I was so excited when Delta Children asked me to tell you guys about their amazing, new line of Jeep Brand strollers because they are such a great company and we were looking for a jogger to exercise with. 

We chose the Cross-Country Sport Plus Jogger from the collection and fell in love the second we took it for a ride. This stroller is so lightweight, provides such a smooth ride and I'm obsessed with the fact that I can adjust the handle bar almost 180 degrees. You really need a jogger like this if you’re going on runs. A regular stroller doesn’t provide enough versatility. The babe is also in love with it. It’s so roomy and the snack tray is huge - right up his alley. We are huge fans!

Their expansive collection of strollers include everything from double strollers and joggers to easy folding and lightweight options. The technology they use features shock absorbing wheels for rides on rough terrain - exactly what we were looking for.

Delta Children also offers nursery furniture, kids' furniture, baby gear, toys and more. Use code babiesandbackbends at the link here and get 15% off any of their fantastic items. 

Those cute little thermal leggings Richie is wearing are from Jojo Maman Bebe, a U.K. based clothing company we fell in love with the moment we opened the first package. The fit was perfect, the fox on the tush was beyond adorable, and come on, baby thermals - amazing! I never had to worry about him being cold when we were outside and they easily fit under his clothing. Richie was just five months old in the photo above and since then, we have purchased a ton of different items from the all-weather, nautical inspired clothing brand.

From rain boots and winter hats to sweaters and jumpsuits, we have never been disappointed. Here are a few reasons we are obsessed:
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The clothing is stylish and trendy
You'll see everything from Nautical designs, and classic blue gingham to dainty embroidery and smocking. You'll will also love it just as much as your children do. In my opinion there are a ton of brands out their making cheesy children's clothing and it doesn't need to be that way. You should be able to dress your child in fashionable items that are affordable and well-made. This brand offers just that.

The quality is outstanding
Even after many wears, I was able to save and store away all of the items I purchased for the next baby. Also, washing their clothes never comprises the fit. A huge bonus in my book.

The apparel is comfortable
Richie is always able to move around with ease and comfort. I'll admit was hesitant about the snow and rain boots but he was able to walk in them without an issue. 

Another one of my favorite things about that brand is that they have such festive and beautifully made clothing for Christmas. The sweater vest Richie wore to visit Santa, his Christmas morning pajamas and the adorable cashmere jumpsuit he wore for our family photo shoot were all purchased from JoJo Maman Bebe. 

We couldn't wait to get Richie out into the snow in his new boots (pictured below) which are fleeced lined for extra warmth and super easy to get on. Next year, we'll get another pair and will likely get his winter coat from the brand as well. 

On the site, you'll also find maternity clothing, nursery items and gear, as well as gifts and toys. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

We just received some gorgeous new Spring items from JoJo Maman Bebe which we will be sharing on our Instagram page so be on the look out for those.

​Happy Shopping, Mamas! 

In addition to three meals a day, most toddlers have two snacks and its important that you offer them a broad variety of food that will help them get the vitamins and minerals they need. Plus, the transition from purees to finger foods -  and ones that are easy to eat - can be a ton of work so we've listed some quick, easy and healthy snacks to make your life easier. 

Fresh Fruit 
There is nothing better than fresh fruit. Its packed with vitamins, minerals and full of fiber. Most young toddlers, like my son Richie, can't use a fork or spoon just yet but want to hold food themselves so that they have control. Richie loves when I hand him a banana to chow down on. A thin slice of watermelon on the rind is another one of his favorites. It's even great for his gums when he is teething so I always serve it cold. 

Plum Organic's Teeny's Fruits 
These tiny soft bites contain a full serving of fruit, are non-GMO and organic. They are packed in tiny little bags that are BPA free and can easily be thrown in your diaper bag.
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HappyBaby Superfood Puffs 
These fruit, veggie and grain puffs are packed with vitamins C, E, B12 and are made with whole grains. They also have 20mg of Choline to support brain and eye health. They are USDA organic, non-GMO, and the packing is BPA free. They come in many healthy flavors. Richie's favorites are Purple Carrot & Blueberry as well as Sweet Potato & Carrot. 

Cheddar Cheese 
Full-fat dairy is important for all toddlers under the age of two and cheese is a fantastic way to get a serving of it. We love Land O' Lakes individually wrapped cheese sticks because they are super small and easy for Richie to hold and eat while we are on the go. ​

We recently learned about this great gifting site called, IncrediBundles and we are obsessed. The company designs adorably chic reusable storage containers and fills them with the newest toys, books and products on the market. They even categorize their products to address a specific area of an infant’s development for the baby's first year and beyond, making your shopping experience easy. 

For our first box, we created our own bundle by navigating through the site's offerings. We decided to fill our box with some great developmental toys since Richie is on the move these days and keeping him occupied is a must. 
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 We chose the following toys to include in our Customized Bundle Box: 

• Crocodile Creek 5" Vehicles Playball 
• Green Sprouts Stacking Cups Set 
• Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Activity Lion
• Skip Hop Zoo Stack and Pour Buckets

The Skip Hop Activity Lion is a perfect toy for multi-sensory play. Richie loves it so much that we clipped it onto his stroller so he has it every time we are out.   

Richie loves his new play ball. He pushes it around the living room then crawls after it, helping to build his hand and eye coordination. He also gets a ton of exercise chasing it around which means better sleep for him (and the whole family). 

He is dying to get those buckets out of the packaging but we are saving those for the beach. The company that makes these, Skip Hop, markets them for bath use but we are going to use them for the sand instead.

​Richie is only 9 months and most of the beach buckets on the market are geared toward toddler use. They are too big and bulky for Richie. What we love about these is that they are small. Perfect for Richie's little hands. 

Richie loves when we show him how to stack things then unstack. This really simple activity is a great learning opportunity for babies. We knew he'd love these Green Sprout Stacking Set. The cups have draining holes on the bottom that are animal shaped - perfect for the bath and beach. 

Something else that is really fantastic about Incredibundles is that for every purchase made the company makes a donation to children in need. I love purchasing from companies who give back and Incredibundles has become my go to destination for gifts for new parents. They make it so easy to send a gift. You can select from book, bath, and sleep bundles. They even offer diaper bundles and a year of toys bundle. 
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What I love about babywearing
Babywearing has been a big part of child rearing in many cultures for centuries and has become more popular in the Western culture over the past few decades. By doing a little research, you learn that there are many reasons why it is good for you and your baby. My personal favorites are:

• It’s a great practice for keeping your baby happy and it helps build a stronger bond between mom and baby.
• A carrier can go more places than a stroller can. Crowded places, on hikes, public transportation, etc.
• Once the baby is more aware of the world, it gives them a better view of their surroundings. I love to put Richie on as I prepare dinner. He loves to look at all the colors of the vegetables and I’ll talk to him as I do so he learns. We also have dance parties when I’m wearing him.
• I find it challenging as a new mom to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in the sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and weightlifting.
• It helps babies that can’t sit up on their own, the opportunity to do so. We are always trying to find ways to keep Richie off his back since he is too young to sit up on his own, crawl, or walk. Babywearing can be a great alternative to tummy time.
• I find that Richie digests his food better when I put him in the carrier after I’ve nursed him.​

​Finding the right carrier 
I was on a mission to find the most comfortable carrier for Richie and I because I have a far walk to my car garage and there are many steps up to my doorway. It didn’t and still doesn’t feel safe to carry him all that way without the support of a carrier. I also need to have free hands so that I can carry packages in when my husband isn’t home.  
 
I tried three different types before I found the one that works best for us. Let me tell you, Babywearing can be trickier than it looks and it can seem daunting at first. Most baby carriers have a learning curve and they require practice to become comfortable with them. However, once you’ve chosen the right carrier and learned how to use it, babywearing will become second nature.

The brands we tried 
Ergobaby 
It was important that I could put it on without the help of someone else because I planned to use it when my husband wasn’t home.  This wasn’t possible with the Ergobaby carrier because it has a very hard to reach clip in the back in between the shoulder blades and neck. I have very flexible shoulders and arms but it was still impossible for me to clip it on my own. I also didn’t love how bulky it was. Richie never felt close enough in this carrier. In all the times I used it, he never once fell asleep in it so he was never as comfortable as I would have wanted him to be in it. This carrier was also hard to store because it’s so big. I wanted something I could throw in the diaper bag after using,
 
Baby Kat’an
This wrap was very easy to put on but was very constricting. There are loops to put your arms through then wrap the baby in but because those loops are sown in, it’s hard to have wiggle room for when the baby grows or if you want to wrap it in a different way. It is, however, small enough to store in your diaper bag.
 
Solly Baby Wrap
This is the wrap we liked best because not only is it easy to put on, it doesn’t require the help from someone else. It is super comfortable too – soft, flexible and lightweight. The wrap has a lot of fabric and is super long so it allows for you to really wrap your baby up so he or she feels close and comfortable but it’s not to constricting like the Baby Kat’an. Even though there is a ton of fabric, its very easy to wrap up and store. Another plus!
 
Tips for getting on a carrier 

• Feed your baby before putting them in the carrier. If you attempt to put them in when they are hungry, they will be fussy. They may also attempt to feed off of you because they can smell you and will want to nurse. That’s unless you want to nurse them while they are in the carrier.
• Pacifiers help. Some babies are naturally fussy when getting into the carrier. The pacifier will help soothe them.
• Don’t give up. Some babies fight the carrier. Eventually they will fall in love with it. Richie absolutely loves it. He was a bit fussy in the beginning but now he loves to observe everything I am doing. Usually after 30 minutes or so, he passes out since the movement, warmth from your body heat, and sound of your heart beating help to soothe them to sleep.

Happy babywearing mamas! ​

​This post isn’t about a fancy diaper bag or some extra accessory that you may or may not need. I wanted to share with you tried and true products that have helped me survive as a first time mom. These six products have saved my life. Ha! No, but really. 

Richie and I spent some time in the park today. It was absolutely beautiful out. Warm with a crisp cool breeze in the air. We enjoyed every second. Here are some photos from our day. Below, you'll find the items I carry with us on our trips outside of the house. 

Some items I pack in my diaper bag and stroller: 
 
DIAPER BAG
My diaper bag is made from Skip Hop. I purchased the backpack so that I can be hands-free to carry Richie.
 
Diapers (obviously)
I love Pampers. Old school, I know, but the hospital uses them for a reason. The NEVER leak and fit him so comfortably. I tried almost ever other brand out there but keep going back to Pampers. 
 
Baby Wipes
The Honest Company is my favorite brand.
 
Organic Healing Balm
The balm I use is also made from The Honest Company. I put it on him every diaper change to prevent a rash. I love that it is made with all organic ingredients.
 
Johnson & Johnson Face and Hand Wipes
I use these on Richie's face and hands as well as my own. I prefer these over the baby wipes.
 
Sound Machine
I purchased this portable one called Hush and I hang it this in the stroller if he gets a little fussy. The soothing noises help to calm him down.
 
A Blanket
I love Aden & Anais’ muslin swaddles. The material is soft and breathable.   
 
Burping Cloth
Also Aden & Anais.
 
Baby SPF
I use California Baby’s brand. It’s all natural and organic.
 
Pacifiers
Hands down the best brand is MAM. It is the ONLY pacifier he will take. They are BPA-free Orthodontic pacifiers that were developed by dentists to allow for healthy jaw and teeth development.
 
Pacifier Wipes
Same brand as the pacifiers, MAM. I like to keep these handy so that I can make sure his pacifier is germ free at all times.
 
STROLLER 
One of my best girlfriends bought me a Stroller Organizer and it's genius. I clip it on the stroller and it makes all the items I need easily accessable. The organizer is also made from Skip Hop. In it, I put the following items. 

Hand Sanitizer
This is so uber important to have handy at all times. I purchased a ton of the mini ones and planted them all over the house, car, stroller, etc.   
 
Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso Can
I get these delivered from Pea Pod so that I can grab one when I’m on the go. GOD knows I need my coffee. All Moms do! 
 
Kind Bar
It’s important to eat enough calories throughout the day when you are nursing so I always carry something to snack on.
 
Cell Phone and an extra charger (just to be safe!) 

Finding the perfect rocking chair was probably the most challenging. I was really determined to find a vintage rocker that was both comfortable and the perfect size for the nursery. I ended up purchasing this one from Nursery Works. Yes, it's a bit girly but I figured I'd be using to feed him and if there was one element of the nursery where I could get away with some girly-ness it would be the rocking chair. 

The storage bins for his toys, blankets and other essentials were purchased at Homegoods. I can't say enough good things about that place. I'm completely obsessed. I can spend hours just shopping around. The elephant painting, shag rug and curtains (they're blackout curtains so that he can easily take naps during the day) are also from Homegoods. The curtain hang-backs are from Joss & Main. An awesome site for furniture! 

I organized my baby's closet with these closet ring dividers that have every age on it - newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, etc. Those were from Amazon and the boxes are from the Container Store. 

I already had these bookshelves from Ikea hung in the room because it was previously an office so we kept them and replaced our office supplies with baby books and decor. The table and baskets underneath are from the container store.

I placed glass jars I had around the house on top of the table to store teething rings, pacifiers and travel toiletries. We also hung some extra hooks for coats, baby towels, etc. You can never have enough storage! 

The changing table is Babyletto. It matches the crib we purchased and is from their Hudson Collection. I love this table. Its perfect height for changing Richie and is super spacious for all his onesies, baby products and diapers. 

I always knew I wanted a gallery wall so I started to collected each of these pieces from different online stores as well as Homegoods and TJ Maxx. I lined up each piece of wall art in different orders on the floor so I could chose which would look best above the changing table then had my super handy husband hang them for me. 

I chose this crib from Babyletto because of its size and simplicity. I also love its clean, modern look. Many of the cribs on the market were bulky and would take up too much space in the room. This crib gave the room an open and radiant feel allowing me to keep an eye on Richie from all angles. In addition, it was made with sustainable New Zealand wood, can be converted to a toddler or day bed and the mattress is adjustable. The decals and bedding are also Babyletto.