When it comes to the moving process, the one thing I’ve found to be MORE stressful than selling and buying a house, is actually getting your new home move-in ready. It’s usually an overlooked part of the process.

And I get it.

After you’ve been given the keys to your new house, most people are just ecstatic that the process is done with (for the most part). So taking care of all those hanging pieces when you do move-in, is often an afterthought. At least that’s how it was for me.

We moved into our newest home about 10 months ago, and believe it or not, just recently started making it feel like a home.

So today I wanted to share 5 things you shouldn’t ignore when you move into a new house, for safety and privacy reasons, but also, things that will make you feel ready to relax, entertain and live in your new home.

Related: Easy Staging Tips to Help Sell Your House

1. Have a plan.

The first thing I’d recommend ANYONE moving into a new house do, is have a plan of action when it comes to organizing and distributing packing boxes. You want to be sure you don’t just pile everything in the garage and leave it for sorting through another time…because another time often turns into never.

When we moved into our home, we made sure that all boxes were piled into their designated rooms. So “toiletres” went straight into the bathrooms, “dinnerware” went right into the kitchen etc. We didn’t get everything sorted through right away, but at least having boxes in the appropriate room made things easier to eventually put away.

2. Change the locks.

This is one thing most people don’t give much thought to. Once you have 1 or 2 copies of your house key, you may think you’re done. Not so fast. There may be more than a few copies available…and not all in your possession. It’s not to say you shouldn’t trust your previous owners, BUT what if they gave a copy to another family member, friend or housekeeper?

Make it a point to change the locks on your front doors for safety reasons, especially if you have small children living in the home.

3. Add window treatments.

When we first visited our new home, it was staged beautifully. Open spaces, colorful furniture and little clutter. We didn’t really pay attention to the lack of curtains because of all the decor surrounding it.

So when we finally moved-in. We sort of forgot about that as well…for some time.

It was only week after week, when we started filling the house with different furniture and decor did we actually realize how much everyone could see into the home. The windows were so bare — they finally stood out when we realized we weren’t getting much privacy.

So if you’re looking to add privacy to your rooms, and simply dress up each room, make it a point to add window treatments within the first two months…or you may let it slide all together.

4. Hang photos.

This is the best way to really personalize your house and make it feel like a home. Gather an eclectic mix of frames and add some pictures of your family to give each room more life.

5. Clean

This one may seem like a given. No one wants to move in to a filthy house. But clean is a relative term. To really make your new home feel completely yours, you have to start fresh with a deep cleaning in every room!

Hiring a cleaning service is a great option if you can afford it, but most people need to do the job themselves.

So when going at it ourselves, a few go-to products come to mind. Quality brands like Bounty® , Swiffer® , Tide® , Unstopables and Charmin® are reliable household products to help get the job done.

Here are a few key areas in the house you can focus on with these products during a deep cleaning session:

• Refrigerator
  Use durable paper towels like Bounty + an antibacterial to wipe up sticky messes and grime
• Bathtub
  • Use bleach + a scrub brush to remove bacteria
  • Add a fresh aroma to your bathroom with a air freshner like Unstoppables
• Toilets
  Use bleach + a toilet scrub to remove bacteria and add sparkle
  Stock up on toilet paper like Charmin, to ensure each bathroom is ready for use by you and house guests
• Cabinets/Pantry
  Wipe down with paper towels + an antibacterial to ward off bugs and odors
• Floors
  Use a mop like Swiffer to pick up dirt and help your floors sparkle
• Laundry Room
  Wash your beddings, towels and other linens with a detergent like Tide so you’re ready for a good night’s sleep, hot shower and freshly clean outlook.

Head to Walmart when you’re ready to move AND learn more here about this wonderful array of household products to put the finishing touches on your brand new home!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post 5 Ways to Make Your New Home Ready to Live In appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

The signs were all there. Wanting to sit on the potty. Tugging at his diaper while saying the words “pee pee” and actually going pee pee while on the potty!

That’s when I knew it was finally time to potty-train our recently turned 2 year-old boy. It’s an often-dreaded journey that many parents want to avoid…and I don’t blame them…especially with everything we went through while potty training our eldest son. But going through that experience helped us learn a thing or two when it comes to potty training toddlers.

When Pampers reached out to us about hosting a potty training party, I knew it was just what we needed to really get things going!

So last weekend we celebrated the big moment with a few friends over some yummy food and goodies to learn about potty training.

It was a small no-fuss party, with just the right ingredients to keep the attention span of 2 and 3 year olds.

Pampers even sent us a few items to decorate with, to make the experience “more real” (because we all know how exciting the sound of a “party” is to little ones)!

We had a colorful party table to display all the Pampers goodies including EasyUps training pants, coupons and potty training facts along with a reward chart to make the experience fun for kids!

We served some healthy snacks: a platter of mixed fruit and veggies, popcorn, sandwiches and a few juice boxes (to make sure they would need to go potty).

The kids seemed to enjoy the treats as they goofed around :).

Once they had their fill, we let them play for a bit and then started to take turns on the potty.

They loved learning how to use the reward chart where they could add a sticker after they went, wiped, flushed and washed their hands — it was a great motivating factor!The party was set with a laid back tone, to ensure kids had an overall positive association with potty and toilet training. There was no pressure to go, just positive reinforcement and encouragement.

And as we begin this journey a second time, I wanted to share some tips we passed along to other parents making the transition from diapers to training pants in hopes to make the process a little less stressful for all!

Tips to Make Potty Training Easy

1. Wait until your child is ready.

I can’t stress this one point enough. The potty training process will go a lot smoother and faster, if you start only when your child is ready. Putting pressure on your child will only make things harder for everyone involved. So once your child starts tugging on their diaper, keeping dry for longer periods or simply asking to go, then you know it’s a good time to start.

2. Make it fun.

It’s much easier to get little ones to do things when you make it seem like less of a chore and more like a fun game or activity. That’s why throwing a potty training party like we did or using sticker charts can help you get started on the right foot.

3. Be patient.

Along with waiting until your child is actually ready to use the potty, it’s important to have patience throughout the entire training process. This doesn’t only mean patience waiting as your child sits on the toilet — it also means learning not to get frustrated or angry at your child when they have accidents (because we all know it’s part of the learning process!).

4. Encourage your child.

While your child is the single best indicator of when they are ready to go, it’s important to encourage them along the way, as a little reminder. So make sure you set timers every few hours for bathroom breaks and physically sit them on the toilet — especially after they eat or drink.

5. Try comfortable training pants.

When you need to make a quick run for the toilet, it’s oh so important to have the right training pants. We love ones that are easy to pull down and back up when giving the potty a try. And it’s also important to choose ones that are comfortable to wear.

When Pampers sent a party package, we were very impressed with the quality of the EasyUps training pants — they are incredibly comfortable with super stretchy sides and the inner lining is one of the softness we’ve ever tried!

Pampers EasyUps feature outstanding leak protection for up to 12 hours — and even overnight — which is a novelty for training pants. There’s even a wetness indicator to help parents easily know when an accident happens.

And as a mom to three little boys, I LOVE the core that’s specially positioned for boys! (There are even special cartoon designs for both boys AND girls :)!).

Throwing a potty training party was just a smart way to begin the transition with ease. It set a positive tone that will be our guide throughout the whole process…and we hope these tips will help your little ones on their journey as well!

If you’d like to learn more about Pampers EasyUps and get some more potty training tips, be sure to visit the Pampers website and connect with the brand on Twitter and Facebook.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post How to Make Potty Training Stress-free appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

We’ve had a tough few months being cooped up indoors, waiting for Spring to finally arrive with the sun and warm weather. Our boys can never get enough of outdoor activities like exploring nature, splashing around with water, and simply running around to burn off energy. They just need that time outside to be kids!

So we’re thrilled that the days are finally getting longer and the sun is starting to shine.

But with all the change of seasons, comes more allergens in the air and higher temperatures that can cause skin irritations in little ones.

And with a newborn joining the family, I’m even more cautious when it comes to spending time outdoors and protecting baby’s delicate skin.

My boys suffer from mild eczema — usually showing signs of dry skin that can be treated with organic lotions and creams. But I don’t just like to treat those symptoms, I like to prevent them altogether.

We always make it a point to look for hypoallergenic products that will come into contact with their skin. Everything from lotions to fabrics that they wear! And Dreft, the no. 1 baby detergent recommended by pediatricians is one of our favorites, with it’s gentle, hypoallergenic formula perfect for little ones!

Dr. Hes, a mom and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics, knows this all too well and offers tips on how to keep baby comfortable during this allergen season.

Tips for Protecting Baby’s Skin from Seasonal Irritants

1.  Shade the sun

When spending more time outside, don’t forget to keep baby’s skin safe:

• Babies 6 months+: If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen, reapplying often! Also, avoid exposing your baby to the sun during peak hours — generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t forget to dress your baby in protective clothing like a hat with a brim and sunglasses.
• Babies younger than 6 months: Younger babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. Dress them in protective clothing and shielding them with light covers works well.

2. Make bath time beneficial

Did you know that over exposure to water can actually rob skin of natural moisture? That’s why it’s actually okay to scale back on bath time. This will help avoid the resulting itch — which is important for kids with eczema! About 10 minutes is plenty of time for water play and a quick scrub. Remember to use warm water (vs. hot) and leave the suds to the very end. Add a mild cleanser to keep skin soft and itch-free. Gently pat skin dry and moisturize with lotion to protect baby’s soft skin.

3. Load up on liquids

Hydration during the spring and summer months is important as baby gets more active outdoor time and sun exposure. Give kids water throughout the day. Infants should nurse or take a bottle often; older kids should tote a sippy cup or reusable water bottle. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and smoothies in your child’s diet too.

4. Choose the right fabrics and care for them properly.

When it comes to fabrics, it’s so important to choose gentle and hypoallergenic items to care for the items that touch baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also essential that fabrics be cared for properly. Wash baby items with a specially-formulated product such as Dreft, the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin.

5. Protect Problem Skin

Heat is a common trigger for eczema, as the weather warms up, you can do a few things to prevent those flare ups and skin irritations. Shield baby from the sun’s direct rays during peak hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Parents can also download apps to track the hottest part of the day to help structure play  time outings!

These are ALL such important tips to keep in mind as you spend more time in the sun with your kids. Be sure to save this list and learn more about Dreft — our go-to hypoallergenic baby detergent with a scent that has been loved by moms for years!

You can also enter for a chance to win a generous prize pack from Dreft below!

Dreft Baby Detergent Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win a prize pack from Dreft featuring:

• Dreft Product: Newborn, Active Baby and Blissfuls
• $50 AMEX Gift Card

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to US resident 18+; Giveaway ends 5/25

Join us for a Dreft Twitter Party and a chance to win fabulous prizes on Thursday, May 12 th from 9-10pm ET! To RSVP, visit www.dimemedia.net #DreftSpring

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Easy Tips to Keep Baby’s Skin Safe in the Sun appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

The room was cold and bright with fluorescent lights. So bright I could barely keep my eyes open.

Everything felt so sterile. And indeed it was as I laid my eyes on all the medical tools and equipment surrounding me in the operating room.

She took my hand and gave me a pillow to hold over my stomach, as the anesthesiologist instructed me to arch my back in cat pose.

I was terrified of this moment, as years of chronic back pain filled my mind while he pricked several points on my spine looking for the right spot to inject the needle.

And when the burning sensation came, I moaned in anguish.

Words From a Labor & Delivery Nurse That Got Me Through It

But there she was offering her arms and chest for me to cling to. So I did. I wrapped my arms around her body and pressed my face onto her chest, hugging her tightly, as she reiterated the simplest but impactful words.

“Relax and just go with it. You’re doing great.”

I needed her at that moment. Her encouraging words, her physical support, her presence.

I didn’t plan on having a c-section, but it was medically necessary so I had to face the music and get the spinal tap I so desperately feared.

Alone. Because it’s a procedure where they make your significant-other wait outside the room. No one is there to be your moral support and encouragement during this terrifying moment. No one except your nurse, who at that moment almost becomes family, as you learn to rely on her for every physical and emotional support called for.

And then as your body becomes numb and you’re strapped down, arms open with blanket separating you and baby, there she remains by your side, during that dreaded surgery.

So despite the fear and anxiety that encompassed me, her words, “Relax and just go with it,” remained with me to give me strength, until I met my baby boy!

Thank You, Nurses

Nurses play such an essential role throughout every moment of a mom’s labor and delivery. Even though the perception may be that nurses are just there as a backup to assist doctors, they are actually front and center in most cases. Their dedication to providing the best care is seen from the onset, as they do whatever it takes to get you through the experience.

In fact, nurses do their job so well that you start tossing out any insecurities or shame you may have brought with you and simply learn to trust them.

From guiding you through whatever type of delivery you have, to showing you how to swaddle and feed baby, nurses leave a deep, long-lasting impression that remains with you, long after the hospital stay.

You’ll Never Forget A Good Nurse

• They’re the unsung hero always willing to do what is best for you and baby.
• They are there at a moment’s call.
• They see you at your worst and are still willing to do the dirty work to help you heal.
• They hold you if you need to be held.
• They care for your newborn baby in the gentlest manner.
• They go above and beyond like no one else.
• They often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
• You won’t forget how they made you feel and how they cared for your baby.

There are probably a million reasons you’ll never forget your labor and delivery nurse…but the ONE real reason you can truly never forget her is because she was exactly what you needed to survive.

Remember to thank the nurses who have supported your birth.

In honor of National Nurse’s Appreciation Week, Pampers is celebrating the essential role nurses play during those early moments between newborns and parents. The first annual Thank You Nurses campaign, in partnership with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), honors nurses across three award categories: Labor & Delivery, NICU and Postpartum.

And Pampers Swaddlers is announcing a grand prize nurse honoree to acknowledge her dedication and commitment to making life better for babies and new parents.

Labor & Delivery nurse, Anne Gallagher, was selected as the Pampers Swaddlers #ThankYouNurses Award Grand Prize honoree! Anne has been a nurse for 38 years and is currently a nurse at the University of Illinois Hospital. She focuses on empowering moms to form special bonds with their newborns.

This review was made possible by iConnect and Pampers.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Why You’ll Never Forget Your Labor and Delivery Nurse appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Motherhood has a way of filling you with the most abundant joy and love imaginable. You are overflowing with emotions after bringing a beautiful new life into the world and ready to do anything and everything possible for them.

I adore my children with all my heart. My two lovable rambunctious little boys who are always testing the limits…and teaching me so much about motherhood in the process.

But there are moments when it can also be extremely overwhelming, leaving you feeling broken and defeated, especially after a bad day or two.

As your new little bundle of joy grows from infant to toddler, life can become a little complicated, each day bringing new challenges to face.

Yelling. Cleaning. Chasing. Disciplining.

This can become the norm for moms of babies and toddlers who are exhaustedly changing diapers and blowouts, breaking up scuffles and reprimanding demanding toddlers who are at the stage of asserting their independence.

Maybe you yelled a little too much today. Maybe you didn’t react as calmly as you knew you should have. Maybe you were just on edge all day and letting every little thing get to you.

It happens and can sometimes take that inner conversation we have with ourselves to a very negative place. Because we feel like we’ve failed in many ways.

Changing the Conversation

But now with another one on the way, I can’t help but be a little emotional and think about the conversation that would take place between me and my newest little boy upon our first meeting.

Just the precious look in his eyes would be enough to remind me that one bad day doesn’t make me a bad mother.

He would remind me that it’s not an easy task we are set out to do, especially moms of babies and toddlers.

There will be days when I won’t have the energy for giving the kids a bath, even though they desperately need one. 

There will be days when I’ll just have to let the baby cry-it out to finish a meal or get a moment to myself.

There will be days when letting the kids watch TV for more than an hour will be necessary for sanity’s sake.

And there will be days when crying my eyes out will be the only way to relieve the stress.

And my baby will remind me, that it’s okay. As long as I remember that it’s only a day, a week, a month…or even a year.

A moment in time that will not last forever, so don’t worry!

What will last forever, are those moments of happiness and laughter we share and cherish in our hearts…from the first smile and step to the first time on the potty and positive play date! Those are the moments that matter most and that we should put our energy into.

My precious baby will help change the conversation I have in my head and remind me to stop being so hard on myself. And this is really the conversation that matters most in motherhood.

Life Can Get a Little Messy

And let’s face reality. With tushies to wipe and blowouts that happen, motherhood is bound to get messy and be a little stressful at times. So why not embrace it and be prepared?

RELATED: Using WaterWipes at Messy PlayDates

What It Means to be a WaterWipes Moms

As a WaterWipes Mom Ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about an amazing chemical-free diaper wipe that is both preservative-free and ideal for baby’s delicate skin.

WaterWipes, made from 99.9% water and .1% grape fruit extract, are durable and effective without any harsh chemicals added — giving us one less thing to worry about!

Because as moms we all want the best for our babies. Even though we may be a little too hard on ourselves for not always getting everything right, a WaterWipes mom just wants the best for her little ones. 

If you haven’t yet tried this amazing wipes brand, be sure to find a WaterWipes store near you!!

WaterWipes on Facebook – WaterWipes on Twitter

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post The Conversation That Matters Most in Motherhood appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Like most people, this time of year with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching is one of my favorites! I love everything about the holiday season from the delicious aroma of turkey and pumpkin pie that fills a room to the seasonal decorations popping up from house to house. But one of my favorite memories of the holidays is getting together with family — because that’s truly what the holidays are all about.

As a Latina, getting together with family is everything. Whether it’s gathering for a feast or special occasion, it’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones, share a delicious meal and watch the little ones play together….because these days there are many of them. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers running all around and making every moment even more special.

And because most family members are traveling from near and far when getting together for the holidays, it’s important to make them feel extremely welcome.

As a mother, one thing I know that is super important when it comes to accommodating family is making sure they have everything they need in stock so they don’t have to run out in the cold to pick anything up. Things like extra paper products and diapers can make a big difference.

So as I prepare for the upcoming get togethers, I’m making sure I have plenty diapers on hand. On a recent trip to BJ’s Wholesale Club, I was able to stock up on Huggies. With an assortment of products including Kimberly Clark’s, they make prepping for the holidays a breeze. BJs is currently having a special offering 60-day free membership for all who sign-up here!

I thought it would be even more fun and welcoming for my family to add a little holiday twist to our typical diaper station with a festive diaper cake! This way the house shows a little holiday spirit and my guests can feel free to grab a diaper as needed.

Related: DIY Candy Cane Wreath & DIY Snow Globe

Diaper Cake Tutorial

1. To start, make sure you have all the necessary materials handy. This includes:

• 14 or 16 inch cardboard cake tray
• Glue gun
• Paper towel roll
• Mini rubber bands
• Colorful ribbon or other embellishments
• 40-60 diapers
• Cake topper (faux flowers)

2. Next, hot glue the paper towel roll to the center of the cake tray.

3. Once secure, beginning rolling your diapers. Use a rubber band to secure the diaper rolls.

4. Begin laying out your diaper rolls in position. Secure with a white balloon ribbon to ensure they stay in place. You can then remove the rubber bands.

Since I went with a 3-tier cake, I needed plenty of diapers. I  used 6 diapers to compose the center row of the first layer, then 13, then 16. For the middle layer, I used 6 diapers again for the center and then 13 for the outer layer. For the top layer, I used 6 diapers.

5. Repeat step 4 for the next two layers.6. Embellish the diaper cake with colorful festive ribbons. I used a glitter candy cane pattern and then added another green ribbon and pom poms for some more pizzaz.

7. I topped off the cake with some faux flowers — poinsettia to bring out the holiday spirit even more!

I love how it turned out and can’t wait to share with my family!

Click here to see how others are preparing for their families this holiday!

***

Interested in more DIY projects for the holidays?  Check out some fun ideas below!

DIY Candy Cane Wreath

DIY Sugar Scrub – Homemade Gift Idea

Christmas Tree Salt Dough Ornament

You can also connect with us on Pinterest for year-long project ideas!

***

GIVEAWAY

BJs is hosting a giveaway to help get your home ready for the holidays – enter below for your chance to win!

KCC BJs Holiday Giveaway
How are you preparing to welcome family this holiday season? Have you ever made a diaper cake?

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post How to Make a Diaper Cake for the Holidays appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Last weekend while visiting friends and family, I had the opportunity to host a fun little playdate over breakfast. The kids (and adults alike) were hungry and eager to play after a long night — baby sleepovers can definitely get a little crazy!

I knew things were bound to get messy after bagels with cream cheese, blueberry muffins, cookies and a little bit of candy for the well-behaved.

Luckily, I had the necessary supply of WaterWipes handy to introduce to both mommies and babies.

I’ve been loving these chemical-free baby wipes since I first started using them. Made from 99.9% water and .1% grape fruit extract, WaterWipes offer a natural and safe alternative to care for your little one’s sensitive skin.

And with so many harmful chemicals being used under different labels these days, it’s a topic bound to come up at a mom group. A couple of moms, were even surprised that WaterWipes could clean with only those two ingredients. But they do! The main ingredient, water, is nature’s natural cleanser and moisturizer; Grapefruit seed extract is a antimicrobial agent that fights bacteria and helps maintain good skin condition.

I was eager to chat about the wipes after letting the little ones snack away on everything that was laid out before them — they were being so patient!

After the kids had their fill of goodies, I handed out some WaterWipes samples to help the group wipe down those sticky fingers and faces. Everyone from itsy-bitsy babies to preschoolers tried the wipes – with great results: clean happy faces without the redness or harsh reactions that some everyday wipes can cause.

I had the moms jot down some of the initial thoughts that came to mind after testing the wipes. Words like: natural, gentle, pure, odor-less and delicate were written.

I also asked if WaterWipes was a familiar brand.  No one had heard of it previously. Of course, that’s not too surprising considering WaterWipes is a European brand new to the US.

After loading up on food, there were a few diaper changes to tackle. WaterWipes were abound and especially appreciated. They are ideal for use on a newborn baby’s thin delicate skin during those messy changes — and won’t irritate or exacerbate rashes like other chemical-heavy products.

Thank you to WaterWipes for allowing me to share my experience with a few friends and family – our breakfast playdate was a success :)!!

Learn more about the benefits of WaterWipes HERE!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Breakfast Playdate Party Featuring WaterWipes appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

As moms of babies and toddlers, we always want what’s best for our little ones — especially when it comes to their delicate skin. Whether it’s changing a newborn’s diaper, cleaning up sticky fingers and cheeks after ice cream or messy paint activities, having safe, chemical free wipes handy in every room of the house is a must!

Even when I’m not at home, I try to choose the best baby products that are gentle yet still effective enough for cleaning up everyday kid messes. My kid’s have sensitive skin so it’s a real bummer when I find myself in a situation where someone uses a Lysol wipe or other stringent product on kids’ skin (yes, it’s happened during a face painting party!) There’s just so many harsh chemicals present in everyday products that can irritate their fragile skin.

That’s why I love WaterWipes — a chemical-free baby wipe that contains just 2 ingredients: water (99.9% purified Irish water) and grapefruit seed extract (0.1%). And chemical-free means the product doesn’t contain preservatives – a plus for a momma who likes all natural ingredients for baby!

My boys are 3 and 1 — an age where messy play and eating is a part of daily life. My youngest LOVES feeding himself, so while it’s great for his development and independence it means more sticky fingers and cheeks to wipe up. Instead of running to grab a wet paper towel every 3 minutes, I prefer to have WaterWipes within an arm’s reach to make clean-up a breeze. They’re convenient and gentler on baby’s sensitive skin.

Same goes for my 3 year-old, although he tends to go for ice cream these days.

And although he’s fully potty-trained (finally!), it’s great to have a pack of WaterWipes handy just in case things get a little messy on-the-go ;).

Of course, one of my favorite reasons for having these wipes handy is to simply give me peace of mind that my children aren’t being exposed to harmful chemicals during cleanup time. Whether it’s food, messy arts and crafts time or simply wiping a tush, WaterWipes is my go-to wipe for clean-up time!

I’ll be bringing you more updates on our WaterWipes experience in the coming months as a new WaterWipes ambassador – stay tuned :)!

Learn more about the world’s purest baby wipes, WaterWipes HERE.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Introducing the World’s Purest Baby Wipes #WaterWipes appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

You clean, they make a mess. You clean up the mess, they make more of a mess.

Whether it’s wiping down sticky fingers from walls and appliances to mopping up spilt milk or cookie crumbs. It’s a never-ending cycle that can test anyone’s patience.

Sure the toy clutter is one thing you’ll also have to tackle constantly, but what really gets to me is finding a way to keep the house spotless given only a moment’s notice before a showing.

That’s why now that our house is on the market, I’m all about quick and easy ways to stage our home to get that flawless appearance.

Anytime we have to prep our home for a potential buyer, I always try to focus on the areas that typically sell a home: the kitchen and living space.

One of my go-to tools for making this a reality is Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser!

So I was super excited to learn about their concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner that is ideal for getting an even cleaner effect for those of us looking for a 15-minute renovation…because really, I can’t be bothered to spend much more than that these days.

I received this awesome little tool kit and cleaning sample courtesy of Mr. Clean for helping me get the job done!

If you’re struggling to give your home that sparkly-clean effect too, check out these before and after pictures to see just what a difference Mr. Clean can make. So tough on dirt and really one of the most cost-effective and simplest ways to give your home a mini-makeover!

First things first, a kitchen is typically what sells a home. So it’s definitely one room in the house we wanted to accentuate. Even though most of the appliances in the kitchen are only a few years old, the wear and tear of having little ones around can really take a toll. Finger prints, streak marks and sticky residue always cover our fridge and trash can, so having the concentrated cleaner gives us that brand new look.

This before picture is pretty gross, but it’s amazing how much better our trash bin looked after a little elbow grease with that magic eraser.

I always use Mr. Clean erasers on my walls to wash away the colorful artwork my 3 year-old likes to leave behind…I never really thought about using it on the floors. But I’m so glad I did:

Tile or wood floors can become dull and underwhelming over time, but Mr. Clean Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner can get them shining like new again! I was really impressed at how much better our kitchen floor looked after.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Mr. Clean – but never realized how much a difference the cleaning products made all over the house. I love how fresh and clean my kitchen looks!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power and Concentrated Cleaner has loads of surprising uses, from restoring luster to floors, reviving tired-looking appliances or refreshing your walls without having to repaint.  It’s an easy way to give your home a 15 minute renovation when that’s all you can spare!

Want to get more tips for selling your home and enter for a chance to win a $400 gift card to a renovation store? RSVP for the #15MinReno Twitter Party!!

Twitter Party Details:

Date: August 5th at 8pmCST

Hashtag: #15MinReno

Celebrity Guest: Johnathan Scott of HGTV Property Brothers

Prizes: 4 Renovation Kits including multi-use screwdriver, tape measure, various Mr. Clean product and a piece of decor.

Grand Prize: $400 GC to a Home Improvement Store

RSVP here: http://vite.io/iConnectIM

Mr. Clean Took Kit & Product Giveaway

And if you don’t have much time to spare, but need to give your home a 15 minute reno too, enter for a chance to win a prize pack featuring Mr. Clean products and tools using the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway open to US residents 18+. Ends 8/14.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learn more about Mr. Clean on Twitter & Facebook.

This review was made possible by iConnect  and Mr. Clean. I was provided the featured product and compensations to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Staging Your House to Sell with a 15 Minute Renovation {#15MINRENO} appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Now that summer is officially here, the days are getting longer and hotter than ever. While we are thrilled to spend more time outdoors running around and splashing about, the extra hours of sunlight also mean more need to protect the delicate skin of our family members, especially little ones.

My boys have sensitive skin that often burns easily. As infants both suffered from mild eczema. That’s why it’s essential they wear a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen every time we are out and about. The sun’s rays can do some serious damage in a matter of minutes; it’s a frightening statistic when you hear that sunburns in children increase the odds of developing skin cancer later in life.

So my go-to brand for sun protection has always been Neutrogena® — I’ve suffered from a number of skin problems throughout life (from acne to sunburns), and love how gentle yet powerful the products have been — they are ideal for sensitive skin! That’s one of the reasons I use the Neutrogena baby line for my own kids.

Recently, the National Eczema Association awarded Neutrogena with it’s Seal of Acceptance. Products include:

• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+
• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum 60
• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
• NEUTROGENA® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

With this recognition, Neutrogena is providing adults and babies with eczema/sensitive skin a safe sunscreen option that protects using naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients.

The Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen is a new one to me that I think is ideal for easy application under make-up. It also offers a higher SPF which I really need this season. And Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion is a top choice for anyone who needs extra protection.

I’ve tried a plethora of sunscreens over the years for myself and my family, and wanted to share a few tips for parents or caregivers on how to find the right sunscreen for their families.

How to choose the best sunscreen for kids:

1. Sun Protection Factor (SPF).

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen is how much sun protection you’ll need. Throughout the year, I rock moisturizer that already contains an SPF 15; however come summer that number has to be at least 30 to prevent sunburns. That means for extra sensitive, kid’s skin, an SPF of  30-45 is best…but even better is an SPF of 50, when playing directly under the sun.

In addition to SPF, you should look for a broad-spectrum label which is designed to protect against both UVA/UVB light types that can damage skin.

Note: Interestingly enough, many resources indicate that SPF 50 is the highest SPF that exists. So those over 50 only provide a small increase in UVB protection.

2. Application Method.

Sunscreens come in so many forms these days, from lotions and sprays to sunscreen sticks and wipes. These are supposed to make them easier to work with. For myself or any other adult, the lotions or sprays work well. But for little kids, sunscreen sprays are a big no-no because they have the potential to be inhaled! That’s why I really appreciate Neutrogena’s baby sunscreen stick that I can easily rub on my little one’s cheeks, nose and neck in one stroke. Nine out of ten times I have to wrestle my toddler to get sunblock on his face, so this has been a lifesaver!

3. Type of Activity.

If the kids will be in the pool or sprinkler, consider purchasing a water-resistant sunscreen. This will minimize the amount of sunblock you need to apply, but with ALL types of sun protection reapplication is always key to prevent burns!

4. Ingredients.

Oftentimes active ingredients and chemicals are required for the ideal result, but I still try to avoid harsh chemicals at all costs when it comes to products my children will be using. I usually look for all natural ingredients that are safe on sensitive skin. I love that Neutrogena’s Pure & Free Baby sunscreen stick is 100% naturally-sourced, fragrance free and ideal for hypoallergenic skin.

With young children, it’s important to look for extra gentle formulas that are ideal for delicate skin. Check the labels carefully to find what works for your family!

They say that knowledge is power. So knowing that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, yet only 20% use SPF daily propels me to choose skin health for me and my family!

Have you used Neutrogena sunscreens on your children? What do you look for when choosing a form of sun protection?

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

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