Buying Baby/Toddler Clothes for a Great Price

In this video I share some of the ways I buy cute clothes for my daughter at an affordable price.

I hardly ever buy clothes at full price for my toddler. I always buy from the clearance section in stores and online. I also use printable coupons and coupon codes to get extra discounts. I will also buy clothing out of season; meaning that I buy Winter clothes in the Spring, or Summer clothes in the Fall. Buying clothes out of season will save you a ton of money. I have winter coats for the next 3 years, all of which were under $7.


I usually shop at Old Navy, Target.com, and second-hand stores like Thrift Town, the DI (Deseret Industries), and Savers. Most baby/toddler clothes have only been worn a few times before being donated to a second hand store so you can get some high quality clothes for your baby/toddler for a steal. I only buy clothes that look gently used, no major stains or tears, and they always cost $1-$3. 


Finally, I shop for clothes that won't fit my daughter for 1-2 years. So I have winter coats for my daughter for the next 3 years because I got them all on clearance. You can save a ton of money that way!

Bella Band Product Review/ Every Pregnant Woman Needs This!

Every pregnant mom needs the Bella Band, or a similar brand product. 


The Bellaband is a carefully constructed essential designed to hold up unbuttoned waistbands, loose maternity wear and garments that slip down around a late-pregnancy belly. Spend less time thinking about your pants and enjoy flaunting your belly!


How to wear the Bellaband:
Wear throughout and after pregnancy
Seamless construction
Specifically designed to expand and recover for pregnancy
Adjustable; wear full-length or fold for extra hold
High-density, ultra-soft knit blend
Fabric won't pill, fade or lose elasticity
New stay-put silicone strip offers more hold/keeps Bellaband from riding or rolling up
New longer length for extra coverage and flexibility
Care Instructions:Machine wash warm gentle cycle with like colors. Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low. Do not iron.
Fiber Content: 84% Nylon/16% Spandex


I noticed that they now have a Bellaband with a lace trim available. And they come in 5 different colors including white, black, navy, and beige. 


The Bellaband allowed me to wear my pre-pregnancy jeans and pants for about 6 months! I wore my pants unbuttoned and unzipped with the Bellaband and it was so comfortable. The Bellaband just basically looked like an undershirt poking out from underneath my top. It was very comfortable to wear in the hot summer months too. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone! 


You can also buy similar brands at many stores, perhaps for even less money. I've seen similar products at BabiesRUs, Target, Walmart, on Amazon.com, Diapers.com, etc.

What Baby Products Should I Buy?

In this video I share my philosophy and advice for buying baby products. My top priorities when shopping for baby products were safety, quality, and price. We wanted to get the safest products that were high quality but also affordable. 


My tips for buying baby products include:
1. Research products online- you have to spend time researching different products online. Some of my helpful book links below will save you some time, but definitely look at things online you are interested in! Then if you can, go to an actual store to see them in person. 


2. Read product reviews- I wouldn't buy anything that doesn't have good product reviews. Of course there will always be a few negative reviews from an unfortunate consumer who bought something that had a broken piece in it, but that's by far the minority. Read BOTH the positive AND negative reviews. Why did something get a negative review? I relied heavily on product reviews.


3. Setting up baby registeries (you can register at Target, Walmart, BabiesRUs, Amazon.com, Diapers.com, etc.) Register at at least 2 different places and register for everything! Even if it's something you don't think you'll use for a year or so (like a potty training item). You will get so many things for your baby's first 3 months of life but then what will you do after that? If you register for items and receive them, you can always return them and use that money/credit towards other items.


4. Follow the Consumer Reports.com guidelines or check out their annual "Consumer Reports Best Baby Products A to Z Guide" (http://www.amazon.com/Best-Baby-Products-Consumer-Reports/dp/1933524243/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329436825&sr=1-1)


5. Ask family and friends for advice- but remember that something one person says is a "must have" may not really be. Remember, people have been having babies for thousands of years and it is only recently that all these products have become available. People raised their babies without swings, bouncers, rattles, etc. 


6. Do not purchase everything before the baby comes, only the must-have items. You can always buy items you "need" later. We found this to be very helpful. I always thought that if something is truly a "must have" item then I can always go get it later when I find out I truly need it. 


7. Check out some books from the library that list all the different baby products available. I used "The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide" and loved it! 


8. Price Match! A lot of stores will price match items! If you find an item online for a better price but don't want to pay S&H, a local store will likely price match it for you!


- I didn't mention this in the video, but this book is also a great resource: "Baby Bargains" 

Why Every New Mom Needs a Breast Pump

Here's my 2nd YouTube video. Please give me feedback on how you like my videos so far and be sure to subscribe to my channel! I also do a product review of my Avent Electric Pump Duo breast pump.


Reasons why every new mom needs a breast pump:
1. Helps relieve engorgement which in turn will help baby to latch on
2. Keeps milk supply up
3. Allows your baby to still have your breast milk through a bottle when you are not home
4. Allows you to supplement your baby with breast milk if your baby needs additional nutrition
5. Allows you to continue nursing your infant if you work part time or full time
6. Watch the video for all the reasons why you need a breast pump!

YouTube Channel Up and Running

It's finally happened! I posted my very very very first Youtube video. I'm hoping to post lots of videos on everything ranging from product reviews, advice for new moms, experienced moms, info on newborns/infants/toddlers, etc. It will go along with my posts on my blog. Be sure to subscribe to my channel also called "Mommyvignettes" to get updates!

Here's the direct link: http://www.youtube.com/user/Mommyvignettes

And there will always be a link at the top right of my blog!