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THE DOCKATOT GRAND REVIEW: IS IT A sleep miracle WORKER?

When you journey into motherhood, from the moment you get pregnant you’re plunged into the world of pillows. From the Snoogles that you need to get any sleep while pregnant to the nursing pillows once your baby is born, pillows of every form are seemingly a necessity in your day to day life as a mother. So why not continue this trend into toddlerhood? I’m sure you’ve heard of the DockATot Deluxe, the hot new baby item all new parents are putting on their registry. but there’s another DockATot product out there, one that you can use once your little one grows out of The Deluxe: The Dockatot Grand.

What is a DockATot Grand?

The DockATot Grand is for babies and toddlers ages 9 months to 36 months. It’s the same familiar shape as the Deluxe, but larger. It was created and crafted with safety and comfort in mind. The fabric they use is breathable and, (a big one for me), eco-friendly. I try to keep a “green home” especially when it concerns sheets and mattresses, so that’s an essential box that DockATot checks off for me. And, very bonus: it’s easily washable, because”¦kids, am I right?

How I use the DockATot Grand: Co-Sleeping with a toddler

People talk about the dangers of co-sleeping with an infant, but we typically don’t hear about the dangers of co-sleeping with a toddler. A two-year-old heel in your eye socket at 3 in the morning, a headbutt in the middle of your REM cycle, and even a swift jab of a tiny knee, leaving you on the floor for the rest of the night. Parents: take caution.

If only there was a pillow that constrained an active co-sleeping toddler. Boom. DockATot Grand. I had seen the Deluxe for newborns and infants, but I had no idea that there was a DockATot for toddlers up to 36 months. It was discovered at a time of sleep deprivation because my two year old apparently practices his WWE stunts in his dreams. All that to say the discovery of the DockATot Grand came at the best time.

Keep in mind that it’s a pillow, not a miracle maker. but with that said, sleeping (a important part of being a human and what I have been deprived of for 2 years) has been so much better because using the DockATot. So, I call it a borderline miracle worker. sleep has improved for everyone and that is priceless.

Other uses for the DockATot Grand

If you’re like me, you want to get the most out of your money.

We got the DockATot when our child was 2 years old, but I can see utilizing it from the time he was even 6 months old. I remember when my child was this age and learning how to sit up on his own (and then dive bombing head first into the floor). I would put pillows around his body to cushion the fall, but the DockATot would have come in very useful during this time.

Additionally, mimicking the mother’s womb doesn’t necessarily end when your child grows out of newborn-dom. Your little one still wants to feel protected and snug when they sleep. The DockATot offers cushion around a toddler’s body to give a comfortable hug to your baby when they’re sleeping, known to decrease wake-ups throughout the night. though it’s not recommended to go inside your child’s crib, it’s a terrific way to transition your child into a big-kid bed by giving it a much more comfortable feel.

Is the DockATot Grand portable and good for travel?

This is my wheelhouse, and I should preface this by saying that I am an absolute minimalist when it concerns traveling. I take only the necessities and saying that I pack light is an understatement.

With that said, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend flying with the DockATot Grand. though it comes with a travel bag with handles, it is just very big. It would cost a lot to bring on a plane. If the destination is driving distance, it would really depend on if you have the room in your car. Parent’s with a little much more space to spare in their automobile would happily toss this in to give their child familiarity sleeping away from home. It beats an unpleasant hotel crib for sure.

So what I’m trying to say is that before you purchase the DockATot with the intent of it being a travel item, grasp it’s size (48in x 24in) and make a decision from there.

Around the House

Though it’s not a very travel friendly item, it is portable around your house. kids typically take there DockATot out to the family room while they view a movie, or lie in it to read books, along with it’s primary use in the bed. It’s lightweight for your little one to drag from room to room (and thankfully device washable for when that happens), so it’s portability for the home is great.

Final conclusion about the DockATot

When it concerns sleep and promises of improving it for me and my toddler, my first reaction is, “take all my money!!!” It has helped with our sleep, but the price label (at around $300) is pretty steep. It’s certainly not in everyone’s budget, but if it is, this will help with sleep and comfort for your little one. If you get it early onin your child’s toddlerhood, you can really get good use out of it to guarantee you get your money’s worth. all in all, I’m very pleased with it and my child loves his “special bed”.

Check current prices on DockaTot Here!

About the Author

Have much more questions about the Dockatot Grand?

Please leave a question in the comments

Or ask a question in our Rookie mothers Facebook Group, it’s a terrific group of mothers where you can share your experiences, ask for guidance and even help out another mom!

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HOW TO in shape a lot more youngsters IN ONE space

Dear Rookie mommies readers,

Hey, you guys! We requirement some assist with this letter. Actually, it was a comment on our publish 2 in a space (or not). Please checked out as well as share your finest recommendations for squeezing three bit youngsters in one space (or not!) in the comments. We say thanks to you as well as Amanda thanks you!

solution to lots of youngsters in one space when mama is architect, Melissa Schollum

We online in a 2 bedroom home as well as my 2 kids, 3 year old child as well as 15 month old kid have always shared a room. He was 2 months old as well as sleeping with the night so we made a decision to try as well as have him sleep in the exact same space as his sister. I couldn’t believe exactly how well my child adjusted! She is a extremely noise sleeper as well as still sleeps with his crying. The strange night he still wakes up.

Our issue now is we are expecting the unplanned 3rd child. LOL. We are not sure if we must set up a crib in our space or try to make space in the kids’ room. My 2 youngsters get along fantastic as well as play a great deal in their room. If I were to put a crib in there, they would lose a great deal of space.

We are firm believers on the youngsters sleeping in their own space when they sleep with the night, however because of lack of area we are not sure what to do. We have believed about a bunk bed however I am anxious that my child is to young for the top bunk. She will be 4 months timid of 4 years old when the infant arrives. She likewise has a great twin bed with drawers under it so I didn’t have to take up space with a big dresser.

Not as well sure what to do as well as would like some input!

~ Amanda

Christine from the Aums blog shared these photos of squeezing her four bit ones (age 1 to 6) in a single space with space to play in the loft. She states they utilized “custom made Japanese futons for our 4 kids. We’ve tried beds as well as mattresses before… however this is what works for now. They chosen their own colors, blankets, pillows…They are 6, 5, 3, as well as 1”!

Christine’s real-life solution, the futons

The children’s lofted playspace

The always magnificent dwell makes it look oh-so-easy as well as stylish to capture four in a space this minimalist option (shown up top). desire I had the wall area to entertain that idea!

Do you in shape three or a lot more bit youngsters in one room? If so, how?

QUESTION FOR YOU: WHAT DID YOU look ahead TO DOING AS AN adult WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE?

before I ended up being a thirtysomething mom whose eyes fill with tears at any type of mention of youth hunger or loss of a spouse, I maintained what I now acknowledge as a gratitude practice. No, I was not costs a moment every day to be mindful of exactly how lucky I was to be safe, healthy, as well as loved; rather, I would marvel to myself, “I am a grown up! I can stay up as late as I want as well as have Snickers bars for dinner! I can view limitless hours of television. nobody will stop me!”

Last weekend I went to a curated reading called Voices of the Year at the BlogHer conference. The emcee introduced each author by sharing one thing that the author had stated she looked ahead to in adult life when she was a child. I wished to present the concern to everybody at my table immediately.

I never ever eat a Snickers bar for dinner. My mother’s lessons are as well ingrained in my head. however I would quickly eat one after dinner — if I had believed to purchase one.

How about you? What did you look ahead to doing as an adult? Do you do it?

THE manage FREAK€™S guide TO LEAVING YOUR infant WITH somebody ELSE

There are three huge parts to taking care of leaving your infant with one more caregiver for the very first time:

How YOU are feeling.

How the infant is feeling.

What the SITTER needs to know.

I will offer to you – in overall empathy with exactly how difficult it is to leave a valuable baby – that the very first part is the most important.

Can you manage going somewhere else? Are you ready? since if you are ready, then your mood will positively influence your baby’s specify of mind as well as assist the caregiver too. Most skilled babysitters can figure out the rest to keep your infant to life up until you return.

I when had a babysitter enjoy my five-month old in a hotel space during my brother’s wedding. Her directions were to do whatever she might to leave the breastmilk stock untouched to ensure that I might nurse him when a lot more before the reception. She messed up my one instruction; as well as now that kid is eight. everything works out.

Let’s offer with you very first (and last)

This will be okay. You can do this. You want (or need) to be somewhere else as well as that is ok. Whether it is work or your finest friend’s bachelorette party, it is alright to leave your infant with someone. Take some deep breaths, feel the feelings. now be brave.

Write up a cheat sheet.

I desire you to keep the crucial info on one piece of paper. include the basics: approximate schedule, meal suggestions, bedtime routine, a short FAQ, as well as emergency get in touch with information (you, partner, pediatrician). I likewise have our house address provided there in situation she needs to tell an ambulance.

I extremely suggest keeping the directions brief. The longer you make your cheat sheet, the less likely it is to be utilized as well as the nuttier you look by extension. If you’re leaving for a long weekend, go ahead as well as make a binder, however if this is three hours, your cell phone as well as the place of the mashed banana should suffice.

Tell infant you’ll be back, then get out of there.

At our preschool drop-off, Sawyer likes to provide me a hug, kiss, then push out the door. It assists him to feel in manage of our goodbye routine. discover a pleasurable method to leave each other as well as don’t belabor it. If infant is crying, understand that it most likely won’t last.

Trusting a babysitter is difficult on any type of self-proclaimed manage freak since we are relinquishing the authority to somebody else. however if we didn’t do it, we’d never get anything done. See also, my best tips on discovering a good babysitter and my goofy directions for a new babysitter.

WHAT ARE “CURIOSITY killed THE CAT” and A YELLOW SHIRT?

They are the best and worst presents my husband ever got me.

For my birthday, while we were still new at the dating thing, Alec remembered an off-handed comment I made about a cool art piece in a cafe and chased down the artist on his own time to surprise me with it. I was so surprised and touched that it hardly matters that I also love it and think it’s hilarious. He scored big points for that birthday.

It proudly hangs on the wall near our front door. I smile inside whenever I see it.

And that yellow shirt? Well, my husband tends to hate shopping and gift-giving so much that I pretended to like it. Oh sure, it’s cute on the hanger or the drawer, but it’s yellow and looks really gross next to my skin. It also didn’t help matters that I had to be super duper pregnant to even fit in it, so I wasn’t exactly looking my best. Did I mention its sleeveless? and how my triceps could be in the best shape of my life from hefting myself in and out of bed while my upper arms managed to still look so doughy is one of life’s great mysteries.

So, when I read about GetInHerHead [via the ParentBloggers], I thought we could give it a try. It’s a handy website for people whose husbands, like mine, hate giving gifts (but still love their wives and are wonderful people). I forwarded the link to him yesterday morning and before lunch, he had already set us both up with accounts and filled in his own vital statistics (shoe size, trousers, shirt, etc.). If he likes it, I like it. I’ll report back after our anniversary or Christmas to see if it made any difference at all in his level of anguish for gift-giving.

Alec, if you’re still reading. I love the gps map toy and the mailboxtees you got me this year — you’re the best!

9 amazing new baby and kid products I SAW AT ABC kids EXPO 2015

Karen — who has written various messages here and who has her own site Off the Meathook — and I spent the past two days walking the huge floor of the annual ABC kids Expo, where folks in the baby industry show off their products to potential buyers and media.

Karen even spent some time laying on the floor, enticed by a lesson on how to give herself a prenatal massage with a small rubber ball. (That was at the Pariday booth; they make postpartum recovery products that are certainly worth knowing about.)

We saw zillions of strollers, bedding sets, bibs, and tiny lounge chairs, and these are ten of the items that I’d many consider purchasing myself.

Storage bins by fluf.ca. I liked these because they are trendy patterns and sized just best to go into that basic IKEA cube shelf system.

Some of the Fluf collection is stiff fabric bins that you can toss a bunch of train tracks in and drag around, but a bunch of the 2016 stuff is made out of Tyvek, which is the lightweight indestructible material used on construction projects. That implies it won’t rip, even if covered in slobber.

Fold-up, portable cot bunk beds by Kid-O-Bunk. I think a picture is worth a thousand words in this case. So I’ll just leave this here.

Infinite privacy for breastfeeding. We looked through a lot of infinity nursing scarves. This concept, a highly wearable privacy shield for breastfeeding, is a much better service than it’s ancestor, the Hooter Hider.

Many producers are using fabrics that aren’t soft enough, or using dated prints that you wouldn’t actually want to wear as a scarf. We liked the jersey versions from Bebe au Lait, and when we asked them why the scarves are single-layered (ie, there is a wrong side that reveals seams and has no print), the brand representative explained that a double-layered scarf becomes so thick that it’s a concern to wear. Well done, Bebe Au Lait.

Speed jogging stroller from Bumbleride. This stroller is for major running, and it will be available in 2016. I loved everything Bumbleride showed me from how easily the tires popped off, how it folded and stood up on it’s own, and the modes that the wheels can be set in for efficient running or steering.
Shopping for a stroller is overwhelming, and I’m not your expert, but this demo won me over. and so did the olive green color. You’ll find this particular stroller in local independent baby stores where it’s worthwhile to get assistance from actual employees, not just online reviews. shop small, y’all!

Chalkboard for monthly baby photos by Pearhead. It’s alright if your chalk art skills are not Pinterest-worthy because this reasonably priced design template will do the trick.

Bassinest from HALO. This thing is so flexible that you can swivel baby closer and even more while you are half asleep.

Plus when you get up, swivel it so that you can get out of bed without scootching down. It’s got a flexible side so you can push it down when you want to touch baby, and a bunch of other (soothing) bells and (quiet) whistles. A smart service for close-sleeping rather than co-sleeping. Wait, is Karen laying down again?

Carrycot stroller by Greentom Upp. This white (!) stroller is revolutionary in it’s eco-friendliness. The frame is made from post-consumer recycled plastic, as is the fabric.

I think Karen, who will be pushing a baby around in a few months would turn a lot of heads in San Francisco with this distinct stroller. She ought to get one, right?

This frame can convert to the older baby and toddler models, too.

Cute-as-heck newborn clothing by skip*hop. All the layette items were really adorable, but we were especially charmed by the black and white stuff.

Doona convertible stroller-to-carseat from Simple Parenting. What!? My mind was blown by this stroller that folds its wheels into itself to become carseat. Yes, it’s a heavy carseat (15.5 lbs). but it goes up to 35 lbs/32 inches so you can use it for a long time. I made this video of the sales dude to illustrate how it works. press play:

 

A video posted by Heather + Whitney (@rookiemoms) on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:28am PDT

All opinions are my own. All photos are mine, too.

Trick or treat – #WordlessWednesday with #linky on a Tuesday

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My kids went trick or Treating for Halloween last Saturday. In the united states kids dress up in costumes on October 31 and visit neighbor’s who pass out treats.  After knocking on the door or ringing the door bell, kids say, “Trick or treat!,” and they get something sweet like candy, or a small item like a pencil. Some people also pass out money.

It rained on Halloween this year, but that didn’t stop my kids from dressing up to go out trick or treating. Did your kids dress up for Halloween? Did they go trick or treating?

 

 

 

 

This is our #WordlessWednesday post for this week.  Visit these great blogs where the healthy mothers  Magazine links up each week.

 

 

 

 

Rules of this #BlogHop

Leave me a comment so I can visit your blog.

 

Visit talbertzoo.com to leave your link.

Visit the other blogs linking up.

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BABY FAT book evaluation

We, Rookie Moms, tread lightly in the area of diet plan as well as exercise. We believe a new mom has sufficient adjustments as well as to-dos without likewise fretting about losing that last ten pounds.

That said, our routine visitors may likewise understand that when Milo turned two as well as people were still asking me when the infant was due, I inspired to get serious about weight loss.

The infant Fat diet plan did not make me lose the last ten pounds; however, I would not hesitate to suggest it to my new mom friends, sisters, or sisters-in-law who may be having a hard time to in shape healthy eating habits into a chaotic life with a newborn.

The infant Fat diet plan (a hectic mom’s guide to losing weight as well as looking fabulous) is a handy book for parents trying to get a handle on like handles. The authors, both new moms as well as dietitians, speak in ordinary language as well as do not promise instant results by eating only grapefruit or cookies (I really did get a pitch for the all-cookie diet!).

Their tips are totally in-line with what I already believe as well as they comprehend the difficulties of parenting little children. For example they totally *get* it that when your infant doesn’t surface what’s on his plate, mom commonly does. One rookie mom told me today that she even eats what her son throws on the floor. Yikes.

Most practical stuff for me:

A excellent meal plan with motivation for snacks as well as quickie dinners

Lots of practical tips for eating out (skip the significant ooey gooey wonderful dessert as well as opt for deep dark chocolate in smaller portions)

Confirmation for some typical sense rules we already comply with at house as well as a huge high-five for avoiding McDonald’s (so far)

Really great concepts for amping up the fun as well as calorie-burning within your on a regular basis arranged day

What didn’t I like?
Well, I don’t like having to offer with weight problems or believe about diets at all. Period.

Once I get over myself as well as admit that I can utilize this guidance as well as help… I discovered the visual style as well as tone a bit cutesie. It’s kinda not my style.

Bottom line
The advice is truly noise as well as based on typical sense. If you are having a hard time with healthy eating after having a baby, this is a great book for you.

—–
Disclaimer/Disclosure:
A copy of this book was sent to me for my consideration as well as I checked out the whole dang thing.

START A business WITH YOUR baby

Shawn Hazen is a Chicago-based designer whom I’ve never met, but I have been emailing with his partner Lisa ever since she became a rookie mom. When she told me last month that her spouse and their rookie baby Finn, now three, started a t-shirt company, I developed a crush on him. I think this creative family business is totally awesome, and I would like my spouse to start a rock band with Julian, stat.

Three-year old Finn Hazen loves robots, and came up with the name for the company, Robotcha. He also comes up with many of the ideas for new robot designs. “That explains why many of them involve ice cream,” Shawn says.

They sent us two t shirts to show off their new stuff. Julian got to keep one and gave one to Holden for his birthday. here Julian is, ready to go to Holden’s party, gift in hand.

“Doesn’t it ruin the gift, if Julian is wearing the shirt already?” my spouse asked. “Holden is turning four,” I said. “I doubt he’ll notice what Julian is wearing, and if he does admire it, all the better when he opens his gift.”

Julian loves his Robotcha shirt because it’s glittery and it sparkles, and he is a glittery type of guy. I caught him admiring his tshirt’s reflection in the side of the automobile the other day. He was transfixed. I wish I could have videotaped it for the Hazens.

If you have a preschooler in your house, know that you have a fountain of creativity just waiting to be exploited. Make some money off your kid’s fresh ideas before they get watered down by reality.

To see Finn and Shawn’s entire collection, including some girl-friendly designs, check out Robotcha-Co.com.

Weekend reflection #53 A whole Year of an empty Meme

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Grab the weekend reflection Code

Well it is official now. I’ve been hosting this meme for a whole year and nobody has participated. Does this say something? will I ever give up on this? probably not. It might take another whole year before anybody participates. but I use this meme as my way of sorting through my thoughts and the events that took place over the past week. It is also a terrific way to file what my kids are doing, their development etc.

So here it is a whole year of weekend Reflections without any participants. So now it is time for me to do some much more begging.

Please, wonderful, fabulous, amazing readers could you please join me in reflecting back on your week just this once? I’m telling you this meme has helped me deal with stress, look back on how much my kids have changed and just sort through everything. You could also use this meme to vent a little if something has been bothering you. I’ve discovered a lot of you vent on your blog. and yes there are other memes for that such as Tuesday’s Ramblings, I think it is called, and Friday Frustrations. I guess this is just another one of those venting meme’s. but nobody is participating!

So to celebrate a year of the empty Meme I will leave you with links to some of my favorite weekend reflection articles.

I hope you find them as amusing as I do!

Weekend reflection #49 The chocolate Milk Song>> Sunday, April 5, 2009I can not believe that it is the weekend already. have I said that before? Probably.

Related  weekend reflection #35- Blogging

Anyway I have to make this brief because I am writing at 6:30 in the morning and it is palm Sunday so I need to be at mass before 9.

Sorry I am publishing weekend reflection so late. yesterday was a busy day. I had to clean our messy home and take care of laundry mountain all before 3pm. We had a party to go to that afternoon for a couple of pals of ours who are moving to Denver. read more.

Weekend Reflection>> Sunday, December 23, 2007

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Christmas is practically hear and the kids are getting thrilled about Santa. The terror wants a baby with a nuk. The baby just wants Mommy. and the big girl wants some new games for her Nintendo. father wants a new job and mommy just wants some much more sleep.If everyone has been good Santa will provide.

This Christmas has been full of surprises for my family. We have all had our share of colds and lack of sleep. read more.

Weekend reflection #25

Friday August 1, 2008

I can’t believe that it is Friday already. this week flew by way too fast. My oldest daughter went on an airplane to Wisconsin on Tuesday. She flew by herself. I already miss her. I’ve been in charge of all of her chores, cleaning the litter boxes. feeding the cats and feeding her fish. Ciara has been sleeping in Courtney’s bed now that she is gone. Today is the first day because she left that I did not call her on the phone. I know she is alright. maybe I will give her a call later.

Related  end of season pool care and safety Tips

Chris and I both got hired to work full time for Crossmark. They are a merchandising company. We will get paid well and they include benefits. He got an e mail from them today with his new employee number and how he can log into the company site etc. I still haven’t gotten that e mail yet. read more.

Weekend reflection #40 We are going to the Moon>> Sunday, January 11, 2009

I’m sorry I’m posting this late. this week was pretty busy. I actually stuck with my work plan and blogged for 5-6 hours each day. I saw my traffic go up as a result. now I know what I need to do to increase my readership on this blog. But, yesterday I chose to do the housework that I was putting off and spend the day with my oldest.

My spouse went down to Galt to take a test for a state job and the little ones went to grandma and Grandpa’s for the day. Courtney helped me organize the kids toys and she cleaned her room and Conan’s room. read more.

Weekend reflection #34 – Our kids say the Funniest Things>> Friday, November 21, 2008

Yesterday we were riding in the van coming home from a check out to one of our local malls. My oldest (Courtney, 11) was sitting in the back seat listening to her MP3 player and the two little ones were sitting rather quietly in their automobile seats. then Courtney said, “Mom Ciara just pulled a substantial chunk of hair out of her head!”

I replied, “Ciara, don’t do that! Why did you pull your hair out?” read more.

Related  how to care for a Sunburn

Weekend reflection # 32 random Ramblings>> Sunday, November 9, 2008

I haven’t figured out what to title this week’s weekend reflection post. maybe I’ll think of a good one when I finish writing. The week went by way too fast. It seemed like we had too much to do, which doesn’t make sense because this was our first full week without our jobs. maybe that is what I ought to title it.

Even though I did not have to get up early to go to work I’ve been incredibly exhausted lately. I might be getting depressed again. but it shouldn’t be effecting me too much because I am taking St. John’s Wart. read more.

Link to this post:Weekend reflection #53 A whole Year of an empty Meme

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