Pregnancy & Babyhood Articles I've Written

I've been writing for Baby Gaga, a pregnancy and babyhood site, for over a year now. It's been a while since I last updated you with the articles, and I no longer have this blog's Facebook page to post them. I get bonuses for the more views I get, so please read and share! It only takes a click. Tell me which one is your favorite or what topics you'd like me to write about! Thank you :)

100+ American Patriotic Baby Names

Problems Petite Women Face During Pregnancy

25 Colors That Make Unique Baby Names

En Caul Births Explained

10 Celebs That Would Make the Cutest Babies

25 Baby Girl Names Inspired by Flowers

15 Places You Should Put a Baby Gate

15 of the Best New Products of 2016 for Baby and Mom

8 Things You Learn About Yourself Through Your Pregnancy

How to Come Through "Mommy Wars" Without a Scratch

7 Ways to Deal With Unwanted Pregnancy Advice From In-Laws

Baby K'tan Active Baby Carrier Review & Giveaway

I grew up watching my mom carry my premature little sister in a ring sling, and since then have always loved seeing mothers hold their babies close and thought it natural. I knew I would do the same once I had children. When I got pregnant, my friends introduced me to various carriers, and I chose the Moby wrap. It worked and my baby liked it, but I had some issues with it: it was too long for a petite woman like me, it was too hot for Arizona, it got stretched out, and it was impossible to put back into the pouch!

my 8-week-old in the original Baby K'tan

When I was pregnant again, I searched around for baby carrier giveaways and saw an ad for Baby K'tan on a blog. I checked it out and was immediately impressed. It was like the Moby in style (but not design), came in different sizes to ensure fit, and was much simpler to put on. I followed their Facebook page, entered one of their giveaways, and won! I was not disappointed. Every time I wear my Baby K'tan carrier I receive compliments and I rave about it in return. And because both my baby and I are satisfied, I have worn him much more than I did my first child.

10 months old

I asked Baby K'tan to team up with me for a giveaway, and not only did they agree, but they also gave me a different style to review! I chose the active carrier in coral for summer babywearing.

20 months and still likes to be worn!

Smiles
*Comfortable for both the wearer and the baby.
*Easy to put on and take off.
*Fabric support band in back allows for easy adjustment.
*Sash doubles as a pouch and is very easy to put away.
*Comes in different sizes to ensure proper fit.
*Shrinks back to normal in the dryer instead of remaining stretched out.
*Different carrying positions possible, with the newborn kangaroo hold not requiring the sash. Instruction booklet with easy to follow-directions included as well.
*Original: Tight, secure fit.
*Active: Very lightweight and airy! Wish I had this style in Arizona. I love the color, too.
*Excellent customer service!

Frowns
*Hard to unravel in the back by yourself (you want the fabric stretched open for more even support). I try to untangle and spread it open as much as I can before putting it on to avoid this issue, but it doesn't always work.
*Active: Feels much looser than the original although the sizing is the same, and the fabric is slippery, so it doesn't stay in place as well.

Overall, I love Baby K'tan carriers so much and will continue to recommend them to everyone! One of you lucky readers will win the active carrier in the size and color of your choice. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zulily.com, My New Favorite Site!

If you are looking for a great deal site for clothes, accessories, and home decor for women and children, Zulily.com is for you! Right now they have the cutest things on sale in preparation for spring and summer. I joined a while ago but didn't really get into it, but now that I'm pregnant I'm finding all sorts of wonderful things I want! I wish I knew what I was having, because then I would buy all these cuties for Baby!

I love this sweet and simple, classic-style dress!

I love Americana!

This outfit made me laugh and reminded me of Caden's brief biting-while-nursing phase. Glad that didn't last long! Maybe buying this would jinx the next one to be a biter.

I also fell in love with the citrus kitchen collection. It made me wish I had a house with a beautiful patio and backyard where I could throw a lunch party. I would get the whole set of place mats, napkins, and dish towels in this bright and cheerful design!

There is also a matching apron set! So cute!

But I also like this apron and matching oven mitts and these colorful dish towels.

And last of all, this beautiful drink dispenser!

Check out more amazing things at amazing prices at Zulily.com!

Easy Stroll One-Handed Stroller Grip Giveaway [CLOSED]

I am a runner and I almost always have to take my son with me. I use a regular, cheap Graco stroller. Since that stroller was not meant for running on bumpy roads, it is hard to steer. Even if I had a jogging stroller, it's hard running without using my arms. I try running with one arm and steering with the other, but it is difficult and hurts my forearm after a while.

That's when I remembered the Easy Stroll, an ergonomic, one-handed stroller grip I discovered in a giveaway last year. The Easy Stroll was invented by a father who had one child sleeping in the stroller and the other demanding to be held while at the mall. I contacted the company and they sent me an Easy Stroll to review.

Smiles
*Supports proper posture. I'm really short, so a hunched back is not normally a problem, but when I run I do have to hunch over for more pushing power. Now I can use one arm comfortably and thus run faster.
*Requires no effort. Just relax and walk normally, and the stroller will follow your movement.
*Makes it easier to talk on the phone and to open doors and push a stroller through.
*Clear installation instructions and video.
*Padded where the handle rests on your arm.
*Every level of its production happens in the U.S.
*Free shipping if you want to buy one!

Frowns
*Although the instructions were easy to follow, I had trouble getting the handle on the rings. My husband, however, did not.
*I still prefer to use two hands when I can. But you taller mamas may prefer it all the time because it's ergonomic.

One of you lucky readers will win an Easy Stroll in the color of your choice, a $30 value! You can also try it risk-free for 30 days--the company pays for return shipping.

Mandatory Entry: Like Easy Stroll on Facebook.

3 entries: Visit their site and watch the video. Tell me your favorite feature about the Easy Stroll.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook.

1 entry: Post this giveaway on Facebook.

1 entry: Enter another giveaway.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on Friday, March 23. The winner will be announced Saturday, March 23. Please leave your email in one of your entries so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only. Good luck!

How to Afford a Baby: Baby Gear

One of the biggest baby expenses is baby gear: car seats, strollers, and the like. Here are ways to save money on those expensive baby necessities.

Baby stroller, toddler stroller, and jogging stroller!

• Have a friend or family member throw you a baby shower. Register at a baby store or make sure the person is aware of specific things you need so she can pass along the information or organize group gifts.
• Search for coupons and sales online. My favorite is Babies R Us, which often has cyber sales with in-store pickup (no shipping costs) and trade-in events (trade in an old item for a new one at 25% off). Sign up for their emails for more information and great deals.
• Buy from secondhand baby stores for gently used items that are up to current safety standards.
• Read reviews and ask friends about baby gear before buying to get the best value for your money. But don't underestimate cheaper brands either. The stroller I have is a Graco from Target and is still in excellent shape even though I use it as a jogging stroller on various terrains!
• Borrow from friends items that you only need for a short time, such as a bouncer, baby carrier, or baby swing.
• Buy baby gear that babies can use into their toddler years, such as certain strollers, car seats, and cribs, to decrease future spending.
• Enter giveaways, such as my current one for an ergonomic, one-handed stroller grip.