Mom Style

J’Adore Lexie Couture’s Hospital Bag

Lexie of J’Adore Lexie Couture, new mom to baby Viggo and lover of all things girly & glam shares the wonderful things she packed in her Petunia Pickle Bottom bag for her latest hospital stay to make it as comfortable and pampered as could be…

My little one has arrived and with that fact I wanted to share what I packed for the hospital stay for my baby #3.

The Bag

The Diaper Bag has to be at the top of your list. You need a fabulous bag to carry all the darling little things for bebe. I was so excited to try out this lovely cut velvet diaper bag from Petunia Pickle Bottom. I’ve heard many good things about these darling diaper bags. So, of course, I have this beauty stuffed and I am so eager to test it out. Read on to find out what I packed in my bags for my hospital stay.

I remember when it was time to pack for my first, Chloe, and how overwhelmed I felt! I literally thought that I needed absolutely everything under the sun and I was so nervous about being prepared when it came to my hospital stay and what I needed in the diaper bag.

Just like with my baby registry for my first, I had way more than I actually needed, and I also wasn’t as prepared comfort-wise for myself. Now I have an even better sense of what to gather to make things go as smoothly as possible. So, here are my essentials:

Nursing Tanks
When packing for myself the first things that rush to my mind are comfortable and easily accessible clothing for nursing. I personally love nursing tank tops because you don’t have to fiddle with a bra and a top during those first few days of adjusting to baby. I like to plan to make things go as easily as possible so I can truly enjoy the experience instead of feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable, ya know?

I went with Gilligan O’Malley Nursing Tanks at Target because out of the different ones I’ve tried I prefer them best. They get the job done, they don’t wear so fast and I found these cute new styled ones with buttons that I’m eager to try. I packed three for the hospital and in neutral colors as well (but if they had pink as an option I would have been all over that!!!!).

Robes Are An Absolute Essential
When I was at the hospital last year with my 2nd, Ivy, I absolutely LOVED having the Target – Gilligan O’Malley Robes. I seriously lived in them while pregnant and at the hospital. They’re so incredibly cozy, comfy and breathable. This is really important to be because I absolutely hate being hot! These specific robes are so perfect for the hospital because they provide quick and easy coverage for when you’re nursing, and trying to keep covered with all of the random people you don’t know that keep coming in and out of your room.

I also packed this Plum Pretty Sugar robe that has a feminine touch to it for the special photos with my little one!

Comfy Pants
Once again I’m going to refer you right back to Target here with Women’s Fluid Knit Pajama Pant – Gilligan & O’Malley. These pants are truly a dream. Are you noticing a trend here? Gilligan & O’Malley has this comfort stuff pretty well figured out!

The comfort they provide and the breathability as well, had me buying a pair of these in every color. I really couldn’t help myself. And you know you’ll be sore, crampy and what not at the hospital so just go ahead and treat yo self with these babies.

Socks/Slippers
Call me weird, I’ll take it, but I’m really not one for wearing socks or slippers. I wear mostly ballet flats and I just like to slip them on as is but for the hospital, socks and slippers are a must. I’m not hating, what-so-ever, on hospital cleaning crews, but come on, you don’t know what’s been on those floors! (or maybe you do) so the feet shall be covered! And I picked up some cute little socks from Target to cover me here as well.

Specially-Made Hospital Gown
This was another first for me when it comes to my hospital stay and I was so excited! Pink is so me and I also happen to love polka dots, oh so very much.

I know some people may think that having a special hospital gown is unnecessary but hey it adds to my excitement and I don’t know if we’ll be having another little one so I just want to treat myself and have a girly-unique-and-not-previously-worn gown for my baby’s arrival!

By the way I got this adorable gown from Annie and Isabel, two sisters that also happen to be registered nurses that started up their darling shop, Annie & Isabel over 7 years ago. They make beautiful gowns that are not just for births too! Besides our beautiful mamas, women who have cancer, radiation treatments, and any hospital stay enjoy their designer hospital gowns. I absolutely loved wearing mine!

Belly Support
For my last two pregnancies, I didn’t actually give any belly support products a try, but this pregnancy I have done and am doing some experimenting with them.

For the hospital I packed a Belly Bandit in hopes of having more tummy support. I remember last year my belly just felt so weird those first few weeks because there was no more baby and my muscles were taking their sweet time pulling back together. This time I went to the hospital prepared with this pretty supportive band to not only add support but also get my belly back to where it was pre-baby faster! I’ll keep you updated as to how that goes in later posts just in case ya wanna know!

Undergarments
Although I like to wear nursing tanks, I also packed a few nursing bras just in case! And I just so happened to pack some You! Lingerie ones because I love their pops of color and cute feminine attention to details! I mean seriously how often do you find nursing bras like these?!

Now for panties, I packed boy shorts. For full coverage bottoms, they’re my style-go-to and I don’t want to talk too much into details, but you must know you’ll be needing a lot of coverage down there right after baby. The ones I picked up for this hospital stay happen to be Gilligan & O’Malley too! Surprise surprise lol

Going Home Outfit
Let’s not forget about your outfit for going home! You may not be feeling so glamorous at this point and that’s totally ok! If you prefer to just wear some comfy sweats on the way there’s nothing wrong with that my dear! I plan on wearing a cozy sweater, over a nursing tank, and if I feel up for it wearing my ASOS maternity jeggings with some comfy ballet flats.

Let’s Talk Beauty
My favorite thing to have on hand at the hospital (or anywhere) is a great face moisturizer and definitely dry shampoo! Cannot live with out that! Drybar by the way makes the best one ever and trust me I’ve tried so many! Any-hoo here’s just a quick list of what you should include: Brush, Makeup, Cleanser, Lotion, Moisturizer, Dry Shampoo, ToothBrush/Toothpaste, Deodorant.

All Things Baby: Here are just a few ideas for packing: Baby Gowns, Onesies, Blankets, Mittens, Socks, Burp Cloths, Caps, Car Seat, Pacifiers (just in case) and Poppy/Nursing-type Pillows.

Other Essentials: Camera/SD Card/Charger, Notebook/Pen, Cell Phone Chargers, Personal Pillow (if you’re like me and hate thin pillows) and Personal Blanket

I hope you enjoyed learning about all the things I packed in my hospital bag. I discovered My Petunia Pickle Bottom bag through my amazing registry site Gugu Guru because it matches my personal style.

About J’Adore Lexie Couture:

I love all things girly & glam & also have a deep love and admiration for every thing & anything Audrey Hepburn. Kate Spade Obsessed & You must know that the color Pink & Glitter are absolutes in my book. I have always wanted to have an outlet where I can share my passion for all things pretty as well as my desire for dressing elegantly & femininely. I wanted to create the perfect glam place to share that passion which just so happens to be my blog!

My blog is a backstage pass into my feminine-mommy-lifestyle and all that I utterly adore. You’ll find posts on what I’m currently loving, tutorials, styling advice, reviews & more. All tied together by a pretty & Pink bow! Visit: https://www.jadorelexiecouture.com

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Worry Free Beauty

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

Your skin can absorb up to 60% of what you put onto it, so it pays to be cognizant of what you put on it during pregnancy. When Christine and Leland Dehring were expecting their first child, they quickly learned that tons of the products they used every day are actually full of dangerous chemicals that could potentially harm their unborn child. They also realized that most mommies don’t even realize that these chemicals exist. Christine and Leland decided to dedicate themselves to finding the safest, most effective pregnancy products and Bump Boxes was born. Bump Boxes delivers bundles of only the best, safest pregnancy and baby essentials straight to your door.

Here Gugu Guru editor and nationally known beauty writer, Melissa Schweiger Kleinman, co-author of Belli Beautiful: The Essential Guide to the Safest Health and Beauty Products for Pregnancy, Mom, and Baby, shares her expert tips on worry-free beauty for pregnant mamas along with her Bump Boxes product pick!

TIP: Spot Treat with Care
Acne is the most common skin complaint during pregnancy, thanks to the influx of hormones your body faces during pregnancy. But the typical acne-fighting ingredients you used before you got pregnant are no longer safe when you’re with child. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are contraindicated during pregnancy and have been linked to birth defects. A safer alternative is products containing tea tree oil, sulfur or lactic acid.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash

TIP: Mani/Pedi at Home
Treating yourself to a manicure may sound like a no-brainer during pregnancy, but a trip to the nail salon is rife with possible dangers for moms-to-be. If the nail technicians fail to properly sterilize their tools or clean the foot spas, you could be exposing yourself to possible staph infections. And then comes the nail polish itself, which could contain DBP, toluene or formaldehyde. Instead, invest in your own nail tools and a lovely shade of 5-free nail polish and either take it to your salon or DIY.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Ella Mila Mommy Collection Nail Polish

TIP: Keep it Clean
While you may be hooked on your old-school bar of soap, pregnancy is the perfect time to take a look at its ingredients. Many bar soaps contain an ingredient called triclosan, which has links to hormonal disruption and liver tumors in animals. Instead, find soaps that contain sodium chloride, vegetable glycerin and shea butter.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Nubian Heritage – Mango Butter Bar Soap

TIP: Kiss Petroleum Goodbye
Rather than reaching for the jar of Vaseline when your lips are cracked during pregnancy or digging for your lip gloss out of your purse to give your pucker some shine, look for products that are petroleum-free. When converted into personal care products, petroleum creates a byproduct known as 1,4-dioxane which is a probably carcinogen. Instead, try a lip product containing essential oils or even lanolin (the ingredient in nipple creams) to soothe chapped lips.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Ecco Bella Good For You Gloss

TIP: Keep an Eye out for Safety
It’s normal for moms-to-be to feel like they’re a second away from falling fast asleep at any moment. Your hormone levels are running amok and feeling exhausted is your body’s reaction to some of those changes. Mascara will help counteract the look of fatigue that is sure to remain on your face well after baby is born (welcome to motherhood!). But be smart about the ingredients you choose for your makeup, especially mascara. The eyes have mucous membranes that can easily absorb any unwanted chemicals in your mascara. To be safe, use only mascaras with iron oxides and shellac and apply mascara to only the tips of lashes rather than the base.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: ECCO BELLA MASCARA

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Best Registry Items for a Summer Baby

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Summer Baby Must Haves and Warm Weather Newborn Essentials

Calling all very-soon-to-be-moms and mamas entering their first summer with a baby! If you’re due to have a baby this summer, or you’ve recently delivered, then you’ll need some special baby gear and goods to make sure your little one is properly protected, safe and pampered during the warmer months. Overheating and sunburn are serious safety issues for summer babies, especially newborns. This is the season most of us savor. A new baby shouldn’t keep you from having a little fun this summer! Here are our picks for the best beat-the-heat and summer-ready items for moms of summer babies. Don’t forget to check out our ultimate list of what to put on your baby registry.

Summer Baby Must-Haves #1: The Baby Monitor

While baby is napping is the perfect time to get outside in the backyard or front porch and enjoy some of that fresh summer air. Just make sure you have a good baby monitor by your side. The Infant Optics DX-R Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens takes baby watching to new high-tech heights. You can customize viewing angle and zoom, all remotely. Plus the sound-activated LED full color display and long-life battery guarantees you feel safe at all times when baby is snoozing in the other room.

Summer Baby Must-Haves #2: A Baby Sun Blanket

Pediatricians don’t recommended applying sunscreen to babies under 6 months old. So what’s a summer time mom to do? Wrap your little one up in the Green Sprouts Breathable Sun Blanket, which doubles as a car seat canopy. This super-soft protective blankie is OEKO-TEX® certified for your baby’s health and safety.

Summer Baby Must-Haves #3: Sleeveless Onesies

When the temperature rises, your baby is going to want nothing to do with some frilly outfit with complicated layers. Buy sleeveless onesies in bulk for summer time. Carter’s Sleeveless Onesies are classics. They’re durable, unisex, comfy and easy on the wallet. Plus your baby will look super-cute!

Summer Baby Must-Haves #4: Baby Sunglasses

Eye protection from the sun is no joke for any age (the delicate eye region is a common spot for skin cancer to develop). Keep baby’s eyes protected and reduce the glare of the sun with a pair of UV-protective shades made for babies. We love these sunglasses, which are made from flexible silicone, feature UV400 polarized, shatterproof lenses and a strap to keep them in place. Plus they’ll make baby look super-cool!

Summer Baby Must Haves #5: Baby Swim Clothes

It might some time before your baby actually does the breaststroke, but chances are you’ll still want to bring your little one to the beach or pool this summer. A swim diaper and sun hat is a must for any child during the summer. Plus you’ll also need a rash guard. We love anything and everything from Green Sprouts, including their awesome swim diapers, rash guards and sun-protective hats. Available in many adorable styles.

Summer Baby Must Haves #6: Outdoor Blanket

From picnics in the park to outdoor music festivals, chances are you’ll be spending loads of time sitting on the ground this summer. You’ll want something safe, water-resistant and durable to place baby on top of. Try the ultra-portable JJ Cole Outdoor Blanket.

Like what you see? Here are some more summer baby posts:
Summer Travel Must Have – Travel Tray
Summer Fashion Picks
Babo Botanicals Sunscreen

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5 moms Pamper their Feet with Barefoot Scientist

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As a busy mom, your schedule is full. You don’t always have time to do everything you need to do, let alone things you want to do like stop in at the salon and get a pedicure. What if you could get that post-pedicure soft, smooth feet feeling from home? You can with Barefoot Scientist and their many products to help keep your feet in tip-top shape.

Maybe you’ve got dry feet. Or maybe you’re a mom who cares about clean ingredients and cruelty-free products. Maybe you’ve never thought about your feet more than putting on socks and shoes in the morning. We had 5 moms from our Gugu Village try the Smooth Operator bundle from Barefoot Scientist. Read what they had to say below.

Sophia, mom of 3

The Barefoot Scientist Smooth Operator set is an excellent way to get a little me-time while at home. Although I love a good pedicure, having this system to use in between my trips to the spa allows me to feel like I’m prioritizing a little self-care. Simply slip on the socks while you’re watching TV, sitting at your computer, or laying in bed and your feet will soak in all that goodness. The best part is, I hate wearing socks (they make my feet hot) but the socks are so amazing that even after I slipped them off, my feet stayed nice and cool all night. The hydration cream is a nice addition before slipping on the gel-filled socks and I love having my own ‘Gratest’ rasp tool to take care of my tough spots. Be careful not to overuse! These are a great addition to the dry winter weather coming our way in the midwest!

Ali, Mom of 2 & Pregnant

My favorite form of self-care is painting my nails and toes and I am always on the lookout for tools to make that easier. As a mom of 2 with 1 more on the way, going to the salon has become something that happens every three or 4 months so I needed help to take care of my feet. The Gratest rasp tool said you could use it on dry feet or after soaking for 10 mins but I choose to try after a shower. It was very comfortable in my hand and I felt safe in control. Additionally, I liked the string for easy drying after cleaning. The High Dive hydration cream is probably the thickest moisturizer I have ever used and felt absolutely luxurious. I felt confident in the ingredients they used (Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Vegan. Free of Phthalates & Parabens.) even during my pregnancy. The Sleep On It overnight gel socks were a new experience for me! I would recommend putting them on as you are in bed as they did not feel comfortable when walking around. However, when I woke up and took them off, my feet were definitely softer than I had ever felt before. For super dry feet, combining the moisturizer and socks might work well but it was a little too much for me. I am excited to try the socks alone!

Sarah, Pregnant with her first

Absolutely loved the product right out of the box. The simple packaging translated to the relaxing scents of the products. I was already hooked! The High Dive made my feet smell heavenly and after a full day on my feet, combined with the Sleep On It socks made my night before I even got into bed. The combination is a great way to destress and relax after a bath/long shower and I’m definitely looking forward to the next time I use my in-home foot spa treatment! I was a little nervous using The Gratest but using it on wet skin from the shower reminded me of my last pedicure, and I couldn’t resist! These three products are awesome individually, or together – you can’t go wrong. Great way to relax the feet for the next day, and great smelling too!

Brianna, mom of 2

The Gratest and High Dive were my favorite products of the three in the set. I was able to easily remove dry skin with the Gratest. It was painless and quickly allowed my skin to have a smoother feel. The High Dive was very moisturizing and had a luxurious feel to it. It was not too thick and easily absorbed. Definitely a step up from a normal lotion. The Sleep On It socks were interesting in that they have a gel coating on the interior where the ingredients are to help provide additional moisture while wearing them. However, they feel a little odd between the weight of them and the gel texture. While I would prefer a sock without the gel, I do appreciate that they have multiple uses (up to approximately 12 per pair). There was some moisturizer residue on my feet after taking the socks off following wearing them overnight. It washed off easily.

The Smooth Operator set is a wonderful addition to my home self-care and I am happy to have come across it. Two days after using the set and my feel soft and refreshed and I will definitely be using this set going forward.

Melissa, mom of 1

First I want to start with the package itself. It made me feel extra special with the personal handwritten note, it just adds a little more thoughtfulness to the experience and to the product. It’s something to keep in mind when I send it to my friends and family. I started my foot care with the therapeutic socks. The instructions state you can wear them anytime, I prefer at night. You do need to get used to the soft gel, I can see for some people it might feel weird— it did for me the first time. Hence, why I decided to do it at night. After wearing them for a couple of nights, I can definitely see the difference in how soft my feet felt. I didn’t have any allergic reactions— I tend to have sensitive skin— the smell was not irritating, and what I love most it’s cruelty-free, free of phthalates and parabens. Be aware you do have to hand wash them and after much usage, the gel does run out. However, I love how I can now incorporate it as part of my own wellness routine. I tend to be on my feet all day, and these socks just work their magic! Love the concept.

Now the High Dive cream, with just a couple of drops I can see how it absorbs deeply to the cracks of my feet. It’s really light, smooth, and most importantly, without leaving behind residue. Fragrance-free and it feels like you have no lotion on your feet. Lastly, the Gratest. The foot file for your feet! I should have started with this first because whenever you need to hydrate your skin you need to prep it. I do have to admit, I always get scared using these types of products for the fear of thinking I’m going to cut my skin. This tool however is lightweight and easy to use. As with any, the blade is sharp, so I didn’t have to add so much pressure to remove the rough skin. Overall, the kit is well worth it.

Thank you to Barefoot Scientist for letting our moms test these amazing products!

Looking for more Reviews and Tips? Check out our most recent below-

A Gugu Guide’s Fall Faves

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Meet a Gugu Guide: Anya Machala. Anya is a pastry chef and now SAHM of two girls ages three and one. Anya and her family love to get outdoors no matter the weather. She loves to craft and do anything DIY and is always looking for new fun sensory and learning activities to make for her girls. This Rhode Island mama of two girls LOVES fall and here shares some of her favorite fall activities and a few product recommendations too. From her go to carrier to a delicious recipe for the whole family and an easy Halloween costume idea, check out her fave Fall picks below.

Carrier stash left to right: Black Eyelet Scout no leather; Tapri Scout no leather; Seek 15 scout with leather; Natural Eyelet Scout with leather; Magnolia 5 scout with leather; Happy Baby Carrier Strewn OG; Happy Baby Carrier Cake Toddler

Fall Baby Carrier Pick: Sakura Bloom Scout

I admit, I do have a bit of a carrier stash problem but my favorite right now is the Sakura Bloom Scout. I can carry both of my girls comfortably in it for hours. It has the ability to carry from newborn and while at that point my favorite was a Happy Baby Carrier, now with them weighing more, I find the Scout disperses weight better for me. I can tandem carry my girls, or just chase one while carrying the other on my back and it gives me the ability to be hands free. We frequently take long walks and I always reach for my scouts. They have beautiful color options as well as different fabrics too. I personally like the leather option on the arms straps as I feel it gives me a little more support. For carrying in the fall I use an Ollie & I Pendleton carrier cover. The wool keeps out the chill and I love the option of the removable hood. My youngest daughter was an infant las winter and it gave me the option to get my toddler outside almost every day without the fear of her getting cold. Because it’s not really safe to carry a baby with footies on, due to the possibility of cutting off circulation, the carrier cover was the perfect option.

Seen here: Pom hat from the gifted baby NY; Ollie & I carrier cover

Fall Recipe: Picky Eater-Friendly Risotto
Quick, simple, flavorful and customizable
My girls love rice. I mean who doesn’t but what is better than creamy risotto? Especially during fall. Both of my girls are dairy free due to allergies so it’s not easy to find something that will substitute the creamy texture while having to sub dairy. Enter veggie medley risotto. Not only is it filling, it can be customized to the pickiest of palates.

What you will need
– 1lb of chicken. I use tenderloins since they easy to cut up into chunks
– Chicken stock
– Small onion diced
– 1 garlic clove minced
– Arborio rice
– Small pot
– Measuring cups (liquid and dry)
– Frozen veggies (any kind my girls like peas)

How to make it
1. Cut chicken into small chunks and season with salt and pepper
2. Dice onion and mince garlic
3. Measure out 3 cups chicken stock
4. Put a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened about 3 min.
5. Add chicken to pan and brown
6. Add a mounded 1 cup of arborio rice to pan and stir until coated with olive oil.
7. Add 2 cups of the chicken stock bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer
8. Simmer without stirring until almost all liquid has reduced
9. Slowly add remaining chicken stock little by little stirring after each addition
10. When rice is cooked and liquid is almost all gone add in 1 cup of the frozen veggies of your choice and stir to combine. The residual heat and small amount of remaining liquid will cook veggies.
11. Enjoy!

DIY Halloween Costume: Fluffy Chicken Costume

In my quest to find a super cute outfit for my daughter I stumbled upon a fluffy chicken. Only problem was THEY WERE 175$ ON ETSY!! I really didn’t want to pay that much for a costume that might only get used once (being reused again this year for my second daughter) so I found a way to DIY one. Scrolling amazon I found feathers but tried to think of the easiest way to attach them. Single feathers would be tedious and take forever so I thought maybe a string of feathers? Enter the feather boa. Super fluffy, easy to work with and so many color choices. Next I thought how to attach them? My husband suggested fabric glue or hot glue but that would weigh down the feathers and make the outfit stiff. My sewing skills are not top notch so I watched a video on simple ways to tack items and found out how easy it could be!! I ordered two onesies, one for underneath for warmth as well as protection from feathers and tack spots (my daughter gets itchy easily), suspender leggings in yellow so they don’t fall down, a crochet chicken hat from Etsy (I can’t crochet and yay for supporting local businesses) and yellow moccasins.

I laid out all the boas and tacked them on to the onesie one by one. Make sure when doing this you hold up the onesie to check for bare patches. I started with the arms and across the collar. The arms are the most tedious because of turning them inside out to see where you’re attaching the feathers. Then I zig-zagged across and up and down the onesie to cover it fully. Again make sure to test out on your child BEFORE wearing out (I found a few bald patches that looked full when doing this early this morning with my 3 year old’s grey chicken costume). Be fair warned that your house will be full of feathers and everywhere your child walks will leave a trail of them!! I did simple one flat colors for my kids but I’m sure you could add in another accent color for some dimension. I seems daunting but it’s so easy and really fun to see the smiles on my kids faces as they are running around!

Links for materials
Onesies
Feathers
Leggings
Hat

Baby Carrier QUIZ Which is best for you?

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Fall Knit Collection in Nursing & Maternity from Kindred Bravely

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

The fall season finally arrived, bringing with it cooler temperatures and the need for new wardrobe pieces. Whether you are currently pregnant or nursing, Kindred Bravely’s new Knit Collection (use code KNIT20 for 20% off!) offers a variety of stylish pieces to add to your closet. You’ll love how fashionable these pieces will make you look while adding both warmth and comfort to your everyday look.

Kindred Bravely Knit Collection Pieces

2-in-1 Nursing & Maternity Knit Midi Dress – $89.99

Bringing together a comfy knit and a midi dress style, the 2-in-1 Nursing & Maternity dress is a must-have for this fall season. You can rock it bump style now as the slim fit will hug your curves. After your baby arrives, this dress is also perfect for the postpartum phase thanks to that soft knit fabric. To nurse in the dress, you simply pull down the neckline. We love the detachable shrug for seasonal warmth as well as assistance with discrete nursing. It is available in both camel and black, classic colors for any season but especially fall.

Classic Nursing & Maternity Turtleneck – $49.99

The classic look of a turtleneck paired with a nursing panel makes this piece perfect. You won’t have to remove multiple layers in order to nurse your baby. You’ll feel comfortable again due to the soft knit fabric and the fact that it’s form-fitting but not too snug. The evergreen color really pops, and the turtleneck also comes in classic camel and black. You can pair it with some Louisa Maternity & Postpartum Support leggings for a put-together but comfortable look that works everywhere from the office to the pumpkin patch.

Chloe Chunky Cardigan Sweater – $69.99

Everyone needs a comfortable, stylish, and warm cardigan when the weather starts to change. Kindred Bravely really delivers with the Chloe Chunky Cardigan. The length is stylishly long without feeling like too much for shorter mamas. This comfy piece can be worn casually at home, out on errands, to work, and even on date night, pairing well with anything from Kindred Bravely’s leggings to maternity jeans to workwear. You’ll absolutely love the deep pockets and flattering shawl neckline. It comes in a heather grey as well as oat to work well with your entire wardrobe.

Jackie Knit Maternity Mock Neck Midi Dress – 69.99

This maternity dress offers you the ultimate in sweater dress style. The midi-length makes it on trend. You’ll love how the soft, stretchy knit fabric looks draped over your bump. You can dress it up for work with a blazer or make it work for a fancy night out with some cute booties and a pair of statement earrings. Whatever the occasion, this dress is perfect for the fall weather. It’s the Little Black Dress of the season for sure.

Kindred Bravely definitely delivered high-quality fall fashion for expectant and new mamas with their Kinit Collection (don’t forget to use code KNIT20 for 20% off). What’s your favorite piece?

Thanks to Kindred Bravely for making this sponsored post possible.

The Scoop: Baby Boldly Birth Bag – Fully Prepared

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Preparedness and Motherhood rarely go hand in hand, but Baby Boldly has created an all-in-one hospital bag that will do just that. As a third-time mom-to-be, I should know everything that I am going to need to bring to the hospital for labor and delivery. However, as a third-time mom-to-be, I have two other little loves to worry about packing for as well. On top of everyday life – school, kids’ activities, work, meal planning, laundry, cleaning, etc. – preparing for baby #3 has been a little more stressful and a lot more time-crunched than I expected. Having the Baby Boldly Birth Bag: Fully Prepared pre-packed and shipped directly to me has checked at least one thing off of my list.

Truly Comprehensive –

With over 30+ unique pieces, my birth bag was packed ensuring I had every essential, not just some of them. With items to help with labor, nursing, showering, and any down-time in between I am confident that I will be covered. Additionally, 1 thing I love is that there is still room left in the main bag for me to add in any personal items I might choose to bring as well.

Non-toxic + Practical –

I guess you could consider me a “Scrunchy Mom” since I strive to find a balance between choosing products that are as natural as possible but also are convenient. The toiletries and personal care items included were sourced to ensure that they are non-toxic and contain quality ingredients especially as momma’s senses are heightened during this unique time in her life. My bag included items from brands I was already familiar with and confident in like Pharmacopia, Burt’s Bees, Schmitt’s, Tom’s, Earth Mama, Bamboobies, and Rael.

The weekender bag itself is made from easy-to-clean nylon with vegan leather accents and features magnetic closures, a zippered top, and 10 pockets + a toiletry bag. As someone who typically packs in cubes and travel pouches galore, I am thrilled for the organizational options and the future possibilities to use it as a diaper bag, pumping bag, or duffle.

Designed by Mamas, For Mamas –

Maybe my favorite aspect of the Birth Bag: Fully Prepared is the support and thoughtfulness that comes along with it. Right when you open the box, there is a note from the Baby Boldly team encouraging you and letting you know that you are not alone and that sentiment follows you throughout with details like a tag stating “You Got This” on the 2 in 1 Nursing/Infant Carrier Cover and “Strong as a Mother” written on the reusable water bottle and grippy socks. Plus, in a more subtle way the inclusion of a sentimental book (for when you want to disconnect), honey sticks (hospital approved for energy), and a massage ball (cramps can be no joke!) show that this bag is the ultimate gift to yourself or a momma-to-be you love. It completely prepares you for birth in a hospital or birth center.

Thank you to Baby Boldly for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more resources to prepare for your hospital stay:
5 Best Hospital Bag Products for Mom
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!

The Scoop: Momkindness Duo Diaper Backpack

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Versatility is key when it comes to gear in motherhood. We’re bringing you the scoop on the Duo Backpack from Momkindness. This backpack is a 2-in-1 style and a total game-changer for moms in every stage of early motherhood, and beyond.

2-in-1 Style

A favorite feature of this bag is its 2-in-1 style with a durable canvas backpack, plus a removable Diaper Clutch with changing pad for when you just need to tote the essentials. Moms love being able to pop out the Diaper Clutch for a quick run into the store, knowing that the backpack with all the necessities is close by in the car. It can easily double as a stylish clutch for date night as well!

Made to last

This backpack from Momkindness is made of a durable canvas that will last far beyond the baby and toddler years. The sleek style of this bag won’t fall out of style either. With a wide-access, dual-zip top, and 9 pockets, this bag keeps you organized with a place for everything so you can easily find all the things, right when you need them. There’s even a quick-access zip pocket on the back!

Inside, along with 9 pockets for organization, there’s a separate padded laptop or tablet compartment. The adjustable, padded comfort straps are perfect for both mom and dad to wear. This backpack is made to multi-task as much as you do.

Momkindness for a cause

Another thing we love most about Momkindness is their mission to spread acts of “momkindness” within the mom community and their partnership with Every Mother Counts. Every Mother Counts is a non-profit working to achieve quality, respectful and equitable maternity care for all, and a portion of every Momkindness sale is donated to support their cause.

This durable, 2-in-1 diaper backpack is made to last through all parts of parenthood, and beyond. Because being a mom shouldn’t mean sacrificing style for function! Check it out for yourself: Momkindness Duo Backpack (Grey)

Thank you to Momkindness for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more:
Kindness Counts: Amazing Mama Brands with Huge Hearts
Diaper Bags to Check Out

10 Nursing and Maternity Dresses We’re Buying from Amazon Right Now

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

If you’re looking to stay and look hot cool this summer, you’ve come to right place. We’ve rounded up 5 maternity dresses and 5 nursing dresses for you. We’ve covered everything from casual to fancy and in between.

Maternity Dresses

It’s hot. Being pregnant during the dog days of summer makes everything feel exponentially hotter. Even if you’re not normally the dress wearing type, throwing on a dress can help you stay cool. Plus, one piece of clothing feels lighter than multiple pieces.

Here are some maternity dresses we’re loving right now for mamas-to-be.

Maternity Striped Cami Dress – $35.99

This striped dress offers more than just a flowy shift to cover your bump. The tie feature in the front adds shape and the buttons down the front bring more style. The back is also smocked to adjust to your growing bust size. Pair this with some cute sandals like the model and head out.

Sunflower Maxi Dress – $38.99

Late summer is the perfect time to wear sunflowers. Throw this beauty on and head to a local sunflower farm to capture some gorgeous and timely maternity photos. As an added bonus, the shape of this neckline makes it a perfect candidate for a nursing dress.

Off-the-Shoulder Tie Dye Dress – $26.99

Get in on the summer’s hottest trend: tie-dye! These colors feel both funky and pretty at the same time. The off-the-shoulder look will look stunning for a dinner out on your favorite local patio at sunset.

Casual Midi Maternity Dress – $19.99

Need something more casual to throw on to chase your older kids around the yard this summer? This tank maternity dress is the perfect option. We love the animal print trend, but it also comes in solids and a few floral prints. Why not get a few?

Floral Bodycon Maternity Dress – $29.99

Attending a wedding or some other fancy function? This dress takes your look to the next level by showing off your baby bump. Pair it with some comfy but stylish flats so you can dance your little one to sleep.

Nursing Dresses

Nursing during the summer months can feel just as hot and uncomfortable as those months spent pregnant. Stay cool with one of these dresses that all feature easy access for your breastfeeding tot in one way or another.

Tank Style Nursing Dress – $21.99

Stay cool and look stylish while toting your newborn around this summer. Throw on this striped nursing dress and some easy kicks. We love that easy access panel and the fact that this dress comes in a variety of colors.

Button-Front Nursing Dress – $21.99

This dress can easily go from the office to the park. It uses buttons for nursing access. This particular polka dot print brings some class to a business casual look. Like some of the other dresses, it’s available in a variety of solids and prints.

Lemon Print V-Neck Dress – $27.99

When life gives you lemons, put them on a dress and rock it. This dress features a deep v-neck which provides easy access for nursing on the go. It also comes in other prints, but lemons remain all the rage this season. Don’t pass this one up!

V-Neck Floral Wrap Maxi Nursing Dress – $25.99

This nursing and maternity dress is a real stunner. The bold print offers some summer color on a cool navy background. The surplice neckline makes for easy breastfeeding anywhere you happen to rock this frock.

Adjustable Spaghetti Strap Nursing Dress – $27.99

This summery dress features adjustable straps so you can get the best fit possible. The snap-down style is quick and easy. But the truly best part about this dress? Pockets!

What dresses are you wearing to stay cool this summer, mamas?

More fashion posts for mom:
Breastfeeding Style for Nursing Moms
Fashion and Function: Back to Work as a New Mom
ORiANE Favorite: The Sara Turtleneck Tunic
Maternity Clothes for Working Moms: 5 Must-Have Pieces

Mom Style

Summer Baby Must Haves and Warm Weather Newborn Essentials

Summer Baby Must-Haves #1: The Baby Monitor

Summer Baby Must-Haves #2: A Baby Sun Blanket

Summer Baby Must-Haves #3: Sleeveless Onesies

Summer Baby Must-Haves #4: Baby Sunglasses

Summer Baby Must Haves #5: Baby Swim Clothes

Summer Baby Must Haves #6: Outdoor Blanket

Sophia, mom of 3

Ali, Mom of 2 & Pregnant

Sarah, Pregnant with her first

Brianna, mom of 2

Melissa, mom of 1

Looking for more Reviews and Tips? Check out our most recent below-

Kindred Bravely Knit Collection Pieces

2-in-1 Style

Made to last

Momkindness for a cause

Maternity Dresses

Nursing Dresses

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