Photo Props

I'm sure everyone has seen the gorgeous newborn photos out there. One thing in common with them is they all have photo props (and talented photographers). So where do you get these props? Etsy of course. You can find so many awesome items on Etsy. They are all unique in their own way. I recommend getting all baby shower, wedding or even birthday gifts there. The shop owners are usually small town mom's trying to add income to their family. These are not big companies trying to get rich.

I purchased this crocheted owl hat for my little one:



She has gotten so many compliments when she wears this. I ended up buying the pattern and making my own for friends and family.

You can get the pattern here if you would rather do that:

She has a bunch of other patterns for great photo prop hats too.

Some other ideas for photo props on Etsy: Just click on the picture and it will go to the website.




You could also use a blanket like this or with just a name on it and lay the baby next to it, so that their name is in the photo.

Kiwi Crate

I just discovered a new idea for kids and I was so excited I had to blog about it right away. I found this site through Pinterest which took me to this blog:

www.pillowthought.com

She does a good job describing what Kiwi Crate is.

Then check it out at

KiwiCrate.com/

They are these really cool boxes full of kids crafts sent to your house every month. A full year subscription is currently $220. Not bad if you consider that includes shipping. I can't say I'm ready to dish out that amount of cash especially with four kids, but I think this would make a great gift from a grandparent or aunt and uncle. You can also do 3 or 6-month package or individual boxes. Or you can add extra materials to the box for $7.95 a month if you have more than one child.


image from kiwicrate.com

There are a lot of different themes for the boxes. I really like the music one that they got on PillowThought.com. The child gets to make the instrument and then play it.

image from KiwiCrate.com

JuJuBe B.F.F. vs Petunia Pickle Bottom

Diaper bags can be a splurge just like purses. On our fourth child we had a little more money I wanted a better diaper bag this time. Not sure why because I barely use them. I read the reviews and purchase the Petunia Pickle Bottom Shoulder Bag. I got excited because they were offering it on MyHabit a bulk discount site. I paid $105 when it is normally about $139.

I loved the changing pad, colors and size. Then it came and I got diaper bag envy of the JuJuBe B.F.F. That bag seemed to offer so much more. It had metal feet to keep it from completely touching the ground, backpack straps (which I have never used but HAD to have) and it was machine washable! Plus I packed this PPB for the hospital and after one blanket the thing was full, so I returned it. I then purchased the JuJuBe B.F.F. from Amazon.

I was really unsure of the colors when it came but they grew on me. It looks more brown at home than in the picture. I probably looked at all the color options for two hours before I picked one. None of them jumped out at me. I love all of the pockets and how the front zips down for complete access to the bag's inside. No more digging to the bottom. This one cost more at $157, but I was happier with it. I have yet to wash it but that is on my list of to do's and I will update on how it keeps its shape.

Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper

This item came from Amazon last summer when they had it on sale for $38 with free shipping. They typically sell in the store for $50-$70 depending on the style. 

I received a recall on this rocker a little while ago because there is a problem with black mold growing under the padding. They have updated all of the products now, but if you purchase used beware of this. 

We love this rock n play and has been our staple with our current baby. When she first came home she liked to be bundled in here to sleep. You could tell she felt snuggled up like she was being held and even slept 5 hours once while in it. However I did not let her sleep in it very much because of some warnings on it. Many pediatricians want babies to sleep flat and not put all the pressure on their hips like this seat does. We used it mostly during the day for naps.

It rocks just a little before the feet stop it so when our older kids want to rock her they can't overdo it.

Now that she is sitting up we still use it but make sure she is strapped in good. She can sit up and look around and can still fling herself backward and not get hurt.

It folds up pretty easy with two buttons. When our baby was a month old we went on a trip and took this for her to sleep in but to also use during the day as a seat around the house we were staying at. It is much easier to move around then a pack and play.

Overall I would recommend this seat over the swing. The downfall being that you have to rock it yourself so if your baby likes the movement you can't get much done.

Snugabunny Cradle 'n Swing

Fisher-Price My Little SnugaBunny Cradle 'n Swing

I purchased this swing in September 2012 from Target for our colicky 1 month old. It was a lifesaver for 2 months. She slept all day in it. Then she got big enough to want to sit up and look around and this $139 swing was put away. The stabilizing bar also did not hold up very well to our other children messing with it. It would fall off and the legs would get too close together causing a risk of collapsing.



I have seen some other reviews of the music stopping for no reason and it being too loud and keeping the baby awake. This was not the case for us, we loved the swing until she grew out of it. So if you are okay with spending $139 + tax for 3-4 months of use then get it.

Also remember that not every baby likes to swing. We noticed our little one liked to sway in our arms and figured a swing would work well. My other children preferred bouncy vibrating seats to swings.

After having baby number four I figured I have seen and tested a lot of children's products, but they are always coming out with more! My children are ages 7, 5, 3 and 6 months, so I look for products for those age ranges. I like to try the next best thing and I also use Etsy and Pinterest to purchase or make the newest fad.

Everyone likes to read reviews before they buy, so I will be reviewing all of the products I use and will try to include other people's feedback on them as well. The comments section of each post is also a great area to give others your input as well.

I absolutely in no way paid for these reviews so they are completely unbiased. The only thing I am connected with is my Etsy shop where I sell personalized baby blankets, taggies and clothes.

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCherryCheetahs

Okay I am done plugging my goods, now onto reviews.