The Sickies + Crib Items

Mr. C has been laid out, so we've got limited posting ability over here (between watching lots of Cars and Sesame Street). 

However, after 3 vomit episodes (2 in the crib and 1 in a restaurant...many people now need therapy and we won't go there again for a whiiiiiile), I do have some useful recommendations to offer.

He's still in the crib at 2+ years, and we intend to stay there until it is no longer tenable. I've also had several people ask me for suggestions for these items, so here are the bedding winners that stand up to the fraternity-house-level horror shows that babies and toddlers can throw at them.

Restoration Hardware baby & child

Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad

Not much to say except that it does what it is supposed to do. I like that it is waterproof without feeling or sounding like baby is rolling around on plastic. And the quilted top makes it feel a little more cushy. I put a crib sheet under it as well so that there's still a sheet ready to go under the pad in the event we have to strip it, say, in the middle of the night. 

Restoration Hardware baby & child

Washed Organic Linen Fitted Crib Sheet

I have lots of crib sheets--from cheapie on up--and I have opinions on most of them. All of mine look different, though they're all fairly neutral. Naturally, a crib sheet gets pretty heavy wear and wash, so at this point I might suggest sticking with a solid color like this one, as many of the patterns have long faded (ours is the ivory pictured above, but they have several in the washed linen). But what I most like about this crib sheet is that it is very generously sized, so it's MUCH easier to get on and off the crib mattress. Like, I have seriously broken a sweat and also fingernails trying to re-cover the mattress with other sheets. The linen feels very sturdy--as opposed to some of our other sheets that are wearing thin--and gets softer over time. I also like that it is supposed to look kind of rumpled, so you don't have to worry about ridiculous thoughts like "Am I supposed to iron the crib sheets or what kind of insanity is this?"

Also: cannot stress enough the importance of duplicates of critical items (sleep sack, lovies, other faves) so that you can still sort of continue to function even with a washer full of soiled bedding. 

No perks or affiliations here; just straight up recommendations I can make after 2 years of crib-sheet changing and 4 days of the bed pukes. 

(Honorable mentions: Apple TV, Gatorade, cocktails for parents)

Favorite Things: March 2015

Here's what I'm loving, as we emerge from our ice-covered winter madness.

This one's for the ladies--no baby or kid stuff here. If you've survived, you deserve it!

1. Garnier 5 Second Blur Instant Smoother

This was an impulse purchase at Target (have you ever HEARD of such a thing?!), but I think it works. It's not a cream; it goes on dry. I think it definitely made no-makeup skin look better and helped even out some of that late-winter redness.

2. Starburst jellybeans

Need I say more? Hello, Easter candy aisle. *currently 10% off with Target Cartwheel app*

3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation

I read a good review of this online and had a Nordstrom gift card, so decided to try it out. They gave me a generously-sized sample at the Armani counter (another reason to love Nordy), but I'll be buying the full size. It is light and provides good sheer coverage without being heavy or cakey.

4. Coconut oil

I've been using this for everything. I bought a big jar at Target and put it in the stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whipped it for about 5 minutes (h/t to Kate for the prep tips). This makes it less waxy and much more spreadable. You could add a few drops of essential oil if that's your thing, too. When it was painfully cold and dry outside, I put some on the baby in the bathtub for a few nights, and it definitely smoothed out his little dry patches. I've used it on the ends of my hair, as a lip balm, and on adult skin as well. It's also a good makeup remover and I'm sure has a billion other lifehack uses. A little bit goes a long way, so it's definitely a winner in terms of bang for your buck.

5. Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Tutu

I've been wanting a lip color that didn't really look like lip color, if that makes sense. Just sort of finishes the look but doesn't make a bold statement. Everything can look a little washed out this time of year, you know? The girl at the BB counter (again, at Nordstrom) said this color looks good on almost everyone, and I believe it. It also feels moisturizing and doesn't get dry or flaky. I've never dropped real money on a lip color before--drugstore gloss all the way, baby--but I feel good about this one.

6. Revision Teamine Eye Complex

This is by far the most effective thing I have found to address dark undereye circles. It addresses the actual causes and diminishes them, rather than just covering them up (although they also sell a concealer). I highly recommend to moms and other people who feel or look tired on the regular. Maybe I'm a sucker, but I saw almost instant improvement. It was recommended to me by Gwen, my skin guru at Elan, but it's on Amazon (link above) and elsewhere online.

7. Problem-Solving Pants

This is actually two items. The jeans in the picture are Madewell's High Riser Skinny. They're pretty much exactly what they sound like. They are not, like, fashion high-rise--wear them as you would normal jeans--but they're just high enough to contain (rather than bisect) any ghosts of pregnancies or doughnuts past. They run pretty true to size, even if they're a little tight when you try them on. They have just enough stretch to get to a good place, but don't end up sagging. They look good with flats and are a normal person length (hallelujah), though they sell them in tall. I've also worn them in boots, so they're slim enough for that. Highly recommend. I have a dark blue wash and black, but they have lots of color options.

My second fave in the wobbly-bits-containment category is Liverpool Pull-On Jeans. Whoever invented pull-on jeans is a goddamn genius. Mine came in my last Stitch Fix box, but I found them on Amazon and think these are essentially the same. Obviously do not wear them with your shirt tucked in like the goofy model, but you can see that there's no zipper or button. Naturally, this makes them more comfortable and also makes them lay more smoothly under a long or flowy top. They're really soft, but they are actual denim--not leggings or pajama jeans or something gross. And yes, you just pull them on. Basically they are all the best parts of maternity jeans (minus the full panel) without being such (I'd say they could work for early pregnancy and postpartum, but don't think they could serve as actual maternity jeans. Sorry). I would suggest sizing down--I wish mine were a little slimmer fitting.

Happy March, everybody. You made it (and if you're somewhere where there's still 6 feet of snow...you'll make it too. You're doing a great job). Treat yo'self. Boots's orders.


Amazon links are affiliate, but I have only included Amazon links if the price there is the same as or less than where I bought it. I bought all these products with my own $$--no freebies.

Boots Chooses: Gear

For previous Boots Chooses lists, go HERE and HERE.

This one is like, the main one. The big stuff. Babies and kids require a lot of gear, and this is the gear we have. If any of these lists could serve as a "How to Make Your Baby Registry" guide, this one probably comes the closest.

I've started with the items that make more sense to include on a registry--simply because you're more likely to use them at/from the beginning--and progress into other big items you need but perhaps not until later. Registry-type items are marked with an *.

The Infant Car Seat:
Graco infant seat*

SnugRide Classic Connect, Platinum

It goes without saying that car safety is paramount around here. I operated under the assumption that all infant seats are stringently tested and impact safe. For that reason, I went no-frills with our infant seat. One, the weight of the seat was more important to me than lots of bells and whistles. You tote that sucker a lot. Two, I had some bigger-ticket items on my registry and wanted a balance. Three, I knew from friends that you don't actually use the infant carrier for long, so didn't want to sink a lot of dough into it.

It worked well for us; we used it for about 7 months and it ended its run in perfect shape. It also came on a few plane trips, so I was happy it wasn't a heavy beast. Get two bases (or more, depending on how many cars and grandparents' cars are in your life--but also remember you don't technically need the base to use it. It's just for convenience). Also get a padded cover for the handle (e.g., Little Luxe Infant Car Seat Handle Arm Cushion, Black).

with itzy ritzy reversible seat cover

It was also tremendously convenient--and part of why I chose it--that there was an available adapter so the infant carrier seat could snap right on to our stroller frame (discussed below).

BUT--before choosing a car seat and/or stroller, definitely check compatibility between brands and adapters. These jerk manufacturers are always changing their products, so what was available to me might not be available now. I still have my Graco adapter for Bugaboo so could use it again (or loan it to you), but I am not sure Bugaboo still makes them. On top of that, Graco has changed their seats so that some (I think the "Classic Connect") work with other brands' adapters, but some (I think "Click Connect" do not). Point is--I think this cross-brand compatibility can be really important. Manufacturers want you to buy ALL their product. Do your research and know that it can change between babies. Like we needed one more thing to worry about.

Pack n Play*

This was solid gold from day 1, which I wrote about in the Newborn Essentials post. Read the info there for options, how we used it, and so on. I will repeat one important point: we used it for more than sleeping, and we used it well beyond the newborn stage. In the beginning, it's a diaper station or your bassinet. Then it becomes a playpen. This was a lifesaver for us in our bathroom so he could be contained and have fun while we did the getting-ready routine. That doesn't even account for using it the way most people think of, which is as a travel crib. C is a year and a half now and we've probably just retired it--though it would probably still be an option for sleep while traveling if we really needed it.

The Carrier:
ERGObaby*


Original, Black with Camel
but color/style options abound  

I will start by saying I really liked the Moby, which I've written about, and I think there's definitely a place for it--particularly in the early days. We also have a Baby Bjorn, which did its job solidly. But I'm approaching this as if I'm answering the question, "if you could only get ONE carrier...which one would it be?"

It would be the ergo, friend. I didn't have it when he was a newborn, so I can't speak to the infant insert, but I've seen moms use it a lot. Particularly moms of more than one who are wearing the newbie while chasing around the toddler (God help them). I bought ours for a plane trip where I'd be flying alone with C. We had already done a trip with the Bjorn, and--while I knew a carrier was essential--it didn't quite meet muster for that purpose in my opinion. I was jealous of my friend Ashley (and all the other moms on the flight, it seemed) (thanks for TELLING ME, GUYS) who had an ergo, primarily because it looked much quicker and easier to get on and off when it's just you. 

Another reason I'd go ergo if you're only getting one is that it way outlasts other carriers. I definitely had C in it when we flew to London, and he was 16 months old then. Granted, he's not the biggest kid in town, but it works. The carrier states you can use it up to 45 pounds, which will get you pretty far. More importantly, it's comfortable.  I think it distributes baby's weight better across the body compared to the Bjorn, which starts to matter when they chunk up. But the real bonus is that you can flip it around to wear bigger kids on your back (by which I mean dad. Dad can do this). 

One caveat is that baby can only face in when you're wearing it on your front*. I thought this would really matter, because C did like to look at the world when he was a little bigger, but it wasn't actually a deal breaker. At all. Plus, if they want to see the world you can just wear it with baby on your back. 

So: 

• easiest on/off I've encountered, especially when solo
• great for travel--handy zipper pockets and nap hood!
• most comfortable for adult wearer 
• and more easily/quickly adjustable (e.g., when switching from mom to dad)
• best longevity
• option for back-wearing
• not a "crotch dangler" style, if that concerns you--baby is more in a sitting position
• p.s. this more natural positioning of baby is why there's not a facing-out option

*If the inability to face outward really is an issue for you, they now make one called ERGObaby 360 (4-position carry) that does allow it. So you can have your cake and eat it too. The extra position will cost you about $40 more.

The Stroller:
Bugaboo Bee*

How do I love my stroller? Let me count the ways. It's a lot of ways. 

As I've said before, for full and exhaustive reviews, you can go elsewhere. But I will quickly run through why I chose this one and why I still love it. 

I initially chose it because duh, they're cool. And I read that the Duchess of Cambridge had one. But more specifically, I liked the idea that I could use just this one stroller through many phases. In the beginning, we removed the seat, used the infant seat adapter (sold separately), and would just snap the car seat on to that bad boy. For walks around the 'hood and such, you can definitely recline the seat fully and use the infant insert, but I liked being able to just remove the car seat from the stroller and plop it in the car if he had fallen asleep. I realize that there are lots of other stroller combos that do this, but I can say that the Bee did this well. 

We're now almost 2 years in, and I still love it. In fact, I love it more than I did at the beginning. I always tell people to stop looking for the holy grail of strollers, because the reality is that you will ultimately need more than one (e.g., if you have a big jogger, you will definitely need an umbrella stroller for travel and such). But here's the thing...I have not yet needed a second stroller. Sure, it could maybe be a little lighter, but I haul that thing all over the place. We walk in the neighborhood and in the park. I load it in and out of the car. We fly with it (and gate check). I am still able to carry it up our front stairs with him in it. It's sturdy enough to take everyday abuse but simple enough to make it worth it. I can unfold it while I'm holding the kiddo in one arm. 

Basically, this would be in the category of an all-terrain stroller. I guess that just means it has shock absorption and real wheels. What I think makes it different is that it's an all-terrain stroller with an urban look (and profile), as opposed to the sporty look the rest of them have. Obviously, that comes down to your lifestyle and how you'll use it. For the way we live, it's been a massive payoff to be able to navigate it through restaurants/tables, fit through standard doorways, maneuver with one hand, get through store aisles, and cover different terrain without rattling his teeth out. Watch the demo video for how it can grow with a child--I've extended the seat and the backrest as he has gotten taller and he is still comfy. 

It probably goes without saying, but one thing it is NOT is a jogging stroller. If you want one of those, you'll have to look elsewhere. I also wouldn't use it often on, like, wooded trails. For both of those, you want the 3-wheel setup with locking front wheel option. Although, my understanding is that most people with joggers definitely accept on the front end that they'll need that second stroller as the joggers are heavy and don't fold as small as others. 

Should you end up choosing this (I think it's the best of the single Bugaboos but people like the others, too), one of the bonuses--if that's what you can call more ways to get you to bleed money--is all the accessory options. Some are functional, and some, like all the color options, are just fun. I guess if you're going to drop that kind of money on a stroller you better damn well be able to get a color you like. I'll run through my favorite and most well-worn stroller accessories next.

Bugaboo Breezy Sun Canopy
*this particular one is for the Bee, but they have "breezy sun canopies" for Buffalo and Donkey, too

As you can see from any website, it comes with a canopy, and you have a choice of lots of colors. They even change some from year to year so you can get really fancy. But early on, I swapped out the standard canopy for the "Breezy Sun Canopy:" 

This shows it 3/4 extended, which makes it look a little extreme. Basically, it starts as a standard-size canopy but has the mesh panels for air flow and a little sunroof on top. For extra coverage, you can zip out one more top panel--that's how it's shown here. I got it for this option before we went on a beach vacation (the canopy itself is also SPF 50+). Finally, you can zip an extra mesh panel out the very bottom; I think the primary purpose is to keep mosquitos out--good for a summer baby. We fully extended it once when we were caught in a torrential downpour, and he stayed totally dry. He was little, so the seat was in parent-facing position, but yesterday we were walking in the rain--he's facing out now, of course--and it covered all but his shoes. But if you live in Seattle or something and rain is your main concern, the stroller itself actually comes with a rain cover. But I digress. Breezy Sun Canopy (4 colors; that one is Arctic Grey) is my fave upgrade I've made. 

Bugaboo High Performance Footmuff

fits all Bugaboo strollers

This thing. Love it. Wrote about it here: Thanks, Santa!

Just really works with the way we use the stroller, which is lots of walking to activities and restaurants from our house. When it's cool, cold, or rainy, we can keep him comfortable without having to actually dress the kiddo in all the layers. It actually comes with 2: a lighter one for spring/fall and a down-filled one for winter.

Diono Buggy Buddy Stroller Organizer

not brand specific

Oh yeah. Finally something on the cheap. This guy is EIGHT DOLLARS on Amazon (pic is link). The loops just velcro on to the handles, so I imagine it would fit many to most strollers. You can't tell without squinting at the picture, but there is a cupholder on each end. The center is an open space with a zip mesh pocket. Fits my phone, keys, and let's be honest probably a fire truck. I do have the add-on Bugaboo cupholder, but it's nice to have several for his sippy cup and such. 

The Big Kid Car Seat:
Britax Marathon or Britax Boulevard
convertible seat

 

 I didn't put this on our registry, but you might consider doing that if you have room on your list and already know which one you might want. You need it sooner than you might think, and they're significantly more pricey than the infant carrier car seats. PLUS you probably need two (as opposed to the infant carrier, where you just get one seat but can buy a second base for other cars).

This one seems like the gold standard, based on my unscientific poll of friends. It is very solid--and thus very heavy--is pretty easy to keep clean, and is simple for load in/load out. For a complete convertible car seat review, check out this one on Lucie's List.

We have traveled with it several times--you can buy a Britax rolling thing that it attaches to and essentially becomes a stroller--but it is too wide to roll down an airplane aisle and this sucker is heavy. I don't think you should buy your primary car seat based on ease of travel; safety is just too important and the thing stays anchored in your car the vast majority of the time. But we are considering buying a second, more lightweight seat for future travel, which I feel like I should state up front.

The Highchair:
Graco Blossom 4 in 1

Some people put the high chair on their registry; I didn't. It's just a matter of preference. I also didn't start solids until 6 months, which is later than some people do it, so they may have needed their high chairs earlier. I know you're capable enough to read Amazon reviews, so I will try not to repeat them here, but we've been using this for over a year and there are three main things I like about it:

1. Yes, it is that easy to clean. It wipes down really well, and it's easy to take the straps out and do those if you really need to.
2. The three-tray setup. There's a small grey tray, plus a full-size white one that snaps over that, and then a thin full-size one that snaps on over that. Practically speaking, what that means is that you don't have to have cleaned the tray from breakfast in order to be ready for lunch! 
3. It's probably obvious, but...the 4-in-1 feature. Sometimes we still use it as a regular high chair, though he's moving away from that. More often, he wants to sit in the toddler booster seat at the counter. We always put him in the booster on a regular chair if we are eating dinner together at the table--it's nice to have him at the same level as everyone and not have to scoot the high chair around. Note also that this theoretically means you could use this one high chair for two children simultaneously (I mean, one in the high chair and one in the booster). That's what I call a good deal. 

That was all the big stuff I could think of. Did I miss anything? 

Starting Solid Foods Part 1: Adventures and Opinions

I'm no parenting expert, but a lot of my friends are in the early phases of the parenting journey at present, so there are a lot of emails and text chains in which questions and experiences are traded. Questions about when and how to introduce baby to solid foods are by far the most common and consistent emails I get from friends--usually when baby is about 4 months old and they start to face pressure and conflicting information from different directions.

If you're not currently wrangling very small humans, some background:

1. When we were babies, the general recommendation from pediatricians and others in the know was to begin introducing solids (i.e., rice cereal) when baby was 4 months old. Cereal was the name of the game for a while and then jarred/strained baby food joined the party. Gerber was the shizz.
1. This means that our moms were told--by doctors and their mothers--to start solids at 4 months. They also thought that adding rice cereal helped babies sleep (current evidence does not support this and rice cereal is empty calories anyway). But at that point, you'd try anything if someone said it would help with sleep.
2. Current recommendations are moving toward introducing solids at 6 months of age. This is particularly true of breastfed babies, as there is a push toward exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months (for those who choose and are able to do so), but also applies to formula-fed babies.
3. This leads to present-day parents receiving conflicting messages about when to start solids. Some pediatricians are old-school, and some more up on newer research, so even different actual doctor people will tell us different things.
1. On top of that, our parents (now the grandparent set) know how they did it, and that's how they assume we will/should do it. Some because they simply pass on their experience, and some because they think any other way is just plain wrong. 
1. On top of THAT, there are few issues more emotionally fraught than how you feed your child, so any suggestion that encroaches on your parenting territory on that question feels extremely critical and indicative of The Type of Parent You Are.

Before continuing, I'll just say that the rest of this post is probably not relevant to anyone other than current parents and also contains a lot of talk about breastfeeding, so if that's not your thing, feel free to move along.

Talking about Difference with Young Children

I just came across this post for the second time (it was originally published on a website last fall, and the author has just re-visited it on her blog.

Talking to Kids about Disability on What Do You Do, Dear?

[If you like to find new blogs and go back and read them from the beginning, I suggest you get some time and Kleenex and do so with this one. I just think she writes with the most wonderful voice.]

If you're here because you have young children, or you know young children, or you are a human, I think you should read this. It is written from her perspective as the mother of a child with spina bifida, but it is about all of us. It's about how we talk about abilities and difference, and how we talk to our children about those things, and the messages it sends when we don't talk about them well or--worse--don't even talk about them at all. Plus a Harry Potter reference.

I found myself thinking about this exact issue lately, and then this post popped up in front of me--funny how that happens, right? Like the universe knew I needed to read it again. C is still too young to stare or ask questions about differences, but I did see him look a little longer at a person using a wheelchair in Target this week, and then again at the mall yesterday. It made me self-check my own behavior, think about this, and consider what I will say when he asks questions. I know he will, because he is curious and observant and empathetic. I have worked with enough families and children in the special needs community to know I want to be thoughtful about his questions, but I hope I have enough grace in the moment(s) to speak out loud the way I've rehearsed in my head (somehow...I never do...).

How do you strike the balance between sensitive and factual? How are you thoughtful without pitying? How can we talk about difference without somehow implying that different is always bad? 

One of the things I love about this post is that, in addition to her own feelings and experience, she also provides some concrete phrases and scripts. Of course, she doesn't claim that she encompasses everyone's experience or is a voice for all, but I think this is a very solid roadmap.

Talking to Kids about Disability (with links to more posts at the end, including one from Mr. Rogers--one of my first loves)

Have you ever been in a situation like this, or with a child? What do those of you who work with children have to add to this? 

Boots Chooses: Around the House

Often, when I exchange enough texts or emails from friends about a certain subject, I decide to go ahead and just turn it in to a blog post. You know, in case anyone is actually reading and hoping to get valuable information in addition to Backback photos.

Boots Chooses is a series I've started that attempts to answer the "which _____ do you use?" questions exchanged by parents all the time--at least in my crew. Kiddos change so fast that you think you've purchased every available item out there, and then they go do a new thing that you need to accommodate. There's so much information and so many options now, plus online reviews and lengthy blog posts about how to make your registry and avoiding genetically modified sleep sacks or what have you...

I'm not going to go that in-depth or extreme, or even claim that I've road-tested all the options and settled on the best of the best (see Lucie's List for that. She's done it and it's great). I'm just sharing what I've chosen and what we're currently using in little slices of daily living. It's kind of like Favorite Things, but a little different.

The first post in Boots Chooses is the things we use around the house and to help us organize daily existence. It's not exclusively kid-related, but I've gotten more systematic since C's been around and especially now that he has calendar needs too (swim lessons...birthday parties...).

As always, no pay for play here. 

Erin Condren Life Planner

 

So...I'm still a paper-calendar devotee. Yes, we have Google calendars and iDevices--maybe too many of them--and I strongly advocate the shared Google calendar as a proven marriage-preserver. Nobody can claim "you didn't tell me" we were having dinner with the So-and-Sos on Tuesday. {Note: not a jab at BA. I am JUST as bad, if not worse, at forgetting stuff like that now.} But I digress. My point is that I still think there's a place for paper planners in the digital world. There's tons of stuff I need to note that doesn't need to go on the actual calendar, and I like to see the whole week in this view.

My lifeline is the Erin Condren Life Planner. This is my third one and it's laid out the way I like and need it. I also realize that everyone has their own particular (STRONG) preferences about planners, so I'm not trying to convert anyone here. But I can think of at least 4 friends who now use them, so maybe it's your thing.

Generally, her stuff is a little cutie cute for me, but the planner just works. I have also liked her gift labels. Check out the site--there's even a video of all the ways you can use the Planner. Like you don't know how. They're customizable, which is handy, and there's also one just for teachers. You can do 12- or 18-month options, and start the year whenever you want (e.g., when I was a student, I preferred August-to-August calendars). She also runs specials pretty frequently, so you can offset some of the price tag. Email me for a friend invitation and $10 off your first purchase.

this thing I made

Pretty self-explanatory, this one. The problem I was addressing was that we need different things from different stores, and it wasn't working to keep them all on one list. One the one hand, I can't hit all the stores in one day, but I'd lose the list between the regular grocery run, Target (THE breakfast sausages), and Costco (47000 animal crackers, bulk razor blades, cheap gas). On the other hand, a simple white/chalkboard wouldn't work, because I want to be able to take the list with me. 

I bought: white board (came with the marker and the magnets that are holding it on), large Post-It pad with magnet on back, washi tape, another pack of the square Post-Its. I mounted the white board in the kitchen with the included sticky foam squares, and put the included sticky magnet squares on the back of the smaller Post-Its so they'd adhere to the white board. Obviously you could alter the categories and layout, but these are mine. Fifteen minutes at Office Depot and definitely do-able for under $40 or even less, depending on what you already have around. 

All Free & Clear detergent

We used free & clear detergent even before the kiddo, because sommmmmeone (not me) has sensitive skin and our clothes need to smell like nothing. Even if you have a wee one, don't buy Dreft. It's a racket, and not even "free" of all the things. For a while I used some organic one because they had like a 280-load drum of it at Costco (do you even need your detergent to be organic? No you do not) but I finally admitted that it wasn't getting our clothes as clean as I wanted. So I am back to the ol' standby, and finally feel like things are sufficiently clean. Not sexy, but there you go. 

I run an empty washer with hot water and bleach about once a month and/or in case of sick gross load. Sorry, environment. You also know I love the blue Oxy stick and I often put a half-cup of borax right in the washer. It's a cheaper, better laundry booster. 

Clorox Anywhere spray

Again, all the things have to smell like nothing, so I don't care for Lysol and such. I also try to be reasonable about not sanitizing everything, because I tend to lean toward the hygiene-hypothesis camp. But sometimes you just gotta bleach the s out of some stuff. Like when someone has had a GI virus, or with babies that share toys, or after a poop adventure, or the dogs get up to some questionable retrieving. This is an effective but very weak bleach solution (read: safe for clothes and items that go in mouths). It's what preschools use, so trust me here. The best part is you can just buy it once and then use the bottle to mix your own refill (Google for instructions).

Diaper Genie Elite

This is the diaper-containment device I chose for the nursery. We're pretty happy with it. My point here is less to convince you to buy this one over all the other ones and more to release yourself from going through the Amazon reviews with a fine-tooth comb and obsessively comparing diaper pails. People expect WAY too much from their diaper contraptions. It's a plastic pail of poop. Eventually you will be able to smell a poop smell. When that happens, take out the trash. Nothing's perfect. 

I do not know what makes this one Elite, but I do like the blue plastic bag that ties off on both ends and makes a poop tube you can just put in the other trash. That part works well. 

Dyson Animal and Digital Slim Animal

I've sung the praises of over-priced vacuums elsewhere on this blog, so I'll keep it brief here (ha). If you have creatures in your home (the kind with 4 legs or 2), I am here to settle the question for you. It's worth it. 

a cleaning service

Real talk. I tried to do it on my own for a while, and it just doesn't work well. Find whatever room you can make in the budget and enlist some help--whether it's monthly, weekly, or just when the shower gets too scary to bear. Otherwise, you and your partner spend the entire weekend cleaning up (wallowing in resentment), or you find yourself facing terrible choices like between cleaning a toilet and playing with your child. Just because you are a parent doesn't mean you are automatically a housewifeperson if that's not your thing. This is me giving you permission to outsource it. 

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Thus concludes the first post in Boots Chooses. Thanks, friends! I have a few more lined up, but I'm also happy to take requests--leave one in the comments and I'll see what I can do. I'll link to all of them, or you can click the label on the right side of the blog to pull them all up in one place. Note that there will be overlap (e.g., the highchair appears in "Gear" and in "Feeding"), but my goal was a one-click stop where you can ideally find what you're looking for no matter how you're searching. 

August Citrus Lane

Good stuff! This might be the best box yet in terms of how it lines up with our current needs. The insert said the theme is "back to school," but that's a pretty loose concept for an infant...

Rich Frog Little Stackers

click pictures for links

The one that came in our box is actually a froggie, but you get the idea. The segments are attached by velcro and pull apart. It's sort of like those plastic ring stackers, but soft like a lovey. I think he'll like that because he has just started to get interested in some of the loveys we have (that I've been holding on to since baby showers and other gifts). Also available at richfrog.com

Cleo's Color Book

This one is also part of the Barefoot Books collection, like Bear Takes A Trip that came in an earlier box. Mr C really likes that one (yes, I can tell that he likes some books more than others...though it might just be for chewing purposes), so I imagine this will also be popular. 

Use code EXPLORE for 20% off your order at barefootbooks.com

CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes

This morning I was looking at the jumperoo--where he now spends a good portion of the day--and wondering how those crumbs and dog hairs even got ON there. I have some Clorox wipes or whatever, but since he puts everything on the jumperoo in his mouth, I didn't know if that was the best idea. So I think I'll try these on the toys. The pop-up canister is probably too big for the diaper bag, but I have the Little Buddy wipes from the last box in there. 

Use code CWCL13 for 20% off at cleanwelltoday.com

Bottle/Sippy Cup Strap

Ah Goo Baby

(multiple patterns available on Amazon; this isn't the one I got)

If you've read much around these parts, you know Mr. C isn't much of a bottle man. However, we had his 6-month checkup this morning and have been given the go-ahead to introduce a sippy cup (of water). He definitely likes throwing stuff overboard (though he hasn't quite discovered the sublime joy of "I Throw, You Pick Up, Mommy" a/k/a "Uh-Oh!"). So this should be handy on the high chair/stroller as he gets down with his sippy cup self. 

On that note...does anyone have sippy cup recommendations? There are approximately a billion to choose from. The pediatrician recommended starting with one that "sprinkles" (i.e., is not totally leak-proof), otherwise it will just become a toy. I'd also prefer ones that aren't eye-melting with their licensed-character explosions, but will go with the best product in the end. I'll share it when I find it, too. 

June Citrus Lane

A new box came today--super exciting. To me, at least. Some days, the highlight is seeing what UPS brings.

(For background info on Citrus Lane, read this post.)

I think this was another decent haul. Looks like the theme is summertime/water play, which is A-OK by me. We love us some pool time.

iPlay Sun Protection Hat.
Stop it. So cute. A great item, and this is a trusted brand--I have a swim shirt from them. I already have a sun hat that I like, but I think it's good to have multiples for something so important. Poor bald babies don't have any hair to protect their little noggins.
Use code CITRUS50 for 20% off at iplaybabywear.com

Odd Duck from Boon
Perfect timing, as we just introduced a rubber duckie at bathtime (Andre Quackassi, the tennis-playing duck). Now that he is starting to reach and grab, it's fun to have a floating friend.

Happy Baby puree pouch
Mr. C has not started real food yet, but everyone I know likes these fruit and veggie pouches for on the go.

For mom: Foot Therapy Cream and samples
Let's be honest--probably not going to be spending a lot of time rubbing my own feet these days, but I'll let you know.
Use code SBBCL20 for 20% off at babyandmomgifts.com through 7/31/13

Citrus Lane

For a while, I wanted to be cool enough to sign up for a subscription box like Birchbox, where you get a delivery of goodies every month. Now I'm not cool anymore and I never did Birchbox, but there is of course a whole world of baby and kid sample boxes.

I looked at reviews of several (overview at the bottom of the post) and ultimately decided to sign up for Citrus Lane because the boxes are designed around your child's age as opposed to a theme or project. He's not really old enough to understand any of that yet, so I just wanted to try good products.

Our first box came yesterday--a few weeks after I signed up--and I thought I'd share a peek in to the contents if you wanted to see what it's all about.  They'd probably make a great gift, too, if you've got kiddos in your life (especially the project boxes for older kids). There are, of course, also the ones for grown ups and even dogs (BarkBox).

Bear Takes a Trip
A cute little board book. I've not seen this series (am I missing something?) but it's a cute little rhyming book with a story about Bear's trip to the mountains.
Use code DISCOVER for 20% off at barefootbooks.com

Rattle Keys from Green Toys
I think these are going to be a hit. They're made in the US from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs and are dishwasher safe.
Use code CLSPRING13GT for 10% at shop.greentoys.com through 6/30/13

Gripe Water from Mommy's Bliss
Some people swear by this for upset tummies. It's billed as a remedy for colic, hiccups, teething, and gas. If you're a devotee, this is a good one because it's all natural. Personally, it made my baby vomit when we first tried it, so we'll probably pass. He was littler then (I had bought a bottle on my own), so maybe it would be better now, but we no longer have the gas issues. So basically I have an unopened bottle of this that I'll give you for free if you want it.

Dish Liquid from Dapple
A "green" detergent for baby feeding items. I'll try it out.
dapplebaby.com

The Mommy Hook
Stupid name, pretty smart product. Just a giant carabiner that can hook to the stroller or grocery cart and hold your purse, shopping bags, etc.
themommyhook.com

I found varied prices online, but it looks like the total value of the items in the box was $35 or so, which I think is pretty decent. Boxes are $25/month for 1-month and 3-month subscriptions, and $21/month for a 6-month subscription.

If you want to explore more, here's a little overview. I don't know much about the others except what I've read on the internet, so you might have additional insight. I am not going to link to all of these because I am lazy, but I'm sure you are a good enough Googler. Also, some blog people are brave (or boring) and have reviewed all or some of these boxes, so you can search for reviews if you want to know more.

BabbaBox - theme-based "learning-oriented" boxes for older kids

BirchBox - for grown-up ladies. Samples of beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products. You can also review the product samples to receive "points." Less expensive at about $10/month.

BirchBox Man - you get the idea

bluum - samples for moms and babies (and, more recently, toddlers)

Cravebox - not a monthly subscription; more like a themed grab bag (for grown ups), e.g., Summer Beauty, Coffee Lovers, etc.

Glossybox - luxury-sized cosmetic samples

The Honest Company - Jessica Alba's line of green/organic baby and home products. A full-service site in addition to the subscription boxes

Julep Maven - nail polishes and nail products

Kiwi Crate - craft projects for kids ages 3-7. People like this one.

Stork Stack - for babies

Wittlebee - kids' clothing

Have you done any of these? What did you think? Did I miss any? Let me know...