Hi everyone!
Today marks the one year anniversary of BabyLuxe {daily}! I can hardly believe a whole year has gone by since that one quiet night that I started blogging about my favorite baby products, just because I had nothing better to do with my time… A year ago I was in the midst of my {delayed} baby blues, potty training, preparing Colin for preschool, weaning Alex from nursing & starting him on solids. I guess it’s safe to say I was slightly bored & was looking for some sort of exciting new venture to embark upon. I never imagined the response that I would get from our many, many loyal and devoted readers & for that, I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart!
So to celebrate this occasion, I have decided to revisit those first few weeks & pay special tribute to the “top 5″ products that truly inspired me to start writing BabyLuxe! At the end of this feature, I have an exciting poll that I would love your feedback on, and to say thank you, we are hosting some amazing giveaways; the feature products themselves!
Here now, in no particular order, are my all-time favorite, cannot live without, private label, baby products!
Swaddle Designs : To this day, we would be lost without our Ultimate Receiving Blanket, by Swaddle Designs! Alex was swaddled in his blanket morning, noon and night, right up until he was about six months old. I suppose maybe that is why he was {and still is} one of the best sleepers ever, a tie with my first son… Yes, my darling 18 month old STILL takes a morning and afternoon nap for me, 4-5 hours total, and goes to bed at 7:30 pm without a peep, only to sleep a full 12 hours most nights. I truly attribute these sleep habits to his Ultimate Receiving Blanket keeping him tight & cozy as an infant, and providing continuous security to him as he breezes easily through toddlerhood.
Bebe Au Lait : Some of you may recognize this as the Hooter Hider. Whichever you call it, this is one of those must-have baby products that no nursing mother should go without, not to mention it is the original nursing cover! Aside from being a beautiful accessory to your nursing self, it also provides just the right amount of privacy that you and baby need while you nurse. I loved being able to conveniently nurse Alex wherever we happened to be, and not feel as though I was being offensive in any way to innocent {& sometimes naive} bystanders. I have proudly passed my beloved Bebe Au Lait along to my favorite nursing mommy friends & relatives, so that they too could experience the joys of convenient & stylish nursing!
Phil & Ted’s : If you’re on your second {third, fourth or fifth} child, then you certainly know the feeling of dread & anxiety that comes with choosing a “double” stroller! Well, all I can say is that you simply must talk to the knowledgeable women at Let’s Go Strolling! They will give it to you straight up, complete with all the details and answers you could ever ask for, free of charge! I worked with Melissa on my stroller choice, and she steered me in the direction of one of my best purchase decisions to-date; a Phil & Ted’s E3 with Toddler kit! While the E3 is no longer available, it has been replaced with something even better; the Phil & Ted’s Sport Buggy with Toddler Seat. I won’t go into all the details here, but I will tell you one thing: while there is no one perfect double stroller out there, I have heard from countless moms & experts, and agree myself, this is by far the best option available! You can see the complete line of Phil & Ted’s products at Let’s Go Strolling!
Hotslings : Never one to consider myself an “attachment” parent, my Hotsling was the one exception! I am saddened to think that Alex is most definitely too big to be “slung” & I may never again experience the joy that my Hotsling once brought to me. He’d nap in there, shop in there, occasionally eat in there & he even witnessed numerous diaper changes from that bird’s eye view {of his brother, obviously}. My Hotsling was truly my sanity saver, above everything else that came my way in those early months of life with two! As I sit here & watch my partner Dana try out and review all the fabulous new baby wearing contraptions on the market, all I long for are the days that Alex would just hang out with me, in the kangaroo carry position, going wherever I went, all day long…
baby star : Both of my kids were pukers, plain and simple. There were never enough burp cloths in sight & I never went anywhere without one, ever. So it was always nice to tote along something that, while practical, was also adorable & easy on my baby’s little faces! The best place that I have found to carry that “perfect” burp cloth, is baby star! They use the basic cloth diaper burp cloths, and then add an impressive wow factor with their luxurious poodle & diamond fabric down the center & their signature designs along the edges. The diaper burps are super absorbent & super cute!
So by now you must be wondering about our readers’ poll & the exciting giveaways we’re offering! After spending the past few days reflecting on this past year, and all of the wonderful baby products that have inspired me to publish this {daily} editorial, I start to wonder, is there room in our life for one more? One more baby, that is… After all, how else could I keep up with the momentum of BabyLuxe, if there aren’t any more babies to test the luxuries on??? I suppose that would be poor justification for bringing another baby into the world… Maybe so, but like my partner Dana said, until we decide that we absolutely do not want any more, there is always that possibility. The time is nearing that I feel the need to make this life-changing decision. I just turned 30, and if we’re going to have one more go at it, I’d prefer to get it over with before I hit 31! Though I have been saying {& truly felt} “No” for the past 6 months, it seems like there may be a little voice inside my head trying to tell me something else. Or maybe I am just crazy. What are your thoughts on going from 2 to 3, what are my chances of getting “my girl” if we do this one more time, will I lose my mind, can we stand to be like to be outnumbered by children, what about the middle-child syndrome {will Alex suffer}? Thoughts, insights, suggestions… I’m taking {and considering} them all!
Everyone that posts a comment with regards to this question {AND a comment on your favorite “top 5″ product}, will be entered into this fabulous giveaway! Currently, we have three prizes: The Ultimate Receiving Blanket, a Bebe Au Lait & a gift certificate to Let’s Go Strolling! We are hoping to add two more prizes by our other “top 5″ designers, but we’re still waiting on confirmation.
UPDATE – we now have a Hotsling & baby star burp cloths to give away as well! Winner’s choice!
Additional ways to get bonus entries – 1 for each:
- Subscribe to our daily email!
- Blog about our giveaway!
- Share this giveaway post using any of the links below {kirtsy, twitter, stumbleupon, facebook. digg it, etc…}
- FOR ANY OF THESE OPTIONS, BE SURE TO SEND US THE LINK {sarah@babyluxedaily.com} SO WE CAN ENTER YOUR NAME THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF TIMES!
Thanks so much for your sincere comments & feedback! Contest ends in one week, on July 24th! Good luck to all!
![](\"http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/mnsmasci/Polka-Dot-Peacock-Spotlight.jpg\")
![](\"http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/mnsmasci/BellyElanBanner.jpg\")
![](\"http://www.shareasale.com/image/120x600_giftcard.gif\")
![\"Jolly](\"http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp157/gograhamgo/jmbutton.gif\")
![\\\"Go](\\\"http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp157/gograhamgo/gggbutton-1.gif\\\")
![\"Better](\"http://www.shopittome.com/images/logos/trendsetter_logo_100x50_blue.gif\"){kind=logo}
![\"Seeryus](\"http://seeryusmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/seeryus-button\" "\\"Seeryus")
![\"Urban](\"http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/babyluxedaily/urbansherp_buttonv9.jpg\")
![\"Free](\"http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/ww191/FreeSampleFreak/button1.jpg\")
Number three is on his or her way for me, and it really just came down to the fact that we felt like we should share our love with another! I’ve heard it’s really hard with three, but I’m ready for the challenge. We’ll see what happens!
I also love that double stroller, but the nursing cover is something I wish I had with the first two!
I only have two babies right now, but I come from a family of 6 and I honestly think “the more the merrier”! I think no matter if you’re the oldest, youngest or in the middle there are always things that “suck” about being where you are, but in the end…it’s funner in a big family
I LOVE the E3 stroller…I wish I could afford one
But I have used the Bebe Au Lait nursing cover and that thing was a lifesaver when I was nursing! Waaaay better than the other nursing covers and shawls I tried!
I only have 1, so I can comment on going from 2 to 3 children. We are trying for number 2 now and I already wonder if there is “room” for another baby. DS is very attention craving and the star anywhere we go. So I’m not sure if he will have a hard time adjusting to a new baby (but he does seem to love babies). I’d say that if your inner voice is whispering one more, and your partner agrees, you should go for it. As far as “middle child” syndrome…I’d say that you are already aware that this could be an issue, and could take measures to avoid the middle child feeling left out. Playing to Alex’s strengths and doing things that he enjoys…giving him a bit of extra attention. You seem to be tuned in to your children’s needs, so I’d say go for it.
I’m glad that you asked this question; it made me think and I’ve enjoyed reading other’s answers!
I like the Phil and Ted sport buggy! I wanted one for DS but alas, money is not exactly falling out of the sky right now
I was thinking that this stroller would be a great way to start with one stroller for one child, and add on for the second baby. I wish more stroller designers did this!
I forgot to add something. As for the girl….You could always adopt a little girl, or try for one, and adopt your 4th child (If you still want more children after the 3rd). That’s something that we are considering in the future.
Great blog! My top product.. nursing cover! Two words… life saver!!!
I’d say go for the 3rd baby. I grew up in a family of 4, and I love having my siblings around. I only have one baby myself, but I know I want a bigger family. Children are truly blessings from God.
My favorite product is the BeBe Au Lait..I used it all the time! MY favorite story is one time when using it, my friend’s mother came over to see what I was doing and looked right into the hole, because she had NO idea I was nursing! I always wear funky clothing so she thought it was just a new fashion statement!
I love your blog
Well, I went from 1 to 3 with the birth of my identical twin girls. It was quite a shock. I’m not sure how much different it would be to go from 2 to 3 but I think ultimately it would be wonderful. Just remember that you do not regret the birth of your other two and you would not regret the birth of a third.
I love the Phil and Ted stroller. It would be a great replacement for our double stroller that in less than a year is beat up and stained.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Love the Phil & Teds! it’s on our registry for when our new little jellybean joins big sister who will be 3 1/2.
I have heard that going from 2 to 3 is easier than going from 0-1 or 1-2. I’m so nervous about going from 1-2.
try the Shettles method-it gave us our girl!
hello. love your blog. I think if you are feeling that tug to even consider three and wondering what it’ll be like, I only feel like it will get stronger. You’ll always wonder if the next baby would have been a girl, or how your family would have been with three. I say go for it and never regret not having tried.
I would say that the best baby gear for me was the Ergo baby carrier. I love how it doesn’t hurt my back or shoulders and allows my baby to be close to me. She loved it too!
I just subscribed to your blog (not sure why I didn’t earlier). I guess I have 2 entries
Oops, I guess I am bad at following directions because you asked me to pick my favorite “top 5 pick”
Definitely the P&T stroller is my top pick. Looks like a single but actually 2. With my #2 on the horizon it would be great. My second is the be be au lait cover! so chic and nice!
I have 1. But, we’d like to adopt at least 2. Still debating whether or not I want to endure another pregnancy/post-partum. But, I definitely don’t want Calvin to grow up without siblings. I think 3 is just about perfect!
I’d love a phil&ted’s double. like you said, there are many doubles out there…but i’ve just heard of many accidents OR they’re so friggin’ wide that you can’t even make it down the sidewalk with ‘em.
I don’t think I have much to add. We’ve decided on one. Whatever your decision, I know your kids will all be loved, they’ll be fine either way.
I just had my second 5 weeks ago and we are still adjusting. I am from a big family and would like to have a big family also. I just heard that when you have your second the chances of boy are girl are not 50/50 but 75/25. If you had a boy first 75% chance of having another boy. Worked with me. I don’t know how this effects the third, fourth, etc…Good Luck.
To answer the questions: We are preggo with my 3rd child but my 1st child isn’t with us full time (ex hubby joint custody) so I feel as if I’m basically going from 1 to 2 . especially when my 2nd child is a bit clingy and he’ll only be 18 months when our daughter is due in September! I worry more about my middle child because he can be quite emotional and of course is “The baby” until Helana arrives… we are trying to make the transition as smooth as possible…
and I believe the only way I’d ever have a girl was to be with my current hubby, my ex seemed to only produce boys! LOL
My top pics are the ultimate receiving blankie , I’ve heard great things about the double strollers by P&T as well so if one of those were up for grabs I’d be in Heaven, especially with 2 lil ones at home!
phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com
Going from two to three is really the million dollar question. As for how to handle three kids when there are only two of you…we had friends once with three young and ACTIVE boys. We went to a pizza/arcade place with them and their kids scattered everywhere. I asked them how they did it…as my own little boy stood quietly by my side. They said they split up, manned the exits, and just let them go, since they couldn’t be with all of them at all times. It worked for them and the kids seemed just fine. Outside of that, I have no other real wisdom to share in regards to having three, but if you choose to have another, expect the love in your home to triple!
My favourite product is the Ultimate Receiving Blanket.
I just turned 30 and am pregnant with my first. Don’t I ever wish I had the dilemma of having my third right now or not. It’s gotta be worth any “downsides.”
Love the bebe au lait. Going to have his dad staying in my house for the first time a few months after baby is born, and um, yeah.
Hmm – interesting. I have just one and have said, steadfastly, that I do NOT want another. Lately, it’s been less of an “absolutely not” and more of a “Probably not.”
But I know for sure that I do NOT want three. Then you’ve gone from man-to-man defense, as my dear brother-in-law says, to zone. Plus, I really do think there’s that middle child syndrome. Something just gets a little lost there. They’re fine – absolutely fine – but something gives…
Just my two cents. Great giveaway!
I’m definitely not to the “shall we add a third?” yet because I only had our first (a daughter, Jaedyn) two months ago. lol Immediately after she was born I said to my husband “We’re NEVER doing this again!” but now that I’m seeing how wonderful the whole experience is I’m wondering…
I do want a second for sure, sometime down the road. Thanks for the contest, I’d love to win something! I had to laugh at the “perfect burp cloth” because I’m going through little receiving blankets that are too thin to catch all that spit up right now… lol I had no idea there would be so much!
I subscribed to your blog!
Forgot to say that I love the hotslings and the strollers!
At 42, I just had my 3rd child 3 months ago, our first girl. I definitely feel like its more difficult physically, but I feel so blessed to have her and my entire family is crazy about her. I have 6 and 4 year old boys and they truly love her and always want to help out with her. What we’re trying to do is give the boys jobs with regard to her care so they feel included (we cloth diaper, so they enjoy helping me clean and put away the diapers) and get a sense of responsibility. I’ve always wanted 3 kids and while we’re outnumbered all we can do is our best and hope for the best!
With regards to the top 5 I couldn’t live without my hotsling but even though I don’t have the Phil and Ted’s stroller (got a Combi double when #2 was born) I have always been really intrigued by their unique take on the double stroller. Even though my boys are 4 and 6 I find that they still want to take a break every now and then and sit and relax and enjoy a ride.
I found going from 2 to 3 a tough transition… but I DID get my girl! My 2 sons actually adjusted pretty well to their new baby sister, although my younger son found going from baby to middle pretty tough. I just noticed that I used to have a hand per kid… now I only have two hands and three kids!
And as for the top 5- I am all about the sling!
for some reason my info didn’t show up but that is my post directly above that starts “I found going from 2 to 3 a tough transition…”
sorry!
I don’t have any hands on advice for you going from 2 to 3…I’m just getting ready to go from 1 to 2 and the thought scares me a little…I have heard that going from 1 to 2 is easy but that 2 to 3 isn’t as easy. As far as getting your girl…well that’s in God’s hands.
Hard to choose a favorite product…since I am expecting my 2nd the gift certficate to Let’s Go Strolling would be very useful as would the Hotsling…guess I would choose the Let’s Go Strolling gift certificate.
I’m a subscriber
gratefulsoul at hotmail.com
I only have 1 right now, but we’re thinking 3 is our magic number. Hubby is worried about going from a man-to-man to zone defense (basketball analogy). We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Although if I end up with 2 boys, I’d definitely try the Shettles method to increase odds of a girl.
I definitely dreading the double stroller decision, although I’ve heard a number of great things about the Phil & Teds.
Well- the one bad thing about three is that two can gang up on the other one. I’ve heard though that going from two to three really doesnt seem that hard as the hardest transition is one to two
I love my hotsling- so handy to carry in the diaper bag!
no advice from going to two to three as we are working on the one to two transition!!
Love phil and teds- so awesome for running
Two to three is a tough transition — we did it because we had the (oops) third one in January. So far the boys (4 & 2) are helpful and can play by themselves — and the girl (#3) is a real doll — sleeping through the night, eating well, etc. The hardest things? Getting everyone out of the house (it’s SO much easier just to stay at home), meals when EVERYONE HAS TO EAT RIGHT NOW, and being outnumbered. It all works out in the end, though.
As far as your favorite things — I love my sling. It’s the only way to keep DD happy in the evenings. I don’t have a Hotsling, but I bet it’s really great!
Happy Birthday BLD! I have two, and always said only two, but the little voice is there for me too. I say go for it, if you have that little bit of wonder, you may regret not. As far as my favorite, I love the stroller.
I have two little boys as well and am really hoping my next is a girl. Although I am far from being ready for baby #3! I think you’ll know when it’s right. Try not to feel pressure from other people and just go with how you feel.
As far as the favs…I LOVE my hotsling and I would LOVE to win the swaddling blanket. My babies have never had a luxury like that!
what would my sister think of it?
I say go from 2 to 3! Give it a try you just may get that lil girl you so desire!! God gives us the desires of our hearts. Pour out your heart to Him and let Him know! It’s all in His hands.
I would like to win any of the gifts mentioned! That would be wonderful! If I had to choose one though–the Hotsling sounds pretty fab!
I’m also a Subscriber!
Dugg ya!!
Blogged also: http://doreens-scrap-wonderland.blogspot.com/2008/07/babyluxe-daily-celebrates-one-year.html.
I have 2 little boys and just had a little girl. GO FOR IT!!! I can’t imagine life without all 3 of my kiddos!
I love your stuff. Those receiving blankets are to die for!!!
I think 3 is a good number. I was one of 3. And 31 isn’t too old to have a baby. I just started having kids and plan on having more.
I love all of your top 5. To pick one is really hard. I am really loving that Phil and Ted stroller. I am pregnant with number 2 and was just talking to my husband about what we’re going to do about a stroller.
I grew up in a family of 3, and looking back, I love the idea of 3 kids. There was always someone to play with and things to do. Sure we fought occasionally, but we grew out of that pretty quick and now are all best of friends. I think you all will be just fine with 3!
I love Phil & Ted’s Sport Buggy! Although I only have 1 little one of my own, I have my nieces and nephew quite often, and it would be great to be able to put 2 into a stroller!
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m a subscriber as well!
I think I may be able to pontificate on this subject more accurately after my first arrives in December! However, if you are feeling the itch and think one more little nugget would round out your crew, then maybe something inside is trying to tell you that you should do it. I’m 30, just starting, and already feeling overwhelmed and a little terrified.
On the products you reviewed, I am really feeling that I will be a “sling mom” and have also done extensive research on the Hotsling. A lot of my mom friends seem to like this one and the Ergo sling. Maybe I’ll win and I’ll get a chance at first-hand experience.
Well, I am not a mother (yet), but as a child of a 3-child family, I would have to say that there are definitely pros and cons. I enjoyed having more than one option when it came to choosing playmates, but there is definitely something to be said about the “middle child syndrome.” My hubby and I are hoping for an even number (either 2 or 4, preferably 4), but that is just our preference.
All of your top five are exceptional, but I would have to say my favorite is the sling, I cannot wait to use one with our little ones. The receiving blanket and stroller both look fabulous as well
i also subscribed
While I currently only have one child and am trying for a 2nd, I secretly think 3 would be wonderful. I am an only child and have a burning desire to have a some what chaotic but close & loving family. Can you do that with 2? Sure. But I just don’t want to take the chance that somehow one might not be close with the other, or God forbid something should happen and they are left without at least one brother or sister.
The Young Family Pastor at my church has… get ready… a whopping 6 children!!! They are only in their mid 30’s and the kids all range in ages from 10 to 18 mths! I asked him once what it was like with 6. He said the biggest adjustment for them was going from 1 to 2, because neither parent truly got a break. He said after two, it’s just one more. Yes, chaotic. But then isn’t parenting in the first place? And I don’t think he’d trade the chaos for anything.
With that said, I think it’s a personal decision. But I’d like to think that more great parents would have more children. Sounds like you’re one of them.
I love all of the products you mentioned. I didn’t use a nursing cover with my first, but will definitely look into the Bebe Au Lait for my next one. And I’m a big fan of the Baby Star burp cloths; not sure why anyone would buy fancy cloths for spit up when they can buy a natural one that is so nicely spruced up.
But my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Item on your list would be the Phil & Ted double stroller. I have been checking these out for the past six months in the hopes that we can buy one once we add on to our family. I can’t tell you how many of these I saw when visiting NY and how easily they seemed to maneuver in tight spaces compared to a side by side double! Having made some poor decisions on purchases with my first child, I don’t plan to make the same ones with the second… this will definitely be on my wish list!!!
Oh, I subscribed, too.
This is the most amazing giveaway that I have ever seen!!! I would be so excited to win!!!! My second little one just arrived 4 weeks early. July 17th….. She is doing well… but they cut my bladder during the c-section so I am not in the best of shape… pee-bag!!! ugh!!! I am happy to be home though with my 3year old son…. he missed me!!!
Pam
as you well know from my numerous mws vents, going from one to three at one time, was more than a challenge for me!
going from two to three, i would think would be a bit easier? maybe?
happy anniversary a bit belated, we just had ours recently, a bit different this year with dh gone!
keep us posted!
What a fun site! For my 3rd baby I had a Hotslings and not only was it so great for my little bundle, but I got so many compliments because it is SO cute! When my daughter was born, our sons were 3 1/2 yrs and 1 1/2 yrs. People thought we were crazy (and still do), but it is always a miracle how wonderful these little babes are, at any age! I definitely think that going from 1-2 is more “complicated” than going from 2-3. As a mom who spends most of the time with the children, we are already outnumbered! It’s all about juggling, right? Yes, it is hard, lots of the time, but I’ve been told that this (babies/toddlers) is the hardest time. Little ones do grow up and the sleepness nights are a memory in the past. Once that child enters your life, you can’t imagine life without them. However the opposite may also be true, imagining life with another child, you could wonder forever! Good things to think about! Thanks!
Happy Birthday BLD!
While we are still enjoying our 1 year old, we eagerly anticipate having more. I am an only child and have recently lost my father. Coming from a smaller family and watching my husband’s big, close family it stings a little to know I will never know how that feels. So, with that we are certain to have 2, possibly three. Though we do not know what the future holds, we want to do everything we can to ensure that our children can be ‘there for eachother’ in the future when we are no longer on this earth and even before that. We hope to nurture their relationships so that they may appreciate one another in their adulthood.
Best of luck on your decision.
The thing that comforted me the most going through fertility treatment was the knowledge that we would have the children that we are meant to have. So you may not be sure what to do, but fate will show you the way! And the girl you long for may be the boy that you can’t imagine not having, or it could be twins! haha. So go with the flow, that’s the beauty of it all. Good luck!
I love babystar the best. : )
Hi there! Love your site and congrats!!!
We only have one little boy but we are hoping to try for number 2 by the end of the year. My husband and I have talked about whether or not we would try for a third if we didn’t have a girl and I have to say that as long as my pregnancy was good and both of us were healthy and we had money and time we’d try for number 3. My BF has 3 little girls and she is awesome at managing everything! I think it takes organization and discipline and time but she is having a blast and is such a good mom…
I LOVE the Phil and Teds Sport Buggy stroller! : ) Perfect for that second baby!
I like the hotsling best!
And you increase your chances of having a girl if you do the deed a few days before ovulation. It worked for us!