New Puppy Necessities

There are only a few weeks to go until we get our new puppy.  We are anxious to meet the new little guy and introduce him to the family.  The house must be puppy-proofed within the next month.  Time to put away the small throw rugs and make sure the electrical cords are out of reach for little mouths.  While I get busy with those projects, I'll make sure to pick up these products for the sweet boy.  Of course the two things I am most excited about are the MacKenzie Childs dog bowl and the WagZzz custom dog beds.  Both the pups will be benefitting from those purchases!

1. Dublin Dog Sherpa Dog Collar  2. Mother Nature Beef Stew and Vegetables Dog Treats  3. LL Bean Personalized Dog Leash  4. WagZzz Luxury Custom Dog Bed  5. MacKenzie Childs Dog Bowl  6. Chuckit! Indoor Ball  7. KONG Genius Mike  8. Castor & Pollux Organix Puppy Mix  9. Chuckit! Amphibious Gator  10. Mighty Toy Nature Jr. - Duck  11. Orbee Tuff Ball

Mrs. Fabs Baby Faves

1.  Everyone loves Sophie the Giraffe, but I had mixed reviews with my daughter when she was teething.  Cade began to show signs of teething right around when Sophie the Giraffe So'Pure Vanilla Teether came onto the market, so I decided to give it a try.  We love it!  The smaller size is great for little hands.  I like to keep it in the refrigerator for a little extra soothing power.

2.  Some babies prefer soft fabric to sooth their aching gums and Angel Dear Blankies are the perfect solution.  The blankets are super soft, come in a variety of colors, and feature a number of animals.  Nubs on the four corners and running down the back are popular chewing spots.  Sometimes I will soak the nubs and put the blanket in the freezer when the little man is super grouchy.

3.  On those extra drooley days, when your baby is spouting spit like a fountain, reach for Green Sprouts Waterproof Absorbent Terry Bibs.  There are a number of color options and while the exterior is soft on your babies sensitive skin, the interior keeps your child's clothes dry.

4.  If your baby is anything like mine, and attracted to all of your pretty dangly jewelry you have got to get your hands on a Chew Beads Jane Necklace.  Made from 100% silicone, the beads are non-toxic and safe on those sweet little teeth and gums.   Not to mention they look great with day to day outfits.  Even my toddler wants to wear them!

5.  Vivi loved the Lifefactory Multi Sensory Teether.  Also made from 100% silicone, this teething ring is easy to hold and has different patterns for little mouths to explore.

6.  Hyland's Teething Tablets are a safe and all natural way to relieve your baby's pain from teething.  We use these very often and provide relief most of the time.  But if your baby has all 4 front top teeth coming in at once turn to trusty infant acetaminophen, and be sure to check proper dosage, as guidelines have recently changed!

7.  I love the entire line of Angel Deal baby clothes, particularly this sweet Angel Dear Urban Coverall in grey and blue stripes.

8.  We have never used wooden teethers but I love the idea.  The Little Alouette Wood Teether Giraffe, is a sweet and eco-friendly option.

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Mrs. Fabs Baby Faves

Recently I have been receiving a lot of baby shower invitations, which always gets me to thinking about my favorite, must-have, baby items.  It's amazing how quickly those must haves can change with each new phase of the first year.  As such, over the next few weeks I will share my baby faves your baby's first year.  These are all wonderful products that we used with Vivi, Cade, or both!

1. I am particularly partial to jammies.  There are so many options out there to choose from and in my vast search I found that Hanna Andersson's are the softest and easiest to zip.  Recently, the brand partnered with Serena and Lily and now features sleepers in many classic Serena and Lily patterns.   Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Sleepers are the most comfortable and stylish jammies around.

2.  We received a Little Giraffe blanket for Vivi when she was a baby and were instantly in love.  They are the softest, most cozy blankets I have seen.  There are many options to choose from but the Little Giraffe Luxe Faux Fur Blanket is our favorite.

3. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddling Wraps have grown in popularity since I had Vivi in 2009.  Made of 100% cotton muslin, these blankets are extra large, perfect for that tight swaddle, and get softer with each wash.

4. There are so many different swaddling devices out there, but with Cade I fell in love with the Organic Woombie.  The easy zip ensure that the baby will not bust out of the swaddle and the design allows them to move around comfortably without the newborn flailing.

5. Kissy Kissy Converter Gowns are the best newborn outfits in the world.  They convert from a gown to a romper by snapping the buttons differently making them easy for mom and dad.  Not to mention the pima cotton washes beautifully and is gentle on newborn skin.

6. In my opinion Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream is the best lotion on the market, and I have tried a few.  The formula is extra creamy and will help keep mild eczema at bay.  Use it morning and night for extra soft baby skin.

7. Most new mothers use Dreft, but my second child has ultra-sensitive skin that even Dreft irritates.  Method Baby Laundry Detergent is plant based and contains no toxins, phosphates, or dyes.  So you can be rest assured that your little one will not be bothered by harsh chemicals.  I also run an extra rinse cycle just to be safe.

8. We used the My Little Lamb Fisher Price Cradle n Swing with both of our kids and it is truly a godsend for the first 5 months.  The cradle creates the perfect cozy little nook for your baby to snooze  or relax while swinging peacefully.  As an added bonus, tt also provided me with a few extra zzz's here and there.

9. The Blessed Nest Nursing Pillow provides perfect support for both nursing and bottle feeding.  Unlike other nursing pillows, the Nesting Pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls that conform to you and baby, preventing the baby from slipping out of position.  

10. I am a huge fan of BlaBla products and their mission.  Handmade in Peru, their products use all natural fibers and are knit by local artisans.  It is always nice to find a company that supports local communities and creates beautiful products.  Cade's favorite is the BlaBla Monkey Rattle.

11. If you appreciate heirloom pieces, you will love Mother Stork's Baby Book, a beautifully crafted and classically designed keepsake book that you will be excited to fill out and proud to show off.

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