Beco Gemini & PAXbaby

Nothing makes my outings easier as a mother of a baby and older children than my Beco!!! I have LOVED the Beco Butterfly and have worn Nate in it since he was just 2 weeks old... couldn't have done Disney with a 6 month old and 3 very busy kids without it!! Or weekly grocery shops, library visits and field trips:)

A few months ago I found that Beco had come out with a new style. A gem called the Gemini:) I was eager to try it out since I have treasured the quality, simplicity and comfort of the Beco Butterfly.

One of the limitations with the Butterfly was that my curious little man always had to face in toward me when he wanted to see out! But with the Gemini there are 4 different positions... yes, 4!!! The traditional front facing in and on the back, but also front facing out and a hip carrying position!!



Here some other of my favorite things about the Gemini:

• the 100% organic cotton was soo soft:)


• the straps are wide and very cushioned which made wearing my 20+ lb baby very comfortable


• in the hip carry position, it was nice having Nate in the front where I could make eye contact with him, but not RIGHT in front of me!!


• I love the headrest!! You can see that it's still folded down in my picture, but when Nate is sleeping I can easily use it to support his head versus having a removable headrest that doesn't always make it into the minivan or the store:)


• I found it very user-friendly!! The directions are very straightforward and using the carrier in the different positions was pretty simple.


• And it can be used from newborn to 35lbs!

I wouldn't be an honest reviewer if I didn't share that while wearing Nate in the front carrying positions the shoulder straps felt very wide, almost on the ball of my shoulders versus right in the middle. I really attribute it to my petite frame!! The shoulder straps can be crossed in the back, too, so I might try that the next time Nate is hanging out in the front:) Or let my husband carry him in the Gemini, he has already volunteered:)

Jillian at PAXbaby is a VERY experienced babywearer and is happy to help you find a carrier - wrap, sling, or soft-structured carrier- that fits you, your style and your baby:) Gotta love an amazing WAHM of 5 kiddos!!!!

And not only can PAXbaby find the carrier for you, but they can also customize it with your favorite fabrics, logos and add-ons (like a Mai Poketto). Find out more at how to Pimp My Carrier;)

Get One!
Beco Gemini - $129.00

PAXbaby has an incredible selection of beautiful carriers as well as free shipping and a 90 day return policy!! And check out the sale on some of their discontinued Beco carriers.


*I was provided with a Beco Gemini in Expresso for this review from Beco, by way of PAXbaby.com. The opinions are my own;)

** Sorry about the really "sleepy" looking pic... still waiting for those blissful full nights of sleep:)

Radian XTSL Car Seat by Sunshine Kid's

If you have a baby... or are about to have a baby, you are now entering or have entered ;-) - the car seat stage...

There are so many to choose from, it really can become overwelming.

I have tried a few carseats since becoming a mom, over 6 years ago - and I must say... I have found my favorite now.

Ive always been a graco girl, and I will not lie, I still love my sons Graco Nautilus very much... however, now that I have been introduced to the Radian XTSL, it will be hard to use anything but it.

The Radian XTSL is created not only to serve as a very secure and safe carseat for your baby-toddler-child, but it also is smartly designed. If you are like me and have many children in carseats, you will appreciate how Sunshine Kid's made this seat. It is NARROW and fits so much nicer. I was just amazed at the difference in space used between the Radian and my Graco seat. HUGE difference. I use to have to bend around the carseat to buckle my baby in, it was a tight fit rear facing... with the Radian in, that is not the case. I have plenty of room to get myself in and baby.

A Radian will cost you more than most Gracos, but take this in consideration...
They have a longer life than most Graco's. Many of you may not know this (I didnt until a few years ago) but carseats expire. Graco models expire every 3-6 years... the Radian is good for 8.

So if you are like me, and want your child to stay in a car seat as long as possible, get a Radian. It will be the only seat your child needs!

GET YOUR OWN: Sunshine kids not only makes the Radian, but also boosters and more. These seats are HEAVY AS LED (a good thing IMO!) - and super easy to buckle. You will not be disappointed.


WIN YOUR OWN: In case you missed it, Im giving away a winners choice of a Radian! The giveaway on this seat expires this weekend, SO SIGN up while you still can.

Disclosure:
Sunshine Kids provided me with a Radian carseat, to showcase and review on SIMPLE. These thoughts are my own.

Sunshine Kids Radian Carseat

How many of you are mothers of more than 3 kids in carseats? ME!!
One of the things I noticed fairly early on with car seats is how wide they are. In most cars you can only fit 2 seats in a row, max...

There however is a carseat out there that not only covers everything you'd want in a seat... but also was created to give you more room. Allowing you to put as many as 3 carseats on the back row of most minivans (possibly even some cars)

I just got to list the other benefits before getting to the exciting news...

The Radian XTSL Car Seats come with these features:

• Rear-facing: 5 - 45 lbs
• Forward-facing: 20 - 80 lbs (and up to 53") in a 5-point harness
• Steel alloy frame and aluminum reinforced sides
• SuperLATCH™ installation up to 80 lbs - no seat belt required
• Easy-Tite™ adjuster for quick and easy tightening, installs in 1 minute
• Adjustable head support, reinforced for complete side-impact safety
• Energy-absorbing EPS foam panels on all sides
• Safestop® energy-absorbing harness system
• Rubber bottom grips for no-slip installation
• 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions for proper harness fit
• Fits 3-across in a mid-size vehicle and offers more shoulder space
• 3-in-1 infant/toddler full body support cushions
• Memory foam padding for superior comfort
• Folds flat for travel and storage, includes convenient carry strap
• Sits low on vehicle seat for easy child boarding
• Forward and rear facing tether system
• 2 recline positions in forward-facing mode

GET YOUR OWN: You can buy your own Radian over at Sunshine Kids. Sunshine Kids also offers boosters seats as well as other car seat's, stroller accessories and more.

WIN OUR OWN: Now who wants to win one of these? Because I get to giveaway WINNERS CHOICE of the Radian XTSL Car Seat, a $299.00 value.

Heres how you win:

LIKE (aka become a fan) of Sunshine Kids on Facebook. Commenting here letting us know you did it. Also in your comment let me know what COLOR you'd like, if you did in fact win. You can view the color choices HERE.

EXTRA ENTRY:

You can grab an extra entry if you not only become a fan, but also leave this on your own personal facebook wall.

"I just became a fan of @Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products - They are giving away a FREE carseat through @SIMPLE Reviews - Check out SIMPLE (http://simple-momreviews.com) to learn more."

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED - WINNER POSTED HERE

Disclosure:
Sunshine Kids is sending me a Radian Carseat of my own - my thoughts here are my own.

Win a Linen Banded Ring Sling

A few months ago I reviewed a wonderful and gorgeous ring sling from SnuggyBaby! Since then Nate and I have loved the sling and I've recieved a lot of comments about my beautiful ring sling!

Well....

Jo is celebrating her 1st year in business with a giveaway of linen ring sling with a band of vibrant color:) The linen would be super in the summer when you want to wear baby in the heat:)

Visit her blog to celebrate and comment to win:)

Congrats to Jo on her 1st year! And to read her very interesting and helpful Etsy success story and how-to go here;)

"The best way to support your Baby....and your LifeStyle!"

{ * GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED * }
I first fell in love with baby carriers VERY shortly after I had my little Adalynn. I really didn't know much about them, until I had a need for one! My oldest daughter was 3 years old when we welcomed Adalynn to the world, and it was almost summer! We don't sit still too much and I didn't want that to change since we had a newborn. Hence, the baby carrier entered my life! I'm happy to say that not much did change because I was able to bring Adalynn with us everywhere due to a great carrier!

Here are a couple reasons I love my ERGObaby carrier:

1. It is not another big and bulky item that us moms needs to carry around on top over everything else we have. I just throw it in my diaper bag or leave it in my box in my trunk.
2. It is simple to put on after some practice.
3. With some practice, you are able to move the child in the carrier from side to back without having to take everything apart.
4. Padded shoulder straps.
   
5. I'm able to be HANDS FREE (another way to look at this is HANDS ON with the older children) - which means I can pay attention to both kiddos!
6. Last but not least, I didn't have any back pain with this carrier!! Woo Hoo! If you have ever worn a cheap carrier, you know what I am talking about! This one doesn't give me any!
   

Here is a little bit about ERGObaby:

ERGObaby is a family owned and operated company located on Maui, Hawaii. Since 2003, we have been providing parents with the most thoughtful, highest quality, and most innovative babywearing products and accessories found on the market. It is our mission to educate parents about attachment parenting, babywearing, and related topics, to improve the way our next generations of babies are introduced into the world. We are committed to excellent customer service, including immediate order response and friendly support of product use. We market the ERGObaby LifeStyle globally and have created an efficient team that is dedicated to reliability and serving our customers with integrity and a positive spirit.

Not only do they have a great carriers, they also have ORGANIC carriers! You can look at their huge selection of organic carriers, back packs and more by clicking HERE!

You can follow ERGObaby on Facebook too and be the first to hear about contests, specials and other great things!

GET YOUR OWN! You have to run on over to ERGObaby and take a look around. The pictures above are only a simple sampling of ALL they have to offer! You can get your own carrier starting at $105. So many different styles and colors to choose from!

{ * GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED * }

WIN YOUR OWN!! SIMPLE has the opportunity to giveaway a carrier to one lucky SIMPLE reader. ERGObaby will send a carrier to our chosen winner! In order to be entered to win, you must visit ERGObaby's site and come back here telling us your favorite item - and if applicable, why it is your favorite!

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each)

• Blog this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and ERGObaby
• Tweet this giveaway
• Follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Finder
  
• Become a new fan of SIMPLE on Facebook
• Become a Facebook fan of ERGObaby
• Invite your friends to be "fans" or like SIMPLE on Facebook - comment telling us how many you invited!
  

A little info about giveaways:

• NON-Bloggers, please leave your email address in your comment as we have no way to contact anonymous users.
• Blog-Owners, please be sure your contact information is in your profile or blog somewhere, or leave it in your comment.
• Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 1 week, another winner will be chosen.
• Winner MUST be in the continental US.

Winner will be randomly selected and announced June 25, 2010. Good Luck!

*I was provided with the Galaxy Grey Carrier free of charge from ERGObaby.*

Snuggy Baby winner

Congrats to RaNette (#30) who won the $25 gift certificate to Snuggy Baby:) I hope you can pick which Wrap to purchase:)


You have days left (until May 31st) to enjoy the 10% discount for using the coupon code SIMPLE when you check out;) This would be a great time to get that beautiful ring sling, wrap or wet bag you've been wishing for!!

The Original Buggy Bagg

With a new little one rapidly approaching grocery cart days... I was dreading having to put him into a dirty cart full of germs. I love to wear my babies most of the time im out shopping... but honestly there are times when I cant manage that and have to put my child into a cart.

For those times I do like to have a way to protect my child from so many possible colds and bacteria.

A wonderful and SOFT solution are the Original Buggy Baggs!
I have yet to see a cart cover like this with cushion built into the back and front. It is unlike any other cart cover. It also comes with a built in PILLOW, how spoiled are our babies right? :-) Lots of spots to connect toy chains, sippy cups and even a back organizational area for diapers, wipes, wallet or your keys. All the back pockets zip shut as well to provide protection from anything falling out.

Since my newborn isn't big enough to fit into the Buggy Bagg yet, I borrowed my friends adorable little girl to use as a model. :-) She was nicely snug in the buggy bagg and ready to go!

GET YOUR OWN: The Original Buggy Bagg is 100% machine washable and comes in a variety of different prints (new ones soon to come!).

A SIMPLE COUPON: Use the coupon SIMPLEMOM at check out and save 10% off your purchase of any Buggy Bagg or Blue Berry Diapers/Covers (also sold on the store) - Act fast though the coupon expires mid June!



I was provided this buggy bagg for review via blueberrydiapers.com

Every Mom Deserves One

When we started planning for my newest little man, I knew of very few things that we needed, Nate being our 4th baby!!! On the top of my list, though, was a beautiful ring sling that I could feel attractive and comfortable carrying my little bundle in!!

My criteria was met by Jo of Snuggy Baby!!! Her ring slings immediately caught my eye because of the amazing choices of fabrics she uses. The slings are also double-layered so it the fabric can be see no matter which side is showing. They are just beautifully made and would make any mom feel beautiful.

I also loved the pleaded shoulder of her slings. Since it is pleated baby's weight is distributed across the shoulder instead of just one place on the shoulder. I can tell that she is a Mom with babywearing experience and she incorporates her experience into each carrier she makes.

As a petite momma, I did find that the tail was long! But once I wrapped the tail around the ring it was fine. Jo said that she makes the tails longer to act as a cover for breastfeeding and for those who want to cover the ring.

Snuggy Baby has something for any new mom:)

Jo has a great selection of designer fabric Baby Wraps. She sells adorable Child Doll Slings for those little baby wearers trying to model their momma. And another diaper bag "must have" is the Wet Bag- these are super cute and make a great gift or get one to match your carrier!!!

From SnuggyBaby you can also purchase gift certificates for others or
create a gift registry for yourself:) And SnuggyBaby has information pages for those new to babywearing or using a ring sling!!!

GET YOUR OWN!! Snuggy Baby is offering SIMPLE readers a 10% discount for any purchases through May using the code SIMPLE!!!! So visit her site and find yourself a beautiful baby carrier or Wet Bag:)

WIN YOUR OWN!!! We also have a $25 gift certificate for a lucky SIMPLE reader. Visit Snuggybaby and share your favorite item in a comment (don't forget to leave your email)!!

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each)
•Blog this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and Snuggy Baby
•Tweet this giveaway (you can tweet daily for extra entries)
•Be or Become a fan of SIMPLE on Facebook
•Become a Facebook fan of SnuggyBaby

This giveaway ends May 14th!!

*Thanks to Jo of Snuggy Baby for the beautiful ring sling to review!! So glad this momma has had the opportunity to snuggle with her little one in it and looks forward to many more beautiful snuggy moments;)

Hawley Sack from Turtle Turtle

The look on this sweet boy's face pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about my new Hawley Sack from Turtle Turtle. Oh the joy, the excitement, the pure giddiness I feel over this Mei Tai style carrier. I have been so anxious to tell you about it!

I personally prefer a Mei Tai carrier for the comfort aspect. If you've never used one, now's the time to start, and a Hawley Sack has it all - comfort, affordability, and adorableness!

Hawley Sacks are made by another mom, so you know she has firsthand experience of what makes for a great carrier. The body of this carrier is a little bit bigger than some of the other Mei Tais out there, and the straps are a bit wider. This makes it comfortable for you, and gives more support to baby. (for smaller babies and newborns, there is a Turtle Shell insert sold separately to help stabilize baby while in the Hawley Sack - so clever!)



As a seamstress myself, I can't help but notice how impeccable the quality of this carrier is! The stitching is perfect. I mean perfect. It's made of sturdy cotton fabric in all sorts of drool-worthy designs. At just $67, the Hawley Sack from Turtle Turtle is worth every penny for those precious, comfortable, and fashionable babywearing moments!




GET YOUR OWN!! (with a coupon!) Go ahead, you know you want one! Visit Turtle Turtle to find the Hawley Sack just for you. Receive 20% off your purchase by putting "Simply a fan" in the message to seller. (you will be refunded the 20% via paypal after purchase.)

WIN YOUR OWN!! Turtle Turtle would like to give one of our lucky SIMPLE readers a $35 gift certificate to their shop! To enter, visit their site, then comment here telling us one of the other products they offer.

For additional entries: (comment once for each entry)

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and TurtleTurtle
  
• Tweet this giveaway: Over at @simplereviews, they are giving away a $35 GC to Turtle Turtle! http://tinyurl.com/yav4one
• Become a new follower of SIMPLE
• Become a Facebook fan of SIMPLE
• Become a new follower of TurtleTurtle's blog - this will keep you in the loop of deals, coupons, new products and more!
  

Winner will be randomly selected and announced 3/25/10. Good luck!

Catalina Market Sling - Fabulous Way To Wear Your Baby

The Catalina Market Sling by Serena & Lily is the creme de la creme of baby slings. They are made to make you feel and look fabulous, while carrying your baby comfortably and safely.

The Catalina Market Sling is one seamless piece of fabric without buckles, belts or straps. The inside lining is a super soft brushed 100% organic jersey cotton - just the type of fabric you would want up against your baby's delicate skin!

Before owning one, I first saw this sling on a woman at the mall. I had to know what brand it was, so I of course stopped to talk with her about it. Her little newborn was sound asleep and snug as can be in it! All the while, the mom looked absolutely fabulous in her gorgeous Market Sling by Serena & Lily.

The Catalina Market sling is by far the most comfortable sling I've ever used. Wearing my baby in it has definitely made me feel fabulous and chic!


Serena & Lily's Market Sling comes in several different designs, including the Peacock shown to the left. How beautiful is that?!


GET YOUR OWN!! Visit the Serena & Lily website to purchase any of their Market Slings. The Catalina Market Sling (pictured above) retails for $109.00.

Kokopax - To Carry Your Precious Cargo, On Your Back

Babywearing is by far one of my favorite parts about having a baby! But now that I've got a 25 lb. squirmy 1-year old, and I myself have back problems, babywearing has been pretty minimal these days. Until now!!

I have considered a backpack carrier, but they all look so bulky to me. This backpack carrier by Kokopax is not only the perfect size, it comes in several adorable prints! I mean c'mon...part of babywearing is being fashionable, right?

This carrier is SO easy, comfortable and SAFE to use. I'm able to put my baby in it and put him on my back without the help of anyone else, something I haven't been able to do with any other carriers.

Just flip the "kickstand" out and set it on the floor. Load baby and strap him in with the 5 point safety harness. Then carefully pick it up and maneuver it onto your back. Pull the "kickstand" back in, which acts as a footrest for baby.

The Kokopax Classic Carrier is so comfortable since it only weighs 2.7 lbs. The shoulder straps are padded, and the waist support is padded AND adjustable. I have been able to wear my guy in this for hours at a time, and he absolutely loves it! He has a great view of everything, and I'm still able to reach back to hand him things, talk to him, etc. I can also wear this confidently knowing my baby is in a safe carrier! It is one of only 3 frame infant carriers that has been approved by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association). In my opinion, this is one carrier every family needs in their babywearing stash.

GET YOUR OWN!! (with a coupon!) The Kokopax Classic Carrier is available for purchase on their website. It retails for $149.99. Use code smr2009 to receive 10% off your purchase.

Beco Winner:)

Congrats to #34- Mandi !! She has won the organic Beco Butterfly 2.0 Baby carrier in Expresso:)

You're going to love it:) And with the neutral color, your hubby can wear the kiddies too!!!

Remember the special promotion going on... purchase a Beco and receive a Mini Beco for a daughter, friend or granddaughter for FREE!! A great gift idea especially for a mother-daughter pair:)

Simple readers can also get 5% off all the great items at Baby Snazz using the code SIMPLE:) And Baby Snazz always has FREE shipping for orders over $75!

Belle Baby Carriers!

As a new mom, I am loving the opportunity to try new things. I have recently been given the opportunity to sample a product that made my infant son a little more comfortable and me a little more at ease.


The Belle Baby Carriers are a line of baby carriers that promote direct skin contact with you and your infant. My son loves to lay against me, even when he's not falling asleep. And I love the feeling of him snuggling right up to me, it makes me feel so close to him! As a gift, I'd received another baby carrier, and after trying them both, I would choose the Belle Carrier. I was able to put Tyler into it without any real complications, and while the straps are long, the support is great! I walked all over the grocery store without any slipping or readjusting. I use it at home when I want to get things done, and want to have him next to me. It's really a simple product. I also like the fact that this product is made right here in America.

Another fun fact regarding the line of Belle Baby Carriers....say it with me: MACHINE WASHABLE! The words are so sweet to anyone like me, who is a magnet for mess!

Easy clean up, easy to use, extremely easy to recommend, in my opinion! Plus they offer beautiful designs to fit anyone's taste! I myself tried the Cappuccino colored carrier, it's a beautiful color and extremely soft. There are also several other color options to choose from.

GET YOUR OWN!! Go on over to the Belle website and check out the various styles that they offer. Also be sure to check out the awards page! There you will see that the Belle Baby Carrier won the 2008 Seal of Excellence from Creative Child Magazine!

A SIMPLE COUPON!! Belle is also offering a discount to SIMPLE readers, just by using SIMPLE as the coupon code.

WIN YOUR OWN!! SIMPLE readers will be given the opportunity to win their very own Belle Baby Carrier! The winner will be able to choose the color and style carrier that they would like. To enter, visit their site, then come back here and comment, telling us which item you like for either yourself or to give as a gift. Be sure to leave your email address!


For additional entries: (comment once for each entry)

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and Baby Carriers by Bell
  
• Tweet this giveaway


• Become a new follower of SIMPLE


• Become a Facebook fan of SIMPLE

Winner will be randomly chosen and announced November 23rd. Good luck!!

Written by: Jessica