know in the comments below. 

 

]]> One of my favorite things about having a toddler is getting to introduce and share in the excitement of the holidays with her! 

I always try to find a kid-friendly way to explain the essence of the holiday, and Valentine's Day was an easy one! Kids naturally love making and giving gifts to those they love, so my 2.5 year old was super excited to make Valentine's Day cards to show her love to her friends and family. I'm all about keeping it simple, easy and fun, so I decided to try this Toilet Paper Heart Stamp idea that I stumbled upon on Pinterest.  (How on Earth did we ever survive without the brilliance that is Pinterest!?!? HA!) I'm sharing this little project with you today because I think it's a great one for children of ALL ages. If your child can sit up & hold objects, he can probably l do this!  My daughter enjoyed watching the circle shape of the toilet paper roll "magically" change into a heart shape and also loved counting the hearts as she stamped them. You can also have your child brainstorm a list of people they LOVE and create greeting cards for each person using his/her creations. But - for babies, just the experience of dipping into the paint and cause/effect lesson of stamping is a great cognitive, play-based activity - and lots of FUN!

93027548522710705-75xljx9q-f.jpg

(Pic courtesy of Rust & Sunshine Blog - my camera battery died while we were doing the project!)

Here's what we did:

1. Grab some paints, paper, and a toilet paper roll. (We used finger paints!)

2. Press down on the tube to make a little indent in the top of the heart, and squeeze at the bottom to make the point.

3. Wrap a rubberband (I used one of my daughter's ponytail rubberbands!) or some tape around the middle of the tube to maintain the shape.

4. Put a little paint on a plate.

5. Dip, stamp, repeat! (We also used some glitter glue to jazz things up a bit - what two-year-old doesn't like glitter, right?)

Do YOU have a favorite baby/toddler-friendly Valentine's Day idea to share? Let us know in the comments below. 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Guest Blog - Best Books for Baby & Beyond]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/guest-blog-best-books-for-baby-beyond/ Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:19:08 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/guest-blog-best-books-for-baby-beyond/ Welcome back!

It's been a while since our last blog post, but we've been busy working away at some new fun features on the site. One of the goals we have for this blog in the coming months is to really make it a place for parents to come and read about topics that interest them. So - with that goal in mind, we're busy lining up guest bloggers that will share their expertise on everything from preparing for your delivery to the best children's books for every age!

Today we are honored to have award-winning children's book author, Maria Dismondy, as a guest on the Belly Blog. In addition to being a talented author, teacher, fitness instructor, and mom to two wonderful girls, Maria was also a model for the Sticky Bellies Maternity Stickers during her pregnancy and is featured on our packaging.  (All this...and brains, too!) Maria's three books are must-reads for any parent who wants to share stories of confidence, courage, and friendship with her child. Her newest release, "Pink Tiara Cookies for Three" is an adorable story inspired by a social struggle we've all experienced at some time in our lives - the "two's a company, three's a crowd" dilemma when it comes to friendships. We received our copy when it was released last week and it's already a family favorite! There's nothing better than a fun picture book to help parents tackle tough issues with their kids in a playful way. I know this is one book we'll be taking out again and again as our kids get older and have to navigate through those tricky "friend problems" that are destined to occur during the school age years. Check out the video preview of this delightful book below!


Maria has an incredible blog where she shares everything she knows about being a parent, an author, a reading specialist, and an all-around great person. As a part of her Pink Tiara Blog Tour, she's stopping by our Belly Blog to share some advice on choosing the best children's books for every age!

 pink-tiara-tour-icon.jpg

BONUS! Maria was kind enough to offer Sticky Bellies fans the chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of her new book, "Pink Tiara Cupcakes for Three" and an adorable tiara cookie cutter to go with it. (Contest ends 2/2/2012). Your chance to enter is at the end of her blog post, so don't miss it!

Maria Dismondy, author of Pink Tiara Cookies for Three writes...

I am thrilled to be a Guest Blogger for Sticky Bellies today.  Besides being a Sticky Bellies fan, I am a children’s author and Reading Specialist. Today, I'll be helping you choose appropriate books for young children. Reading to your child can begin as early as when they are in the womb! Once you have that little miracle in your arms, continue reading daily together. It is a routine that will benefit your children for years to come.

It is nice to have a book collection within the walls of your own home. Visit your local Thrift Store for great deals or go shopping at garage sales. If you haven’t had your baby yet, suggest books on your baby registry. You can keep books in the car, in your bedroom, in your child’s bedroom, a basket in the bathroom to entertain your child as you get ready for work, in the family room, at grandma’s or your caregivers, and if there are no books in the waiting room at your child’s pediatrician, donate some! My point is, surround your family with books and you will raise a child who loves literacy.

Here is a list of suggestions when choosing books for readers beginning at birth.

For Infants 0-6 Months

Book Suggestion: Colors and First Words by Bright Baby

For children as early as newborns, choose books with simple, large pictures or designs with bright colors. Start out with board books so that your child can drool all over them and the books will sustain the abuse! Keep the books short and simple and remember large, bright and bold pictures!

For Babies 6-12 Months

Book Suggestion: The Wheels on the Bus

Children start understanding more about language around 6 months.  Select bookswith photos of other babies and familiar objects like toys and household objects. Continue to stick with board books at this stage. Your child will start taking longer baths since they are sitting up now, look for plastic books you can take in the tub! Cloth books are also good ideas for this age because they can be washed and you won’t worry when your little one is licking the pages!  Another great suggestion for this age is to make a photo album with pictures of your family members. Around 9 months I started teaching my daughter baby sign language. I read books that illustrated simple signs.

For Toddlers 12-24 Months

          Book Suggestion: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Your child will be saying simple words now! Increase the number of books you own that have simple vocabulary words in them. Continue to read board books that your child can now carry around. This is a great age to start attending story time at your local library and checking out library books. Choose topics that your child is interested in like trains or dogs. Begin reading books about life lessons (going to the doctor, having a new baby) these lessons will help your child deal with new feelings. This is also a good time to begin using books on tape. Check out my blog post here about the benefits of books on tape and where you can find them! Touch and feel books, animal books and books with simple rhymes and repeating text are all great suggestions and will add to your child’s literacy development.

For Toddlers 24-36 Months

Book Suggestion: Mrs. Wishy Washy

For this age group, start choosing books about lessons you want to teach your child. For example, books about children who are the same and different from them to teach about diversity. Education books about concepts like time and numbers. Get books on how things work such as recycling or construction. This is also a good time to choose books about dealing with our feelings, having a new sibling. Children at this age might be able to memorize or read simple text.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> Welcome back!

It's been a while since our last blog post, but we've been busy working away at some new fun features on the site. One of the goals we have for this blog in the coming months is to really make it a place for parents to come and read about topics that interest them. So - with that goal in mind, we're busy lining up guest bloggers that will share their expertise on everything from preparing for your delivery to the best children's books for every age!

Today we are honored to have award-winning children's book author, Maria Dismondy, as a guest on the Belly Blog. In addition to being a talented author, teacher, fitness instructor, and mom to two wonderful girls, Maria was also a model for the Sticky Bellies Maternity Stickers during her pregnancy and is featured on our packaging.  (All this...and brains, too!) Maria's three books are must-reads for any parent who wants to share stories of confidence, courage, and friendship with her child. Her newest release, "Pink Tiara Cookies for Three" is an adorable story inspired by a social struggle we've all experienced at some time in our lives - the "two's a company, three's a crowd" dilemma when it comes to friendships. We received our copy when it was released last week and it's already a family favorite! There's nothing better than a fun picture book to help parents tackle tough issues with their kids in a playful way. I know this is one book we'll be taking out again and again as our kids get older and have to navigate through those tricky "friend problems" that are destined to occur during the school age years. Check out the video preview of this delightful book below!


Maria has an incredible blog where she shares everything she knows about being a parent, an author, a reading specialist, and an all-around great person. As a part of her Pink Tiara Blog Tour, she's stopping by our Belly Blog to share some advice on choosing the best children's books for every age!

 pink-tiara-tour-icon.jpg

BONUS! Maria was kind enough to offer Sticky Bellies fans the chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of her new book, "Pink Tiara Cupcakes for Three" and an adorable tiara cookie cutter to go with it. (Contest ends 2/2/2012). Your chance to enter is at the end of her blog post, so don't miss it!

Maria Dismondy, author of Pink Tiara Cookies for Three writes...

I am thrilled to be a Guest Blogger for Sticky Bellies today.  Besides being a Sticky Bellies fan, I am a children’s author and Reading Specialist. Today, I'll be helping you choose appropriate books for young children. Reading to your child can begin as early as when they are in the womb! Once you have that little miracle in your arms, continue reading daily together. It is a routine that will benefit your children for years to come.

It is nice to have a book collection within the walls of your own home. Visit your local Thrift Store for great deals or go shopping at garage sales. If you haven’t had your baby yet, suggest books on your baby registry. You can keep books in the car, in your bedroom, in your child’s bedroom, a basket in the bathroom to entertain your child as you get ready for work, in the family room, at grandma’s or your caregivers, and if there are no books in the waiting room at your child’s pediatrician, donate some! My point is, surround your family with books and you will raise a child who loves literacy.

Here is a list of suggestions when choosing books for readers beginning at birth.

For Infants 0-6 Months

Book Suggestion: Colors and First Words by Bright Baby

For children as early as newborns, choose books with simple, large pictures or designs with bright colors. Start out with board books so that your child can drool all over them and the books will sustain the abuse! Keep the books short and simple and remember large, bright and bold pictures!

For Babies 6-12 Months

Book Suggestion: The Wheels on the Bus

Children start understanding more about language around 6 months.  Select bookswith photos of other babies and familiar objects like toys and household objects. Continue to stick with board books at this stage. Your child will start taking longer baths since they are sitting up now, look for plastic books you can take in the tub! Cloth books are also good ideas for this age because they can be washed and you won’t worry when your little one is licking the pages!  Another great suggestion for this age is to make a photo album with pictures of your family members. Around 9 months I started teaching my daughter baby sign language. I read books that illustrated simple signs.

For Toddlers 12-24 Months

          Book Suggestion: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Your child will be saying simple words now! Increase the number of books you own that have simple vocabulary words in them. Continue to read board books that your child can now carry around. This is a great age to start attending story time at your local library and checking out library books. Choose topics that your child is interested in like trains or dogs. Begin reading books about life lessons (going to the doctor, having a new baby) these lessons will help your child deal with new feelings. This is also a good time to begin using books on tape. Check out my blog post here about the benefits of books on tape and where you can find them! Touch and feel books, animal books and books with simple rhymes and repeating text are all great suggestions and will add to your child’s literacy development.

For Toddlers 24-36 Months

Book Suggestion: Mrs. Wishy Washy

For this age group, start choosing books about lessons you want to teach your child. For example, books about children who are the same and different from them to teach about diversity. Education books about concepts like time and numbers. Get books on how things work such as recycling or construction. This is also a good time to choose books about dealing with our feelings, having a new sibling. Children at this age might be able to memorize or read simple text.

 

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]]> <![CDATA[New Year - New Memories]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/new-year-new-memories/ Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:28:14 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/new-year-new-memories/ New Year's (Milestone) Resolutions

If you were born before the age of digital photography, your childhood photos probably look a lot like mine - stacks of mixed photos in random boxes throughout your parents' basement.

Or, if your parents were really on top of things, they are neatly organized into those lovely 1970's photo albums (you know, the ones with the clear page that laid on top of all the pictures and kept them in unless you moved it?)

Over the last two years, I've done my best to document, celebrate, and commemorate every important moment of my daughter's life. From the custom baby book I purchased before she was born, to the g-mail account I created for her thanks to this brilliant Google Chrome advertisment (I dare you to watch it and not cry), to the digital scrapbooks and albums I've created on Shutterfly... I want to make sure that my daughter can look back on her childhood long after I am gone and know how much we cherished every milestone throughout her life.

I'm often overwhelmed with the possibilities that are out there for documenting life's most important milestones. Part of the reason I created Sticky Bellies was to help parents simplify the daunting task of documenting monthly milestones. So, I love that there are other companies out there who have the same mission.  While Sticky Bellies help you to capture the monthly growth of your precious baby and ensure that you've taken at least ONE picture each month as that little peanut grows and changes, there are other ways to document the funny things s/he says, the special family traditions you celebrate, and just all those little things that make YOUR KID so darn special!

As we approach a new year, with new resolutions and new opportunities, one of my goals is to capture more of the ordinary.  Each day is such a gift. Why not celebrate it?  Here are some of my favorite resources for documenting childhood memories.  If you have another favorite, please share it with us in the comments below?

 

Our Favorites...

kidmondo.com

Kidmono Online Baby Book - The Baby Book for 2012 - Kidmondo is a comprehensive personalized online baby journal that provides parents and caregivers with all the tools they need to chronicle their child’s life and share it with friends and family in a safe environment.  (Great way to save your Sticky Bellies photos, too!)

The I Like Book

The I Like Book - Touching your child's heart, one "like" at a time.  A quick and easy way to record all the wonderful things about your child. Just jot down one thing you "like" about your child - every day - every week - or whenever you have a chance!

Mom's One Line a Day Memory Journal

Who has time to scrapbook? Not this busy Mommy!
For the busy mom-on-the-go, this memory keeper offers a quick and easy way to capture the everyday moments of motherhood. With enough space to record a single thought, a family quote, or a special event each day for five years, this beautiful keepsake makes sure those precious memories will last a lifetime. Wouldn't this be cute paired with Sticky Bellies as a shower gift?

Pearhead Baby Prints Photo Calendar

An easy way to keep track of the exact day that baby achieves all those exciting milestones. Complete with a sticker for each big event (first tooth, crawled, walked, etc.), just stick the sticker on the appropriate date and add a Sticky Bellies' photo for the month.  When the calendar is complete for the year, you have a great keepsake that takes minimal time!

Family Memory Jar

Write down memories as they happen throughout the year and place them in a jar. On New Year's Eve, read all the memories and reflect on the great year you've had.


]]> New Year's (Milestone) Resolutions

If you were born before the age of digital photography, your childhood photos probably look a lot like mine - stacks of mixed photos in random boxes throughout your parents' basement.

Or, if your parents were really on top of things, they are neatly organized into those lovely 1970's photo albums (you know, the ones with the clear page that laid on top of all the pictures and kept them in unless you moved it?)

Over the last two years, I've done my best to document, celebrate, and commemorate every important moment of my daughter's life. From the custom baby book I purchased before she was born, to the g-mail account I created for her thanks to this brilliant Google Chrome advertisment (I dare you to watch it and not cry), to the digital scrapbooks and albums I've created on Shutterfly... I want to make sure that my daughter can look back on her childhood long after I am gone and know how much we cherished every milestone throughout her life.

I'm often overwhelmed with the possibilities that are out there for documenting life's most important milestones. Part of the reason I created Sticky Bellies was to help parents simplify the daunting task of documenting monthly milestones. So, I love that there are other companies out there who have the same mission.  While Sticky Bellies help you to capture the monthly growth of your precious baby and ensure that you've taken at least ONE picture each month as that little peanut grows and changes, there are other ways to document the funny things s/he says, the special family traditions you celebrate, and just all those little things that make YOUR KID so darn special!

As we approach a new year, with new resolutions and new opportunities, one of my goals is to capture more of the ordinary.  Each day is such a gift. Why not celebrate it?  Here are some of my favorite resources for documenting childhood memories.  If you have another favorite, please share it with us in the comments below?

 

Our Favorites...

kidmondo.com

Kidmono Online Baby Book - The Baby Book for 2012 - Kidmondo is a comprehensive personalized online baby journal that provides parents and caregivers with all the tools they need to chronicle their child’s life and share it with friends and family in a safe environment.  (Great way to save your Sticky Bellies photos, too!)

The I Like Book

The I Like Book - Touching your child's heart, one "like" at a time.  A quick and easy way to record all the wonderful things about your child. Just jot down one thing you "like" about your child - every day - every week - or whenever you have a chance!

Mom's One Line a Day Memory Journal

Who has time to scrapbook? Not this busy Mommy!
For the busy mom-on-the-go, this memory keeper offers a quick and easy way to capture the everyday moments of motherhood. With enough space to record a single thought, a family quote, or a special event each day for five years, this beautiful keepsake makes sure those precious memories will last a lifetime. Wouldn't this be cute paired with Sticky Bellies as a shower gift?

Pearhead Baby Prints Photo Calendar

An easy way to keep track of the exact day that baby achieves all those exciting milestones. Complete with a sticker for each big event (first tooth, crawled, walked, etc.), just stick the sticker on the appropriate date and add a Sticky Bellies' photo for the month.  When the calendar is complete for the year, you have a great keepsake that takes minimal time!

Family Memory Jar

Write down memories as they happen throughout the year and place them in a jar. On New Year's Eve, read all the memories and reflect on the great year you've had.


]]> <![CDATA[Monthly Milestones Giveaway : Puppy and Bean]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-milestones-giveaway-puppy-and-bean/ Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:42:40 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-milestones-giveaway-puppy-and-bean/ Monthy Milestones Giveaway Event #6 - Puppy & Bean

Best for Laughing Away the "Terrible Twos"

For our Monthly Milestones Giveaway event, we've chosen some of our favorite new baby products on the market that will support or enhance your child's milestones, from womb to three years old! Today, we're thrilled to feature Puppy & Bean - t-shirts that bring levity to the demanding, but rewarding, job of parenting.

Don't you love those conversations that go a little something like this:

Friend or stranger: How's little Johnny doing?

Gushing proud mommy: He's wonderful! He's such a good baby. We're very lucky.

Friend or stranger: Well, just wait until he's two....

(TWO YEARS LATER)

Friend or stranger: How's little Johnny doing?

Gushing proud mommy: He's wonderful! Such a great kid! He's learning new things every day!

Friend or stranger: Well, just wait until he's three...

Doesn't it seem like nobody can just accept that you like your kid? They are always warning you that the worst has yet to come. And, ya know what? The "worst" does come, MANY times, in many different forms, at many different ages. But, we make it through. And we love those little trouble-makers just the same, (sometimes even more) for all the heartache, grey hairs, and sleepless nights they've caused. That's what makes us parents....and proud of it!

That's why we just love t-shirt company, Puppy & Bean. Through their sarcastic, yet oh-so-honest t-shirts, they allow us to laugh through the toughest parenting moments while sending our kiddoes out into the world with a little "warning sign" across their chest. There are too many adorable designs to share here, but check them out on the Puppy & Bean webpage!

Don't have a toddler yet? Well, Puppy & Bean has gotcha covered. Their line of infant onesies is the perfect gift for your friend who just saw that little 12-week bean on the ultrasound for the first time. As soon as that little bean is born, he'll have a personality all his own, and he certainly needs a cute 100% organic cotton onesie to proclaim it to the world, right? Sleepy bean? Silly bean? Chunky bean? One of each, please!

WIN a little dose of toddler-humor for yourself!

Our friends at Puppy & Bean would love to share their adorable tees and onesies with you! There are many easy ways to win, and the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning. The winner will receive the Puppy & Bean t-shirt or onesie of his/her choice (up to $24.00 value)

From Puppy & Bean... "When we started Puppy & Bean, we were looking for a way to reach out to all the Moms, Grandmas, Aunties and friends who work so hard to make the kids in their lives happy. We love our role as caregivers, but sometimes it's too easy to lose sight of the humor in life when faced with the daily challenges of parenting. Toddlers are complex little creatures . . . our t-shirts are meant to provide that moment of inspiration that reminds us why we do what we do . . . with a smile."

Good luck!

 

 

 

]]> Monthy Milestones Giveaway Event #6 - Puppy & Bean

Best for Laughing Away the "Terrible Twos"

For our Monthly Milestones Giveaway event, we've chosen some of our favorite new baby products on the market that will support or enhance your child's milestones, from womb to three years old! Today, we're thrilled to feature Puppy & Bean - t-shirts that bring levity to the demanding, but rewarding, job of parenting.

Don't you love those conversations that go a little something like this:

Friend or stranger: How's little Johnny doing?

Gushing proud mommy: He's wonderful! He's such a good baby. We're very lucky.

Friend or stranger: Well, just wait until he's two....

(TWO YEARS LATER)

Friend or stranger: How's little Johnny doing?

Gushing proud mommy: He's wonderful! Such a great kid! He's learning new things every day!

Friend or stranger: Well, just wait until he's three...

Doesn't it seem like nobody can just accept that you like your kid? They are always warning you that the worst has yet to come. And, ya know what? The "worst" does come, MANY times, in many different forms, at many different ages. But, we make it through. And we love those little trouble-makers just the same, (sometimes even more) for all the heartache, grey hairs, and sleepless nights they've caused. That's what makes us parents....and proud of it!

That's why we just love t-shirt company, Puppy & Bean. Through their sarcastic, yet oh-so-honest t-shirts, they allow us to laugh through the toughest parenting moments while sending our kiddoes out into the world with a little "warning sign" across their chest. There are too many adorable designs to share here, but check them out on the Puppy & Bean webpage!

Don't have a toddler yet? Well, Puppy & Bean has gotcha covered. Their line of infant onesies is the perfect gift for your friend who just saw that little 12-week bean on the ultrasound for the first time. As soon as that little bean is born, he'll have a personality all his own, and he certainly needs a cute 100% organic cotton onesie to proclaim it to the world, right? Sleepy bean? Silly bean? Chunky bean? One of each, please!

WIN a little dose of toddler-humor for yourself!

Our friends at Puppy & Bean would love to share their adorable tees and onesies with you! There are many easy ways to win, and the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning. The winner will receive the Puppy & Bean t-shirt or onesie of his/her choice (up to $24.00 value)

From Puppy & Bean... "When we started Puppy & Bean, we were looking for a way to reach out to all the Moms, Grandmas, Aunties and friends who work so hard to make the kids in their lives happy. We love our role as caregivers, but sometimes it's too easy to lose sight of the humor in life when faced with the daily challenges of parenting. Toddlers are complex little creatures . . . our t-shirts are meant to provide that moment of inspiration that reminds us why we do what we do . . . with a smile."

Good luck!

 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Monthly Milestones Giveaway : Le Bibble]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-milestones-giveaway-le-bibble/ Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:41:29 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-milestones-giveaway-le-bibble/ Monthly Milestones Giveaway Feature #5 -

Best for Introducing the Bottle

For our Monthly Milestones Giveaway event, we've chosen some of our favorite new baby products on the market that will support or enhance baby's important milestones, from womb to two years old! Today, we're thrilled to feature Le Bibble - baby bottle bib.

There's a special parfum that all new moms wear. Forget Chanel No. 5, ladies, because when you're a new mom, you and your sweet baby will share a scent that's sure to turn heads everywear. Yes, you know it... it's Eau de Sour Milk.

Sure, you've got your arsenal of burp cloths to avoid spit up messes, but those drippy bottles leave your baby with more wardrobe changes than Lady Gaga in concert. We can put a man on the moon, but we can't design a bottle that doesn't cause the milk to dribble down baby's chin, into her cute little fat neck folds, and all over her outfit of the hour? Really?

le BibbleWell, dribble, meet Le bibble®. Le bibble® is a beautifully designed organic and print baby bottle bib that simplifies and enhances baby bottle feeding for mom and baby – in eco-style. Available in 8 designer prints, each with an organic birdseye cotton underlay (same as in cloth diapers) Le bibble® takes bottle feeding to a new level making being neat chic. Think never having to put the down during feeding!

 

 

Le bibble®:

  • Blocks bottle leaks at the source

  • Easily wipes and absorbs chin dribble

  • Gives baby something to hold onto during feeding

  • Helps baby to hold and maneuver heavy bottle

  • Prevents bottle confusion in multiple infant households & daycares

  • Turns bottle into fashion accessory

  • Le bibble is USA Made, fits all bottles, is reversible, machine washable and has been CPSIA safety tested.

Want to WIN a free Le Bibble in the style of your choice?

Enter below to win! There are many ways to enter, so try them all to increase your chances! Contest ends on Saturday, December 3 at 12:01 am EST.

 
]]> Monthly Milestones Giveaway Feature #5 -

Best for Introducing the Bottle

For our Monthly Milestones Giveaway event, we've chosen some of our favorite new baby products on the market that will support or enhance baby's important milestones, from womb to two years old! Today, we're thrilled to feature Le Bibble - baby bottle bib.

There's a special parfum that all new moms wear. Forget Chanel No. 5, ladies, because when you're a new mom, you and your sweet baby will share a scent that's sure to turn heads everywear. Yes, you know it... it's Eau de Sour Milk.

Sure, you've got your arsenal of burp cloths to avoid spit up messes, but those drippy bottles leave your baby with more wardrobe changes than Lady Gaga in concert. We can put a man on the moon, but we can't design a bottle that doesn't cause the milk to dribble down baby's chin, into her cute little fat neck folds, and all over her outfit of the hour? Really?

le BibbleWell, dribble, meet Le bibble®. Le bibble® is a beautifully designed organic and print baby bottle bib that simplifies and enhances baby bottle feeding for mom and baby – in eco-style. Available in 8 designer prints, each with an organic birdseye cotton underlay (same as in cloth diapers) Le bibble® takes bottle feeding to a new level making being neat chic. Think never having to put the down during feeding!

 

 

Le bibble®:

  • Blocks bottle leaks at the source

  • Easily wipes and absorbs chin dribble

  • Gives baby something to hold onto during feeding

  • Helps baby to hold and maneuver heavy bottle

  • Prevents bottle confusion in multiple infant households & daycares

  • Turns bottle into fashion accessory

  • Le bibble is USA Made, fits all bottles, is reversible, machine washable and has been CPSIA safety tested.

Want to WIN a free Le Bibble in the style of your choice?

Enter below to win! There are many ways to enter, so try them all to increase your chances! Contest ends on Saturday, December 3 at 12:01 am EST.

 
]]> <![CDATA[Monthly Milestones Giveaway : Itzy Ritzy]]> http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-milestones-giveaway-itzy-ritzy/ Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:39:55 +0000 http://www.stickybellies.com/monthly-milestones-giveaway-itzy-ritzy/ Monthly Milestones Giveaway Feature #4 - Best for Baby's First Trip

For our Monthly Milestones Giveaway event, we've chosen some of our favorite new baby products on the market that will support or enhance baby's important milestones, from womb to two years old! Today, we're thrilled to feature Snack Happened Bags by Itzy Ritzy.

I remember the first airplane trip I took with my daughter. She was ten months old at the time and a pretty easy baby, but I'd been on enough plane rides with screaming children to know that there's something about cruising at 30,000 feet that can make a baby... shall we say... unpredictable?

Traveling with babies can be challenging, especially when you consider all of the "stuff" they come with and the need to keep that "stuff" accessible, clean, and organized. On our first trip, I packed an entire box of Ziploc sandwich bags that were used through the trip to house bottle nipples, Cheerios, sunscreen... you name it. By the end of our 5-day vacation, we had gone through the entire box of 35 Ziploc bags. Ouch. Yes, I was an organized mommy, but I was certainly not doing Mother Earth any favors.

Enter Itzy Ritzy's Snack Happened reusable and washable snack bags! Since finding these bags (and their equally awesome big brother - the Itzy Ritzy Wet Happened Zipper Bag), traveling is easy, convenient, clean, and kind to the planet. No more wasteful use of Ziplocs...ever! With Itzy Ritzy's reusable, washable snack bags, you just fill 'em up, toss 'em in the diaper bag, then rinse (in the washing machine) & repeat.

itzy ritzy

The brilliant folks at Itzy Ritzy also make The Wet Happened wet bag, a necessity for frequent trips to the pool or weekly swim lessons but is also fabulously convenient for cloth diapers or when those "accidents" happen during the toilet training years! That's really the best part about Itzy Ritzy's reusable bags... the possibilities are ENDLESS! No matter how you choose to use your bag, it will make your life easier, and who doesn't need that? (Did we mention that their fabrics are ridiculously cute, too?)

 

 

Here are some of the details on our favorite product for Baby's First Trip:

  • FDA approved & BPA Free! Unlike the others!
  • Ideal for little hands, snacks, fruit, picnics, school lunches, mini first aid kits, cell phones, car & plane trips, crayons, travel-size toiletries, iPods, cameras, keys, hiking, camping, travel, beach gear & other small items!
  • Lead free YKK zipper top keeps crumbs, drips & contents securely inside - Zipper not Velcro for SILENT Snacking!
  • 100% cotton designer fabric exterior with thick and lush PVC-Free waterproof lining interior - No cheap nylon here!
  • Reusable + Washable + Eco-friendly + Fashionable
  • 7 inches x 3½ inches
  • Sold in 2-pack of the same fabric
  • Machine washable


Want to WIN a 2-Pack of the fabulous Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened Mini Bags?itzy ritzy

We've teamed with our friends at Itzy Ritzy to offer one winner their very own 2-bag set of Snack Happened Mini Bags (see picture to left). You'll get to pick from any of their 13 adorable fabrics and receive TWO of the 7 x 3/12 bags that are just perfect for snacks on the go (amongst other things!)

There are many ways to win, so check them out below and try more than one way to increase your chances! Good luck, Sticky Bellies' fans!

]]> Monthly Milestones Giveaway Feature #4 - Best for Baby's First Trip

For our Monthly Milestones Giveaway event, we've chosen some of our favorite new baby products on the market that will support or enhance baby's important milestones, from womb to two years old! Today, we're thrilled to feature Snack Happened Bags by Itzy Ritzy.

I remember the first airplane trip I took with my daughter. She was ten months old at the time and a pretty easy baby, but I'd been on enough plane rides with screaming children to know that there's something about cruising at 30,000 feet that can make a baby... shall we say... unpredictable?

Traveling with babies can be challenging, especially when you consider all of the "stuff" they come with and the need to keep that "stuff" accessible, clean, and organized. On our first trip, I packed an entire box of Ziploc sandwich bags that were used through the trip to house bottle nipples, Cheerios, sunscreen... you name it. By the end of our 5-day vacation, we had gone through the entire box of 35 Ziploc bags. Ouch. Yes, I was an organized mommy, but I was certainly not doing Mother Earth any favors.

Enter Itzy Ritzy's Snack Happened reusable and washable snack bags! Since finding these bags (and their equally awesome big brother - the Itzy Ritzy Wet Happened Zipper Bag), traveling is easy, convenient, clean, and kind to the planet. No more wasteful use of Ziplocs...ever! With Itzy Ritzy's reusable, washable snack bags, you just fill 'em up, toss 'em in the diaper bag, then rinse (in the washing machine) & repeat.

itzy ritzy

The brilliant folks at Itzy Ritzy also make The Wet Happened wet bag, a necessity for frequent trips to the pool or weekly swim lessons but is also fabulously convenient for cloth diapers or when those "accidents" happen during the toilet training years! That's really the best part about Itzy Ritzy's reusable bags... the possibilities are ENDLESS! No matter how you choose to use your bag, it will make your life easier, and who doesn't need that? (Did we mention that their fabrics are ridiculously cute, too?)

 

 

Here are some of the details on our favorite product for Baby's First Trip:

  • FDA approved & BPA Free! Unlike the others!
  • Ideal for little hands, snacks, fruit, picnics, school lunches, mini first aid kits, cell phones, car & plane trips, crayons, travel-size toiletries, iPods, cameras, keys, hiking, camping, travel, beach gear & other small items!
  • Lead free YKK zipper top keeps crumbs, drips & contents securely inside - Zipper not Velcro for SILENT Snacking!
  • 100% cotton designer fabric exterior with thick and lush PVC-Free waterproof lining interior - No cheap nylon here!
  • Reusable + Washable + Eco-friendly + Fashionable
  • 7 inches x 3½ inches
  • Sold in 2-pack of the same fabric
  • Machine washable


Want to WIN a 2-Pack of the fabulous Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened Mini Bags?itzy ritzy

We've teamed with our friends at Itzy Ritzy to offer one winner their very own 2-bag set of Snack Happened Mini Bags (see picture to left). You'll get to pick from any of their 13 adorable fabrics and receive TWO of the 7 x 3/12 bags that are just perfect for snacks on the go (amongst other things!)

There are many ways to win, so check them out below and try more than one way to increase your chances! Good luck, Sticky Bellies' fans!

]]>