Recently in Blankets Category

We all love cake but I think there are some new moms who would appreciate not having cake brought over for a while.  Although I loved (and devoured) the Sprinkles cupcakes my sister got for my second daughter's baby shower, now looking at my rear and gut, this might have been a better option!  These amazingly beautiful cakes from Babycakes of Scottsdale are in fact new born essentials make into a cake!  The 2 Tier Girls Set is $350 and includes 1 Blanket, 12 Onesies, 6 Wash Cloths, 2 Sleepers, 12 Receiving Blankets, 1 Skull Cap and 6 Burp Cloths.  There is of course a boy set as well.  If you have someone REALLY special to shop for, the 3-Tier Girl Set  has 1 Sun Hat, 1 Cuddle Blanket, 3 Sleepers, 12 Onesies, 2 Dresses, 6 Wash Cloths, 2 Skull Caps, 6 Burp Cloths, 3 Pairs of Socks, 2 Pacifiers, 1 Pair of Booties and 12 Receiving Blankets for $415.  I know what you're thinking, you are going to try to make this for your best friend or sister, right?  I think it is money well spent to just get the actual piece of art and spend your time fighting with those who want to take over the throwing of the shower with too many opinions.  You know what I'm talking about.

The Miracle Blanket is a miracle indeed! From the moment my son, Jackson, was born, he would not sleep! It was frustrating and exhausting! One night in the first week home, my exasperated husband started reading “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp (this book is great by the way, and every new parent should read it!). Dr. Karp stresses the 5 Ss, including swaddling. Jackson had a very strong startle reflex, like many newborns, and he couldn’t settle down unless he was swaddled. We tried using hospital blankets, but it was hard for me to wrap him properly at night, and no matter how tight the swaddle, Jackson could always kick out of it. Next, we tried a few different swaddling blankets that we could find locally, and they didn’t work well either. Finally, someone mentioned the miracle blanket to us, and it was amazing!

The Miracle Blanket, recommended by doctors, parents and even celebrities, is easy to use, even when you’re exhausted in the middle of the night! It was the only blanket that ever kept Jackson swaddled! I highly recommend it for the parents of newborns, who can’t sleep or have reflux or colic. I also like to give it as a baby shower gift. The Miracle Blanket is available in a variety of colors, for $29.99 (there is a really great instructional video on how to swaddle with this blanket!).

I am always on the hunt for cute baby gifts. Last year, I was searching online for one of my girlfriend’s new baby girl, and I stumbled upon Baby Bella. Their customer service and selection are great. I prefer to put together a collection of baby items to make the perfect gift, as opposed to one large gift or something off a baby registry, and Baby Bella makes this easy, with a large selection of adorable baby items. I also love their gift wrapping! For a small fee, you can have each gift wrapped separately, and you should definitely choose this option. A stack of meticulously wrapped gifts makes for a beautiful presentation! And the items are so cute, you'll find yourself shopping for your own children as well!

In 2004, the owners of Baby Bella opened a boutique in Fish Creek, WI, with the desire to only sell high quality children’s clothing and nursery decor. They pride themselves on their selection of fun and funky baby items. After a large response to their store, they opened the online site.

I have ordered from Baby Bella several times, and my girlfriends loved the gifts! Some of my favorites from the site are Trumpette socks, Bebe Au Lait and Baby Burpie burp cloths, Taggies, Diapering Attaches, and Robeez shoes.

Bunny Love Set - ($46 set of three)

I just discovered a new swaddle blanket that is a must have for new moms. Luna Lullaby offers The Soothing Blanket made of 100 % cotton muslin. Muslin is the latest trend in swaddle blankets because of its breathability. Naomi Watts swaddles her newborn in them although she uses a brand from down under. We can't fault her for supporting the home team, but Luna Lullaby is amazing. The generous size (44" x 44") is wonderful allowing the blanket to fit a growing baby. We washed our samples several times to find minimal shrinking. Because muslin stretches, the swaddle remains snug through various squirms and wiggles. When not swaddled, use The Soothing Blanket ($46 for set of three) for tummy time, nursing cover, or stroller sun shield. Finally, the designs are very adorable with a touch of retro. Available at Luna Lullaby. While you are shopping, check out the Bounce-a-Bye Baby ball that doubles as a fitness ball and the Bosom Baby($65), a minky wrapped maternity pillow and breastfeeding positioner.

Organic food trends started a few years ago and now more mommies want everything organic for their sweetie pies. In the age when everyone is “going green”, what does this new organic craze really mean? Now, manufacturers produce a ton of organic items from clothes to bubble bath just so your baby can get the purest. Organic cotton, similar to organic fruits and veggies, is grown without the use of insecticides or pesticides. However, the benefit is two-fold: not only does your baby have the purest fibers touching his or her skin, but the production of organic cotton causes no pollution that harms the environment. Organic bath products use ingredients grown without fertilizers or pesticides. Read about a few of Tot Snob’s favorite organic products:

California Baby

California Baby Bath Tote - $20

Not only is it organic but it is fantastic for babies with sensitive skin. The line contains no nut oils, gluten, soy, oat and dairy and no sulfates, DEA, colors, dyes, synthetic fragrances or numbing agents. So, what does it contain? The developer, a vegetarian, uses ingredients from plants and flowers. Only two animal products are used lanolin made from sheep’s wool and beeswax. Great for babies with sensitive skin or skin irritations such as eczema. Still not sold? Try the bath tote (above). I promise you will be back to buy the full-size soon. Shop the BabyCenter Earth-Friendly Boutique.

Swaddle Designs Blanket

Swaddle Designs Organics - $25

Swaddle Designs, already featured as a Tot Snob favorite for its large size and soft cotton flannel, just got better with their organic line of blankets. The blankets are just as soft and just as big, but only better because they are organic. Shop the BabyCenter Earth-Friendly Boutique.

Crib Bedding

Amenity Woods Organic Collection - $355

If you are up for the 70s earth tones, Amenity makes two retro inspired animal themed nursery bedding. The designs, Meadow and Woods, allow your little one to experience nature through organic comfort. Not only is it made from organic cotton, the company uses only vegetable dyes for color. The crib package ($355) has great canvas pieces, decorative pillows, and other accesories to complete the look. Available at Amenity.

Eyes of the World (sheet, skirt, & bumper - $536)

Cotton Monkey adds modern flair to eco-friendly style. They offer five sets of crib bedding ranging from pure, innocent White-on-White set to the brightly themed Eyes of the World collection (above). The fabric and batting are made from certified organic cotton. The color and prints are created from non-toxic, water based dyes. Available at Cotton Monkey.

I love winter time and fires in the fireplace. As the weather cools down, you start stocking up on the hot cocoa with marshmallows and dusting off blankets for the season. This year I am adding a new blanket to my collection, Barefoot Dreams CozyChic throw blanket. A few years ago when Oprah featured their adult robe on her Favorite Things show, I went out and bought one. It is one of the most fabulous pamper items I own. If I could wear it out, I would. Then, my kids received tons of Barefoot Dreams items when they were born. They instantly snuggled every item and my adoration for the line continued. I knew they made throw blankets, but never thought to order it for myself. Why is it that I spend money on my kids without thinking, but sometimes when it’s for me I think twice? Finally, this season I decided to buy the Barefoot Dreams throw. I don't know why it has taken me so long. I am already considering putting the kids down early the night it arrives so I can curl up on the couch. Check out all the fabulous colors. Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic at Nordstrom for $215 (King/Queen).

Sick of your baby wiggling out of every swaddle blanket, waking up, and needing to be swaddle for the billionth time? So were we! Then we discovered an absolute lifesaver, the Swaddle Designs Ultimate Swaddling Blanket. Designed by Lynette Damir, a registered RN and mother of two, who was frustrated with the numerous blankets she tried. She consulted with PhDs in infant research to develop the perfect swaddle blanket. We love, love, love the outcome of her determination combined with her sense of style. Swaddle Designs Ultimate Swaddling Blanket is not only functional, but chic too. The award winning design was featured on NBC’s Today Show in January 2006 not to mention it is a celeb fave to Gwyneth Paltrow, Heidi Klum, and Tori Spelling.

We like that it is large (42"x42") and it's made of pre-shrunk cotton flannel or organic cotton flannel, which are total pluses. After thousands and we mean thousands of washes, the blanket didn’t shrink so much as a millimeter nor did it lose its soft, snuggly feel. It even includes a 123 Swaddle Tip Tag with illustrations on how to wrap your baby as “snug as a bug.” The ideal tool when you can’t think clearly at 3 am. Our babies stayed swaddled and slept better which means we got to catch a few Zs also. I know it may sound too good to be true, but it’s not. On the go? No problem. It folds or rolls perfectly to fit into any diaper bag. The blankets cost between $28-$32.

Damir has recently extended her line. A must have attractive burp cloth, called Baby Burpies, that coordinates with the blankets. A terrific idea so you don’t have to be embarrassed by lugging around your run-of-the-mill, oh-so-boring burp cloth. A 2-pack of Baby Burpies is $19.99.

If you have surpassed the swaddling and burp cloth phase, there is still something for you. Try a Swaddle Design Lovie. It is a smaller version of the big blanket with silky satin trim.

Products available at Right Start.