Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Product Review: JJ Cole Urban Bundleme Infant

Urban Bundleme shown in Ice Blue

The JJ Cole Urban Bundleme is so cute and so perfect for the fall and winter seasons. It fits right into the car seat and can transfer to the stroller. Instead of taking your baby in and out of a snowsuit each time you go out, you can unzip this portable blanket and not worry. It keeps the draft out when you enter the cold car or outdoors. The color options are really bright, fun and cute. I think it is extremely useful for the new and busy mom because it saves time and energy. I know my son hated when we took his coat on and off and I was also worried I was hurting him. This Bundleme makes it much easier and is one less thing to worry about while also keeping you baby stylish and cute. I totally recommend it as a shower gift. It is a bit expensive but they have a year warranty so keep the packaging. We had a problem with the elastic and the company was very helpful in sending a replacement.

Original Bundle Me Infant - Navy

Monday, July 19, 2010

Spider Baby

Sometimes babies skip the whole crawling thing altogether. In my son's case he crawls on his feet, it is the weirdest, cutest thing to see. I call him my spider baby. He loves to pull himself up on anything and everything including his bouncy seat which he almost always falls off of, we have to put that away now. He now likes to bounce and dance while standing. It is so amazing to watch him play and grow. I can't believe he is almost nine months old. I've heard that this is the most fun time and I cn't help but agree. I already know how boys will be boys and he is an active little baby boy. He loves to go to the park and on the swings. He is my sweetie pumpkin pie and I can't wait until he can say Mommy!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Shane pulling up on his tip toes at 6 months...here we go!



My son Shane is pulling up and trying to climb and 6 months old! We have put up the gate that blocks the stairs but we need another one to keep him contained in the playroom. Boys will be boys and I have a feeling that the bouncy chair we have for him added to his leg strength and is partially to blame for all of this.
Sometimes I wish he would be like the other babies and just sit and play. It would make life easier for me so I could get things done. I guess I have to get used to it because I'll soon be running after him at the playground. I am just so glad that he is so happy and curious about everything. An bonus is that running after him will keep me trim.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Product Review : RaZbaby Teether Rocks!

http://images.buzzillions.com/images_products/02/23/raz-baby-razbaby-hands-free-silicone-teething-pacifier_2377223_175.jpg My son has officially starting teething. This milestone has come full throttle at 6 months old and now begins the drooling, cranky crying and pulling on my nipple. This RaZberry teethers are great for him. His is able to hold onto it, suck on it, chew all around it and teeth it. I picked it up and Duane Reade here in Astoria but you can probably get it cheaper at La Casa Del Bebe ($5) or online. It is BPA free and he likes it in his teething rotation. I put it in the fridge or freezer or dip into a cup of ice cubes and water with other pacifiers and he loves to chew on it. It comes in blue and red with green leaves or I have also seen an all pink one as well, I like the red with green leaves. I highly recommend it for your teething baby.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Say No to Spirit Airlines!

Here is a letter I wrote to the customer service department and below a response from them. What a joke!! Never Ever fly Spirit Air if you can help it. There are other airlines that offer better customer service and actually can help you when you call for help. This cheap flight cost us a lot of headache!

To whom it may concern,

I just wish to bring to your attention the horrific experience my family and I endured on a recent trip to Ft. Lauderdale Florida when flying on your airline. We were flying with our infant and had made a note in our reservation that we had a baby. When arriving to La Guardia airport we waited in a line for at least an hour to check our 1 bag. Preiviously we were told we could not choose seats prior to boarding and so when we finally got onto the flight we were sat in the last row near the bathrooms. The area smelled like urine and our seats were soiled with spilt coffee (it seems) as well as the tray table. My son was fidgeting his arms and kept touching the dirty surface. When we politely asked if there were any other seats available that perhaps reclined so my son and I would be more comfortable, the attendant told us that our seats did recline (which they did not!) and ignored our discomfort. We then asked if they could perhaps give us something to wipe the seats with we received a roll of the eyes and a wet paper towel. I could barely reach my diaper bag to even get wipes or supplies needed for my baby. My husband is 6 1" and his knees were bruised from rubbing against the seat in front of us. It was the worst flight I have ever been on in my life. Thank god my son was good and did not get too fussy. As he fell asleep the attendant rudely asked me to lift the sunshade which actually was between my seat and the man in front of me and I was holding my sleeping son who was bothered by the heat.

On the way back we called ahead to try and make sure our seats were not in the back and were told we had to pay a reserved seat fee of 16 dollars per person. We explained the ordeal and asked to speak to a manager at which point the woman told us there was no one to talk to and nothing to be done, we just had to speak to someone at the airport. She then asked us if we wanted to get 3 free flights- we told her there was no need since we were never flying spirit again! We arrived hours early because we knew what we were in for. After waiting in line for an hour a lady told us that if were checking in with kids that is a different line and we had to move. There was no sign indicting this on the way in. Luckily we were able to get seats other than the back row on the way back after talking to the desk. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half so we were in the airport all day and our seats were still dirty on the way back.

I realize that we did get the seats at discounted rate but at what cost to you throw away customer service??? Plus we had to pay for our luggage to be checked and even water and soda on the flight. A friend flew Delta - paid even less and didnt have this experience so it can be done.

Perhaps your flight attendants should be a bit more courteous to guests in need. I work in the hospitality industry and a little goes a long way, this was by far the worst experience I have had on a flight ever.

Sincerely,

XXXX


Dear Ms. Landowne,

Thank you for your correspondence with Spirit Airlines. We welcome an opportunity to assist our valued customers whenever possible.

On behalf of Spirit Airlines, let me apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. I would like to assure you that what you described in your email is not the normal customer service provided by Spirit Airlines.

We are committed to offering quality customer service and ensuring that your flight experiences are both positive and memorable. I am sorry that you feel your experience with us did not measure up to the standards we strive to achieve.

As for the substandard conditions of our aircraft. All of our aircrafts receive a thorough cleaning after the last flight of the day, and a quick turn around cleaning in-between flights. I apologize if you feel that the cleaning crew was not as diligent as they should have been. Please rest assured that your feedback has been taken seriously. I have copied your letter and have shared it with our In-Flight Director.

Thank you for contacting Spirit Airlines. We strive to provide you the best service coupled with the lowest fares possible.


Sincerely,

Michael Ferrante
Corporate Consumer Relations
Spirit Airlines

( What a crock of you know what!!!)

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Product Review : Cloub B Gentle Giraffe and Twilight Turtle

See full size image
I love my son's Cloud B Gentle Giraffe that plays safari sounds and a white noise waterfall sound that helps him fall asleep at night. We received both both the mini one for travel and the large one at the baby shower. The mini one is just fine in the bedroom and on the go. It is soft and cuddly and easy to move from swing to car seat to stroller and back to crib. It is great for the Jungle theme we did in the nursery! I give it an A+.
See full size image
The Cloud B Twilight Turtle was given to him recently and it is so perfect for wind down time just before bed. He is amazed at the glow and the starts on the ceiling (or on my hand). My son is too young to be afraid of the dark but I think this would definitely help when he gets a bit older. The shell is a hard plastic and the body is soft. It glows in green, blue and amber. The only thing I wish is that it played some soothing twinkle little star music but all in all it is very cute. I think it is a great addition to complete a child's bedroom.


Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Tips for Traveling with an Infant

Our first family trip was to Hollywood Florida this March . . . What a trip! We had a great time and our son had a great first swim in the pool.

Here are some tips for traveling with an infant:
1. Most airlines allow strollers and car seats to be checked for free and many right at the gate.
2. Declare any milk for the baby when going through the security check. Check out the TSA website for more info.
3. A diaper bag is not included as a carry on, it may be a lot so a back pack is a good carry on bag so you have full use of both arms.
4. Feeding the baby by breast or bottle during take off and landing can help with ears popping when adjusting. (If the baby has a cold it is especially annoying for them when adjusting to altitude so try to aspirate their nose before boarding)
5. When packing remember that wipes and diapers can be purchased at most locations so try not to over pack those items. Wipes can also be heavy so try not to pack to many in the checked baggage.
6. Keep your baby in the shade or wearing a wide brim hat when going to a sunny destination, babies can't wear sunscreen until 6 months old.
7. Try an overnight diaper on the flight so you don't have to make too many diaper changes. (An airplane bathroom is tiny and smelly and if there is turbulence it can be dangerous and messy.)
8. Make sure to bring Benadryl and Tylenol with you on the flight in case your baggage is lost.
9. Try to choose a seat in advance near the front so you can get off the plane and not have to wait for all the passengers to get off.
10. Boarding the plane early assures overhead space for carry on baggage and gives extra time to get organized and comfy for the flight.

Please feel free to add anything you have come to learn, we can all use tips and tricks to make parenting a little easier.

Thank you! : )