Weecycled Fredericksburg Haul

Where I live, Weecycled is the biggest consignment sale.  It was my introduction to consignment sales when my daughter was just days old.

 I had been shopping for clothes for my little one at thrift and consignment stores throughout my pregnancy to be prepared.  However, after reading other mamas advice and being told my daughter would probably be close to 8 lbs when she arrived, I avoided purchasing hardly any newborn clothes.  I think i had 2 onesies, 3 sleepers, and a hat.  Imagine my surprise when I delivered a 6 lb 6 oz little one who quickly went down to 5 lbs 10 oz.  Even her newborn clothes looked big on her.

I mean look at those leg holes.  That was before she lost several more ounces the morning after she was born at the hospital.  We needed to get some more newborn clothes quickly.  Since I had been out of work on medical leave due to complications during my third trimester, our budget for new clothes for her was severely limited.  Luckily, DB's parents had been shopping at Weecycled's Stafford sale for a few years for his niece.  Thankfully, they picked up a some more sleepers for her the day after we got home from the hospital at the Weecycled sale that we were lucky enough to have the weekend after her birth.  I wasn't quite up to shopping or even walking yet.  Somehow, I got up the energy to hit the sale with DB 2 days later for their half off sale.  

That was the beginning of what now is a seasonal obsession.  So far this season, I've been to 4 consignment sales including one more I will post about after this.  I still have 4 more consignment sales I plan to shop.  

Weecycled Wardrobe's Fredericksburg sale is huge.  As my consignment sale style has evolved, I've learned that I don't prefer these large for profit consignment sales.  Additionally, unlike any other consignment sales I frequent, Weecycled has a minimum consignors can charge of $4.  This means even on half off days, the minimum you will spend per item is $2.  So, you are best served by purchasing bundled items.  

This is an Infantino Sling Rider that is recalled.  I have mixed feelings about this particular purchase.  I am seriously saddened that a for profit consignment sale specializing in children's goods would sell an item that not only was recalled but was also associated with the death of at least 3 infants.  It is illegal to sell recalled items.  I would feel awful if I saw this item and passed it by knowing that some other parent might buy it to use for their little one.  

The upside of me purchasing this,though, isn't just getting it off the market to prevent it from possibly injuring another child.   Owners of the recalled sling, can reach out to Infantino following the directions here to return the necessary portion of the sling to receive a different product in return.  Currently, they are offering a high chair cover or one of their mei tais.  The mei tai, of course, would be my recommendation as it is a well loved carrier in the babywearing community. 

 Their mei tais usually retail for around $35.  I picked up the Sling Rider for $2.  

This is an example of buying a bundle of items to get a better deal.  For $2, I picked up two 2 shirts and a skirt that will be perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or even Flag Day.

I am a huge football fan especially of the Dallas Cowboys.  Unfortunately, NFL licensed apparel is way too expensive for my taste brand new usually $20 or more for a single onesie.  DB's parents are huge Redskins fans, sadly.  So, I am always on the lookout for some Cowboys clothes to balance out all the Skins onesies we've been given.  So, I was thrilled to pick up this 12 month onesie and 18 month dress for just $2.

This bundle of wooden puzzles includes 4 puzzles one of which is the Melissa and Doug Dress up Teddy Bear Puzzle with 45 interchangeable pieces to change the both their expressions and moods.  Awesome buy at just $2 considering these puzzles run anywhere from $7.99 to $14.99 each new.

This bundle was two pair of 18 month jeans for $2 one of which had an adjustable waist which are more difficult to find but needed for my little one's skinny waist.

Melissa and Doug Alphabet puzzle $2.  Of course, I love wooden puzzles; but I especially love that the peekaboo for O is an octopus.  I am always on the lookout for items featuring octopuses since they are her father's favorite.

Osh Kosh and Hanna Anderson tops for $2 for the bundle.

Ralph Lauren dress for $2.50.

Collection of Bear Board Books including I Love You Through and Through, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, and We're going on a Bear Hunt for $2.

Two Spring outfits for $3.

My First Words Book from the Your Baby Can Read Series for $2.50.

Brown size 5 shoes for $2.  

Mamaway Baby Ring Sling Product Review #Mamaway

As I have mentioned what feels like about a million times at this point, I love babywearing.  I don't know how I would make it through a day without babywearing.  So, I am always on board to try a new carrier.

Somehow despite my love for babywearing, I've never tried out a ring sling.  Many of my friends in the babywearing community swear by them, but since we spent our money on SSCs, I've only recently been able to branch out to other carriers.  My stash only includes SSCs, mei tais, and a toddler pouch sling which was an impulse purchase as it was so pretty.  I wanted to try a sling for quick ups like running into a convenience store when I need to hit up the ladies room or make a quick purchase since people swear slings are awesome for quick ups.  Unfortunately, my daughter despite her age isn't quite big enough for a toddler size anything yet.  In steps this opportunity to try out a ring sling, and I jumped on it.

I was smitten with some of the color options Mamaway offers.  Personally, I'm a huge fan of orange which they offer both as a solid and in stripes.  However, they sent me a lovely and non drab grey sling.  The day after I ordered, I was surprised by an email from Mamaway including a pdf of the instructions as well as a link to their blog which includes links to videos with on how to thread your sling as well as several videos on positions you can use your sling.  After reading through their site, I discovered that the company also sells maternity and nursing clothes, so they really emphasize the ease of nursing in the sling.  Sadly, our breastfeeding journey is over for medical reasons.  However, I can certainly see after using the sling how much easier it would be to breastfeed even with some privacy in a ring sling than my SSCs.   I thought the emailed instructions were a nice touch as well since I hate having to search for paper instructions for things I've purchased anymore and prefer to have them in a digital format where I won't lose them.

 I also appreciated the emphasis on toddler wearing in their ring sling not just infant wearing.  In the states, we seem to be more critical of babywearing once children can walk.  Personally, I think I wear my daughter even more so now that she can walk.  My daughter began walking at 8 months when she was only 14 lbs and 24 inches tall.  Letting her loose in a crowd or store seemed like a recipe for her to get hurt.  She still hasn't fully grasped danger yet and is quite fast.  I feel safer having her on me.  When I'm home, I find the only way to prevent running after my little one while cooking is to just strap her on me.

I've harped on safety with carriers before, so I had to do my due diligence with this one as well.  The rings are nylon which is one of the two types of materials considered safe for rings for babywearing.  The material is a cotton which they state has been tested up to 110 lbs.  I had babywearing educators look at the cotton as well and felt it was durable enough for use for a carrier.

When the sling arrived, the box it came in had a qr code you can scan with your smart phone for instructions as well.  The sling was folded into the pocket sewn on the sling for easy storage.  Folded, the sling is about the size of a pack of baby wipes making it easy to fit in your diaper bag while out and about.

Even though I am part of a local babywearing group, I decided to use the video to learn to use the sling as if I was any other purchaser of the product.  I found the videos quite easy to follow.  I got my sling threaded without any twists on the first try.  Since I have a toddler, I was not able to try either of the infant carries.  I did try the koala or hip carry.  My little one was quite wiggly the first few times I used the ring sling making adjusting the sling a bit more difficult.  She is used to my other carriers and knows what they are.  The more she has seen me use it, the easier it is to get her in it.

One of the few issues I had with this ring sling is that it has a box pleat for the shoulder which limits its ability to spread across the shoulder in the way that a gathered or even pleated should would.  I, actually, have broad shoulders; so I found it difficult to get the shoulder spread across my shoulder as you can see below.  Without a good spread, the rings tended to come down more easily as well as not providing as much support and comfort as if it could have spread over my shoulder fully.  This is probably not as much of a problem for women with less broad shoulders.

I was impressed with the length of the sling.  Many ring slings are sized.  When I saw this one wasn't, I worried that it might be small since I am fluffier than usual these days.  However, as you can see below, we had plenty of tail left.

Additionally, the sling has a slightly padded area to support baby's neck which I've never seen on a ring sling before.

Since the sling is cotton as opposed to many of the specialty materials many ring slings are made from, you can use your regular detergent which is certainly easier than  having to purchase a special detergent for your carrier.

I have since received a follow up email from the company asking how the sling is working for me as well as some helpful reminders.  Mamaway's customer service has blown me away.  I've rarely dealt with a company so interested in making sure their product is working for me.

You can purchase the Mamaway Ring Sling from Amazon here.  

I received this product for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are honest, genuine, and my own.

Cozitot Mei Tai Review #CozitotBabySlingCarrier

As someone who is a huge fan of babywearing, I actually looked in to doing product reviews with the hopes that I would eventually get the chance to review a carrier.  I was so happy when I got the opportunity to review a mei tai.  

The majority of the time I wear my little one, I use a soft structured carrier(SSC) aka a buckle carrier as I find them to be most convenient.  I did already own a mei tai, though.  I got my mei tai last summer as they can be cooler than soft structured carriers as their structure or better put lack thereof allows for more airflow.  Mei tais are also often a more budget friendly option than SSCs for people who want to start babywearing.  They also tend to be able to be folded more compactly, so they can be included in your diaper bag for outings.  So, they have their benefits when it comes to babywearing.  Many mei tais are more budget friendly than other types of babywearing options as well. 

I was a bit confused by the picture on Amazon when I went to order the mei tai as it shows a baby in a forward facing carry which is generally not recommended in mei tais.

When I first received this mei tai, I began by reading the instructions even though I already own a mei tai, so I would be able to assess the product properly.  Two things struck me when reading the instructions.  The first thing is that the instructions were for a front and back carry though mei tais usually allow for a hip carry as well.  The lack of this inclusion is not that big of a deal just surprising.  Since only the two positions had instructions, I infer that the manufacture does not recommend a forward facing carry for their mei tai despite the pic on Amazon.  The second thing I noticed reading the instructions was the recommendation of single knots for tying off the straps.  I have always been instructed to use a double knot for tying of mei tai straps.  When later reading through all of the Amazon reviews of the product, I noticed several complaints that people had problems keeping the straps tied which I think double knotting might solve.

I am huge proponent of safety when it comes to products for infants and children.  So, I always check products before using them with my little one.  I fill out an mail all of my registration cards for products and actively check for product recalls on products for my daughter.  I would be horrified if my daughter suffered serious harm I could have prevented due to me using an unsafe product.

Closeup of the embroidery

Initially, pulling out the Cozitot Mei Tai, I was pleased with how pretty I found the embroidery to be.  The colors are also gender neutral.   I thought the padding at the baby's neck area was a nice touch and liked how thick the shoulder padding felt.  However, when I looked at the stitching more carefully on the carrier, I began to be concerned.

Closeup of the shoulder and neck padding

I took the carrier to a local babywearing meeting to speak with babywearing experts to double check my concerns.  Both of the babywearing educators were in agreement with my concerns that this carrier is unsafe.  When feeling at the shoulders where the straps meet the panel, it does not feel like the shoulders have been countersunk into the panel.  Even if they had been, there is no x box stitch for reinforcement of the straps into the panel only decorative triangular stitching shown below.   Countersinking the strap into the panel allows room for a large x box stitch which secures the strap to prevent it from easily being pulled out of the panel by the weight of the child and pressure of being pulled around the wearers body.

An example of x box stitching

 Additionally, the straps have two lines of stitching attaching them to the panel with no bartacking.   Bartacking is common in both carriers and traditional backpacks as an additional stabilizing stitch to secure straps.   All three of these being missing creates a situation where the straps could easily detach from the panel due to the stress of carrying an infant or toddler.  If the straps detached while in a front carry position at least there is a possibility you could catch your child before he or she feel to the ground.  I don't see much of a chance of catching a child falling out in a back carry.

Closeup of the left shoulder stitching

Links explaining the importance of x box stitching, countersinking straps, and bartacking:
Baby Carrier Sewing and Safety from the Babywearing Institute
Mandatory ATSM Standards for Mei Tais  

 I tried to contact the seller to verify the product I received was not defective and thus an aberration., But ,after over 10 days, I have yet to receive any type of response from the company.  I scoured all of the product reviews on Amazon.  I did note that one other reviewer commented on the lack of x box stitching which leads me to believe this is the way the product is meant to be. 
The product is sold here at Amazon.  I would never recommend doing anything to endanger your child, therefore I do not recommend purchasing this Mei Tai.

I received this product for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are honest, genuine, and my own.

How to keep your toddler happy while you fix dinner

Somehow when my daughter turned one, suddenly one of her newest attributes is a complete lack of patience.  This seems especially true when it comes to food.  She still has a limited vocabulary, so my normally smiley, adorable child (see exhibit a) 

exhibit a: Happy LB

turns into a screeching banshee.  This in turn makes for a crazy mama.  Through trial and error, I think I have slowly over the last 3 months come up with ways to rid our home of our banshee without the use of any supernatural powers.  I thought I might share them with you in hopes others will not have to suffer as we have.

1.  If at all possible wear your little one while preparing your meal.  I've mentioned before I am a big proponent of babywearing.  I am not sure any shopping or cooking would get accomplished in my house without it these days.  Wearing her works well for me when cooking a meal that takes more than 15 minutes.  However, if I am just scrambling eggs or reheating something in the microwave.  The only downside to wearing my little one while cooking is that the sleepy dust sometimes gets to her before I'm done cooking.  Not that big of a deal since she usually doesn't sleep more than an hour on me.

2. Find a quick food to start her off with while you get the rest of her meal together.  For me, I like clementines which can quickly be peeled.  Frozen peas, berries or fruit that either don't need to be cut or can be precut such as blueberries or mango also work well in our house.  I also like applesauce especially now that I put it in this nifty reusable pouches I will be reviewing tomorrow.  I like that I can put my own homemade applesauce in them and keep them ready to go in the fridge for either mealtime or snacks.  Preprepared smoothies also help to keep her occupied.  Depending on the ingredients, I can make them and store them in the fridge for later in the day.  

LB loving her applesauce

3. Edible playdough gives her both something to do and eat while I am occupied.  When I was younger, I loved edible playdough made with peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk; however due to LB's lactose intolerance, I had to find another recipe that worked for us.  I tried this recipe for edible playdough, but I substituted oat cereal and coconut oil.  I initially tried it with dye I had leftover from her birthday cake but am planning on testing it out with some natural dyes.  

4. If LB wasn't too hungry, I had some success with a suction toy.  I got the one in this picture by Sassy.  

I bought mine in a toy lot from a Facebook yard sale, but if you want to buy one new from Amazon here.   Nowadays, she has figured out how all of these suction toys, bowls, plates, etc.  So, sadly they don't stay on the highchair tray long.  

5.  Find someone else to entertain the little one.  I only get to use this one when DB isn't working; and I'm sure it's a luxury out there for lots of other mamas as well.  I say use them when you can.  When this is an option, I will have him give me 10-15 minutes depending on what I need to get her food plated and then, have them join me in the kitchen.  

6. When all else fails, throw on some music and dance.  Seriously, I was surprised at how well this works.  Mine happens to love upbeat music from the 50s especially Elvis and Little Richard though REM is also a popular choice.  You don't have to take a single dance lesson to make a toddler happy.  In fact, the sillier the better.  She loves seeing me do the twist or the Carlton; however just swinging my arms in the air will make her giggle.  Dancing while scrambling eggs is definitely doable even for the someone like myself who lacks coordination.

7.  If you have a room for a pack and play in your sight line while getting her plate together, you may get a few moments peace.  I don't have a way to have this set up in our house since the kitchen opens to a narrow hallway.  If you're ooking for new ways to entertain your little one in the pack n play, I would suggest the magazine trick my mom told me.  The summer after I was born, my mom swore the only way she could get canning done was to hand me an old magazine to rip up.  I loved it, and LB is quite the fan as well. 

I hope at least one of these tricks makes for easier meal times for you and your little one.  I'd love to hear any suggestions you have as well as I'm always looking for new tricks to try.