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2016 Infant Feeding Guide with Product Reviews + Giveaway

September 8, 2016 by 127 Comments

by The Leaky Boob Community

The CDC says that the number one reason for women who intend to breastfeed but don’t end up reaching their breastfeeding goals is lack of support. Support goes a long way in making a difference in our feeding journeys. From familial, social, medical, and employment structures, there are many ways we can find and experience support. With story sharing, information sharing, and resource sharing, The Leaky Boob is dedicated to making support for the infant feeding journey easier to find. It may be breastfeeding that brings us all together but through support and finding community we stick around for the connection and rally behind the boob, bottle, formula, and solids. Our infant feeding guide pulls together information, resources, product reviews, and tips from our community to offer that support we’re committed to.

Not much is really needed for feeding a baby in those early days, provided everything goes smoothly. But since it doesn’t always go smoothly, sometimes we need some products to support the journey. Plus, even when it does go smoothly, there are some things that help make it easier and more fun.

After flipping through our guide, be sure to enter to win every product featured in our guide this year!

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And we’re giving it ALL away! Every single item included in our 31 page guide is being given away. Divided into 2 separate bundles, we’re excited to be able to give 2 different Leakies each one of these bundles from our guide. Use the widget below to enter and tell us which bundle you’d want to win in the comments.
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Good luck and a huge thanks to all the brands that wanted to make this possible!

Filed Under: baby, Babywearing, birth, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, breastpump, Featured, giveaway, motherhood, Parenting, postpartum, Pregnancy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

#TLBmoves: Let’s Get Moving and Win!

July 12, 2016 by 24 Comments

So much of our lives revolve around feeding our families and sometimes that is fun, sometimes it’s draining.

Seriously, how can they be hungry again!

But nourishment isn’t the same thing as just feeding. Related, but not the same.

Nourishment is so much more than just nutrition for our bodies; our spirits find nourishment in connection, our relationships find nourishment in each other, our children find nourishment in our arms, our minds are nourished through learning and conversation, and our hearts are nourished by being with the people we love.

Which is why we’re hoping to nourish you with a giveaway to compliment your nourishment journey wherever it takes you. #TLBnourish giveaway is all about supporting you as your nourish those you love.

#TLBmoves Giveaway Bundle includes items from Thinkbaby Thinksport, Belabumbum, and Tula Baby Carriers.

 

The Giveaway!

 

Thinkbaby Thinksport

Thinkbaby_favoredby

Thinkbaby Thinksport, Title Sponsor for this #TLBmoves campaign, is featuring 2 great products.  Learn more about the Thinkbaby Sunscreen and Thinksport Insulated Sport Bottles below. Check out their website for different these great items and more.
 

Thinkbaby Sunscreen –

  • First Sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements
  • Top Rated by EWG with a “1” rating since 2010
  • Free of biologically harmful chemicals. No Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, or UV Chemical absorbers.
  • Highest SPF 50+ (per FDA 2012 Rules – any sunscreens boasting higher are falsely marketing)
  • Highest level of Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection (per FDA 2012 Rules)
  • Highest level of water resistance (80 minutes) (per FDA 2012 Rules)
  • Non-nano formulation – Average particle size >100micron
  • Non-aerosol formulation (High concern of both ineffectiveness and particulates being inhaled)
  • Paraben, phthalates, PABA and 1,4 dioxane free
  • Applies and absorbs easily.  Non-oily feel.
  • Sunscreen produced in the USA
  • Does not have an obtrusive smell that many organic sunscreens have.
  • A member of the Safe Cosmetics Campaign Compact
  • Foundering member Sun Safety Coalition
  • Gluten free  (third-party verified)
  • No animal testing (Leaping Bunny member)
  • More awards than any other sun care line
  • Featured in: Tennis, Bicycling, Natural Child, Daily Candy (top pick), Men’s Health (top pick), Competitor, Backpacker (Top Pick), Standard, People Magazine (Must haves), Pharmacy Times, Men’s Journal (top pick), Chicago Tribune, The Bump (Top pick), Favored.by (Top Pick), Times Square, The Daily Green, YNN News, Denver News (Must haves), Triathlete, Cribsie and Red Hat Product Finalist. Eco – Excellence Finalist. Silver Award NAPPA, Baby Maternity Magazine (Top pick), Babble (Top 10 Best), Its a Belly (Seal of Excellence), Metro Moms (Hottest Product), Green Scene Mom (Winner) and a whole lot of blog reviews…

Why sunscreen?

The majority of sunscreens currently on the market are full of questionable ingredients and known carcinogens. Simply look at the ingredients and you’ll quickly realize you don’t recognize any of them. Many existing sunscreens have been brought to market with little concern for their safety. Not only do ingredients in sunscreen interact with skin, but data shows after application of lotions, some of the same chemicals can be detected in the bloodstream. Most people wear sunscreen to reduce the chance of developing cancer, so why apply something that could potentially increase this risk? This question has unfortunately left many people moving away from using sunscreen at all.

How is the Thinkbaby and Thinksport different?

At Thinkbaby and Thinksport, we are continually expanding our mission to provide safe products by identifying consumer product categories with known human health issues. Specifically, we target products that contain high levels of hormone disruptors and carcinogens. We then work with leading scientists worldwide to create safe alternatives.

  • Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreen is highly effective, falls into the highest category for water resistance and has a sensible SPF 50+ rating. A quick look on your local drugstore shelf will show an increasing number of chemical sunscreens boasting ultra-high SPFs of 70 and greater. An SPF higher than SPF 30 offers only minimal improvement in sun protection and does not provide insight into its ability to protect from both UVA and UVB. Instead, these ultra-high SPFs are inflated through the use of chemical UV absorbers.   The FDA has recently ruled that SPF numbers above 50 are not allowed. They have also ruled the terms “Sweatproof” and “Waterproof” as false claims.
  • You should know that the effective difference between SPF 30 and SPF 100 is approximately 2.5% difference. Don’t be misled by ultra-high SPF numbers. Additionally, Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreens utilize average zinc oxide particles greater than 110nm. Kevin Brodwick, founder of Thinkbaby and Thinksport explains why: “We always use the precautionary principle and as we expect the debate on the safety of nano particles to continue, we asked a simple question: Does the product have to contain nano particles to be an effective sunscreen? The answer is, quite simply, “NO”!
  • We also do not and will not use aerosol dispensers, nor should you.  Scientists have shown that parents apply 25% of the correct amount when using aerosol.  As the SPF is actually a logarithmic function,  if you are applying a SPF 100, you’re actually only putting on SPF equivalent of 3.  More importantly, there is significant concern that children and parents are inhaling the particulates.  If you look at the ingredients in aerosol sunscreens, you’ll quickly determine why you don’t want to breathe it.

Retail Value:  $12.99 for 3oz and $23.99 for 6oz  (shipping in US & Canada only)

For more information visit Thinkbaby. 

 

Thinksport Insulated Sports bottles –

  • Double-walled and vacuum-sealed stainless steel – keeps contents hot or cold for hours
  • Perfect for hot or cold beverages – does not sweat (for cold contents) or burn your hand (for hot contents)
  • Contoured design – makes the bottle easy to hold and visually distinctive from the many, many straight-walled bottles
  • Removable mesh filter – keeps ice from blocking the drinking spout and allows users to conveniently brew tea on the go
  • Unsurpassed testing for material safety – our products undergo rigorous chemical and biologic testing to insure they do not contain toxic chemicals
  • Available sizes: 750ml (25oz), 500ml (17oz) and 350ml (12oz)
  • Available colors: Natural silver, matte black, blue, purple, green and orange.  Light Blue, White and Light Pink available in some sizes

How long does your bottle keep drinks cold?

The short answer is results will vary….but a long time!  Because of all of the different situations out there, we do not guarantee a time period.  The 25oz bottles hold ice cold for approximately 18 hours. Some tell us about how they left their Thinksport bottle in the car in 100 degree weather only to return to clinking ice five hours later.  Others tell us how we kept their drinks cold for longer than 24 hours.  One customer even put our bottle in a thermal testing chamber and reported that it was the best bottle he had ever seen.  On average the sports bottles hold contents hot for 4 hours.  Because of the double-walled construction you also won’t feel the temperature of the products. So its important to be careful if you’ve placed hot liquids into the bottle.

Do your bottles fit in cup holders or water bottle cages?  

Our 350ml/12oz and 500ml/17oz bottles are designed to fit in car cup holders while our 750ml/25oz bottles fit some (but not all).  12oz and 500ml bottles will fit into water bottles cages.  The 750ml fits most bottle cages on spin bikes.

The perfect all around bottle!  Great for….

  •        Having cold / hot beverages at the office.
  •        Going for hikes or camping.
  •        Throwing into the backpack for school.
  •        Your yoga, cross-fit or spin class holder of lifesaving water.
  •        A companion while you work in the garden.
  •        Long road trips to your in-laws.  
  •        Bedside for late night dry mouth situations.

Retail Value: $19.99 / 17oz sports bottle – $17.99 / 12oz sports bottle $15.99    (shipping in US & Canada only)

For more information visit Thinksport.

 

Belabumbum

BelabumbumActiveLogo

Belabumbum’s Ultra Smooth Nursing Sports Bra offers medium-impact support with wireless microfiber cups lined with cotton and removable spacer pads to provide coverage and wick away moisture. The bra’s side cup is made with breathable stretch mesh and elasticized for fit. Ventilated side panels transfer moisture and heat away from mom. 

Retail Value: $69.00 (shipping to US only)

For more information visit Belabumbum. 

 

Tula Baby

TulaLogo

Prance is a Tula Coast carrier with a whimsical, spirited print. Fields of flowers and happy, prancing unicorns fill the design that is paired with a fun purple canvas and mesh center panel. Prance is the ultimate wish come true!

Tula Coast is designed to bring a cool breeze to your day! This line of Tula Baby Carriers offers a reinterpretation of our original framed panel design using breathable mesh material which creates a ventilated carrier perfectly suited for active lifestyles and warm weather locales.

Retail Value: Prance is $149 (standard) and $169 (toddler)  (International shipping available)

For more information visit Tula.

 

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TLBmoves giveaway image

Prize Bundle Total Value : $246.98

 

Thinkbaby Thinksport – Sunscreen $12.99 value for 3oz, Sports bottle $15.99 value for 12oz

Belabumbum – Nursing pumping bra, $69.00 value

Tula – Prance Carrier, $149.00 value

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to enter. The giveaway is open from now through July 30, 2016. A big thanks to Thinkbaby Thinksport, Belabumbum, and Tula Baby Carriers for their support of TLB and all breastfeeding women. 

This giveaway is open to participants in the USA.

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Filed Under: #TLBmoves, Article, Babywearing, Featured, Fitness, giveaway Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Bump, Baby, and Beyond Product Guide 2016 + Giveaway

May 22, 2016 by 418 Comments

by The Leaky Boob Community

We asked around from our favorite parents (you!) and put together a guide of the products we love for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn care. Introducing our Bump, Baby, and Beyond 2016 Product Guide! But that’s not all, our readers gave us their best tips and advice they wish they had received about pregnancy, birth, and having a new baby. There’s a lot of wisdom here! Take some time, browse through this issue, and comment letting us know what you love, what you’re interested in, and what you think we left out, there are so many great products and advice, we’re bound to miss some.

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And we’re giving it ALL away! Every single item included in our guide (over 50!) is being given away. Divided into 3 separate bundles, we’re excited to be able to give 3 different leakies different bundles from our guide. Use the widget below to enter and tell us what 2 friends you have that you’d like to win the other two bundles in the comments.
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Good luck and a huge thanks to all the brands that wanted to make this possible!

Filed Under: baby, Babywearing, birth, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, breastpump, Featured, giveaway, motherhood, Parenting, postpartum, Pregnancy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Boba Giveaway

May 2, 2013 by 545 Comments

I had the opportunity to meet Boba founders Robert and Elizabeth Antunovic and their 4 children at their office and warehouse a couple of weeks ago in Denver, Colorado.  This delightful family and rest of the Boba family are so warm and open, truly a caring group of people so it’s no wonder that their products would be an extension of their personalities and who they are.  With innovative design, quality production, and a touch of whimsy, Boba’s carriers have something for everyone that wants to babywear.  Having tried the Boba 3G, the Boba Air, and the Boba wrap, I have experienced that intentional care myself and it helps me care for my family.  We love the versatility, ease of use, and how comfortable all their carriers are and a great bonus is that all of them have been breastfeeding friendly!  Hope you enjoy learning more about this company and good luck on the giveaway!

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Elizabeth Antunovic, Co-founder and mother of four

TLB:  Boba is a funny-sounding name.  Where did it come from?

Elizabeth:  Yes, some think of the chewy round tapioca goodness sucked through a wide straw. Others think Star Wars. Spanish speakers may think of something silly.

We started out as sleepy wrap as you may know and put it out there that we were looking for a new name when we introduced our hot soft structured carriers to the world.  “Sleepy” was descriptive as the wrap was indeed a tranquilizer. But we needed a name.

It was actually suggested by my dear wise mama friend.

BOulder BAby she said (I guess it could also be BOlder BAby)  Boba.

Not that profound. But something to chew on. something with character.  perfect nonetheless.

TLB:  We have discovered that there are a whole lot of infant carrier companies out there.  What do you think makes Boba stand out?

Elizabeth:  I could list all the features, sing praises of the leg support, the high back and not having to buy a darn waist extender if you are plus size.  Alas if you mamas are anything like I am you’ll research and compare baby carriers so much that you could probably write a dissertation.  We care. That’s the difference.  I have been having babies since we started. I have carried my sons and daughters, nursed them, consoled them, sung to them, moved with them pretty much every day for the last seven years. There is always something that can be done better.  So we assess and tweak and adjust the carrier so that you can move the baby to a lower position to nurse in it using just your two thumbs, so that you can bring your phone with you, so that your purse doesn’t fall off your shoulder while you’re holding your toddler’s hand, so that your older baby doesn’t get welts on the back of his thighs.  My husband and I are “in” it. Living it. Researching it. Spreading the light on all that is possible when you wear your baby.

TLB:  Have you used carriers with your own children?  Would you share a couple of particularly memorable moments from your own experience?

Elizabeth:  The only time that I haven’t worn my kids in the last decade is the latter parts of pregnancies when my blooming belly would not stand for it.  I have baby worn while riding a camel in Egypt but I won’t get into that 🙂  I have worn my babies while at the pumpkin patch, in rickshaws in Asia, watching the water buffalo on the banks of the holy Ganges river, hiking the Julien Alps, milking a goat in Serbia, mushroom picking in Slovenia, while exploring the ancient mud city of Bam, Iran, and of course every time I go to Target!

In the beginning of the business it was far from a life of play.  There was some serious dedication.  Long long hours.  Thank God these wraps were comfortable. They had to be. I wore my babies while sweating under mosquito nets and answering customer service emails. I wore my babies’ coordinating photo shoots.  I wore them during the days of website revamps and tradeshows and hours of learning the strings of social media.  I wore them while reading any books that I could get my hands on about preemies and skin to skin, ergonomics, hip dysplasia, and proprioception.

They say that the cobbler’s son is always barefoot.

Not me.  I couldn’t live without my carriers.  So practical.  So magically unifying.

Thanks for your time!

_________________________

Boba is giving away four different prizes to three lucky Leakies.  The prizes are:

1. Boba Wrap (one winner)
The Boba Wrap is the perfect wrap style carrier – with its unique fabric blend and the no-guesswork tying, it is a great choice for beginners and advanced babywearers alike, and is especially great for use with newborns. Retail Value: $38.00 

Boba.Wrap.Red.Creek2

2. Boba Carrier 3G and matching Boba Mini (one winner)
Ideal for babies and toddlers alike, the Boba Carrier 3G may be converted to a newborn carrier without an infant insert or any additional items and used well into toddlerhood. Our ergonomic design includes features to make breastfeeding easy on the go, maximizes comfort with multiple adjustments, and with lots of designs to choose from, Boba Carrier 3G is the perfect fit for your entire family.  Retail Value: $125.00

The Boba Mini is designed for carrying dolls and toys to help spread the joy of babywearing to children all over the world. It is made with 100% cotton like our Boba Carrier 3G and can be worn by children 3 years and up. Retail Value: $29.95

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Boba.Mini

3. Boba Air (one winner)
The Boba Air is simple to use, ultra lightweight and ergonomic! Similar in design to our popular soft structured carrier, but made of high tech nylon and weighing just 11 ounces, it is the perfect carrier for travelers or any parent on the go – when you’re done, just fold, zip & stash in.  Retail Value: $65.00

BobaAir.black.back2

Currently Leakies can find these and other babywearing items in the Boba website at www.bobafamily.com or at a Boba baby carrier retailer near you.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from May 2, 2013 through May 8, 2013.  A big thanks to Elizabeth and Boba for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@Boba on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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The Babywearing Bond… with a giveaway

February 23, 2013 by
Sleeping on daddy in the Beco

Squiggle Bug, 20 months, sleeping in the Beco on Daddy. She had insisted on wearing her helmet.

Last week I was thinking about all the ways we connect and bond with our children.  Looking at the little rituals and and space we create that give us moments to express love on a daily basis I was reminded of times of sweet connection.  For many of us, when we’re pregnant, we rub our bellies to sense our babies and demonstrate our growing love.  After birth, skin to skin cuddles, kisses, nuzzles, and breastfeeding, to name a few, help us both to connect with our child and to communicate love.  Caring for them and meeting their needs for warmth, shelter, food, and hygiene, bonds our families closer together.  Including them in our activities, having them close to be a part of what we have going on and not passively set aside, gives us the opportunity to bond through shared experiences.

 

Babywearing did not begin to be an important part of our parenting until our third child.  With our first two daughters, we relied heavily on our stroller and our arms.  We had a carrier but it was horribly uncomfortable and it never felt right.  When desperate I would use it so I could vacuum once in a while but the carrier hurt my shoulders, my back, and I couldn’t help but think probably my baby too.  They just looked so awkward with their legs and arms jutting out and I was anxious they weren’t really secure.  Through bath time, reading together, snuggling in bed, play time, and of course breastfeeding were our primary ways of developing connection.  We added baby wearing with our third daughter when we discovered the ring sling and both The Piano Man and I regularly wore her at home and while out.

 

We wore our babies because they liked it.  Not because of a parenting style, not because of a trend, and not because of a philosophical belief.  Before we’d ever heard of attachment parenting, Dr. Sears, or even the term “babywearing,” we wore our babies.  It just felt right.  They were clearly happier closer to us and our own stress levels were reduced when they were content.  Having them close facilitated a deeper connection making little kisses, conversation, and attention to their needs easier with juggling the demands of our older children, home life, and even working full time.

 

When our fourth was 8 months old we expanded our babywearing to include a soft structured carrier when some friends went in together to get us a Beco Butterfly II.  They picked a print I loved, which I found exciting, but ultimately it was the comfort, ease, and practicality of the design that made the Beco my favorite carrier.  But I wasn’t the only fan of the carrier.

 

By 10 months old Sugarbaby had become deeply attached to our Beco.  If she saw it on the closet shelf she would squeal, flap her arms, smile, and radiate excitement.  If we didn’t respond by taking the carrier out and wearing her, tears would inevitably ensue.  After wearing her, when we would take her out of the carrier, she would pitch a fit even if it was obvious she wanted down and would only settle if we gave her the carrier to play with by herself on the floor.  She was obsessed with the buckles and it wasn’t long before her verbal vocabulary was made up of “mama,” “dada,” and “Beco.”  Her 3rd word.  The Beco ranked pretty high in her life.  There were times that I wondered if she was more attached to the actual carrier than she was to me.  Reality was, as much as she loved that carrier, what made it so special was that it kept her close to her mommy and daddy and sometimes even a big sister would wear her.  It was the bonding.  For the longest time she would chatter about the Beco but nothing made her happier than being in the Beco on one of us.  “Beco” was her third word because just as mama and dada meant love, so did “Beco.”

 

beco mini

Squiggle Bug wearing her own “baby” now. (Disclaimer: it is not safe to have a real baby facing out when wearing them on your back. This particular 5 year old felt it wouldn’t be a problem for her doll.)

Today, 2 babies later, that carrier is still an important part of my ever growing wrap and carrier collection.  It has held up through 3 babies now and been loaned out a few times as well.  Some day I imagine we will enjoy carrying grandbabies and creating new intentional opportunities to express love with little ones.  I doubt I’ll ever get rid of it because it represents one of the ways we bond with our babies and holds so many memories of connection, closeness, and love.

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How do you enjoy bonding with your little ones?  

In what ways are you intentional about creating connections to express love and be close?

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I shared this story with my friends at Beco and they loved that “Beco” was Squiggle Bug’s 3rd word and meant so much to our family.  In honor of Squiggle Bug and to help more parents and babies enjoy the bonding experience of babywearing, Beco is giving away 3 Gemini carriers (perfect for breastfeeding in) and 3 Beco Minis so your little ones can care for their babies like you do.  Be sure to like Beco on Facebook so you can keep up on sales, news, and great baby wearing and parenting tips and information.  To be entered in the giveaway, use the widget below.

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Filed Under: baby, Babywearing, family, Featured, giveaway, Jessica, motherhood, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Babywearing chat with PAXbaby.com

October 20, 2012 by

breastfeeding and babywearing, paxbaby.com, woven wrap, ring sling, breastfeeding

TLB sponsor PAXbaby.com brought a live chat with our readers on The Leaky Boob Facebook wall, giving us the opportunity to chat about all things babywearing.  It was great fun with great prizes (the randomly selected winners notified via email) and lots of information.  If you have questions about babywearing, visit these archived threads to hear from other Leakies and Jillian with her PAXmommies sharing their experience and expert advice.  So grateful for the support of PAXbaby.com!

Introduction and sharing favorite carriers

Overwhelming world of carriers- where to start, user friendly, carriers and baby ages, getting started

 

Breastfeeding and babywearing- which carriers and tips

Breastfeeding in a woven wrap hip carry video

Babywearing the newborn- carrier options and safety information

Babywearing past the newborn stage

Babywearing for plus-sized and large breasted moms

Why have more than one carrier?  The benefits of a carrier stash

Back pain and babywearing

General questions for the PAXmommies

Babywearing and weather considerations- hot, cold, and wet

PAXbaby email sign up for more information

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Article, baby, Babywearing, Breastfeeding, Featured, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,