Soothing your little one's cries

Before I was a mom I couldn’t stand the sound of a crying baby. Not in the ‘I’m so annoyed’ sort of way, but a ‘heartbreaking let me hold or rock that baby ASAP or I might cry’ sort of way. Even though I have two years of crying experience under my belt, I still get that twitch in my neck when I hear a little one cry.

Fortunately for those of us who don’t know how to mentally tune out little cries, there are a slew of helpful tools. Moms and nurses with soft hearts have invented some great gadgets and must-haves in my book when trying to keep a little pea happy.

Newborn to 6 months
Pacifiers, pacifiers how do I love thee? Some babies take to them and some don’t, but one thing is for certain, the Wubbanub pacifier is the best paci for the tiniest ones. Plush stuffed animals, just the right size and weight are topped off with a Soothie pacifier. The weight of the plush keeps the Wubbanub securely in your baby’s mouth for hours. And, in the middle of the night, you will be so thankful you’re not running over to your baby’s crib to put the ol’ paci back in its proper place.

Another sure fire baby cry soother is a swaddling blanket. Some may call them receiving blankets, but the one name you need to know is SwaddleDesigns. Created by a nurse, who we all know are the best swaddlers on the planet, these blankets are large enough to fit your baby securely in them. If you can’t quite remember how the burrito wrap goes late in the night, there are wrapping instructions sewn right into the blanket. Pure genius!

6 months and beyond
Nothing says love like a tattered and worn lovie. Lovies provide a since of security. Whether you’re at the doctor’s office or leaving your little with a babysitter, having a blankie there to keep you safe is one of the best things a baby could have. Lovies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The cutest ones, I believe, come from Angel Dear. Piggies, puppies, ducks and lambs easily comfort your baby with soft fleece and sweet faces.

Good luck soothing your little baby, it’s a challenge from newborn to teenage, I’m sure. Bless you, if you have a colicky baby, you may need all of the above tools. And, if you can’t get some peace and quiet try a great pair of earplugs. I have many moms who recommend owning a pair!

Diaper bag buying guide

A baby on board requires bundle of gear. You have to be armed and prepared to whip out the perfect solution to any baby emergency at any given moment. A change of clothes for inevitable poo-splosions. A mess-free snack for an unexpected traffic jam. A brilliant new toy for a public meltdown of catastrophic proportions.

Needless to say, storage capacity is key. But with so many other factors to consider, and even more choices to sift through, selecting the perfect diaper bag can be a bit overwhelming.

Here’s a few tips for picking just the right bag for your needs, and a list of our faves available at Two Blue Peas:

For the type who has one of everything in her mommy arsenal:
A tote diaper bag typically has the largest capacity, the most interior pockets, and often comes with a boatload of matching accessories. Our favorite is the Alex designer diaper bag by Caden Lane. It has two straps that can be worn on your shoulder or carried in one hand, multiple pockets, clasps, and loops to secure essentials, and a slew of accessories including a changing pad, a zippered sack for dirty duds and diapers, and a removable bottle holder.

For the urban warrior mommy:
A messenger diaper bag offers good storage capacity with the added bonus of hands-free carrying. With one wider, adjustable-length strap, a messenger diaper bag can be thrown over your shoulder, freeing up your hands for baby, keys, coffee, an umbrella, or sometimes all of the above. The Mocha Mint Clara Shoulder Bag by JP Lizzy is one stylish diaper bag that does it all. It’s sleek, sporty, and has plenty of interior and exterior pockets, plus a coordinating changing pad.

For the pulled-together mom with perfect style:
Just because you want a bag to be stylish doesn’t mean it has to lack in features. There are many bags available in modern prints with more purse-like designs to keep diapers totally in disguise. For countless reasons, Dwellbaby makes the best designer diaper bag for today’s hip mama. The Chocolate Dots Diaper Tote is roomy, has clean lines and a playful dot print, and stroller straps to affix your bag when wandering the aisles at Neiman’s. A coordinating insulated bottle bag, extra travel changing pad, and travel cases in various sizes can also be purchased to keep the look styled to a T.

For quick outings with baby in tow:
A functional, but fuss-free diaper clutch is ideal for quick trips to the store, walks to the park, or lunch with the ladies. Smaller capacity, yes. But we’ve found a lovely little one that packs a big punch. The Chamelia Clutch by JP Lizzy has an exterior zippered pocket, individual holders for cash, credit cards, cell phone, and lipstick, and a convenient wristlet strap for hands-free carrying. All of this in a compact 8 x 12 clutch that looks anything but babyish.

For the mister mom:
A messenger diaper bag is a good choice for the dads too. But even better is the backpack diaper bag. With two straps that fit snugly over both shoulders, the backpack diaper bag frees up hands completely for the safest baby carrying. The Marshall diaper bag backpack by Caden Lane has a water-resistant lining, wipeable microfiber exterior, durable magnetic closure, and adjustable straps to keep up with even the sportiest, most active dad.

THE top 5 baby blankets

As much as it pains me to say it (or rather write it) out loud, summer's warm sunny days are dwindling and brisk chilly ones are blowing right in.

I've admittedly become quite the cold weather wimp the past few years, so last night's nippy 51 degree temp had me feeling a touch of the winter blues already.

Sad, I know. It's only October and I have a long way to go. But I guess it's officially time to dig out the sweaters, scarves, and blankets and just roll with it until Spring.

In honor of my pre-winter blues, here's my top 5 list of baby blankets to keep your little pea snug as a bug this season. If only they came in bigger sizes for big babies like me…

	Warmth: Angel Dear Napping Blankets Not only would these napping blankets win in the "ridiculously adorable" category if there was one, they are tops for keeping your tot toasty on strolls, in the car, or snuggled up for movie night.
	Swaddling: SwaddleDesigns Baby Swaddling Blankets The Ultimate Receiving Blanket is by far the most essential newborn item. It keeps baby burritos tucked in tight and snoozing for hours. Plus it's dummy-proof with swaddling instructions sewn right on the blanket.
	Security: Angel Dear Blankie Sure to quickly become any little pea's favorite lovie, these brilliant blankies are just the right size, they monogram beautifully, and they make the most unique baby gifts.
	Tummy Time: Babylicious Yummy Blankets Another favorite monogrammed baby blanket is the plush cotton and fleece baby blankets by Babylicious. They look great and are generous in size, so they're perfect for plopping on the floor for some tummy time with your little pea.
	Style: SwaddleDesigns Baby Swaddling Blankets Yep. They're my favorite for swaddling and my favorite for gift giving. These receiving blankets are practical, yes. But they're so stylish and come in perfect prints to suit any new mama's taste.

Things we love: high chairs with higher hip factors

To set the record straight up-front, the Brown clan is NOT growing. We’re still holding out for that perfect time in our lives when we feel up for more chaos.

And at the rate we’re going lately, I don’t have to start planning for the little bundle’s arrival until well into 2020. Even so, my mom is still trying to push on me the old baby furniture collecting dust in her attic.

There’s some really cool stuff up there. My dad’s potty training seat, my sister’s changing table, and a rickety old high chair that probably wouldn’t support the weight of a single Cheerio, much less a baby’s face full of them.

For sentimental reasons alone, I will gladly take them off her hands eventually. But when the big day finally arrives for me, rotting in my attic they will be, until the day I pawn them off to my own grown kiddos. With all the modern high chairs available today, I think I’ll opt for something designed and made in the 21st century.

With a super cool pneumatic lift and easy-wipe waterproof pad, the Boon Flair High Chair is already high on my high chair list. Known for their innovative baby dishes like the Snack Ball snack trap and Fluid safe sippy cup, Boon once again delivers revolutionary design with the Flair high chair.

With all the bells and whistles you could imagine, a truly sleek look, and FREE shipping available at Two Blue Peas, your little pea might just be ready for an upgrade.

> Boon Flair High Chair

Mommy diaries: My big two year old

Last week marked Lillie's second birthday. We had a big celebration the weekend before with friends, cake and even an inflatable bouncy house in my game room. It was a sugar-filled, loud afternoon, and well worth every minute planning and running around.

Lillie has been fascinated by birthdays and birthday parties all summer. It started with her cousin Anna turning three. And, every time a birthday song was sung, Lillie insisted on putting Anna’s name as the birthday person. But, soon she started to realize that it was going to be Lillie’s birthday this summer, as well.

We practiced singing happy birthday, candle-blowing and talked a lot about birthday cake leading up to the big party. As everyone gathered around for the big birthday singing moment, my outgoing little girl turned shy. She stared in the distance wondering why we were all looking at her and didn’t even sing the song to which she knows all the words.

The best part, however, was the blowing of the candles. Once the song was done, and Lillie breathed a sigh of relief, Cy and I let her know she could blow out the candles. And, to our surprise she got one of them out, but needed help on the second. Once the candles were out and clapping started, Lillie was happy again. “Whew, everyone isn’t looking at me still.” I could feel her thinking!

This birthday cake moment is a stark contrast to last year when she stuck her poor little one year old finger right in the flame of the candle. Tears and heartbreak on Lillie and my part were consumed with her little moment. This year, it was perfect. Hopefully, next year she will embrace the song and her friends singing to her. Although, if she’s group shy like me, that may never happen.

Happy 2nd birthday my little pea. You’re such a big girl!

Style file: Getting your perfect nursery

Preparing for a new baby can be an overwhelming task. Not only is there so much gear to buy, there is an entire baby’s room to get ready. If you are a design freak like me, this is the best part in baby arrival preparation. However, if you are like my sister, this is your worst nightmare.

Fortunately, baby bedding has come leaps and bounds from where it used to be. Styles can reflect personalities from ornate to modern. No longer are the days of Winnie the Pooh and bad pastel animals. Bedding makers like Caden Lane and Serena & Lily have taken baby bedding into the 21st century.

For the design-challenged individuals, bedding is the best place to start when creating your room. Search for something that speaks to you and find something that will last hopefully for the second or third (if same sex, of course). Then pick a wall color that compliments the bedding. Once you have those two basic pieces, the rest is a breeze.

Fabrics for chairs and pillows can be easily found to compliment your two staples. And, best yet, if you are really design-averse baby bedding designers now coordinate accessories so you don’t have to. Add some shelving for storage, a beautiful rocker, changing table and you’re all set.

Creating your baby’s room helps to give you a “this is all going to happen isn’t it?” feeling. And, you know what, it really is wonderful. Picturing your baby at home in their luxurious bed helps to bring the mommy hormones to full fruition.

If you’re looking to get started decorating; check out the Caden Lane sale going on now!

Things we love: the grocery game

First my post on the Neela green bags, now The Grocery Game. I promise I do more than venture out to the store once a day. It’s just that with a recent move to a new city, finding a good grocery store that stocks my favorites has been a little consuming.

Not only did I eventually stumble upon a spot that carries my impossible-to-find dark chocolate Raisinets, but they give me a discount for using my own fancy eco bags!

And now that I’m settling into my super supermarket, I can finally sign up for The Grocery Game, a service that’s designed to save you a bundle at checkout by watching coupons and special offers for your particular store.

I’ve never been much for clipping coupons, but I’ve always been up for saving a buck or two, or possibly a hundred if my experience is anything like the website’s customer testimonials.

The long and short is that you get a weekly list of the lowest priced products at your supermarket matched with advertised and unadvertised manufacturer’s coupons and specials. Though I’m sure it’s not entirely effortless, there is no coupon clipping involved.

There’s a $1 one-month trial, then after that it’s just $5 per month. I think I’ll take the savings from my eco bag discount and give it a shot. A full report to come...

>The Grocery Game