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Not all strollers are created equal

When I first found out I was pregnant, I really started looking at all the strollers, car seats, and bassinets online. Aside from things being “cute”, finding something with the right features was going to be the most important. I actually was sent a set from Safety 1st that I really did like, but after comparing them to the new Maxi-Cosi ones I have, the difference between the two are astounding.

Had I both sets at the same time I would have realized the profound difference in material, how things opened and closed, the ease of putting them together and more.

Maxi-Cosi Piazzo collection

Lets start with what the line consists of:

  • Travel System – Cosi35 Infant car seat & Lightweight Stroller
  • Play Yard – Includes bassinet, parent storage, toy mobile, travel tote and soothing music unit featuring nightlight and vibration
  • High Chair – Grows with your child with 3 recline positions, 4 footrest positions, and 7 height positions for every stage of feeding

Assembly of stroller and car seat (Travel set):

First off, this is the set I let my husband have for his car and now am ultra mega super jealous that this is the carseat in his car. I feel that Phoenyx is actually safer, or at the very least happier, in this car seat and stroller.  It was incredibly easy to put together and taking it out of the box and removing the plastic took longer than the wheel and tray assembly did.

In fact, it was so easy that I don’t have much to tell you about.

Step 1: pull out of box

Step 2: add on wheels

Step 3: Put in baby

Step 4: throw box away

And that is how I like my baby assembly!

We went for a walk with this stroller this week (now that we had a baby to add to the stroller) and its perfect on the drive and has super soft material. Phoenyx felt right at home. Our only complaint regarding the stroller is that its not overly easy to fold down.  I find this with most strollers but the squeeze on the handle can get sticky and require some pressure to get there.

Features we really like on this travel set

  • Handles extend automatically for someone that is taller
  • The stroller stands up once you fold down. Meaning that you do not have to lay it flat on the ground in order to store it. If you are in a restaurant laying down your stroller can be inconvenient, so its nice that this one folds and stands. In my house, that means one less cat is going to crawl on it

Our Walk:

Also, I wanted to note that this stroller is most likely average for all strollers, but it did take up the entire trunk in our car:

Carseat

The carseat has some nice features like the soft padding that goes over the shoulder area which keeps the belts from cutting into the neck or shoulder area and the ball that lets you know if the carseat is set at the right angle for the weight of your child.

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Baby Countdown…Day 78

When we left off I was on my way on vacation, which meant I had to come back and do….EVERYTHING. Seriously, I am so behind. This baby will be here in about 2.5 months and I am still staring at the walls wondering what the heck I am going to do to spruce this place up.

One thing I was able to do quite quickly thanks to my friends over at Goores, was get the crib going. I know white isn’t a traditional feel for a boys room, but since I feel like so many colors can be gender neutral (check out Rheas son in pink), I didn’t want that to hold me back. Plus espresso seems so dark for a beach theme and as much as I love darker furniture (after all, my own bedroom is Expresso), nothing had as beautiful of a beachy feel as this.

But I thought to myself…is white a BOY color. I am already decorating the room in a theme that isn’t traditionally planes, trains, and automobiles. In fact, Charlotte had a white sleigh crib. It just matches pink oh so well. But I am shoving those thoughts aside. I painted the walls blue. That has to count for something. Right!?

Now I had absolutely full intentions on giving you a total run down on the step by step process of putting this Babys Dream crib together, but in all honesty the hardest part was unloading the boxes and carrying the crib upstairs. The actual assembly process took under a half hour, making this the easiest piece of furniture in the house to EVER have been put together.

Which is how it should be when you are prepping for a newborn.

This crib is the:

Babys Dream Legendary Convertible Crib With Stationery Sides And Flat Top

The Legendary collection is a high-quality nursery collection perfect for girl or boy. The convertible flat-top Legendary crib transforms beautifully into a toddler bed and later into a full-size adult bed. The crib is a very sturdy stationary design and features substantial molding and curved channel posts. Cutouts around crib posts make tying your bedding bumper hassle-free. Coordinating pieces are value packed, offering dovetail drawer construction, oversized dimensions, and metal drawer glides. The bookcases are a great option for storing baskets, toys, and keepsakes. The Legendary collection is a classic design that can be enjoyed for many years and will grow up with your baby.

Features:

  • The Legendary crib offers a new twist on a classic style. Substantial moldings and curved channel posts evokes Old World charm and grandeur.
  • Converts to Toddler bed and to Full-size bed
  • Conversion kit sold separately
  • Mortise-and-tennon joinery
  • Solid sustainable wood construction
  • Built in the USA.
  • Manufactured to the highest safety level.
  • Rigorous safety tests and meet all regulations set by the CPSC and the JPMA.

The best part is this crib will last a lifetime. It goes all the way to an adult size and as a beautiful drop down feature so short gals like me can reach the baby.

Assembly instructions

Get all your stuff out…marvel that you are actually going to have a baby to put in here.

ZOMG!

Put someone to work putting it together…after all, you’re pregnant.

 

 

 

 

Done.

Seriously…..THAT Easy.

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Look, the baby doesn’t have to sleep on the floor!

And just for giggles…a sneak peek at the room….totally undecorated and unfinished….

(late at night, thats why the room is so dark…and did you notice that my fan has surfboard paddles….hard to tell in this shot. Ill get another one.)

Now of course you will get to see more once I do my nursery makeover stuff for Parents Magazine and you will get to see how far I have come from this shot to now…..which really, honestly…still needs a lot more work.

I just cant find anyone to help me.

Do you know how hard it is to walk up and down the stairs 7 months PG? I’m getting winded.

So what do you think…..white for a boy or no way?

 

~Trisha

*crib provided by Goores. Need a crib, bedding, or other baby gear like strollers and more? GET FREE SHIPPING at Goores when you purchase atleast $89 worth of products…and trust me, you will!

Baby Carriers for BOYS!

Well, well, there ARE products for boys out there! I swear all I see is pink frill and ruffle, which isn’t exactly fair to the other gender. Recently I was introduced to these Snugli’s, a little carrier, that has lots of patterns and colors that help keep it so dad doesn’t get embarrassed to add on the pack.

Kwim?

They have all sorts of styles of packs and carriers, a few demonstrated here:

(Look how cute those BABIES are!)

I actually saw my sister carrying her 6 week old in a sling this weekend and she was so snuggled and comfy. I totally forgot that packs really existed, but I think it may make vacuuming, shopping, and walking around a lot easier.

Here are a few of the patterns available (there are more, these are just the ones I’m showing!)

Snugli® is Back to Give Moms a Hip, Cool Way to Hold onto Their Baby and Sense of Style

New moms are looking to transition into motherhood in style and one fashion accessory that they will keep close to heart is Snugli, the original soft baby carrier, which has re-launched with a fresh, stylish look. The new Snugli line will redefine fashion-meets-function with 16 high-impact patterns and colorful styles, and eye-catching prints including Herringbone, Fluer de Lis, Gothic Black, Love Tattoo, Mini Skulls, Union Jack, Black Camo and more. With these great styles, mom will be able to keep her style as she moves into motherhood.

The Snugli line features best-in-class technology, one-handed buckles and breathable fabrics along with self-adjusting back straps. The comfort-meets-cool line has runway looks to fit every mom’s style and will be available in May 2011 at Buy Buy Baby and buybuybaby.com from $39.99 – $79.99. As scores of moms will attest, Snugli is perfect for parents looking for comfortable solutions to carry their child hands free. It’s also ‘the hug you wear,’ promoting closeness between parent and child for extra bonding time while at home or on the go.

Jennifer DeLonge, well-known furniture and interior designer whose work has been featured in more than 200 editorial and online publications, is the inspiration behind Snugli’s makeover. This Snugli collection is the latest example of a designer focusing on stylish and functional products for babies and young children. The line establishes an upgraded level of style and sophistication – at a great price – for fashion-forward moms and dads as they embrace parenthood.

 

Did you use a carrier or sling with your child?

 

~Trisha