Gifts for Twin Babies!

As a mom of twins, friends frequently ask me what are great baby shower gifts for moms expecting two bundles of joy. I took a recent stroll through the Cotton Babies warehouse to share a few of my favorite items and a few fun things I would have enjoyed as gifts for my twins.

One of my favorite baby gifts to give and to receive are aden + anais swaddling blankets. When shopping for twins, grab a 4 pack of coordinating blankets. With two for each baby, you'll always have one available to use, even when one is in the laundry.

I'm a big fan of coordinating twins rather than matching, probably due to the fact that my twins are identical. Coordinating outfits helped family members know which little one they were snuggling. Zutano has some really great separates in bright color solids and coordinating prints. Choose a solid color t-shirt and print pants for one child and reverse the style for the other. Zutano is also a great choice for boy/girl twins with adorable print dresses that coordinate with the pants. Reversible items are also great clothing gifts for twins, like this sweet reversible hoodie from BabySoy.

Anything packaged in pairs is fair game for twin gifting, especially when it arrives in clever packaging! MooMee has two great bib pairs you'll want to eat up. Choose from the veggie bib set that features peas and carrots or the fruit bib set with one lemon and one strawberry bib. Each set arrives in plastic baby food style jars, ready to give.

Don't forget mom when picking out twin gifts. Any new mom needs a little something special for those early newborn days. I love the Lifefactory bottles. As all expectant moms know, it's important to stay hydrated during pregnancy and the 22 ounce size makes it easy and stylish. The glass bottle doesn't alter the taste of your beverage either.

My final 'must have' item for a mom of twins is the Belly Bandit Bamboo. This belly wrap helps tighten and shrink your tummy after pregnancy. The bamboo version of this mom-favorite is great due to bamboo's inherently antimicrobial, moisture wicking properties. If you add this to your baby shower gift you'll quickly rise to be mom's new best friend.

For more great baby shower gift ideas for twins or a single baby, check out the Gift Ideas category of CottonBabies.com. What was your favorite baby shower gift that you received?

Buy a Moonstone Chaperone Stroller and Get a Chaperone Infant Seat FREE!

Now while supplies last get a free Moonstone Chaperone Infant Carseat with the purchase of a Moonstone Chaperone Stroller!Get the ultimate in convenience, comfort and style, with the Britax Chaperone Stroller. With this special offer, it's perfectly paired with the safest infant car seat on the market today, the Britax Chaperone.

The simple one-hand fold with automatic chassis lock positions the Britax Chaperone Stroller for the next logical step: placing in a vehicle or standing upright. This stroller is designed with smart features like a large underseat storage basket, functional child and parent trays, and a single brake pedal that engages and disengages both rear wheels. The all-wheel suspension, adjustable backrest and calf-rest, and a large canopy provide the perfect environment for your child's first five years.

This video demonstrates how easy it is to use the Britax Chaperone Travel System. A longer video with even more details about the Moonstone Chaperone Stroller is available.

The Chaperone stroller is appropriate from 6 months (or from birth when used with an infant carrier) up to 55 lbs. The stroller is compatible with the Britax Chaperone Infant Carrier, as well as other major carrier brands* when used with the Britax adapter strap (strap included with stroller).

Get the set for only $299.99 with Cotton Babies' free economy shipping. While supplies last.

*Britax Companion, Chicco Key Fit, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, Graco Safe Seat and others with included adapter strap.

This Just In: Simplisse Nursing Products

We've recently added Simplisse nursing products to our Cotton Babies catalog. The Simplisse line was developed through a partnership between industry-leading lactation consultants and moms. Every product in the Simplisse collection of breastfeeding products was carefully designed with the optimum health of mom and baby in mind. Simplisse has two goals, to make expressing milk a more comfortable, natural experience for moms and to collect breastmilk as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The Simplisse Manual Breast Pump is designed to accurately mimic natural breastfeeding. The super-soft BabyFace™ flexible breast-cup conforms to mom’s breast and naturally move with mom while expressing. The gentle compression technology gently elicits milk expression to help minimize tugging and pinching. Continuous Comfort™ valves regulate the pump's pressure so the suction levels are similar to baby at the breast. No high suction or painful pumping, only the utmost in comfort.

The Simplisse Manual Breast Pump is $39.99.

The Gia Nursing Pillow by Simplisse has a patented non-flat design that positions your baby at an incline, to aid in digestion and reduce reflux and other feeding problems. Its wide, flat surface prevents baby from rolling down. This nursing pillow can also be used to for tummy time. The quilted 100% cotton shell is anti-bacterial and stain resistant. Easy to care for, can be machine washed and dried. Easy on, easy off covers are available in 3 colors to protect your Gia Nursing Pillow.

The Gia Nursing Pillow is only $39.99 at Cotton Babies. Colorful covers Beco, Chase and Mia are available for $19.99 with your nursing pillow purchase or can be purchased individually.

All Simplisse products are available online at CottonBabies.com or in any of our retail stores in St. Louis, MO or Vancouver, WA. Do you own a Simplisse Manual Breastpump or Gia Nursing Pillow? Be sure to share your thoughts with other Cotton Babies customers in a review on the product page.

This Just In: Aden + Anais and GLAMOURMOM

We have two new products this week, one for mom and one for baby.

We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Aden + Anais issie security blankets since we were first introduced to them a few months back when our Aden + Anais representative visited for our Grand Opening festivities. Perfect for after the swaddling days when your little one still appreciates the comfort of a lovie, but doesn't need a full size blanket. Avoid a Mr. Mom style woobie conversation with this conveniently sized, easy to conceal, 16 inch by 16 inch muslin blanket edged with soft satin trim. The Aden + Anais issie comes in a 2 pack, so there is always one available for snuggling while the other is in the wash. At only $19.95 for the 2 pack and a variety of colors and prints to choose from, this would make a great gift for a newborn or a first birthday.

For mom, we love the GLAMOURMOM® Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank. I wish I would have had one of these for the early days after my twins were born. This is an original and patented design, perfect for discretion and support when nursing in public. The outer layer is extra long for style and superior post-partum coverage, while the inner layer supports and trims the tummy and waist. It pulls excess post-partum skin together to help reduce stretch marks.

The GLAMOURMOM® Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank encourages proper posture and will support your lower back while nursing. The full built-in nursing bra has hook closures for easy, one-handed access. Available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large and at only $54.00 for a nursing bra / shapewear combo, this is a great deal.

These are only two of the new items added to our Cotton Babies website this week. Check out our new products page and let us know what your new favorite item is.

Real Mom Talk: Feelin' fine in just a few minutes time

A while back, we asked for "Real Mom Talk" topics and one mom suggested 'how to look your best when you haven't showered in days.' When I read it aloud to the Cotton Babies offices, a mom immediately answered "Flat Iron!"

While a little tongue-in-cheek, it's a great topic to discuss. It's hard to feel your best when you are sleep deprived and your body is recovering from pregnancy and delivery. Add breastfeeding into the mix and it's easy to feel as if your body is not your own. It's taken some time, but with boldness, I learned to ask moms of multiple children their tips on how to feel "put together" and pretty when you feel flabby and frumpy. Some of these tips can even be used for those final weeks of pregnancy.

My favorite personal discovery was jewelry. Something about wearing a complimentary set with a necklace and earrings made me feel so much prettier and intentional when I left home, even if I was still wearing jeans, a t-shirt and flip flops. I'd pick up pieces in dollar stores, thrift stores and on clearance until I had a rainbow of choices to go with any outfit.

I asked some of the most beautiful women I know to share their tips on how they look and feel their best:

Bekah said, "Belly binding for the newborn days." Cotton Babies has a variety of items including the Belly Bandit to help get your body back in shape after baby. You can see them all in our postpartum section.

"A little lipgloss, blush and mascara go a long way to help you look and feel put together (even if you weren't able to shower that day)," responded Shannon and Jamie agreed.

Libby says, "SMILE!" If you are looking for a reason to smile, she suggests this blog post: Smile.

Heather said, "When I find an everyday a shirt I like, I'll buy it in every color they have that is flattering to my skin tone. I have one go-to pair of sporty flats that can dress up or down. In short: keep it simple. Don't put too much emphasis on how you look unless it effects how you feel."

Feeling confident and put together can mean different things to different people. What do you do to feel your best and put your best foot forward when life leaves you feeling flustered and frazzled? Share your tips, let's learn from each other.

This Just In: California Baby Conditioners

New this week at Cotton Babies: California Baby conditioners and detanglers!

A few weeks ago, Jenn asked our Facebook fans what products they would like us to bring in. Several customers suggested we expand our California Baby product line. We're pleased to announce we now have several new products to compliment your favorite California Baby shampoos.

California Baby Tea Tree & Lavender Conditioner perfectly compliments the Tea Tree & Lavender Shampoo & Bodywash. It is a hit with dads who like the vibrant and functional blend of oils. The no tears formula contains no numbing agents, and is safe and gentle, yet effective, for the whole family. The Tea Tree & Lavender shampoo & body wash is recommended for those battling cradle cap or eczema. Julianne, a Cotton Babies customer, shared in her review:

"I love the California Baby line. My son has excema and thus his skin breaks out if we use certain baby washes or detergents. This smells wonderful and doesn't aggravate his sensitive skin."

Also new to Cotton Babies is the California Baby Super Sensitive Hair Conditioner. The non-irratating and non-chemical formula is perfect for people with allergies and those who cannot tolerate fragrances. It is also hypoallergenic and pH balanced. Pair it with the Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash for best results.

As a mom of a toddler girl, I can't tell you how important it is to have detangler in your house! California Baby's Calming Hair Detangler is a wonderful blend of herbal emollients and light and refreshing aromatherapy essential oils. The willow and pansy naturally protect baby's hair from harmful sun's rays. It may be used on wet or dry hair and works great on mom's hair too to reduce split ends and is safe for chemically treated hair. The calming detangler will be a great addition to the calming shampoo and conditioner.

All these California Baby products and many more are available online at CottonBabies.com or in any of our three retail stores in St. Louis, MO and Vancouver, WA.

Have you used any California Baby products? What are your favorites and why?

Real Mom Talk: What Happened to my Body?

As many of you have already commented, one of the biggest changes that no one shares with you during the nine glorious months of pregnancy is how many different parts of your body will never be the same after carrying a child.

My body changed slowly each day for nine months to adjust to carry my child and yet I somehow was disappointed when two days after delivery my body still looked six months pregnant. My stomach was saggy, spongy and deflated and my hips were wider than my shoulders. I expected it all to magically snap back into place like a pair of elastic pants as soon as the baby popped out. When it didn't, I felt like a failure.

Equally difficult to accept was the scar that accompanied my c-section. Thankfully, a dear friend pointed out that ugly scar represented a procedure that saved my life and my child's as well. Without that incision, we might neither have survived.

I don't even want to talk about the changes from nursing four children, it's not pretty. Let's just say I'm thankful to live in a day where push-up bras and shape wear are readily available. I just wish I'd known about the Belly Bandit in the early months after my twins were born!

With my children being born so close together, it took years for me to begin to accept what was the new norm for my body. Honestly, I still struggle with my body image. On the inside, I'm still the energetic, athletic high school girl that wore short skirts, knee high socks and fitted shirts. She's now hidden somewhere behind the mask of my new mom body. Adjectives like hot, cute and sexy have been replaced in my mind with strong, powerful and healthy. They are certainly not my favorite adjectives, but they are better than the negative ones that used to fill my mind.

It's taken a lot of work to reach any sort of contentment with this body, most of it battling in my own mind, some of it through diet and exercise. I sometimes wonder if someone had taken the time to share with me how long it takes your body to fully recover from a pregnancy if it might have made it easier, if it would have helped me form more realistic expectations? Maybe not, I don't think there is a magic solution to keep other women from the same struggles and insecurities that come with the changes that occur during pregnancy.

How do you feel about your body, post pregnancy? What was the most shocking change you experienced? Have you accepted your new mom body? What helped you learn to appreciate it?

Real Mom Talk: Nitty Gritty on Nursing

Today in Real Mom Talk, we move north to talk about our two best girl friends. Nothing can truly prepare you for what it feels like to nurse a baby. Maybe you used that breast pump on your shelf to try to induce labor at week 40, so you think you have an idea of what it will be like, but not even that compares to a real, live, hungry baby. Sure, it's a wonderful, natural thing women have done for centuries, but that doesn't mean it is always easy or feels nice.

For some moms, breastfeeding is easy, completely pain free and they never give it a second thought. For others, it isn't quite that simple. A poll here in our office found exactly one mom who never experienced any pain during the early days of breastfeeding. If you're having trouble with breastfeeding, always seek the assistance of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Calling your doula, midwife, obstetrician, birthing center or the post-partum department at the hospital will help you connect with the right resource.

Anecdotally speaking, these are some of the things that our staff has found helpful during the early days of nursing a baby:

• Nursing bras and cloth nursing pads are helpful in giving you the support and security you need in those early days.
• Gel breast soothers and lanolin can be very helpful to have ready to go, should you begin to get irritated as you find your nursing groove.
• Feeling like you are about to burst? Sometimes it can be helpful to relieve some of the pressure when things are feeling most uncomfortable. The most beneficial milk is the hindmilk, so expressing a bit of foremilk shouldn't adversely affect your baby. You can either manually express breastmilk or use a breastpump to relieve a bit of pressure.
• If your breast pump doesn't fit quite right, your IBCLC may recommend Medela PersonalFit Breastshields for a better fit.
• If your pediatrician recommends supplementing, ask if Medela's Supplemental Nursing System is right for you and your baby.

It's also important to remember that each mom, baby and situation are different. Sometimes despite great effort, nursing is just not an option and that's okay. Don't mentally beat yourself up over other people's experiences or judgements, they haven't walked in your shoes. Remember no matter your situation, no matter your choice, you are a good mom because you are doing the best you possibly can for your baby.
Did you breastfeed or bottle feed? Did you overcome obstacles or struggles to feed your child? Tell us about your infant feeding journey.

Real Mom Talk: Oh the Ooze!

The moment your child emerges from the womb is amazing. It's a rush of emotion, excitement and fluids. As you bask in the glow of the moment, it's easy to forget what's happening below.

Thankfully medical professionals assist with the initial cleanup, but after those early hours, it becomes a relentless task that only a sleep deprived, mother of a newborn can care for.

Very few women truly understand what postpartum bleeding is like until after they've had their first child. Which leaves many first time mothers unprepared, both emotionally and with inadequate supplies.

Most resources state that average postpartum bleeding lasts about six weeks. It's easy to forget that this is an average, rather than a magic predictor of when it will stop. Since it's an average, it means some women will bleed for a few weeks, while others will exceed the average and bleed for 2 months or more. It's really frustrating when six weeks pass and you are still changing pads day after day.

Another surprise that few moms talk about is how irregular the flow can be. After a few weeks, it can begin to lighten, leaving you with hope that you might be one of the lucky ones to beat the average. Life feels good, you begin to feel like a real person again and WHAM! It comes back with a vengeance. With all the sleep deprivation and focus on your new baby, it's difficult to remember that the flow is affected by how your uterus is shrinking, which is not necessarily consistent or even. Breastfeeding, hormones and other things can affect the rate at which your uterus returns to normal. This means your bleeding can vary from light to heavy multiple times before it completely stops.

We fill our bag for the hospital with items to use during labor and cute outfits for baby, but we often forget to care for ourselves in those early days. A few of our favorite items for in the hospital and the first few days after birth are part of the Mom's First Day kit from Smart Choices.

Some tips from Cotton Babies staff:

• Avoid wearing ruining your favorite pair of undies or having to wear ugly granny panties in the hospital with single-use waterproof panties.
• If the super pads aren't doing the job, our Flip Disposable Inserts work well inside the waterproof panties.
• Sometimes labor doesn't go exactly as planned, so we recommend the fem'e Pad, a cooling pad that can be used to relieve pain from tears, episiotomies, hemorrhoids or other irritations.
• We also recommend the Sitz Bath from Motherlove and the cooling New Mama Bottom Spray from Earth Mama Angel Baby.
• For those mamas who've had a c-section, we recommend the C-Mama Healing Salve from Earth Mama Angel Baby as your scar heals.

For moms who've already experienced childbirth, what was the biggest surprise to you about postpartum bleeding or pain? What was one thing you wished you'd packed in your hospital bag for yourself for after birth?

Stay tuned for more Real Mom Talk about the early days after childbirth later this week.

Real Mom Talk: Postpartum Depression

This week, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that pediatricians screen mothers of newborns for postpartum depression. According to the AAP, “Estimated rates of depression among pregnant and postpartum women can range between 5 percent and 25 percent.”

Cotton Babies currently has more than 10,000 fans on our Facebook page. If we apply these statistics, thousands of you, your sisters, your daughters or your wife could be dealing with issues of depression.

Postpartum depression is a serious issue that needs to be talked about openly. As with many mental health issues, there is often a stigma attached to PPD. Sometimes even well meaning mothers, women and even medical personnel can dismiss symptoms with comments like, “Every new mom feels that way sometimes” or “Of course dear, you're sleep deprived. It's only natural you feel like that.” What are we as a community of moms to do? We need to educate ourselves and others. According to the Mayo Clinic:

Postpartum depression may appear to be the baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and longer lasting, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks.

Symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex
• Lack of joy in life
• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swing
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Education alone isn't enough. As women, we need to talk openly about PPD, reassure others that it's nothing they've done wrong and encourage each other to get help if necessary. Have you been diagnosed with postpartum depression? Have you been helped or helped others who have battled PPD? Share your story, help us dispel the myths about PPD.