The Belly Connection

Green Kiddos - all things organic for your baby!

2008-04-05T20:27:00.000-04:00

We all want to find cool things that are organic for our kids! Be sure to check out GreenKiddos!

Ashbury Brown Faux Suede & Aqua Stripe Crib Bedding

2007-03-01T08:47:00.000-05:00

Ahh...the Bella Band from Belly Dance Maternity!

2007-02-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

Sponsored Post: With the trend of low rise jeans on the market today, every pregnant girl is in need of a little help...not only to keep those jeans up but to keep that ever growing belly in place while doing day to day activities. The Bella Band from Belly Dance Maternity fits the bill perfectly. You can wear the Bella Band for that hip layered look as well. It will be a sure hit with your favorite pair of maternity jeans or pants.

For those girls out there that just can't pass up wearing lingerie during pregnancy, Belly Dance Maternity has just the thing for you: the belabumbum lace boycut panty. This one comes in flavors of black, nude, and our favorite, hot pink. With Valentines Day just around the corners, don't delay...order one of these belabumbum lace boycut panties today that will surely make your Valentine smile!

Belly Dance Maternity also carries a great line of dresses that are top of the line - that means no more having to get the same dress as everyone else is wearing from Gap or Old Navy!

Also, be sure to check out their line of nursing gear and lingerie, you won't be disappointed! read more >>

Cool new nursing covers for chic mothers!

2006-07-27T01:13:00.000-04:00

BeBe Au Lait has just released a new nursing cover that is sure to please! They have new patterns available on www.bebeaulait.com. The BeBe Au Lait nursing covers are also available under the "Hooters Hiders" brand as well. They are super soft and made of 100% cotton. Check them out today!

Father's Day is almost here!

2006-06-13T00:27:00.000-04:00

With Father's Day quickly approaching, we are all in search of that perfect gift for Dad! The "My Dad is my Hero" tee from MonkeeMoos by Childish Clothing fits the bill perfectly. Make that Dad in your little guy's life oh so proud when his precious boy wears this shirt out on the town. It's sure to turn heads and make him feel prouder than ever! Read on >>

Just so Dad's don't fee left out...SweetBabyLane!

2006-05-17T02:14:00.000-04:00

While this site is primarily focused on babies and their mamas, we wanted to take a moment and recognize a really cool site that offers some products geared toward dad. The Diaper Dude Tan Mini-Dude from SweetBabyLane is a great gift for those dads that don't want to carry a full blown girly diaper bag. This mini diaper bag is perfect for all occasions and will keep dad from feeling awkward while carrying your bag around. Check out SweetBabyLane today for this and other cool maternity clothing and items such as the Bella Band!

Pen and Parchment brings us a fresh look on cool cards!

2006-05-08T00:27:00.000-04:00

In a world of trite designs, Pen and Parchment brings us a fresh look on cool cards and paper products. This lovable teddy bear reaches out from a folded blue card which opens to reveal your special news. The bear and the text "It's a boy!" are pre-printed on the cover. The blue card sits atop a bottom layer of chocolate brown paper.

Be sure to swing by Pen and Parchment to check them out today!

2006-05-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

Old Navy Layette
I’ve always loved Old Navy clothes for myself, but lately they’ve branched into layette and have you seen the cute things they have for little ones? Great colors (brown, pink, orange and blue – so "of the moment") and fun little motifs (like super cute monkeys) and sayings on their super soft onesies, hats and shorts ("Hand me Over", "WAHHHH", and "Keep Dry")
It’s nice to find inexpensive things that are stylish and clever – which are not easy when looking at baby boy clothes… Old Navy rises to the occasion again.
http://www.oldnavy.com/

Swarovski for your little one - Bling Baby!

2006-05-02T21:28:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you a really fun, hip site that will let your little one show off some bling. Bling Baby has some really cool stuff that will deck your little one out in style. Their new Wipes Containers are sure to get a second look from your friends and strangers when you are out and about to change a diaper. All the bling you can handle for under $40 - check them out today!

2006-04-30T00:04:00.000-04:00

Hooter Hiders/Bebeaulait
I’m a really clumsy nurser. While there may be moms that are really coordinated and never seem to leave themselves exposed in any way as they nurse their newborns – I am not that woman. Inevitably, I expose something, drop something, nearly suffocate my son, or fail to find a burp cloth in time and wind up the victim of all sorts of folly.
Until I found Hooter Hiders – also known as Bebeaulait – These are fashionable, discreet, comfortable and portable nursing covers that are small enough to cram into the side pocket of my packed diaper bag. I have now successfully and discreetly nursed my kids on airplanes, in restaurants, and even (gasp!) church – without people knowing what I was doing. One person sitting next to me on a plane even thanked me for using my "wonderful tent". I like them because with the way it’s made, there is a soft form at the top that makes it so I can still see my baby as he’s nursing, but no one else can. And in the event of spitup, there is even a little corner of terrycloth to clean up with.
Not everyone likes to see breastfeeding in public – but it still needs to happen when you are out and about… these are the perfect solution

check out http://www.bebeaulait.com/ to see their great collection online.

Save your back and do it in style with the Sweetness Pouch

2006-04-26T01:31:00.000-04:00

I wanted to let you all know about this cool, hip and funky product designed to help out all you pregnant moms out there. We have come across the Sweetness Pouch from Sweetness Products. The Sweetness Pouch is worn in many cultures and is a cool sash you can use for extra support when you are pregnant. This sash is inspired by Yoga Philosophy and will be a hit with all your friends. Check out the packaging and the lining below...

Need a free hand? Try out a quality carrier from Baby Blue Cat

2006-04-26T01:03:00.000-04:00

Just about every mom or dad has experienced the frustration of trying to get a little house work done when trying to carry your little one. I want to tell you all about this hip carrier from Baby Blue Cat Designs! This cool carrier comes in some awesome fabric colors in addition to being super well made! The construction of the sling has been done very nicely and is just the thing for a mom or a dad on the go with a little one. They are getting in new fabrics for Spring & Summer, so be sure to check the product page often for details. Also, there are some Father’s Day Specials on the way!!! Check the site in mid-May 2006 for details.

Nursing clothes

2006-04-25T00:52:00.000-04:00

Let’s talk about how nursing clothes don’t have to be hideous.
Majamas are the best nursing clothes around… You may have seen their ads in various motherhood and pregnancy magazines, but not truly understood WHY Majamas clothes might be so great.
Well, I have been totally sold on their products and let me tell you why… Majamas was created by a nursing mom who was tired of ugly and auckward nursing clothes. Her designs are trendy, comfortable and you can hardly ever tell that they are nursing clothes from the outside.
Most of Majamas clothes are made with spandex – which might seem a strange material for those of us just coming off the biggest ballooning that we’ve ever done, but the bright colors and vivid patterns are great for helping to hide baby fat and the designs of the clothing are really flattering since spandex does hang really well. The weird thing that it took me awhile to realize is that spandex doesn’t show when your milk leaks (VOILA!) – duh, that’s what they make swimsuits out of!
Many of Majamas tops have built in bras and thus they are the most discreet tops for nursing in… Most of them are designed to have access from the neckline rather than from the waist, so you don’t end up exposing that belly that you’d really like to hide.
I could go on and on about Majamas, and if you are a friend of mine, you probably have already heard me do so – I have turned on so many of my friends to Majamas! Even the ones that aren’t nursing have found some awesome clothes – because they don’t look like nursing clothes, you’ll want to wear them a long time.
One final word… dresses…. They have dresses that are pretty, even sexy… many of which can also look great in the final months of pregnancy – which was enough to really make me a happy customer when I found something to wear to a wedding at 9mo prego and huge…
Check out http://www.majamas.com/ for a list of places to shop for Majamas clothes. They’re so worth it.

MonkeeMoos is doing some Spring Cleaning!

2006-03-20T10:47:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again! The new spring lines are starting to come in at all the cool baby boy boutiques! It's just the time to make that last minute purchase of any of the fall lines you have been putting off. There is some really cool stuff on sale at MonkeeMoos - a unique boutique for baby and toddler boys! Be sure to check them out today!

Even more Appaman - at 10% off this time!

2006-02-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

We thought that Appaman has such cool tees, we wanted to find our readers a deal. In a follow up to the post from ChicMommy, we have found a 10% off coupon for Spring '06 Appaman line from MonkeeMoos. The new spring line is in and they have some very trendy tees! Save 10% on your Appaman order when using code "APPAMAN10"

Visit MonkeeMoosto view all the hip Appaman tees.

Keep your toddler clean in style!

2006-02-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

We just got an alert from MonkeeMoos about an Ollie Wally bib sale to 'keep your toddler clean in style!'. Save 10% off these super cute Ollie Wally bibs from MonkeeMoos today. For just under $10, you can't go wrong! They have a ton of cute patterns and they really give you some nice alternatives to the 'cheesy' stuff out there in the stores!

"Lock up your daughters" tee from MonkeeMoos

2006-02-09T00:17:00.000-05:00

Just in time to get for your precious for one for Valentine's Day! Your handsome little guy is sure to break some hearts. Give all those sweet gal's daddies fair warning when your little guy is out and about! This tee is super soft and looks so precious on!

***Available in the lock up your daughters onesie white, lock up your daughters onesie black, or the lock up your daughters black tee!

Blast from the Past

2005-12-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

I came across this article on how parenting advice has changed over the past 80 years.
Originally printed by Nursery World, a U.K. parenting magazine celebrating its 80th anniversary today, it is interesting to see how child-rearing has changed over time, with a few consistencies:

1926- How to cure a fussy eater: You cut out feeding times for 24 hours. He has water in abundance, exercise, rest, peace. After that you will have no trouble with regard to food and the wicked boy may be transformed into a likeable young person who appreciates mealtimes.
1936 - How to get a good night’s sleep: A nanny writes: My (18-month-old) charge would wake up every night and cry. One night, instead of petting her, I gave her a smacking instead. Every night after than when she woke up and cried without reason, I smacked her. At the end of three weeks, I found I had undisturbed nights of rest.
1965- How to reduce a child’s allergies: Cover pillows, especially feather pillows used by children susceptible to asthma and hay fever, with polythene bags of a suitable size.
1986- How to gain a sought-after nursery place: The magazine highlights questionable practice: “It’s easy,” one mother said. “You just have to say you’re frightened that you’re going to start hitting the kids. Then you’ll get a place!”
1938- How to encourage a full head of hair: A reader writes: My little girl is just two with quick-growing straggly straight hair. I wonder if shaving would make it coarser and easier to keep in order. I know it seems drastic, but the child will not mind in the least.
1926- How to stop ugly mouth breathing: Breathing through their mouths not only gives children a vacant look, but is a frequent cause of nose, throat and even chest trouble. Tell the child to place its finger firmly along one side of its nose to close the nostril and to take three short sharp breaths through the unclosed one.
1984- How to survive as a teacher: A delegate at a conference recalls advice given to her on her first day as a teacher: Always wear a hat, gloves, no lipstick and NEVER talk to parents.”
1946- How to serve sliced bread: It should never be cut less than an inch and a half thick. There is nothing more plebeian than thin bread at dinner.

SOURCE: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1910604,00.html

MiaBossi Diaper Bags

2005-11-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

Double duty bags! Joely Fisher is very anti-mommy as Lynette's boss on Desperate Housewives, but the expecting star went ga-ga for Mia Bossi's diaper bags. She's not alone. Busy moms like Denise Richards and Shanna Barker of MTV's “Meet the Barkers” are crazy for the multi-functional totes. Celebs without little ones, like Shannon Elizabeth and Paula Abdul, are also fans. $240-400, http://www.MiaBossi.com

Photoworks.com

2005-11-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

I came across the website www.PhotoWorks.com after receiving an email from www.dailycandy.com.
It is along the lines of Shutterfly and Ofoto, but MUCH BETTER! You can create the best cards and keepsakes that are unique and creative. My personal fav is the Peapod.

They can be a little bit pricey, but if you sign up on their welcome screen you receive a coupon for 10% off your order.

Give it a try... I know I will be!

www.PhotoWorks.com

GoGo BabyZ

2005-11-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

I received a press release with the title 'Popular Strollers Can Create a Safety Hazard'. With that title, I had to open it and see which strollers they were referring to.

It states that 3-wheeled strollers (i.e. joggers) are fine during the walking phase, but that the accidents occur when it is stopped or parked- when parents least expect it. Concussions account for 22% of the injuries!

The answer? The Urban Advantage® by GoGo BabyZ Corporation. The Urban Advantage® is one of the most unique and innovative strollers to hit the market and is a celebrated winner of an iParenting Media AwardCertified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA).

Go-Go Babyz has engineered the only solution currently available on the market to enhance the stability of three-wheeled strollers. The patent pending brake-activated kickstand is automatically lowered when you press the rear brake bar and retracts when the brake is released.

With the growing popularity of three-wheeled strollers and the increasing awareness of the inherent problem of stroller tipping accidents, the Urban Advantage offers a safe solution for added convenience all in one stroller. Stroll through the mall or city streets with comfort and style.

Retail $209.00
www.gogobabyz.com/products/urban_advantage.html

The Bumbo Baby Sitter

2005-11-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

Being pregnant with Baby #3 has allowed me to cut down on the unnecessary baby items that I never used with my first two. I need the basics; crib, car seat, diapers, some clothes and the Bumbo seat! This thing is not only aesthetically pleasing, but such a great concept; much better than using the Boppy pillow when baby is learning to sit up.

Manufactured in South Africa to the highest safety standards from a SOFT low-density, non-toxic foam material, the Bumbo baby seat is lightweight, durable & easy to clean.

The Bumbo Seat can be used on any flat surface & is incredibly versatile. It really comes in handy when you need an extra pair of hands (restaurants, friends houses, birthday parties, the park, on vacation, etc.)

Babies love to feed themselves in the Bumbo & Moms love it too because it's easy to clean-up! The Bumbo can be used much earlier than high chairs and offers many benefits that a high chair can't!

It's perfect for Day Care Centers, Mommy's Day Out & Pediatric Therapists. In addition to being an essential multi-use baby product, the Bumbo baby seat can also be a beneficial tool for caring for special needs babies & children. It provides excellent posture support and also gives children with special needs a feeling of independence and accomplishment. The State of Illinois has approved the Bumbo as a medical device and the Mississippi State Department of Health is providing Bumbo Seats for use by their therapists!

Many parents of babies with Infant Reflux & GERD are also using the Bumbo Seats to keep their babies upright after feedings.

ON SALE now at bonniebabies.com for $39.95 (reg. $50).

Isa Booties

2005-10-27T15:20:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's the colors, or the styles, or the fact that I can't seem to pull myself away from all things little and baby-themed now that I am pregnant with Baby #3. Whatever the reason, I immediately put Isa Booties www.isabooties.com on my 'Must-Have' List.

There are other baby booty company's out there, but none offer the style and features that Isa Booties does, such as:
~Ultrasuede® fabric- super soft and breathable
~Toughtek® fabric- an incredible grip fabric
~Will not scuff
~Color safe and stain-resistant
~Will hold shape after machine-washing and drying
~Maintain non-skid properties after continuous wear and washings
~Mimics barefoot walking
~100% animal-product free

Another selling point to add is that Toughtek® is the same grip fabric used in the booties worn by search and rescue dogs because it is nearly impenetrable by things such as broken glass, nails and other sharp debris.

Priced at $24 and sizes ranging from 3-6 months up to 12-18 months, Isa Booties can be purchased directly from www.isabooties.com or use their Store Locator.

I Just Love What You are Wearing. Wish I Was Pregnant!

2005-10-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

Hello! My name is Kristin, founder and designer the maternity apparel label of Swanky www.materniteebyswanky.com. In addition to being a business owner, wife, mummy of two little girls ages 2 and 4 and pregnant with Baby #3, I am now contributing to The Belly Connection.
Because my interests range from business to family to pregnancy, I am online researching all of the time. Maybe I should add that to my resume?
With that said, I am hear to give my opinion on Must-Have and Can't Live Without items that I find in my daily research.
I hope you like what I find. Please feel free to email me directly with questions or comments at kristin@materniteebyswanky.com, and keep an eye out for my next post within the next 24 hours.

Mrs. MaterniTee