Fanttik: Vacuum for Your Car

 Your Car Seat Is a Mess!

As your child enters the toddler stage, he or she is going to want to eat everywhere and all the time. Especially in your just washed, cleaned car and the car seat. 

For those of you who value your time with your precious ride, you know how painful it is to watch the cookie crumbles, pieces of bread, smushed banana, and etc. falling in every single corners your fingers can't get to. 

I love my child, but the mess she made in my car wasn't a pretty sight. I wrote to Santa Clause last Christmas wishing for a portable vacuum cleaner. And guess what, I've been nice all year! 

Amazon Link to Fanttik Vacuum

How I found the brand:

One of my colleague brought a different model of Fanttik vacuum to the office. I have been thinking about getting a vacuum cleaner for the car for awhile. 

She said she got it from Costco. And we believe in the Costco's purchasing department deeply. She let me try it. 

My first impression: this sucks! I mean literally sucks in all the dusts from my office desk! 

I did my research.

How I chose this model:

The one I tried at the office was shaped like a pistol, where the handle is perpendicular to the hole where the suction happens. This is useful and handy if I don't intend on using it in tight spaces. The angle it creates with the handle does limit the maneuverability.

I looked for one that is straight, has both suction and blow functions, and many accessories that I might not even use, but just in case. ;)

I found this one on Amazon for the sales price of $65.99. Now it's a regular price. 

Few Important Specs:

It's called Fanttik V8 Apex Car Vacuum.

4-in-1, Portable, Cordless, 19000pa suction power, Type-C charge.

The box includes 5 different ends for the suction, 4 different sized holes for blowing. 

How I like it:

Our weekends as parents are too precious to be wasted on going to car wash and detailing. Settling for quick clean up inside the car somewhat comforts you, because at least your sitting area is clean. You get to see the car's inside more than the outside. 

It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to clean the front, rear, and trunk area for my sedan. The most time is spent on cleaning the car seat and the areas around it. You get to find treasures like banana peels that you don't even want to know how long it's been there. 

Anyhow, I always carry the vacuum cleaner in my car and clean at least once a week. Maybe when I'm at work and on lunch break. I could spare few minutes to stop by the parking lot to clean. 

When the car seat is clean and tidy, my daughter resists less to sit on it. So, all the worth. 

Birthday Gift for a Toddler Boy

Best Friend's Birthday Gift

Not long after our daughter started going to the daycare, she made a friend. They clicked even without talking! 

He is about 4 months older than her, but they enjoy each other's company. They go on little expeditions and both get amazed by the littlest things. 

The boy toddler's birthday was right around the corner and our family got invited. His parents are study abroad students that didn't have many friends who are married or have kids. 

It was so exciting that we got to do some real parents things like going to child's birthday party!

Biggest Challenge: Picking a Gift

Our daughter has very unique taste when it comes to toys. She likes things like locks, buckles, or tissue papers. It's difficult to figure out what our own child likes or wants. How are we going to pick out what another child likes?!

We had to be very stereotypical and think about what boys like at that age. Wells.. it's been almost 30 something years, so I don't remember. I haven't had any boys around that age who I had to buy a gift for. Hmmm.. play balls, cars, or robots. I'm sorry for being so typical, but we barely know this kid!

Research

I went on gift hunting to Target, Walmart, and Amazon whenever I had a second to spare. Our whole family went to Target and spent almost an hour exploring different options: Lego, blocks, musical toys, board games, kinetic sand, etc. 

We narrowed our choices down to the items mentioned above: ball, cars, or robots. They had so many cool things, but we wanted to stay on the safe side.

Finalist!

We laid our eyes on this. Our daughter was first one to get excited about this. She sometimes likes cars (not always). But she went "Woaaaahh!" over this one. So Hot Wheel it is!

We did quick search on Amazon for price comparison. And we also knew if we bought it and carried it, our daughter wouldn't leave it alone. So, we decided to get it delivered via Amazon. 

You can find it right here on this link:

Amazon Link to Fisher-Price Little People Hot Wheels

It's $24.99 plus tax with option for free return. 

Toy Specs

This is intended for toddlers 18+ months. 

It comes with 2 large hot wheel cars and a starting pad for the cars to roll down. If you press the green lever, it sends the cars down the rail. It produces sounds.

It includes drive-thru tunnel, lift gate, and gas pump. Kids at this age loves to pretend play. 

Did He Like It?

When we got to the party, we found out that he owns tons of toys, mostly trains, trucks, and cars! His parents told us he loves cars so much. And fortunately, he did not already have the one our daughter handed to him. 

He was the happiest toddler in the world the moment he found out his favorite friend brought him gift. She even wrote, or drew, him a card! (Little tip: don't just give a gift alone. Make a card. Draw along your child's hand and let him or her color it!)

Little hugs and they shared a cake. They both were really happy. 

It was stereotypical, but it works. Don't think too hard. Kids will like anything new and as long as it's somewhere in the ballpark. Good luck finding these gems!

Kinetic Sand Review

Kinetic Sand Kit on Amazon

It's on sale for $10.69 (-29%) right now!

The world's famous Kinetic Sand!

I've always had my eyes on these waiting for my daughter to grow old enough not to put the sand in her mouth. And here we are. I finally got my... my daughter's hands on them!

First impression: "Is this sand living and moving?" They flow out of your hands. They are super soft. If you put some pressure on them, they harden very quickly. They feel good on your finger and don't stick! 

Ingredients

Kinetic sand is made by Wabafun (U.S company) and a Swedish company Delta Sand. They partnered with a company called Spin Master, which produces and distributes a lot of toys in the market.

This magical sand is a substance called hydrophobic sand. It's made with 98% natural sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane. It's the stuff that makes them stick. They are known to be non-toxic, which is the most essential factor in children's toys.

Contents of the Box

The contents were pretty much straightforward. Everything you see on the box minus the kid's hand: 1lb of Kinetic Sand, molds for a castle, shark, turtle, shell, and starfish. They had different color variations for the sand. 

Would You Buy It? Should You Buy It?

My daughter fell in love playing with sand last summer at the beach. We don't live close to one. She kept on playing with the sand castle molds we bought then but without any sand. 

The moment she saw the Kinetic Sand, she had the biggest wow moment in her entire life. She was a bit scared to touch it at first, but then she played with it for hours. 

If you don't have beach sand access, but if your child still lives in that moment from last summer vacation, this is it!

Use the link above to get to it.

I've started the Amazon Associates program and I need your click on the link to survive. And it's probably the quickest way to get to the product if you are already here! 

Infant Safety Helmet Review

 Baby Safety Gear Must

Around the sixth month, most babies start to crawl. It's when all the parents need to baby-proof the house. Covering all the sharp edges and corners of furniture, blocking the unused electric outlets, and locking the draws. 

When our daughter started to crawl, she learned fast. And she crawled very fast too. Sometimes, she couldn't control the weight of her head and fell forward or backward. So, we figured a safety helmet is a must. 

First Attempt: Head Cushion

Head Cushion

We first tried this type of head cushion. Our initial thought was that if she falls forward, she can use her arms and hands to protect the head. We were wrong about it. When she fell in any direction, our baby didn't have any way to protect herself. 

This type of protection wasn't too helpful when she fell forward or sideways. We had to return the product.

Full Head Protection Helmet

Amazon Link: Infant Safety Helmet

This is the one I found on Amazon. We are very satisfied with the product. 

It protects the head all around and is size-adjustable with velcro on the back. 

It also has a strap around the chin to keep it in place. 

Our daughter eventually learned to hold her head up even when falling to avoid her head crashing into things. Still, she sometimes stumbles on stuff and falls on her face or head first. 

She doesn't like to have things fixed on her head, but we always put on the helmet when we leave her to play by herself in the playpen. Those few times we left her without the helmet, she hit her head on the floor hard. So, we make sure to keep it on her.

Baby Safety Helmet Is a Must

The brain is one of the most crucial parts of the body. It is also very weak, especially during the developing stages of early childhood. It must be protected at all times. Babies don't have the neck muscles to control their heads when they first start to crawl. The helmet can be a great protection aid if your baby is active and likes to travel on her own. 

You do need to keep in mind that you can't fasten the helmet too tight on the baby's head. It is harmful to the developing brain. Read the manual carefully and follow the cautions.

Keep your baby's head from any damage!

Best Humidifier for Dry Winters, Levoit

Winters Are Dry, Keep It Moist for Your Baby

<This is not a sponsored advertisement. All the comments below are from my experience and my own words.>

For most parts of the U.S., winters get dry. Except for Florida, where it's humid all year long, and California, where it rains a lot during winter.

Babies are sensitive to humidity. It affects their breathing, sleep cycle, and possible disease in the respiratory system. 

It is recommended to keep at least 40 ~ 60% humidity for babies and toddlers. I've found this humidifier that saves a lot of hassles.

Amazon Link to Levoit Humidifier

VeSync Official Website for Levoit Humidifier

Pros

• Large Water Tank
• Digital Display with humidity (Can be turned off during the night)
• Smart Control via App on Smart Phone
• Hot and Cool mist
• Easy to clean
• Quiet
• Target Humidity Setting 

I personally love this product. It's the best humidifier I've ever used so far. 

One thing I was very impressed with when I first filled up the tank was how the drain holes were built. I could see the designers have put a lot of thought into it. My other humidifiers had either unique shapes where I couldn't get my hands into the tank to clean all corners, or the water wouldn't drain completely. It has a large opening on top and holes are built at the very edge to enable complete drainage. 

Smart Control via a smartphone app is very convenient. If I lay down to sleep and forget to turn on the humidifier for my child, I can just use the app to do so. I can set the target humidity, turn off the display to keep it dark, and even have the mist hot or cool. The app has a lot of features like setting a routine or scheduling the operation in advance. 

Cons

• Manually set mist outlet direction
• Bit bulky and heavy (with 6L of water filled)
• Hot mist requires some caution

The cons wouldn't be such a big deal if it wasn't for our children. Getting over the 8-month mark, my daughter stands up pulling on everything. We put the humidifier on top of a small side table, which is at a great height for my daughter to pull on. 

Levoit Humidifier has a sleek design and doesn't feel bulky for holding 6 Liters of water. However, when it comes to having a possibility it might fall on a child is scary. You will need sturdy furniture that is somewhat water-resistant to put the humidifier on. 

Hot mist does get hot, especially near the mist outlet. You need to use caution not to have your child get burned. 

Again, the cons aren't really a big deal as long as you use caution as you should with your children.

Conclusion

It is now priced at $109.99 on both the official website (16% coupon available as of Jan 27, 2024) and Amazon. I think it's worth every penny. The IoT smart technology really saves a lot of hassle. 

If you did so well in putting your child to sleep, you don't want to walk back in there to cause any disruptions to turn on a humidifier. Do it on your phone!

I recommend this product for all families, especially with newborns. 

Happy Moist Sleeping!

Seasonal Reminder: Starbucks Holiday Drinks Are Here!

Keep Calm and Drink Coffee

Coffee keeps people going in the morning. Whether they are off to work, working from home, or taking care of babies. 

It's not merely about caffeine affecting the brain. It's more of a ritual, a setting of mood, and a little break from reality.  

I'm going to remind you every time. Take a break! You need to forcefully make time and habit of giving yourself a break, especially if you have a newborn around. 

You can gain so much energy and peace from giving yourself a break. Sit down for a coffee or tea.

To keep your mental health in check, you need to be aware of the changes around you, such as the season, people, colors, weather, etc. In this blog, we will explore some new options in your drink selection for the winter of 2023.  

The Holiday Season Is Around

One good reminder comes from no other than the global coffee chain, Starbucks. Aside from all the criticism they receive, they do a good job of letting people know the Jolly Season is around. 

From Starbucks Stories

The 2023 Holiday Season Cup design is out. I stopped by Starbucks today. All their decorations changed from a Fall Halloween theme to Christmas colors: Red, Green, and sparkles. 

Starbucks Seasonal New Drinks

The season of Pumpkin drinks is fading. 

Let the Peppermint Syrup spread! 

Starbucks put out some interesting new seasonal drinks: Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai and Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte.

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

It comes with Milk foam, Oatmilk, 4 Chai Pumps, 4 Gingerbread Syrup Pumps, and Pumpkin Spice Topping for a Grande size.

Their website quotes: 

Combines warm gingerbread notes, a cozy blend of chai spices, and creamy oatmilk to create a cold holiday beverage that is perfectly balanced by the comforting flavors of the season. Available iced and hot. 

Personally, I'm not a big fan of gingerbread syrup, but I know it is a popular choice among a lot of people. 

Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte

With limited stores having the series of Oleato drinks (one with virgin olive oil), this drink comes with oatmilk, 4 gingerbread Syrup Pumps, Tangerine Citrus Ginger Sugar, and 2 shots of Blonde Espresso Roast.

The website says that it has Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil with warm notes of gingerbread.  I'm still scared to try a coffee with olive oil, but it is very intriguing. 

My Favorite Starbucks Drink for Winter

My personal favorite from the famous coffee chain is the Peppermint Latte. I'm not a big fan of sweet drinks. But I am a big fan of peppermint. So, instead of the Peppermint Mocha on the seasonal menu, I ask for a peppermint latte. It's just a latte with 4 pumps of peppermint syrup (Grande size; 3 pumps for tall). 

Not many people order this, but once they get hooked, it becomes the default throughout the season. 

Conclusion

It doesn't have to be Starbucks. It could be any local coffee shop or other chains like Coffee Beans, Peets' coffee, Philz Coffee, etc. You might not even have time to run to the coffee shop to grab one.

You can make one for yourself in your home espresso bar. Even a traditional drip coffee can do the trick. 

Give yourself a 5-minute break from all the craziness around the house. You don't have to finish your coffee to the bottom. Just the scent of freshly brewed coffee will recharge you. Have some "me" time. Then, let's go get 'em!

Nuna Baby New Product (Level Up)

Nuna Baby Introducing a New Product

I've been a big fan of Nuna Baby products ever since my wife got pregnant. It was one of the first few brands that popped out when I was searching for a stroller. They have a wide variety of strollers for all sizes and purposes. They also have car seats, a play yard, high chairs, bouncers, and baby carriers. Nuna is most famous for its premium quality 'Nuna Pipa' Car Seats, 'Mixx Next' Stroller, and '

Trvl' stroller.

Nuna's products check most of the boxes: safety, quality, materials, durability, comfort, and convenience. The travel system (a combination of a stroller and a basket-type car seat) is the best way to go for first-time parents. You can't beat the convenience of having one tool used as a car seat and a part of a stroller. There is no need to move the baby from one place to the other!

If you are actively looking for a travel system, click on the link below to explore the options: 

Nuna Travel System

Introduction of New Product

So, I've been following their Instagram account. They posted a video hinting at a new stroller. There is no indication on their website yet. The video depicts the outlines of what seems to be a stroller with the phrase "Level Up." This video is getting a lot of attention from parents who already own some of Nuna's products. 

Nuna Instagram

Trvl Double Maybe?

The anticipation is building and the followers have been commenting on the video guessing what the new product is going to be. The most common "request" is the 'trvl' double. The 'trvl' is a smaller-sized stroller suited for traveling with a child. It features an automatic, easy fold and is very light compared to the other segments. 

If 'trvl' comes as double, meaning two seats for two children, it would add a lot more convenience for those family who travels a lot. Unfortunately, most airlines don't allow 'trvl' in the cabin as a carry-on due to the slightly large size that won't fit in the overhead compartment. Still, it's easier than traveling with a deluxe-sized stroller. 

New Demi Grow?

Demi Grow is Nuna's only double stroller. It can attach up to 2 seats on top and bottom of the stroller. It is sturdy and comfortable, thanks to the large back wheels. 

People commenting are asking for the new Demi Grow because Mixx got a new and improved version as Mixx Next.  Demi Grow was launched in 2017 and has not gotten a makeover yet. It might be the perfect timing for the Demi Grow Next in 2024. 

Conclusion

Nuna has been putting out amazing products to improve babies' and parents' lives. That is probably why so many followers are hyped up about this Instagram post. No matter what the new product is, I'm pretty sure it's a well-thought product, and I have no doubt about it. 

How I Chose My Baby's First Crib

Picking the Best Baby Crib

From day one, babies sleep a lot. That's what they need to do. As parents, we need to prepare the one piece of furniture that they spend the majority of time for a couple of months. A crib, or a baby bed, is an essential part of the nursery room for newborns. In this blog post, I will share my thought process on finding the perfect baby crib for my child.

Where to Find Them

There are quite a few places where you can find cribs. As important as it is, a lot of manufacturers are in the market.

• Delta Children (online)
• Ikea
• Target
• Pottery Barns Kids
• Crate and Barrel

Most of the furniture brands carry some pieces for babies. Some premium brands are rarely on display, but I was able to find some at Nordstrom, ones like Nestig Wave Crib. 

What to Consider

Here are some key points to consider:

• What material are you looking for?
• What's the budget?
• Are you looking for a crib that can turn into a toddler bed?
• Are you looking to buy a bundle with other pieces of furniture?
• Is there a theme in your nursery room?

Notice there is no question about safety. Any baby crib sold in the U.S. needs to pass the safety tests. We still need to practice safety caution in using the crib, but the furniture themselves are built with safety standards. For more information about safety tips, click on this link: 

Crib Safety Tips.

Parts of the crib you need to purchase together:

• Mattress
• Mattress protector
• Mattress sheets

A baby's mattress needs to be firm to prevent suffocation and to support the baby's back. They don't have enough muscles to pull themselves together yet. 

Sometimes, diapers fail. Infants throw up a lot. When they get to the 4-5th month mark, they start drooling all over the place. You will need a mattress protector that's water-resistant. 

For the same reason, you will need multiple mattress covers. Get the soft cotton ones for your baby's soft skin. 

Budgeting

Now that you have an idea of what to look for, you need to fit it into your budget. To be honest, when I saw the cribs in person, I couldn't tell much of the difference in functionality. Differences were in the quality of the finish, details in materials, or how nice they looked. If you are having the first child, you might want to look into the bundles from websites like Delta Children. They have a great selection of nice-looking furniture. We found the 6-piece set of a crib, dresser with a changing pad, glider (the rocking chair for feeding), mattress, mattress protector, and sheets at a great price. They have a variety of styles and colors to choose from. Take a look before you start visiting the offline stores to get the feel of what you want.

Conclusion

Shopping for your baby is always exciting. Make sure to plan ahead and spend some time looking at different options. Don't wait until the last minute. Some furniture will need assembly and it might be challenging if your wife is at the hospital about to deliver a baby. 

You want to get a safe, durable, and comfortable crib for your newborn. In terms of economics, try to find a nursery set to slice off some cost. The cribs are where your infants spend most of their time for a while. Their focus is on growing and they do it by sleeping. Let's give our precious little ones a cozy, quality sleeping environment.

If you are wondering what other things need to be prepared before you baby gets home, click on the link below:

Essential Furniture for Your Newborn

How I Chose My Baby's First Stroller

Picking the Best Stroller 

Choosing the perfect stroller is a tough job. For Dads, purchasing anything with wheels becomes a serious consideration. I've done my fair share of research on my own: specs provided by the manufacturers, product reviews by the sellers, and reviews from the users. There are so many good choices to consider. A recommendation that stuck with me when buying any of the baby products was "Think of what you need now, not what you want your life to look like."

Things do change when the baby comes home, but your preferences will most likely not vary too much. For example, you are not going to jog outdoors pushing the stroller every day if you are not a regular jogger. Of course, you'd like your child to experience outdoors more, but is it going to be a challenge for you? Then you'd be better off looking at other options.

After a long period of consideration, we picked the Nuna MixxNext stroller. It best suited our lifestyle and it looked really luxurious.  In this blog post, I will introduce you to my thought process in picking this handsome stroller for my baby girl.

Expectations

When choosing a stroller, the first thing to consider is your lifestyle.  I do workout from time to time, but mostly at the gym within the apartment complex. I liked to take a walk outside, just not every day. The neighborhood doesn't have the fairest pavement on the sidewalk. So, I wanted the one with bigger wheels and a good suspension. We live on the second floor of an apartment without an elevator. I would've liked a lighter option, but bigger wheels and weight always go together. It was a fair trade-off. Knowing us, we are not the most prudent people on the planet, we sure needed the stroller to be durable. 

We can manage the weight. Figure out a way to avoid heavy lifting on my wife's weakened wrist. But we definitely wanted a premium design and safe materials for the spots where the baby will be touching. 

Candidates

The market is flooded with awesome strollers. First time at Buy Buy Baby (Rest in Paradise), we were struck by how many strollers exist and they don't even carry all lineups per brand! A simple Google search will return all these names and plus:

• Doona
• Uppababy Vista, Cruz
• Mockingbirds 
• Graco
• Bugaboo Donkey, Butterfly, Fox5
• Nuna MixxNext, triv, trvl, tavo, demi grow
• Babyzen Yoyo
• Joolz 
• Baby Jogger
• Thule
• Cybex

I categorized and ruled out the smaller ones and stuck with the "Deluxe" size, infant strollers. They are the ones with big wheels, great suspension, and a lot of safety features. I narrowed the list down to Bugaboo, Uppababy, and Nuna. The signature lines all have competitive prices and great features. 

How I tested them

Buy Buy Baby, unfortunately, didn't carry Nuna strollers at the time. Nordstrom carried all three brands and their stock came in and out. Visiting multiple times over a month, I got to test most models. I was focused on the Deluxe line: Mixx Next (Nuna), Fox 5 (Bugaboo), and Vista V2 (Uppababy). I also tested the lighter models and double strollers (for 2 kids), but we looked into what we actually need now. 

I compared the weight, push-feel, stability, durability, and design all based on my own judgment of the physical product. Bold is the winner.

• Weight: Bugaboo < Nuna < Uppababy
• Push Feel (Smoothness):  Bugaboo < Uppababy < Nuna
• Stability: Bugaboo < Uppababy < Nuna
• Durability: Bugaboo < Nuna < Uppababy
• Design: Bugaboo < Uppababy < Nuna

Nuna Mixx Next wins.

Special Edition

While researching Nuna Strollers online, I found out that Nuna has a wide range of color options and a few exclusive colors: Nordstrom and Pottery Barn Kids collaborations. When I visited Nordstrom, they were cleaning out the "Refined" color inventory and told us there was a new color coming in a month. When we were actually about to purchase, the new color "Curated" came out with light beige with a hint of gray. Any uniqueness added to the premium-looking stroller was a huge plus.

Available Accessories

Nuna has quite a bit of accessories: a Cup holder, sling bag, rain cover, wheeled padded travel bag, child tray, and organic cotton infant insert set.  None is included in the purchase of a stroller. We decided to find better-priced products from Amazon. 

Conclusion

I spend a lot of my break time looking into strollers. At first, I had to learn new vocabulary words. The more I learned, I could see why people recommend certain products over others. And as I understood more, it became more fun to compare and find the best match. The key, as mentioned in the beginning, is not to over think how your life will change when the baby comes. Most of it stays the same. Find a stroller that suits your lifestyle the best.

Huggies Diapers In-Depth Review

All You Need to Know About Huggies Diapers

There are tons of diaper brands in the market. Some are relatively new, and some have been around for a while. If you have been shopping around for diapers, you most likely have come across one of the few very big names in the pool: Huggies. In this blog post, we will do an in-depth review of the brand and why you should choose Huggies over other diapers.

History of Huggies

Huggies is one of Kimberly-Clark's branches and has been around since 1968. It was first launched as "Kimbies," then it was renamed as "Kleenex Huggies" in 1978. It's not the oldest brand of diapers, but it survived for a long enough time. History doesn't guarantee anything, but it gives the company long enough time to put more research in their products. 

Why Huggies?

There are many reasons behind the popularity of this brand. 

• Excellent Absorbency: Huggies has put a lot of science into perfecting their products. Their diapers absorb quick and still maintain breathability, which helps to keep the baby's skin dry and comfortable.

• SnugFit Waistband: Huggies diapers typically feature a snug and secure waistband that helps prevent leaks and ensures a comfortable fit for your baby.

• Umbilical Cord Cutout: Huggies diapers for newborns contain a cutout in the front of the diaper to leave the umbilical cord (the tube connected to the mother for feeding during pregnancy) area alone for faster healing.

• Wetness Indicator: This is not a new technology anymore since most diapers have this feature. If you look closely in the middle of the diaper on the outside, there is a yellow bar-like line. When the diaper gets wet, this turns into a blue line letting you know it's time for a change.

• Dermatologist Tested: All Huggies diapers have been tested by a dermatologist to ensure they are gentle and safe for sensitive skin.

• Fragrance-free, paraben-free, free of elemental chlorine & lotion-free: Toxicologists have reviewed all materials and ingredients to ensure the products are safe for the skin.

• Certifications: Special Delivery™ diapers are made with Forest Stewardship Council-certified pulp. It also won Good Housekeeping's 2021 Parenting Awards "Stay-Dry Diapers" category.

• Diaper Variety: Huggies have a wide range of diapers. They have 8 segments varying by size and purpose. You can check out this link for a comparison: Huggies Diaper Comparison

• Easy Access: If you are on a trip and ran out of diapers (all parents' nightmare), you go out in a desperate search of a solution. Most likely, you will run into Huggies even at a gas station or the resort store (they might come in at much higher price, but absolute necessity). The popularity comes with larger distribution, even to the small market shelves.

Once your baby settles for a diaper, you don't want to take chances of using other brands just to find out it causes irritation or rash. More popular brands have the advantage of easy access. And Huggies comes with Disney designs! If that matters to you. 😃

Other Perks

Rewards

Huggies has partnered with Fetch for a reward program. If you buy Huggies products and upload the receipts on their web or app, you can collect points that can be redeemed for gift cards at many different stores or restaurants of your choice. Find out the details here: Huggies Rewards

Coupons

Huggies has $1.50 off coupons for 'little snugglers' and 'little movers'; $1.75 off of 'special delivery' on their web. You need to create an account with them first. You might be better off finding more deals on the local stores or clubs like Costco. Costco sometimes throws a good deal sale on their rotations. 

 

Conclusion

Huggies is a good brand. Easy to find everywhere, the price is not too high, and they offer a wide variety of options. They have a plant-based line for more sensitive skin babies too. This long-standing brand has been diligently putting effort into advancing the quality of its products and also giving back to the community in many aspects. A lot of the hospitals give your baby's first diaper with one of the Huggies. While you do need to explore other options and find what's best for your baby, Huggies is usually a good enough option.

Our first diaper received from hospital

If you want to see how Huggies compares to other diaper brands such as Pampers, Coterie, or Honest, click on this link:

Diaper Showdown

Bringing Your Newborn Home

9 Baby Furniture Essentials

Becoming a parent is a joyous journey filled with anticipation and preparation. As you eagerly await the arrival of your little one, one of the most significant tasks is creating a safe and comfortable space for them at home. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential nursery furniture items to consider, where to find them when bringing your newborn home, and how to choose them wisely.

There are many baby furniture stores like Pottery Barn Kids or IKEA that have baby furniture in stock. Shop around and see & feel the types and materials of the furniture in person. Some online stores, like Delta Children, offer great savings via bundles. We have gotten a nursery furniture set from Delta Children and we are very satisfied with the products for a good price (plus the 10% sign-up discount!).

1. Crib

The crib is perhaps the most important piece of baby furniture you'll need. Ensure it meets safety standards and has a firm mattress. Consider options with adjustable mattress heights for ease of use.

Choosing a Crib: Look for a crib that is sturdy, has no decorative cutouts where tiny limbs might get stuck, and has secure slats that are spaced correctly. If opting for a convertible crib, it can grow with your child into a toddler bed.

In the U.S., there are strict regulations for crib mattress size and safety measures. Most products comply with the regulations, but you want to check. Check for safety certificates like "Greenguard certified" or "Greenguard GOLD certified," which means the product has been tested and evaluated to meet stringent chemical emissions limits. 

Here is the link to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Crib Safety Tips

2. Changing Table or Dresser

A changing table or dresser with a changing pad is essential for diaper changes and organizing your baby's clothes and accessories.

Choosing a Changing Table or Dresser: Pick a piece with ample storage space and consider safety features like straps to secure your baby during changes.

3. Bassinet or Cradle

A bassinet or cradle and be a convenient option for the early months when your baby needs frequent nighttime feedings and diaper changes.

Choosing a Bassinet or Cradle: Look for a portable option with breathable sides and a sturdy frame. Ensure it meets safety guidelines for sleep.

Personally, I didn't buy into a bassinet or cradle. I just didn't see the need for it when we have a crib. But, as all the baby "essentials" go, it might make your life a lot easier depending on your room setting or how you like to get to your baby. If you are running on a budget, you might want to put this one down the list for now.

4. Rocking Chair or Glider

A comfortable chair for feeding and soothing your baby is a must-have. This one, I strongly recommend. 

Choosing a Rocking Chair or Glider: Opt for a chair that provides proper back support and has a smooth, quiet rocking or gliding motion. Consider one with pockets for storing essentials. Check the height of the armrest!! Make sure it is comfortable for you and your partner's arm height. In the middle of the night, you want all the support you can get for your arms, even though your baby may be feather-light. You want to be in a secure position and not have to use all of your strength to hold up your child.

5. Baby Monitor

Invest in a reliable baby monitor to keep an eye on your baby when they're in their crib or bassinet.

Choosing a Baby Monitor: Consider video monitors with night vision and two-way communication features. Check for range and battery life. If you look far, you might want to consider a monitor that can feature multiple cameras. Once the baby starts to move, one camera just might not be enough. There are ones with cloud backups, mobile app-enabled, a slot for a memory card, wall-mount, over-the-crib type of stand, and many more options. 

6. Diaper Pail

A diaper pail is essential for containing diaper odors. It's a MUST!

Choosing a Diaper Pail: Look for one with a secure lid and an easy-to-use disposal system. There are a couple of options: automated vs. conventional. Automated hands-free ones like "Diaper Genie" provide convenience and less hassle of dealing with stinky garbage bags, but they require their own film refills. Conventional types like "Ubbi" can fit the Costco garbage bags, which is a budget-friendly option and easy to install. We have "Ubbi" and it captures and contains the smell very well. 

You can find their product description in the link to Amazon store below:

Ubbi

Diaper Genie

7. Baby Swing or Bouncer

A swing or bouncer can soothe and entertain your baby.

Choosing a Baby Swing or Bouncer: Ensure it has a secure harness and soothing features like gentle vibrations or music. Keep in mind that not all babies like baby swings or bouncers. This can wait until you figure out what your baby likes for a while. 

8. Nursery Decor

Consider nursery decor items like curtains, rugs, and wall art to create a warm and inviting space.

Choosing Nursery Decor: Opt for items that are easy to clean and free from choking hazards. Decorate with soothing colors and themes.

9. Safety Measures

Implement safety measures like outlet covers, cabinet locks, and furniture anchors to baby-proof the nursery.

Choosing Safety Measures: Invest in safety products that are reliable and easy to install. Conduct a thorough safety check of the nursery before bringing your baby home.

Conclusion

Creating a comfortable and safe nursery for your newborn is an exciting and important part of preparing for parenthood. When choosing baby furniture and essentials, prioritize safety, functionality, and your family's unique needs. By investing in high-quality, well-designed pieces, you'll be well-prepared to welcome your new addition to a loving and cozy home. Enjoy this special time of preparation and anticipation!