MommyBeta Podcast Episode 8: A Bump In The Road

Click here to download this week's episode! We discuss feeling like an a-hole when your child has that inevitable first fall. See Alex's post about that here.

We also discuss throwing a first birthday party, like Nathalee so expertly did.

And finally, what is up with baby acetaminophen? We discuss avoiding an overdose.

Also, don't miss our giveaways! Win a Dropcam or a Bitsy Sleepsack!

Send us your feedback! Email mb@mommybeta.com.

To subscribe in iTunes, click here!

Win it! Bitsy Sleep Sack

UPDATE: Congratulations to Melissa for winning an adorable Bitsy Sleep Bag. Be sure to enter this week's contest for the bebepod Flex Plus.  

I’m always looking for new sleep sacks for Tazzy. It’s what she spends her sleeping time in I want her to be comfortable. One of our readers suggested we try out The Bitsy Bag. I contacted Mandi, the founder of Bitsy and she was kind enough to let all four MommyBeta’s test a Bitsy bag out.  

The concept is pretty ingenious. It’s a crossbreed between a blanket and a sleeper. The Bitsy Bag has elastic on top, which secures the bag around your baby’s torso so they can kick, roll, sit up or even stand up without the blanket coming off. There are a few super cute designs in each of the collections for him, her and both. Our favorites are the Tiffany/White Sketch Circles and Turquoise/White Night Owls.

I wish they made the sleep bags in adult sizes because the fabric is so silky and soft - Although my husband commented that he was afraid that Tazzy would slip out of his arms. Both Tazzy and Mo enjoy the Bitsy Bag. The Bitsy Bag recently saved baby Mo. He was at the airport with Mommy and had the biggest “poo-splotion” (exact words from Natali), which went everywhere! Mo only had a spare top, no spare bottoms so Natali put him in the Bitsy bag so he didn’t hang out in just his diaper. Cute! 

The bag unfortunately was a little too snug around Elle and a little too loose for Nic because he ended up pulling it off of himself and standing up in his crib. The bag is designed to fit the torso of most babies, however if it doesn’t fit your baby returns are gladly accepted within 30 days.

The fabric is thick and is perfect for winter or colder nights but would likely be too thick for warmer nights. There are two size options 0-6 months and 6-18 months ($40 and $55 respectively). I think the bitsy sleep sack would be great for newborns to lounge in during the day even when they are swaddled. I will have to try this with my No. 2 (who is not on the way). The Bitsy Sleep Bag also makes a great gift! Today, compliments of Bitsy, we are giving one of our lucky readers a Bitsy Sleep Bag (of choice).

To enter:

• Like us on Facebook
• Comment on your favorite Bitsy Bag design and your favorite bedtime story (even if the story isn’t read at bedtime).
• NOTE: you must leave your email when you comment. It will be kept private and not shared with anyone. We need it to alert the winner. Entries without emails will be disqualified.
• For the latest and greatest on Bitsy follow on Facebook (Not required for entry). 

Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. EDT, Thursday, June 30. Rules and regulations found here.

MommyBeta babies wearing the Bitsy Bag

Win it: HALO Sleep Sack (Any Style/Color/Fabric)

Anyone who has purchased a sleep sack is familiar with HALO, and for good reason. Their sacks are soft, cute, practical and affordable. What you may not know is Bill Schmid, the man behind HALO, began the sleep sack movement with the creation of the first wearable blanket after he lost his daughter to SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome) in 1991. So heartbreaking.HALO SleepSack Baby

According to HALO sleep experts, you should stop swaddling your baby when he/she shows signs of starting to roll over (around 4 months) and transition to a sleep sack. My Beth didn’t begin all this rolling over constantly until recently but we transitioned her to a sleep sack around 3 months because she seemed over the swaddle. To wean from the swaddle, HALO recommends starting by swaddling with one arm in and one arm out. Then, swaddle with both arms out before finally transitioning to the SleepSack.

For some tips on how to best protect your child some SIDS, check out these on HALO’s website.

HALO is giving away one of its super comfy SleepSacks in the color/style/fabric of the winner’s choice! There are a wide variety of colors, patterns (polka dot, disney themed) and fabrics such as organic cotton, fleece, etc. You can see all styles/choices at www.halosleep.com/products. I have two: one lightweight and one heavy and love them both. They are super soft! If you’re eager to purchase your own sack, they are now available at Target.

 To enter:

• Like MommyBeta on Facebook
• Leave a comment sharing your child’s bedtime routine (or your favorite part of it.) 
• NOTE: you must leave your email when you comment. It will be kept private and not shared with anyone. We need it to alert the winner. Entries without emails will be disqualified.
• If you want to keep up with the latest products and tips on infant/baby sleeping, follow HALO on Facebook and Twitter. (Not required for entry.)

 Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. EDT, Thursday, June 23, 2011. Rules and regulations found here.