When I was pregnant with my daughter eight years ago, my first purchase at the baby store was a Boppy Pillow. It had a pink slip cover, and all anyone could tell me was how much I was going to use that pillow. And they were right, I used that pillow all the time.Breastfeeding is full of baby bonding and baby nutrition magic. But it also does one magical number on your back. Nursing a regular size baby can kill your back without additional support, but I tend to create babies who look like they’re ready to try out for the rugby team. Let’s just say I need all of the breastfeeding support that I can get. The original Boppy pillow was created 28 years ago. Think how many backs they’ve saved! My oldest daughter’s pillow took us through her and my middle son, but when Boppy generously offered me a test model of their Boppy Best Latch Breastfeeding Pillow to try for my new little guy, I jumped on the opportunity. Being number three shouldn’t necessarily mean that all of your equipment has been covered in spit-up by your older siblings.
With number three, I haven’t exactly been nursing in the peaceful rocking chair tucked into the corner of his perfectly orderly nursery. He spends a lot of time being nursed in a car while we wait for swim practice to end or on a floor while I sit criss-cross applesauce and make complimentary statements about Lego creations. Bottom line is, my back has not been feeling good. But then my new Boppy® Best Latch™ Breastfeeding Pillow showed up, and I no longer feel like a crumpled piece of paper. My back feels better, I’m not hunching over, and my future rugby player looks much more comfortable while he dines directly from the tap. The Boppy pillow was designed by a Lactation Consultant specifically for nursing moms. It comes with two surfaces to choose from. The firm side offers a solid platform and is covered with the the softest fabric imaginable. It also includes a contoured foam edge that helps turn the baby for an effective latch. The softer fiberfill side is the perfect snuggly surface as your baby starts to grow.
The most thrilling news of all is that the pillow is washable. Remove the foam insert and belt and toss the pillow into the wash. Which I essentially do every single day. We’re volcanic over here.My back is worth a lot more than $45, and yours is too. While Boppy generously provided the pillow for my family to try, they’re also giving one away to a lucky reader. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boppy. The opinions and text are all mine. Comment below telling us which color you’d pick if you win the Boppy® Best Latch™ Breastfeeding Pillow. We’ll select a random winner on Friday, September 30th. Tags: baby bonding, baby gear, baby registry, baby shower, nursingContrary to what real estate agents would like you to believe, having a baby does not automatically mean you need to buy a bigger house. There are plenty of ways to fit a baby into a small space. It just takes some advance planning and a willingness to think outside the box.
Some people choose to forego the crib altogether to co-sleep, or use a small infant bed inside the parents' bed.A crib can easily go in the corner of the parents’ bedroom. (I did it for one year when living in 1-bedroom apartment with a newborn, and it makes nighttime feedings easier.) Or turn a wide, shallow closet into a sleeping nook for baby. Maybe you can fit the dresser in there, too, while you’re at it.Lotion, oils, medicine, thermometer, toys, clean washcloths and spit cloths – all of these things need to be stored somewhere, and what better place than hidden behind the door?If the space is tight, consider putting a rocking chair in the living room instead. It’s not as convenient at nighttime, but it can be pleasant place to spend time with your baby during the day. As for a special feeding chair, it can be even cozier to do it in bed, propped up with pillows.Install decorative hooks on the walls to hang up clothes. Or string a cotton rope between hooks to create a place where older kids can hang up their own clothes on little hangers.
Find a funky fabric laundry hamper and hang it on the wall, too.Bumper pads, stuffed animals, and decorative pillows in a crib take up space, create visual clutter, and are hazardous to a baby. And, let's be honest, the baby doesn't really care. Hang a pretty mobile from the ceiling instead.Nursing pillows work well for some women, but they can be a pain to store because of their awkward shape. Usually an ordinary bed pillow (or a few) can do just as good a job at supporting your arms and baby.For some reason, this space is often forgotten, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t store boxes of out-of-season clothes, toys, or extra diapers underneath. Same goes for under the parents’ bed.Installing shelving units up off the floor will make the room feel less cluttered, plus it’s easier to clean. If you do go with floor shelves, think tall instead of wide.This can save you from needing to furnish or add an extra room, and most little kids love it. They’ll keep each other company, and even provide comfort with their physical presence.