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It’s Cool Mom Picks on The Martha Stewart Show!

Cool Mom Picks — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

In case you missed our Editor-in-Chief Liz's recent Martha Stewart baby shower show appearance, here's the online clip so you can watch the whole thing right from your computer!

Tips for Twin Moms, from Twin Moms: Part 2

Erin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:53 +0000

Time away from the kiddos can do a mom good! Credit: dconklin

This week we’re celebrating moms of multiples with special twin content! To see all of our Twin Week content, click here.

Earlier today we shared tips from twin moms on raising multiples. The moms had so much good advice that we’ve got more coming at you! With reasons why you can survive being a twin mom to how to carve out some alone time (which can be tough for any woman!) to their experiences losing the baby weight, they’ve got loads more tips and tricks coming your way. Plus, if you know a twin mom, we’ve got advice on how you can help a mama out!

You Can Do It!

It’s actually much easier to have twins than two singletons. Very efficient! Only one doctor’s visit. Change one, change two. Feed one, feed two. Not a big deal, and they entertain each other. Plus, you get help and the sympathy smile everywhere you go. —Rachel B.

During pregnancy… Eat healthy and more often than you feel like it … Sit as much as possible at the end. Rest, relax, destress. Bedrest doesn’t help unless there is something medically wrong. A little stress is good for their brain development. Think positive. Eat healthy and a lot at the beginning. —Rachel B.

Jonathan and Tyler were born at 34 weeks, 5 days. I had a very easy and uneventful pregnancy. When my water broke, I knew they were coming and while the doctors tried very hard to keep me pregnant, they wanted out and so they were born. They spent 12 days in NICU because they were under 5 pounds and considered low birth weight. We were very lucky that they met their milestones quickly and were home with no health concerns. They are very silly, active and are meeting milestones regularly. In fact, they are driving me crazy with how much they love to climb and run and jump and the list goes on. But they are smart and funny and they make me smile all of the time. —Jennifer P.

Losing the Weight

I gained approximately 50 pounds and it took me four months to lose 40 pounds, but it was mostly due to running around the house—feeding, laundry, cleaning, etc. I exercise during their naps somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes on the average two to three times a week if lucky. —Margie

I’m a runner, my whole family runs, so the weight came back off fairly quickly. A lot is amniotic fluid, placenta, babies, boob weight, ankle swelling. I had mild symptoms with my son but every symptom with twins—constipation, sciatic nerve, nausea, swelling. It all goes away, you’ll make it! —Rachel B.

I have always struggled with my weight, but I have managed to maintain an active lifestyle. Before the boys were born I was in the gym at 5:30 a.m. taking spin or jogging on the treadmill. I was a regular at my gym five to six days a week. Now, I am still very active but in different ways. If the weather permits (in NJ), I toss the boys in the jogger and we go for a long walk/jog. They love seeing the people and the kids playing, and it allows me to spend time with them and keep fit. When the weather does not permit, I do workout tapes indoors while the boys are napping or they are playing in an adjacent playroom to my workout area. I favor walking with Leslie Sansone, Boot Camp and Cardio Max with Bob from The Biggest Loser, and I include weights. —Jennifer P.

I mentioned earlier that I have always struggled with my weight. I only gained 37 pounds when I was pregnant with the boys. Mainly because all I could eat that would stay down was grilled cheese, ginger ale, crackers and pears! I would have eaten my weight in salad if I had the time. I was actively walking and lifting weights until 6 months and then the dreaded swelling began. I was swimming for a while, but it was just tiring me out so I had to stop. I lost the weight in six weeks, mainly because it was water weight. I do walk/jog four to five days a week when the weather is nice. If not, I do videos or we take walks around the mall. Being active is important to me. I would say to do activities that you can bring the kids with you if you don’t have reliable child care, find activities you can do in the house if you don’t have the means to join a gym, or when you have someone to watch the kids, take time to do something for you, like working out, because it is so important to be healthy for yourself and your children. The dishes, the bills, the errands can all wait. You need to be fit and strong to do all those other jobs! —Jennifer P.

Round-Up: Cozy Stroller Buntings, Footmuffs and Blankets

Shanelle — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:28 +0000

Courtesy 7AM Enfant

Baby, it’s cold outside!

That’s why it’s so important to get the right gear to keep your little one warm.

So, we trolled our favorite online shops for stroller buntings, footmuffs and blankets to keep your cute cargo cozy (and stylish!) while on the go.

See our fave picks below!

When you’re in the mood for a splurge, 7 A.M. Enfant‘s sleek Blanket 212Evolution gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

Starting at $189, this pricey bunting is designed to grow with your child, from infancy to preschool.

The fluffy bomber-like material (with poly insulation) fits nicely into a variety of strollers — add matching booties and hat to complete the arctic look!

For small babies only, the company’s Baby Shield ($138) is warm but lightweight for those chilly spring days — celeb mom Naomi Watts is a fan!

Courtesy Tivoli Couture

Meet the transformer of stroller cover-ups: Tivoli Couture‘s Miracle Wrap Bunting System“] ($98) is a bunting, footmuff and blanket all in one!

The nylon and fleece material keeps your kiddo snug in a variety of ways — on freezing days zip the blanket up to baby’s chin, when it’s warmer, expose the feet. The best part? When old man winter’s gone, it makes a great picnic blanket!

Courtesy Petunia Pickle Bottom

Wrap your little one in plush velour with Petunia Pickle Bottom‘s wind-resistant chenille bunting ($149) that boasts thoughtfully placed zippers which easily tuck baby away from the chill.

Machine washable, it fits children up to a year old and is now available in a classic (and very British!) Earl Grey pattern.

Courtesy J.J. Cole

J.J. Cole‘s weather resistant toddler bunting is a cute (and cost-effective!) way to keep little ones warm in the elements.

The shearling lined Bundleme starts at $43 and has a removable top that comes off quickly for those last minute temperature changes.

Courtesy Nomie Baby

Nomie Baby‘s fleece-lined toddler stroller blanket ($49) is a colorful way to protect baby from harsh winds and bitter cold.

And with 10 percent of all profits donated to infants in NICUs, we can’t think of a better way to warm the heart!

– Amy Jamieson

In the year you were born… your parents were actually cool.

Cool Mom Picks — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Let's face it, by the time our kids are old enough to ask what the world was like when they were born, they are going to consider us tragically unhip.

Around the Web…

Anya — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:00:14 +0000

It’s Wednesday! Make it over the hump with these interesting reads:

BUZZ: Is Drew Barrymore pregnant? — PEOPLE.com
Check out the hottest must-haves in The Ultimate Baby Shower Gift Guide — Cool Mom Picks
VIDEO: Minnie Driver reveals the identity of Henry‘s father — AOL
Missing out on Mardi Gras? Celebrate at home with the family — lilSugar
Honor Black History Month with these historical baby names — Parents Connect

Baggu with a bang

Cool Mom Picks — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

I love my Baggu bags so much that I've been tempted to use them as actual handbags, especially with all the junk I schlep around in my purse. Well, now I can actually do it without having to compromise my love for a swanky bag.

Kourtney Kardashian Is Expecting a Girl

Sarah — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:30:14 +0000

Denise Truscello/WireImage

There’s another little lady on the way for the Kardashian clan!

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick shared their happy news Thursday, telling E! News, “We feel so blessed to be having a little girl and to be able to share this new experience with Mason.”

Kardashian, 32, and Disick, 28, announced her second pregnancy in November. Their son Mason Dash turned 2 on Dec. 14.

“I’m just eating whatever I can. Whatever I can tolerate,” the Kourtney and Kim Take New York star said in December. “I think this [pregnancy] there is less I can tolerate.”

She is due in July. OK magazine was the first to break the news of a little girl on the way.

– Aaron Parsley

1 Trend, 3 Ways: Mini Red Jeans

Anya — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:00:01 +0000

Talk about daring denim! From brothers Brooklyn and Cruz Beckham (last April) to Landon Barker (Feb. 19), Hollywood’s youngest rockers are hitting the town in bright red jeans.

Parker/Walker/Ivon/Beverly News; Sharpshooter Images/Splash News Online; Wenn

Perfect for spring, the red hot bottoms are a fun way make your little tyke’s outfits pop. Ready to shop? We’ve rounded up our top picks — for every budget — below.

Courtesy RonRobinson

Splurge

Take his pint-size punk rock style up a notch with Munster‘s overdyed Rocket Red Jeans ($76 – $82). Plus, these cotton blend bottoms have a little stretch so they’re extra comfy.

Courtesy 6 pm

Affordable

From the skinny cut to the deep rich color, Volcom Kids‘s Twill Pants ($25) are sure to become a fast favorite.

Courtesy Company Kids

Bargain Buy

Stylin’ your lil guy on a budget? Our pick: Company Kids‘s Boys Colored Denim ($12).

Also available in grayish blue, the jeans even include an adjustable waistband for a snug fit.

– Anya Leon

The "seven natural laws of breastfeeding"

Tanya — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:21:00 +0000

Here are the "seven natural laws of breastfeeding" which make up the foundation of the book Breastfeeding Made Simple, which I have reviewed (first edition, second revised edition) and like a lot.

If any of these "laws" are unfamiliar to you, I recommend picking up a copy of the book!

Tips for Twin Moms, from Twin Moms: Part 1

Erin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Hands full! Credit: www.photographybyjoelle.com

This week we’re celebrating moms of multiples with special twin content! To see all of our Twin Week content, click here.

Getting pregnant is such an exciting time, but it can also be a little stressful and overwhelming. You’re bringing another life into the world, one who will be entirely dependent on you. Pregnant with twins? Well, you can pretty much double that worry while you double the love! I asked three twin moms to share their reactions to the news, their top tips and some of the absolute necessities when it comes to twins. Read on for their responses—even moms and moms-to-be of singletons should enjoy the advice!

Reactions to Twin News

[We found out] at the second ultrasound. We were surprised but thrilled because we had a previous miscarriage. I cried happy tears! —Margie, mom of 16-month-old boy/girl twins and my dear neighbor

I found out at the first sonogram at 8 weeks. When the doctor was a little strange, I thought I must not be pregnant and when he said there were two babies I started crying, I could not believe it. It was a huge surprise to everyone except my husband! —Rachel B., mom of 4-year-old fraternal girls

I was told due to my cycle issues that conceiving on my own would be difficult, and I would need medical help. I was suffering from very bad periods and my OB/GYN was conducting testing to see why I was suffering. When I went for an ultrasound and blood work, he discovered that I was in fact pregnant and after careful searching—two babies were there. I was shocked and terrified. I mean it’s hard enough to raise one baby but two!? I was also scared that they would not survive. All of the normal feelings I guess. Of course my husband was freaking out! I don’t know why! —Jennifer P., mom of 18-month-old identical twin boys

Twin Necessities

Double front/back stroller, with cup holders for all/plenty of storage underneath—helps get through doors and aisles at the grocery/dept stores. Make sure it’s lighter and easy to open up and fold down. Two swings (must); two bouncers. —Margie

A double stroller and singles. Not all locations are accessible for the larger strollers, and if you have someone shopping with you, each take a baby in the stroller. It makes for an easier shopping adventure. Milk maid bottle feeders—a little pillow that props up bottles for easier feeding. Dr. Brown’s formula pitcher makes life so much easier when making 16 to 20 bottles a day! —Jennifer P.

Routine, Routine, Routine!

Routine is the one thing that helped me. Put them on the same sleep schedule as soon as you can. Also, big one that I didn’t follow but wish I had—sleeping in their beds for all naps. —Margie

Get them on the same schedule from the start! If one wakes up to eat, wake the other. Otherwise you will never sleep because as soon as you get one down, the other will be up. —Rachel B.