Our new little friend: Grippy.

Levi has been very content riding in the buggies (shopping carts) while out shopping. He enjoys driving the shopping cart with the car front, or even better, the chart that looks like a race car. For the most part, he’s happy and content the whole shopping trip. However, I knew it just a matter of time before this sweet little phase would end…and that time has arrived. He is almost 3.

As we began to prepare for Shelby’s arrival we began to train Levi how to walk beside the cart as I shopped or to walk with us in a store without a cart. Both of which were overwhelming for him. After one trip to the store I came home and told Ryan that I need a handle/leash that attaches to the cart/stroller/me that Levi could hold on to. I thought this might provide him with the boundaries he needed, plus let him experience some freedom—a good balance.

The next day I was reading one of the hundred of parent magazines that end up at our house (how, I do not know…). As I was flipping through the pages, I saw and an ad for Gripsterz. I was excited. EXACTLY what I was looking for. I read the info on their website and then zipped on over to Amazon.com and place my little order. I could not wait for my Gripsterz to arrive!

The Gripsterz kit includes: one irresistible Grippy monkey ring with attaching clip, two vine straps (1 ft & 2 ft) with an attaching clip, an adult handle, a convenient storage bag and a Grippy book for kids.

I keep the kit in my car so I’m prepared when we’re out. We’ve been able to use it a few times now and its been PEREFECT!! We do have 2 rules. 1- Levi has to hold onto Grippy Monkey. If he doe not straight into the cart he goes. 2-We have implemented the One finger touch rule. He can touch something with 1 finger. This is to help with all the curiosity, but eliminates grabbing everything off the shelf. So far He’s done GREAT with both rules.

The Grippy Monkey is the perfect alternative to a child leash or harness. It gives Levi the freedom to explore, but not too far. It really has provided a “base” for him too. I also love the versatility of so many different configurations. I’m currently using the 1 foot strap. I just clip it to the shopping cart and off we go. Not only does Grippy attach to the shopping cart, its can attach to our stroller, backpack, handbag or belt loop.

There is a little learning curve with using Grippy. I do have to let Levi know when I’m turning, so I don’t run him over. Or if he’s engrossed in something, I have to encourage him to keep moving or not pull against the cart. Lastly, I have to be more aware of him being outside the cart and not get so caught up in reading my coupons and products. A little training for us both! :-) Oh, and you have to REMEMBER to unhook it and take it with you when you leave. Since we’ve worked out these little kinks we’ve been able to shop with ease.

Bottom Line. Excellent product. Very happy with the versatility of it. Love that its kid friendly. And finally…its been worth every penny!! If you have a toddler or trying to keep up with multiply kids. This would be a great product for you.

Our 10 Favorite Baby Items…

Thought I’d share some of our favorite baby items and gear. Each of these products, in there own way, make our life easier and more enjoyable. Some of these items I can’t imagine life with out them. So, in no particular order, here’s our top 10 (for this stage of child rearing).

1. A Bouncer. If we’re not holding Shelby, this is usually where she can be found. The bouncer gives me a portable seat for her. She can sit/recline comfortable no matter where we are (inside or out). The bouncer was Shelby’s second bed during the newborn stage. Those nights when she had trouble sleeping I could place her in the bouncer and she was out. I think she felt more cozy and secure in it. Its great for propping her up after feeding (to prevent spitting up). Our bouncer is a made by Fisher Price. Its very simple. It comes with a vibrating option to help sooth the baby during those fussy moments. It comes with an activity bar that reaches across the bouncer. The little toys dangle for her to track, grab and kick. This particular bouncer is light weight, portable and bounces easily. The cover is washable too.

2. Baby Trend Snap and go Stroller. LOVE THIS. The infant carrier goes from the car straight in to this light weight stroller. Its easy to fold up and store. Comes with a great storage basket. Plus, it saves my back and arms!

3. Medela Breast Pump. Yes, it expensive, but worth every penny. I actually purchased a brand new on off eBay and saved around $75.00. I have a double pump and style. If you plan to breastfeed I would say this is a must have. Keeps milk production up. Helps make life a little more flexible. I strongly recommend the Medela brand too.

4. Gripe Water. I just discovered this little miracle solution this time around and IT WORKS! Gripe Water is a herbal supplement that includes ginger and fennel. Gripe water is great for those upset stomach, gas, colic, reflux and hiccups. Shelby experience hiccups often (daily, sometimes 4 and 5 times a day) which upset her because they are so forceful. The gripe water helps tremendously, stopping them quickly. We also use this in place of the Mylicon infant gas drops. I think it works better. Plus, its all natural. However, it must be refrigerated. I hear the Walgreen brand does not, but I haven’t picked any up yet.

5. Swaddle. I’m new to swaddling. (Levi could not stand to be swaddled, no matter what I did to comfort and sooth him). Shelby seemed restless when I put her to bed. Her startle reflex was also keeping her awake or waking her up from her sleep. So, I started to swaddle her. She took to right away. Shelby loves to cuddle and feel cozy. As a newborn I used the Summer Infant SwaddleMe cotton swaddle. It was great. It did stretch over time, but washing it returned it to its right size/fit. As she got older, she started squirming her way out of the swaddle no matter how well I swaddled her. This would cause her to stir and wake up. Thankfully, one of my good mommy friends shared this little secret with me. Its called the Woombie. It’s a fitted swaddle that zips. Its made of a thin t-shirt like material that stretches and moves as your baby moves. I actually like it better than the Swaddleme because Shelby can move her arms around inside and isn’t as restrained. It’s quick and easy to use too. I tuck her legs in, button the snap at her neck and zip her up. She loves it! I love it! As soon as I put her in it, she relaxes and is ready to sleep. It’s a little more expensive than the Swaddleme, but worth every penny. Shelby staying zipped up/swaddled=sleep for both of us.

6.Baby Trend Jogging Stroller. We bought the travel system (infant seat, stroller and car base). Since I can click the infant carrier into the stroller I've been able to use it from the beginning. Levi still fits and enjoys riding in it as a toddler too. It’s light weight and easy to push. Folds down easily. Great storage basket, sun shield and cup holders. Comes with 5 point harness. The seat reclines, which is a plus for those little naps. The front wheel swivels and locks (I never lock mine). To me, a swivel wheel is a must have on any jogging stroller.

7. Avent Bottles. Both my kids have taken well to the Avent bottle. I haven’t really tried anything else because we’ve been so satisfied with this brand. I did try a Dr. Brown bottle during our spitting up/reflux period and ended up going back to the Avent bottle. I didn’t really see a difference. Plus, they’re a lot cheaper than the Dr. Brown bottles.

8. Nature’s Source Natural Laundry Stain Remover by Shout. I know this isn’t a baby product, but its saved many of our baby products and clothes from food spills, spit up and even those explosive diapers. Tip: spray the clothing as soon as it gets soiled. Even if you don’t wash it right away, it comes clean (at least it has in my experience!).

9. Diapers. Pampers Swaddler Diapers are our favorite. They absorb well, hold wetness/soil in and fit nicely too. I like the new Pamper Baby Dry diaper too. We’ve also used Huggies pure and natural. There are some great coupons in circulation for the Huggies pure nad natural. I can usually get them for half the price. I’ve been pretty happy with them.

10. Pacifier. Right now, Shelby still prefers The First Years Newborn Smoothies. They’re the big green ones that most hospitals give you. They can also be purchased where baby items are sold, but there is a difference. The circular part of the pacifier is thinner, making it more flexible and soft. I’ve tired to introduce the avent pacifier, but she’s not interested. I haven’t tried anything else because if she’s happy, I’m happy.

I could eat the whole box!

ok, ok, I have another product to share. Fruit Leather from Stretch Island Fruit Co. These things are AWESOME!! I purchased them for the little one, but he won't have anything to do with them....nope, nothing!! Man, are they good! I could eat the whole box in one sitting....but I didn't.

I chose them because there are no added sugars and nothing artificial about them.The sweetness comes from the fruit itself. Plus, each one provides half a serving of fruit! I've always been a big Fruit Roll-Up girl...loved those things when I was little. These are so much better and much healthier!

I purchased a box of the summer strawberry from Wal-Mart. At my store they were located on the snack isle by the Gushers and Fruit Roll-Up! The price wasn't bad at all for something organic. You should try some!!

FREE DVD for Potty Training

FREE Potty training DVD from Huggies'.

Oh Baby...Vicks BabyRub!

So excited about this find--VICKS' BabyRub. Each time Levi gets a little cold or becomes stopped up I always wish there was more I could do for him. I pull out the humidifier, give some extra TLC and pray for him.... but now there's something more I can do! I can rub him down in VICKS' BabyRub. It's made just for the little ones (3 months and up). Its a non-medicated formula made with aloe vera and it smells wonderful--eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender . I share this because I wasn't aware of this little product until today. A great little find! Its going to be helpful, especially since what you can give to an infant/toddler is limited.

Pampers Reward Program

If you are a Pampers purchaser the Gift To Grow Reward Program is for you. The program rewards you every time you purchase Pampers diapers, training pants and wipes. You can earn FREE products and services. Here's how it works.

1-Become a member of pampers.com
2-Collect the green and white sticker from your Pamper Product.
3-Log on, enter the code from the sticker to accumulate your points
4-Then, REDEEM your points for free gifts! Choose from gifts for your child (toys, books) to gifts for you (gift card to Starbucks or snapfish photos).

Check it out if you haven't already. If Pampers is your product of choice, you might as well cash in on your freebies! Happy Pampering!

Oh Baby!

This is my first product spot light. My sister sent me this link today and thought its worth sharing! It's called the Beaba Babycook. What a genius idea! I can't say I've used but I sure wish I had it several months ago when I was making most of my baby food. All in one, easy clean up! It's a little pricey, but a mom can dream right! Check out the Beaba Babycook for yourself.