This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx but all opinions are entirely my own.
Mila’s 1st birthday is a few weeks away and I have so many feelings about it. All the things they say about the days being long and the years short is so true and now that it’s here I want to go back and relive every angst-ridden, can’t-figure-out -this-pump filled days. It all happened so fast. But now that she’s much more mobile and I can’t just strap her into a swing to get things accomplished, I rely heavily on a wide assortment of baby paraphernalia to keep her entertained (bonus points if they’re educational). This month’s Babbleboxx was filled with all kinds of toddler and tot goodies. Let’s take a look!
CoComelon Musical Yellow School Bus: This is so cute, you guys, and is a great way to introduce music and independent play to your little one. When you push the grill on the front of the school bus you’ll either hear the “Wheels on the Bus” song or a horn noise. Also included with your package is a figure of JJ, a popular character from CoComelon. CoComelon toys made by Jazwares encourage children to use their imaginations and I’m so excited to watch Mila grow and play with this. Click here for your very own fun school bus!
Else Nutrition: The first year is so incredibly crucial for baby’s development. Though Bryan and I haven’t had The Talk (you know… the “are we or aren’t we raising our baby vegetarian?” chat) it’s nice to find a vegan baby product on the market that doesn’t have harsh chemicals, corn syrup, soy, or fillers, and is also non-GMO. Else provides your little ones with the purest, most complete nutrition to promote healthy growth and development—whether you intend on raising your baby with a plant-based diet or not. This organic baby formula is made of almonds, tapioca, and buckwheat and is a great source of protein, calcium, iron, fiber and healthy fats (with less sugar than other formulas/cow’s milk/plant-based milks). Click here and get 20% off your order (or enter “Babbleboxx” at checkout).
Squishmallows Stuffed Toy: I heard about these toys sometime ago from Bryan’s nieces who manage to keep me somewhat clued in on the latest toys and trends for pre-teens. I love how soft and cuddly these are–perfectly squishy for little fingers just developing fine motor skills. This toy is made by an award-winning, family-run business (Jazwares, mentioned above) that has been around more than 30 years. Squishmallows are readily available at local retailers (they are currently sold in more than 40 countries!) and the adorable squishy toys will be loved for many, many years to come.
Reach Out & Read Bookmark: I might be the world’s okayest mom, but something that I find of utmost importance is reading. Every night without fail, I go to Mila’s library and pick a book for us to read together. It was a request for my shower that everyone donate books, so Mila’s library is pretty well stocked for an almost one-year old, but it’s such a crucial part of development that I value (plus I really cherish this time together).
Reach Out and Read is a special program founded in Boston in 1989 that begins in infancy and continues through age 5. It is the only national early literacy organization that works directly with pediatric care providers to share lifelong benefits that result from families reading aloud together each day and they have a special emphasis on children in low-income communities. If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful organization, click here.
Baby Magic Calming Bath & Baby Lotion: Bath time is an important routine to establish early on and I’m such a sucker for that post-bath snuggle and book reading sesh <3 Plus, Mila is so damn intoxicating after her bath (okay so this photo is pre-bath, but imagine this with that delicious calming baby scent).
Baby Magic’s Calming Bath and Lotion helps to make baby bath time a (you guessed it!) magical experience with soothing lavender and chamomile. These products are all hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and free of sulfates, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. Click here for the Calming Wash, a hydrating and tear free formula, and here to order the Calming Baby Lotion which locks in moisture and helps lull baby to sleep. As they say, a sleeping baby makes for a happy mommy. Okay, so maybe I say that but potato potato, lol.
Lil’ Sidekick Sippy Cup Strap: I love how independent Mila has become in her 11 months though of course this means that most of the food on her tray ends up in her fur brother’s mouth. One thing I have struggled with is introducing a sippy cup because I know she will chuck it to the floor. Thanks to this little gadget, I can rest east knowing that her cup won’t go anywhere. And it doesn’t have velcro and GOOD LORD no mom likes velcro (I said what I said). Developed by a mom equally grossed out by germs and tired of sanitizing, this would make a great gift for new moms (and will make you question why you hadn’t thought of this sooner).
This universal sippy cup strap is great for use on a stroller, grocery cart, or car seat and if you click here and use promo code YESPLEASE you’ll even get 10% off your purchase.
What are some things you’ve used to help you facilitate your day-to-day? Let me know in the comments!
