Monday, September 16, 2013

More about our costume contest!

For anyone that knows me, it is no secret that I am a little obsessed with Halloween. I love a good costume and if it is homemade, even better! I love Halloween so much that my family decided to throw my husband and me a Halloween themed baby shower. Jackson was due in November so the timing could not have been more perfect! 

My husband and I dressed up as skeletons. And as a side note my husband drew and cut out all of our "bones" and even drew baby doing a handstand! Makeup was courtesy of me (and a really great youtube video!) Warning: we are a little scary! ;) 


Josh and me (and baby!) 
close up of baby doing handstands in my belly
I am not big on shower games but my mom bought onesies in 12 month size so everyone could decorate a Halloween costume for baby next year. We didn't know the gender at this point (we were surprised at his birth) so it was fun to see what everyone was going to draw. All of our guests got REALLY into this part of the shower and had some great ideas. I fully plan on Jackson wearing one each day in October and I will take a picture every day to document. 
Onesies waiting to be decorated with the directions
Some of the creations hanging up.
This idea got me thinking that it would be fun to do a costume contest at the store as well! My mom came up with this cute little poem.


It’s time to excite
Dress up and beware
A princess or dragon
Hmmm- what should they wear?

Kelly and Jackson have a contest
Oh, what fun this will be
Never a better time for a little e / s / p!

Purchase a shirt - we will register your name
And give you instructions of what’s involved in the game

Here is a hint of what we will do
A picture we’ll post of your ghoul or your boo
Get your supplies and create your best
Please be a part of our costume contest!

Vote for your favorite-join in and play
       A winner they’ll be… and a great give away!

After you purchase a shirt, for just $5, you will receive these additional instructions: 

Please decorate this shirt for our costume contest-- use markers, stencils, iron-on designs… whatever you wish! After you are finished, take a picture of your little one wearing the shirt and email it to espbabystore@gmail.com no later than October 15th! We will post all entries on Facebook on October 16th for everyone to vote. Voting will be completed on October 25th and whichever pictures gets the most “likes” will win a Halloween themed goodie basket! The winner will be announced on October 28th! Happy costuming!

So hurry in before October 15th! I know we have lots of creative customers and I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. We also have some really cute items to go along with our Halloween theme. 




Happy costuming!

xoxo, 
Kelly



Thursday, September 5, 2013

what's in your diaper bag?

I have always enjoyed seeing what other people keep in their diaper bag. I would consider myself somewhat of a "light" packer. But with that being said I have often found myself out and about with OUT something I have needed. One time, it was wipes and that was a really fun experience! ha.

Here is a glimpse into my bag that I bring to the store with me:

1. Dandelion Tote- I love the size of this bag because it isn't too big but keeps everything I need tucked inside. Not to mention it is super cute! 

2. Planet Wise Wet Bag (medium) Perfect size for the diaper bag- holds around 5-7 diapers. 

3. bumGenius Diapers - guess it was a bumGenius kind of day. 

4. Planet Wise Wipe Pouch and Flannel Wipes - I like to store my wipes dry so they don't get "funky." 

5. CJ's BUTTer Carcass Cleaner (in my own spray bottle mixed with water) and CJ's BUTTer Diaper Rash Cream (both in Oatmeal, Milk and Honey) 

6. Bummis Flushable Wipes - love these now that Jackson is eating more solid foods. 

7. Boba Air  - folds up perfect in my bag so I always have a carrier with me. 

8. Aden and Anais Swaddle Blanket - never hurts to have one of these on hand. 

9. Zebi Baby Burp Cloth - Jackson doesn't spit up much but I know if I didn't carry one he would have one of those days. 

10. My keys, sunglasses and wallet- can't leave home without these!

11. Jackson's keys by Green Toys - something small to keep him occupied. 

So, what's in your diaper bag?

xoxo, 
Kelly 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Tula, Tula, Tula!

I recently announced that we will be carrying Tula Baby Carriers in the store and there has been so much excitement! I have to admit, I am really excited as well.

Tula- Retro Bikes
I <3 baby wearing!  If you have been into the store, chances are you have seen Jackson hanging out in the Boba 3G. He spends a lot of time in there. It is perfect for nursing, napping, and keeping him calm when things can get a little overwhelming. It is his "safe" place and I would like to think there is no place else he would rather be. Snuggled next to mama and "milk." ;) I am pretty partial to my Boba 3G because it is so comfortable and it is really easy to nurse in. We also own a Boba Wrap, Boba Air and a ring sling. I love them all for different reasons but the 3G is my favorite, hands down! With that being said- I am anxious to try out Tula for an extended period of time. Everyone I know that owns one really loves it. I have worn one but not for longer than about 15 minutes. As much as I baby wear I will surely be putting mine to the test. 

One of the most common questions I get asked when customers come in to try on a soft structured carrier is "why can't they face out? My baby loves to look around!" Here are a few great reasons why facing out isn't always best for your baby. Courtesy of Boba (http://www.bobafamily.com/2011/10/11/nine-reasons-not-to-carry-your-baby-facing-out/) 


Carrying your baby facing out…

1.  Does not support your baby’s legs-
Your baby’s legs should be pulled up to at least hip level if not higher. This is possible only if the fabric in a baby carrier covers the whole back of the thigh, to the backside of the knee, or if the carrier has footstraps.  When your baby is facing forwards with legs unsupported, it isn’t that his legs are simply dangling,  his spine and hips are unsupported to and there is simply nowhere for baby to sit.
Check out this medical research by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute and the infant biomechanics in different types of baby carriers.  A baby carrier that supports the legs encourages proper hip development.  Front facing carriers do not support little hips.  Those babies already diagnosed with DDH should steer clear of front facing carriers.

Choosing an ergonomic carrier that supports the legs  is important for healthy hip development.

Choosing an ergonomic carrier that supports the legs is important for healthy hip development.
2.  Makes it tough for the wearer to carry the baby and may not be so wonderful on your back either-
It’s much harder to carry something that curves away from your body than something that embraces your body. The wearer has an awkward load and often ends up arching her back to compensate.  Babies bodies arenaturally adapted to being carried facing you. Carrying a load with an arched spine will give you an aching lower back.
3. Places your baby in an arched or hollow back position which places pressure on the spine-

unstable baby

With no leg support and facing out this baby is unstable, forcing him to assume a hollow back position (as shown with red line) to compensate.
Extending the back (like arching after waking from a nap), is not injurious or “bad” in and of itself.  The problem arises when you compress a “hollow back” under a load.  Placing an infant in a front facing carrier stretches the naturally convex rounded curve (see infant spinal development in upright transport paper) of his spine into a hollow back position.   With nothing to cling to, weak abdominal muscles, and retracted shoulders, the infant’s pelvis tilts backwards and is forced to not only carry weight of his own body but also to absorb the force of every step that the carrying individual takes- all on his little compromised spine.
4.  Places undue pressure on groin and may chaff the inner thighs of your baby-

pressure on infant pelvis

This baby is leaning on his dad for some extra support. Although it stabilizes him, it is less than ideal to spend the day transported in this position.
Chaffing is no fun.  Being suspended by your baby’s most sensitive parts is not ideal, especially for little boys.
5. May overstimulate your baby-
Babies can face their parents and still experience the world around them and take it in at their own pace.  It is very easy for a small infant to become overwhelmed.
6.  Doesn’t support the head or the neck-
Positional asphyxia is possible when babies have no neck control and their chin falls toward their chests.  Little babies should never be placed in a position that can compromise their airways.  The US Consumer Products Safety Commission recently passed a law that the warning labels of forward facing carriers must state that babies should not face out until adequate head/neck control is achieved. The law does not extend to sleeping infants even though they don’t have control of their necks or heads while snoozing.
7.  Makes thermoregulation more difficult-
The flexed position a baby assumes on his mother’s chest is more efficient at conserving heat than chest exposed. Check out kangaroo care and thermoregulation benefits.  The baby also has more fat cells (insulation) on its back side than front.
8. Makes it harder to respond to baby’s cues-
With no eye contact it is harder to communicate with your baby, check their airways, see their spit up, see them rooting, practice EC, and know their needs.  There’s a neat study that shows that even front facing strollersinterfere with your ability to interact with and respond to your baby.

Forward facing not a great option

The mom is holding her son’s legs trying to support them for lack of a seat. He is supported by two pieces of fabric over his groin. If it weren’t for the fabric in front of his shoulders, he would fall forward. Not very supportive.
9.  Throws off the baby’s center of gravity-  Most often the wearer will intuitively stick out her pointer fingers for the baby to grab on to and stabilize himself or the wearer will try to support the baby’s legs by lifting them up in the front. With no seat and nothing to grab on to in front of him it is tough for baby not to arch his back under the weight of his own body.
Carrying your baby facing forward is not the best option.  It’s not “cruel”, but it’s not ideal either.  Embracing your baby, or having them embrace you (like when you’re backin’ the baby) is what your baby is adapted to do and quite naturally the way to go.
xoxo, 
Kelly