August Giveaway: My Three Cuties Gift Basket-Only One More Day To Enter

Just a reminder- if you are fan/follower/subscriber and are pregnant or have a baby 3 months or younger -- you can enter to win an awesome My Three Cuties gift basket (1 big cutie blanket, 1 small cutie blanket, a hooded towel and 2 burp cloths in the fabric of your choice!)


Just let me know what the worst or strangest baby gift you received was in the comment section! You have till noon on Thursday to enter!


http://www.mythreecuties.com

EITB's August Giveaway: My Three Cuties Gift Basket

Speaking of cool/useful shower gifts...When Sophie was born, a friend of mine gave me a couple of the cutest burp cloths from My Three Cuties.   I absolutely love them!  Not only are they cute, but they're extremely durable as well--I just washed them to get them ready for baby #2 and they are in fantastic shape!  I received a number of other burp cloths for my shower and they paled in comparison!  (My Three Cuties burp cloths are made out of cloth diapers so they actually stay put on your shoulder and cover a large area!)  In addition to burp cloths, My Three Cuties also carries beautiful handcrafted baby blankets, hooded towels, pacifier clips, grab and go bags, and toddler belts in your choice of fabrics! Oh and it's a local business!


This month EITB is giving away an awesome gift set courtesy of My Three Cuties!  The gift set includes a big cutie blanket, a small cutie blanket, a hooded towel, and set of 2 burp cloths!  Oh and the winner gets to choose the fabric they want from the My Three Cuties website!   My personal favorites are the sock monkeys and apple blossoms! (retail value: +$130)

Check out My Three Cuties products online at:  http://www.mythreecuties.com/index.htm

So here's how to enter: 
1) You must be a Facebook fan or an EITB follower/email subscriber to enter.  
2) You must be pregnant or have a child 3 months or younger.
3) Oh, and you need to live in the DC, MD or VA (DC Metro Area)
4) Let me know what the worst/most useless or strangest baby gift you've ever received (or if you haven't had your shower yet-what's the worst gift a friend's received).
5) Enter by Wednesday, August 19th at noon.  Winner will be announced Friday, August 20th!

But wait, there's more:
** My Three Cuties is also offering a 20% discount to all EITB fans/subscribers until September 1.   Enter EITB at the checkout! http://www.mythreecuties.com/index.htm


Local boutiques carrying the My Three Cuties line include:
Appleseed, 115 S. Columbus Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA. 
A Show of Hands, 2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA. 
The Artisans, 1368 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA

Clutch Registry Items: Local Moms Weigh In

Does registering have you completely confused? Not sure if you’re registering for the right stuff?

All of the baby stores in the area can provide you with an extensive checklist of the things they think you need for baby.  To be fair, they do cover most of the important stuff -- but they also manage to throw in minute crap that can cause you to go a bit overboard (and insane) when registering.  So, instead of reinventing the wheel and creating my own registry checklist, I asked moms in the area the following question, “What was the most useful baby gift you received that you’d recommend to others?”  The response was pretty overwhelming.  Some of the items below are on the big box store checklists, but there are a number of other excellent recommendations that the checklists don’t cover at all!  Hope this helps as you create your registry!

I’ve added most of these items to EITB’s Recommended Products Store so you can check them out.  http://astore.amazon.com/expect-20.  If the item is from a specialty store, the link is included below. 

Thanks to all the moms who participated! You guys rock!

Here’s what they had to say:

Nursery/Sleeping

Ultimate Crib Sheet.  “If you have a crib with slats on all four sides (and not a solid wood back) I highly recommend this crib sheet.  It’s a sheet and waterproof pad all in one.  Snaps to cribs slats – which makes changing it soo easy—especially in the middle of the night!” (Beth H., Jennifer L., Meighan W.)

Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad. “I received this as a gift when I had my son 16 months ago and I am still using it. In addition, I have given it to other expecting mothers…and they are in love with it as well.” http://www.ahgoobaby.com/  (Diana D).

Angel Care Monitor.  Not just your ordinary baby monitor. Keeps track of movement.  If you tend to be paranoid about baby’s breathing…this might be the gift for you.  (Heather S.)

Breathable Bumper.  Keeps baby’s arms and legs from getting caught in slats and also keeps pacifiers from falling out of the crib. (Marie N.)

Fisher Price Rock & Play Sleeper. “A godsend. This has been where my baby has slept from four weeks until now since she is such a spitter-upper. It allows her to stay elevated in a safe place after eating when she falls asleep immediately (the sleeper is certified for sleeping), and we find ourselves using it as another seating option in addition to her swing and bouncy chair. It's about a foot and a half off the ground so it's nice on the parents' backs! It rocks - manually - and is just the perfect thing for a newborn. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I expect it may be my standard shower gift from now on.” (Emily C.)

Sheet Savers.  Ok these are like mini versions of the ultimate crib sheet. (Beth H.)

Sound Machine. (multiple moms)

Snuzzler.  Holds baby in car set when very small.  Keeps baby’s head from slumping down. Very cozy and warm.  (Cara L.)

Blankets

Sleep blankets

Aden and Anais. “These are the best swaddle blankets in the whole wide world. I am still using them for both of my kids, 16 months and 3 years, as regular blankets.”

http://www.adenandanais.com/shop/default.aspxgclid=CJiuvpDuuKMCFeQD5QodpESTYw  (Diana D., Gail C.)

Miracle Blanket. “It's amazing - swaddles babies up so tight they have no choice but to lie there and sleep! Wonderful in the beginning when you are just trying to get them to go 4-5 hour stretches. Love it.” (Kelly K./Melissa B.)

Halo Sleep Sack. (Jennifer L., Stacy P.)

The Woombie! (Maureen)

Larger blankets

Bunny Tail Blankets.  “Love these! -- the perfect stroller blanket” http://www.bunnytailblankets.com  (Lexi K.)

Little Giraffe Blankets/ Bath towels (Gail C.)

Mr. Bobbles Blankets. “Received one as a gift for my first child.  Loved it so much bought one for the second! They're made by a local mom in Silver Spring.” http://www.mrbobblesblankets.com (Ashley M.)

My Three Cuties Big Cutie Blanket.  So cute and soft. A local Alexandria company. www.mythreecuties.com (Colleen M.)

Gear

Snap & Go Stroller. You are probably going to be tempted to buy a stroller system when you register—it just seems like the thing to do.  But know that you have other options!  The snap and go is essentially a frame with a storage bin and wheels that you snap your car seat into.  Ok it’s the not prettiest thing, but it is so light and easy to use (and has a cup holder!) -- you will love it!  When little one is ready for a real stroller at 6 months or so, invest in a cool one that is lightweight—travel stroller systems are notoriously bulky and heavy!  (Magin B., Anastasia, Kristen C., Cara L.)

Baby Swing (Maxine M.)

Bouncy Seat (Kristen C.)


Ergo Baby Carrier. "the BEST for big babies . . . saves your back from lots of pain." (Meighan W.)

Feeding

Burp Cloths.  “Get good burp cloths, you’ll need them! Buy a package of cloth diapers instead of the crappy things they sell as burp cloths.  Cloth diapers have some weight to them and will stay put on your shoulder. They are also much larger than regular burp cloths and cover more of your clothes-protecting them from the inevitable and frequent spit ups!” “Also, consider buying extra wash cloths, they’ll come in handy!” (Cara L., Dayna B., Anastasia D., Kristen C.)

Day & Night Bottle Warmer.  Keep this in your bathroom or the baby’s room for nighttime feedings. It’s a cooler and warmer in one.  All you do is take your cool bottle out and drop it into the warmer.  No running to the kitchen in the middle of the night…super convenient! (Andrew L.)

Towels. My husband picked up stack of bar towels from Costco. I used them for everything from burp cloths to wiping up baby after meals.  My daughter is two and I still use them to clean her up after meals!  (Nancy H.)

Nursing

Lanolin.  The girls are gonna get a bit roughed up—this helps them from getting too severely chapped/cracked. “Start using it before you need it!” (pack it in your go bag)  (Anastasia, Nancy H., Kristen C., et al)

Nursing pads.  “Get the good ones, like Lansinoh, that stick in your bra.”  (Purvi, Karen L)

Itzbeen Baby Care Timer.  Cause you’re going to be tired/dazed and will often forget to look at the clock when you’re nursing. Timer has three or four other functions to track feedings, diaper changes, etc. (Lisa S.)

Hands-free Pumping Bra!  (Kathleen W., Dana L.)

Cooling Breast Pads (Gail C.)

Nursing Cover. aka hooter hider. (Allison H.)

Diapering

“One of the best shower gifts I received was an already packed diaper bag!” (Magin B.)

Diaper Genie Refills. “If you are getting a diaper genie—put a lot of refills on your registry.  No one will buy them but you can use your completion discount to buy them at a discounted rate after baby comes!” (Emily B.)

“Disposable diaper changing pads and the little baggies to put dirty diapers, dirty/wet clothes in while you are out.” (Sally D.)

Extra changing station if you live in a house or town house with multiple floors (Stacy P.)

Case(s) of diapers (Stacy P.)

Health

“Little Tummies Gas Drops! They soothe any baby!” (Sarah T)

“Little Tummies Gripe Water!” (Cara L.)

Best gifts people received that weren’t on their registry

Baby Briefcase.  An organizer for all things baby from receipts to baby’s important  paperwork. (Beth H.)

Home cooked meals from friends after baby was born! (Multiple Moms!)


Maternity Photo Session. (Amanda S.)

“One of my friends gave me an emergency basket with EVERYTHING - Tylenol, Motrin, Mylicon, Desitin, along with a ton of other goodies that really saved me when my kid got sick for the first time!” (Saralyn T.)

“I got a gift card for Picture People. Since a year of pics were practically paid for, I kept going every four months or so. I still take my kids twice a year. It has become a tradition. Also, at my shower there was a basket of things to help get me through delivery and the hospital stay. “(Courtney C.)

“A consultation with a lactation consultant and a post-birth doula.” (Magin B.)

“I started giving my close friends who were becoming first time moms a welcome back from the hospital kit. It is a plain brown box filled with the things that you might not have known that you would need and might not want to ask your hubby to buy. Extra strength pain relievers, Tucks wipes, deluxe maxi pads, etc.” (Liz M.)

“Donated leave from my co-workers so I can extend my maternity leave” (Sarah C.)

“A gift card for a cleaning service to use after the baby is born” (Sarah C.)

“Gift cards for a food delivery service.” (Sarah C.)

“Infant massage class/ mommy and me yoga classes.”  (Sarah C.)

Book of advise from family (Pat)

“Inchworm bottle labels with baby’s name” (if going to daycare) (Gail C.)

Grocery bag of healthy pre-made and easy to prepare meals. (Stacy P.)

Support from a life/parenting coach. (Beth M.)

www.bethmortonlifecoach.com

Favorite Books Received

Happiest Baby on the Block

Nursing Mothers Companion

Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child

Baby 411

Have another recommendation to add? Feel free to add it in the comment section below!

New to the blog? Check out the Start Here page!

It took me a while, but I finally realized that this site is not all that easy to navigate if you haven't been following along for a bit.  If you're newly pregnant or just new to this blog, I recommend checking out the Start Here page.  On this page, I've listed links to my informative posts and organized them by trimester.  Hope this helps!  


http://expectinginsidethebeltway.blogspot.com/p/start-here.html

Childbirth Education Classes

In the third trimester necessities/recommendations post, I recommended taking a childbirth education class.  Some people have asked where they can take childbirth classes in the area.  Well, it turns out there are a lot of places that offer classes and there are a lot of classes out there.  Most of the hospitals in the area offer classes, but there are also classes associated with some practices and organizations.  Some of the places offer natural birth classes, but most don't.  I'll follow up with natural birth classes at a later date, but if you refer to the Natural Birth Series posts you'll find several options.

Oh and ideally you should start researching classes early in your second trimester since the classes aren't offered all the time and you'll want to know what the schedule is ahead of time. Plan to start a class when you are 24-28 weeks along.  So then if it's a once a week class for 6 weeks you'll be able to finish the class before giving birth--which in my humble opinion is preferable! Classes range from $60-$300 per couple depending on sponsoring organization and length.

Oh and if you know of a class I missed or if you've taken one of these and loved/hated it -- let me know!

Hospital Sponsored Childbirth Classes

INOVA Health Source (INOVA Hospitals)

Locations: Alexandria, Fairfax, Fair Oaks

Phone: 703 750-8800

http://www.inova.org/health-info-and-classes/classes/childbirth-education/index.jsp

Classes Offered:

Baby Care

Breastfeeding for Success

Childbirth Express (abbreviated course)

Childbirth Preparation (longer course)

Childbirth Refresher

Cesarean Preparation

Grandparenting

Sibling

Twins, Triplets & More

New Moms Group

Infant Massage

For classes at INOVA Loudon – contact www.thebirthinginn.org

Virginia Hospital Center

Location: Arlington, VA

Phone: 703-558-5000

http://events.virginiahospitalcenter.com/vsitemanager/eventmanager/Default.asp?m=8&y=2010&locationID=0&calendarId=0&eventCategoryId=1.2

Classes Offered:

Saturday Prep for Childbirth

Breastfeeding Support

Postpartum Support

Hospital Tour

Georgetown University Hospital

Location: Washington, DC

You need to call for more info on dates and times

Phone: 202-342-2400

Sibley Hospital Childbirth Education Classes

Location: Washington, DC NW

Phone: 202 537-4076

http://www.sibley.org/community/childbirth_class_descriptions.aspx

Classes Offered:

Baby Care Skills

Baby & Me

Preparing for Labor and Birth

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding: The Next Time Around

Comfort Breathing & Relaxation

One Day Intensive Refresher

Hospital Tour

Holy Cross Hospital

Location: Silver Spring

Phone: 301-754-8800

http://www.holycross.drsreferralservice.com/s-1-any-facility.aspx?categoryfilterid=78&

Classes Offered:

Ah…it’s a baby, now what?

Becoming A Father

Birth by Cesarean

Childbirth-Just the facts

Chidbirth Revisited

Make Way for Baby ( 2 session to 6 week class)

Sibling Classes

Prenatal Yoga

Hospital tour

Individual Practice/Private Organization Childbirth Classes

Confident Birth

Laura Maupin
confidentbirth@verizon.net
http://www.confidentbirth.com
Certified doula who teaches a range of classes, including Lamaze.

The Baby Duck
Melody Kisor
(703) 217-8733
www.thebabyduck.com
The Baby Duck offers a variety of classes ranging from childbirth education and labor pain management to infant safety.

BirthWorks Childbirth Educator– Susan Messina

Washington, DC (Palisades)

http://www.susanmessina.com/index.php

Momease

500 Montgomery Street

Suite 400

Alexandria, VA 22314

703 739-2832

http://www.momease.com/index.php?pr=Home_Page

* Momease conducts childbirth education classes for George Washington University Hospital

Classes Offered:

Childbirth education

Baby care

Breastfeeding

Baby Massage

Exercise

Parenting classes for couples and single parents

Doula Services also available

Physicians for Women

Prepared Childbirth Class

4660 Kenmore Avenue, Suite 1100

Alexandria, Virginia 22304


Phone: (703) 370-0400

http://www.physiciansforfemales.com/

teachbrth@aol.com

Wisebirthways
Susan Lucas
(301) 588-7771
http://www.wisebirthways.com
Their classes are based on the Birthing From Within philosophy.  Offer either a 4 week refresher or 6 week newbie class. Classes are offered in Silver Spring, MD

Birth Options Alliance

Provides listings of prepared and natural childbirth education options in area

http://www.birthoptionsalliance.org/childbirth_class_list.pdf

I Think My Daughter Is A Vampire

"You're impossibly fast. And strong. Your skin is pale white, and ice cold. Your eyes change color and you never eat or come out into the sun."  Twilight


I heard this on tv the other night and got hysterical--I was like "wait, that totally describes S!"Ok, so she goes out into the sun, but she doesn't necessarily have to eat or sleep to keep up her super human strength and speed --  I'm convinced she could survive on milk alone.  Nothing stops/slows her down -- not even a fever.  She recently pushed one of the pressure mount gates down and used it as a climbing wall/slide.  She has also taken to scaling the stair railings...from the outside of the staircase. 


9 months preggers + crazy heat + very active toddler + recurring bout of bronchitis = 1 ty ty lady who can't seem to get a coherent post out! 


Maybe instead of preschool I can sign my spider monkey up to be one of those spidermen bamboo scaffolders in Hong Kong!


http://clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/1806/1182430

Something to make you smile on this gloomy Monday morning

If you haven't seen this yet, it's a sweet pictorial blog called "Mila's Daydreams."  A woman in Finland took these adorable photos of her new baby while on maternity leave.  Where'd she find the time or get all the cool clothes, etc?  Finland had a much longer, more generous, and government supported maternity leave package than the U.S. -- so don't be discouraged if you can't pull this off during your whopping 12 weeks of unpaid leave :).  But it might give you some cute ideas!


Nonetheless, it's a clever idea and a very sweet way to capture baby's first year--at least I think it is!


Here's the link:
http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/


Thanks Mere, for passing this one on!