Tula Baby Carrier

Shriek! I just received a happy mail this afternoon from CEO Emporium! If you’re an advocate of babywearing, most likely you’d be familiar with Tula Baby Carriers. I’ve always wanted to have this carrier since then and I couldn’t believe that my baby and I can use it already. Geez, I can’t explain the happiness I feel right now. Such  a perfect gift for my upcoming birthday and Mother’s day celebration J

 My husband and I discussed the benefits of buying another carrier for my baby; and after checking our budget and careful deliberation, we decided to buy a new one. It’s actually my first time to use a soft structured carrier (SSC), and I can easily compare the differences among my carriers. My daughter loves babywearing as much as I do, so I believe this is worth the investment. J

I have 2 different carriers before I got our Tula. One is the Suppori Sling which I bought from Cudsly, and the next 9 ring sling that I bought when my baby was only 2 weeks old. I’ve had a love and hate relationship with my ring sling because I’ve always had difficulties setting it up. So when I found out that Suppori doesn’t need to be tied and threaded, I was compelled to buy it. Unfortunately, my daughter doesn’t like it as much as she appreciates being in the ring sling. So the sling was left unused and the ring sling got abused. Haha! Ring sling has been my go to most especially that my daughter has been at her crankiest these days. She started teething and it’s only the ring sling and me who can pacify her.

But now that my daughter is starting to become heavier, my right shoulder and back start to get hurt while strolling at the mall.  Right there and then, I knew that I needed wanted a new carrier and own another type which is the SSC.

Like other moms, I was never familiar of Tula until I read it from Babywearing Philippines. I even told myself before that I have no plans of buying it most especially with its price tag. Yes, it may be expensive but I’m telling you, it really is worth the investment. Most mom's would recommend tula if you're looking for an SSC type of carrier. This isn't a status carrier but they highly recommend it because of its benefits and quality. Also, have you checked their designs yet? They have one of the best and unique prints. 

I got myself the little Rascals. 

Here's an action shot. I will try to share more pictures as we road test it. ♥ 

Lil Rascals

I got mine from CEO Emporium for 7,000 plus 150 pesos shipping fee. BaoBao babies also sell Tula Baby Carriers and these shops also provide installment/layaway plans. 

Tula is an ergonomic baby carrier and here are its features: 

• can be used in both front and back carries
• can be used from 15-45 pounds (toddler carrier is approved for 25-50 lbs)
• can be used from birth with the use of the revolutionary Tula Infant Insert (not included), and into toddlerhood with Tula Free to Grow Extenders (not included)
• is easy to use and comfortable
• provides an ergonomic M-position seat supporting optimal development for baby’s body
• is easy to care for and machine washable
• is made by hand from 100% Öko-Tex Standard 100 certified cotton
• is made with the highest quality Duraflex buckles available
• includes features such as dual-adjustment straps to allow for the perfect fit, additional leg-opening and shoulder padding, and a large pocket on the contouring hip belt
• includes a removable hood to support baby’s head while asleep, protect from sun
•  or wind, and allow for comfortable breastfeeding

http://www.tulababycarriers.com/collections/ergonomic-baby-carriers

If you have an extra budget, you can never go wrong with Tula. Talk about benefits and the comfort it can give you and your baby. Or, if you want to try other SSC carriers, you can also check these brands: 

Ergo (just be careful, because I've read that there are a lot of counterfeit Ergo's in the market) 

Moby Go 

Again, if you plan to wear you baby, don't forget to check these guidelines. ♥ 

http://www.schoolofbabywearing.com/Images/TICKS.pdf

http://www.babywearinginternational.org/what-is-babywearing/choosing-a-baby-carrier/

Milly's 1st birthday party venue

Few days from now, my daughter will turn 10-months; which reminds me that her first birthday is almost near and I should start booking some suppliers. Well, actually, I’ve already pencil booked some suppliers but booking the venue is my number one priority.

My husband and I initially wanted to celebrate my daughter’s birthday party at Tom’s World in Robinsons Galleria, but since she hates noise and we wanted it to be an intimate celebration (plus I am a fan of “all-things-girly), we came into a mutual decision to hold the celebration in J.Cuppacakes. Yay for me!  I’ve been eyeing this venue even before Milly was baptized. I actually tried to book this venue for her baptism, but due to the ballooning number of guests, we opted to celebrate it in Shakeys.

Okay, so going back - we went to J.Cuppacakes last Sunday to pay the reservation fee and to block our date.

While on our way to J. Cuppacakes. That's lola mama carrying Milly. 

And now that we have already a date and time, I can start planning and booking the rest of our suppliers.

If you’re a fan of Shabby Chic and you plan to host a birthday, tea party, or baby shower, J.cuppacakes is a highly recommended venue. The place is really nice and well decorated so there is no need for you to book a separate supplier to revamp the venue. Everything in the shop is just breathtaking and stunning. See for yourself.  

The place is so INSTAGRAM worthy. haha! ♥ 

Milly and her lolo papa (hubby's side)

What I also loved about the venue is that their clients can even use their decors. We asked if we can use their candy jars for our DIY candy buffet and they agreed with it. We can even use their "wishing tree" and hang some of Milly's pictures on it to make it even more personalized. 

The maximum seating capacity is 50-60pax; which already includes their mezzanine, bistro and alfresco.

They have several mouth watering food packages you can choose from and you can even customize your own meal. Their packages ranges from 420 pesos/pax up to 750 pesos/pax. Reservation fee to block your date is only 1,500 and the balance is payable upon the confirmation of your event. For more details you may check their website at http://www.jcuppacakes.com/

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and check out their store and art in your cravings.

PS: Their cupcakes are really to die for. Oh-so-yummy ♥

Review: Baby Comfy Nose

“BabyComfyNose is simply the most effective, best-designed nasal aspirator for babies on the market today.”

I finally got the chance to use our Baby Comfy Nose yesterday! (Not that I am happy using it, most especially that my daughter’s so fussy due to runny nose) I purchased this 3 months ago when Nose Frida was out of stock, but my daughter was already free from runny nose when I received the package.

The bulb-like nasal aspirator I bought before I gave birth didn’t work for us. My daughter hated it and would cry every time she sees me holding it. After a couple of attempts on using this bulb aspirator, I know this isn’t the best way to remove her snot. It actually triggers more mucus because my daughter keeps on crying every time I insert it on her nose. That’s why I am so thankful with this snot sucker because it can actually really suck snot. Down side is that, she also do not like it every time I use it to her, I don’t know if she’s just uncomfortable with it or she’s just irritable due to colds but at least, she feels relieve after using it. This works best if you spray salinase before sucking the mucous. Mind you, I actually enjoyed using it. haha! :D 

Baby Comfy Nose nasal aspirator uses your own suction to quickly and hygienically remove children’s nasal mucus.  Significantly more effective than bulb and battery aspirators because your natural lung suction is so much stronger.  The design of the aspirator eliminates any possibility of contact with mucus and germs.  Insert a tissue into the aspirator as a filter so there’s nothing else to buy.  The unit comes with two nose tips: standard and newborn. Medical grade soft nose tip and mouth piece.  The mesh storage pouch keeps all the pieces together in the dishwasher, then hang to dry and it’s ready for the diaper bag.  Three colors options are ideal for siblings and multiples.  BPA and phthalate-free.  https://www.babycomfycare.com/product/baby-comfy-nose-nasal-aspirator/

What I loved about BabyComfyNose is that you don’t have to buy the filters. All you need is some tissue and you’re good to go. There are also 3 available colors and 2 types of tips. (one is for newborn babies and the standard size). My 9 month old baby is still using the newborn size since she has a button nose. Haha! It’s pretty easy to use and clean too. It has its own mesh bag that you can put inside your dishwasher and just let it dry.

I got my baby comfy nose from BabyComfyNose Philippines (from Facebook). Retail price is at P750.00. Or you may text Karen (seller) at 09177083163.

PS: Fret not, no snot or mucous will go directly inside your mouth. It stays in the filter.

Here's a good instructional video that you can watch in case you plan to get your own baby comfy nose 

Your Baby Can Read

Nope, my baby can’t read yet, but as early as 9 months, she can already recognize some words and animals on flash cards.

Last week, I ordered a complete set of Your Baby Can Read from OhBabyPh. I was actually hesitant to buy it because I have read mixed reviews about the product. Actually, if you check Your Baby Can Read online, you’d surely bump into negative reviews claiming that this product is actually a fraud and the company is already going out of business. Well, actually most of them are negative reviews, but what convinced me to buy this whole set are the actual videos that I see from the seller's account. ♥ 

After weighing the pros and cons, my husband and I decided to try it to our daughter and to tell you honestly, we both loved the results. We just started the “program” last Saturday and my daughter who I think is a fast learner can already recognize some words, animals and gestures. She can’t read yet, but at least we are seeing positive results. As early as 9 months, she can already recognize the word “hi”, pictures of “clap”, “wave” and some animals like: “dog” “gorilla” & “cat”. Take a look at the videos below. I thought everything was just a tsamba, so I changed the positions of the cards and yet she was able to get the correct one.

👏👏👏 Milly recognizes the word "Hi"

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on Apr 22, 2015 at 2:14pm PDT

Good job baby girl! 😍😍😍

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on Apr 22, 2015 at 2:29am PDT

Good job Milly 😍 she can already recognize some animals and words as early as 9 months. 👏 @ohbabyph 😊 my husband and i couldn't believe to see positive results as early as 4 days.

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on Apr 22, 2015 at 1:03am PDT

They say that in order for the program to be effective, the parent should let their babies watch the videos 1-2 x day and should lessen watching cartoons. It’s actually an advantage for us, because my daughter isn’t fond of watching TV shows. She actually does not like watching cartoons. It’s advisable to let your babies watch this program while they are still young, because if they are already fond of watching cartoons, most likely they wouldn’t appreciate watching this. Imagine, plain words flashing your screen with a little bit of song in between; no animated characters or cartoons. A lot of perseverance and patience is needed when you want your babies to learn the program. You need to watch with them, demo some actions and read the words aloud too. This has been a part of our morning routine just before she takes her morning siesta. (Actually, memorize ko na nga yung sequence ng mga words) haha!

Your baby can read is actually worth the purchase - for 3,980 pesos you get all these items: 

* 5-dvd set of Your Baby Can Read 

* 5 sets of the sliding double sided word and picture cards 

* 5 lift the flap books 

* Game CardsSet

* Word Cards Set

* Paren'ts Guide book and DVD

* 6 small My First Words Books: Kitchen, Home, Play, Bathroom, Garden & Bedroom 

* My First Words Book: 30 Words for Growing Minds 

* 5-dvd set of Your Child Can Read

* Blank Flash Cards 

* 1 music CD 

* 1 pen

I am not relying on this program alone to teach my baby how to read (and I think she's too young for that haha). I know mommies would agree if I say, if we want our kids to acquire a love for reading, we should introduce them to books while they are still young. I still read her a book everyday, and let her play with it every now and then. I still let her watch her favorite Sesame Street and Baby Einstein and do not limit her play time. Babies will be babies and we cannot force them to learn how to READ and recognize things as early as 3 months and up. Let them enjoy and explore, but there's no harm in introducing them in such programs like these.