6 Babymoons That Will Make You Swoon

By Jossie Carbonare

Parenthood has a way of making your romantic getaways and vacations a little (ok, a lot) less frequent. One jet-lagged 4AM feeding could inspire you to never leave home again.

So, we believe in taking advantage of your “me” time with a spectacular romantic getaway with your current plus one. Whether you’re looking for somewhere tropical & exotic or low-key & local – we’ve rounded up the six best destinations for an ultra-relaxing Babymoon.

#1:  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

What you’ll love: Cabo is known for its first-class resorts, authentic food, and unparalleled scenic vistas. These things are abundant at The One & Only Palmilla, which has an entire spa menu dedicated to couples’ treatments. (Ocean Front rooms start at $840 per night this winter)

#2: Scottsdale, Arizona

What you’ll love: With great weather year-round, you can combine sight seeing with prenatal exercise in the fresh air. The Gateway Trailhead is our pick for easy exercise outdoors. (Entrance is free)

#3. Vancouver, Canada

What you’ll love: Explore the majestic mountains and scenery; visit some of Canada’s best museums, and venture through local outdoor festivals.  Then, retire to the Fairmont Pacific Rim where Pool View Suites have outdoor fireplaces and beautiful views of the downtown. (Priced from $669 USD per night)

#4: Bermuda

What you’ll love: Lounge on the breathtaking beaches, experience fantastic outdoor dining and be sure to visit the crystal caverns. End a day with dinner for two at the Waterlot Inn, which we think offers the most romantic sunset view on the Atlantic. (Dinner for two: $250+)

#5. Key West, Florida

What you’ll love: It’s the perfect combination of daytime fun and nighttime romance. Watch the dolphins from Key West Harbor in the morning and hit Old Town at night for dinner & dancing. Stay at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa for an unbeatable location. (Island View Junior Suites start at $330)

#6: Paris, France

What you’ll love: It’s the world’s most romantic city, offering exceptional cuisine, cobblestone streets where you can walk for hours, and unsurpassed shopping for your growing family. Head over to the Bonpoint flagship store ( 6 rue du Tournon) to snag something special for your baby’s arrival.

Source: 9 Bliss

How to Sanitize and Store Your Baby Stuff For Round Two

With your first child, there's a seemingly never-ending list of stuff to buy — nursery furniture, clothing, bottles, breast pumps, bouncers, swings . . . After you've invested in all that gear, there's no way you're going to want to buy it again for baby number two (if you're a one-and-done kind of gal, we have some great tips on how to get rid of it). So how do you store all that precious baby stuff, so it's ready to go for your second arrival? We have some great tips on cleaning, sanitizing, and storing the most costly of kiddie investments so you'll feel great about using them for your second baby. Keep clicking to get all your baby gear organized!

High Chairs

Your high chair is like one big crumb and spill magnet, complete with lots of nooks and crannies perfect for hiding peas from who knows how many meals ago, ketchup drips, and crushed crackers. In a word: "ick." But follow these quick tips to take your high chair from gross to gleaming — then store it in a cool, dry place — and your high chair will be ready to go for round two!

Strollers

Your stroller is probably one of the biggest investments that you made in the baby gear department (case in point: our beloved Bugaboo Cameleon), and for good reason. Your little one's first set of wheels is a daily workhorse, cruising through everything from rain and snow to dirt and mud to get you and your baby where you need to go. Protect your precious ride for your next baby by giving it a thorough cleaning (check out a complete how-to here) and storing it in a cool, dry spot.

Breast Pumps

Breast pumps can be super expensive (the Medela Freestyle is almost $400), so you'll want to keep the motor. We recommend storing it in a safe place where you won't lose it! But toss all those parts that actually get dirty — the tubing, connectors, and breast shields — and thenreplace them before you use it for baby two (don't worry, it will cost less than $100).

Car Seats

Your car seat (like my Peg Perego Primo Viaggo, shown here) has probably survived some major spills or, heaven forbid, a diaper blowout or two, so it needs a thorough cleaning. It can seem like a daunting task with all those parts, straps, nooks, and crannies, but follow these five easy steps(and, we suggest, wait for a sunny, warm day), and it doesn't have to be. Clean it up, store it in a cool, dry place, and before you know it, your next little one will be riding in sanitary style!

Bouncers, Swings, and Jumperoos

All those baby contraptions can not only take up a lot of room in storage, they can also be a pain to clean. Our recommendation, take them apart as much as possible (take a picture or find the manual so you know how to put them back together when needed) and tackle each part individually. Most soft seats and parts can be laundered and air-dried, while metal and wooden parts can be wiped down with a nontoxic cleaning solution. Clean plastic toys by putting them in the gentle cycle in your dishwasher, wiping them down with baby wipes, or giving them a warm bath with a mild soap in your sink. Then store smaller parts in an airtight container to keep out bacteria and allergens, and the larger base in a cool, dry spot.

Bottles

If you've made a major investment by buying a ton of bottles, don't worry, you can keep them! Clean all your bottles well, boil them for five minutes to sterilize, then let them dry completely before you pack them away for the next baby, who will hopefully like the same bottles your first one did (that would be Born Free for me). Use an airtight container to keep out bacteria and allergens.

Cribs and MattressesYour crib and mattress can be one of the biggest investments you make for your baby. The crib is easy enough to clean with some nontoxic wood, or if you're a supermodern mama, acrylic, cleaner. Then tackle the mattress with a homemade cleaning solution of two parts water and one part vinegar with a large spoonful of laundry detergent. The detergent removes dirt and body oils, while the vinegar deodorizes and disinfects. Scrub the mattress with the solution, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove residue, and then let it air dry. Then store both your crib and mattress in a cool, dry place, awaiting the arrival of number two!

Nursery on a Budget

by Tori Swaim 
Tori Swaim, creator of New Arrivals, Inc. is back sharing another guest post with us all. Today’s post focuses on getting a gorgeous nursery while staying on a budget. Thanks for sharing with us, Tori!

For our recent photo shoot, we created our room shots by accessorizing with items from budget-friendly stores. We were we amazed at the adorable items we were able to find at reasonable prices. Awesome deals can be found for picture frames, lamps, rugs, decorative accessories and more. It may take a little hunting, but it’s worth the time and effort for the money that can be saved when you’re creating a nursery on a budget.

New Arrivals Wheat Penelope Crib Set, Lamp $30, Throw Pillow $25, Basket $20 and Chevron Rug $20 from Homegoods

Some tips on creating a beautiful nursery on a budget:

1. Determine your budget up front. Just like with a wedding, crazy spending on a new nursery is easy to do. If you establish a budget up front, it will be easier to stick to it and stop yourself before going overboard.

2. Start planning and shopping for the nursery early. The earlier you start, the better chance you will have finding the perfect items at the best prices. You won’t feel rushed and be tempted to overspend.

3. Garage sales, secondhand stores, Craigslist or eBay are excellent sources for gently used items such as chairs, changing tables, dressers and more. However, be careful of used cribs, as drop-sided models are no longer approved by the CPSC and can be unsafe.

New Arrivals Full Moon Crib Set, Shade and Lamp $63, Yarn Wrapped Animals $15 each and Accent Table $70 from Target, Shag Rug $17 from Homegoods

4. Make sure you sign up for emails from your favorite stores and websites, so you will be notified of sales and promotions.

5. Shop budget-friendly stores for accessory items: Target, Homegoods, IKEA, Marshalls, TJMaxx, etc.

6. Painting or stenciling can be time consuming but easy and inexpensive. There are lots of ideas in the Project Nursery gallery.

New Arrivals Pink Penelope Crib Set, Accent Table $70 and Round Madras Avery Basket $50 fromWorld Market

7. Make a changing table out of the top of your nursery dresser by adding a changing pad on the top. This idea will save you money and space. When you are done with changing diapers, you can remove the pad, and voila, you have your dresser top back!

8. Pinterest is a great source for inexpensive nursery DIY projects: painting, sewing, storage, handmade mobiles and more!

9. Frequent antique shops and estate sales to find vintage frames, accent décor and furniture pieces. Repaint items to match your nursery to create an adorable vintage nursery!

New Arrivals Cobalt Moon Crib Set, Lamp and Shade $30 from Homegoods, Jute Rug $35 and Accent Table $59 from Target, Bedford Crib $399 from Sorelle Furniture

What methods did you use to save money while designing your nursery on a budget?

Source: Project Nursery

11 Fun Ways To Repurpose Your Crib

You're ready to retire your crib for good, but what to do with that once-so-important piece of furniture? Don't just put stash it in the basement — repurpose it! Yes, you'll have to be a bit crafty to pull these awesome ideas off (I'd consider hiring someone to help with a few of them), but the result is totally worth it. Not only can you feel great about a new, totally customized piece of furniture, you can also pat yourself on the back for being eco-friendly!

New Toddler and Baby Products From ABC KIDS EXPO for 2015

If you thought stores were already filled with exciting gear for babies and kids, just wait until you see what's around the corner. We've just returned from the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas — the largest annual juvenile-products trade show in North America — and were privy to the latest innovations in gear for kids of all ages.

From a stroller that converts from a standard three-wheel buggy to a jogging stroller with the flick of a switch, to an infant car seat that reclines flat out when it's placed in a stroller, the innovations were plenty. There were also new products that turn every cup into a sippy cup, luxurious (and washable!) merino wool blankets for babies,  and plenty more!

Here are 37 products that will be hitting store shelves in the coming months!

3 Sprouts Bath Storage

 3 Sprouts is expanding its animal storage line to the bathroom with these adorable toy holders.

4 Moms mamaRoo

The ultrapopular mamaRoo is getting a sleek upgrade. The base is smaller, the control panel is more compact, and it can be controlled via an app — meaning a mom can make the mamaRoo go from any room in the house.

 Aden + Anais Merino Collection

 This week, Aden + Anais introduces a luxury merino wool muslin collection — it is the first of its kind. Unbelievably soft and incredibly versatile, the collection includes blankets (kid- and adult-sized) and sleep sacks. And, best of all, the collection is machine washable and dryable! Thanks to a trademarked weave, the products won't shrink!

Aden + Anais Toddler Bedding

 Not only is Aden + Anais's new muslin toddler bedding adorable, but it also has a fun little trick. The foot of the top sheet and the foot of the bottom sheet are attached, so kids can't kick the sheets off the bed — we can't wait for March!

Angels on My Pillow Wrapaboo

A Dallas-based grandmother created the unbelievably soft Wrapaboo ($295). It is a receiving blanket for newborns.

 Baby Brezza 1-Step Glass

Next year Baby Brezza will introduce the 1-Step Glass. It has a glass bowl that is double the size of the current 1-Step and also has a removable water tank.

Baby Brezza Cuddle Cradle

 Already on the market, the Baby Brezza Cuddle Cradle ($20) is a light-as-a-feather "mold" for holding and feeding babies. It was created after a father wasn't sure how to hold his newborn.

Baby Brezza Formula Pro Plus

 Baby Brezza is giving its popular Formula Pro an update with a Pro Plus edition ($179) later this year. The new one allows parents to adjust the water temperature to 98°F, room temperature, or warmer.

Babybjörn Limited-Edition Bouncer Balance

Babybjörn is adding this limited-edition polka-dot-print bouncer to its line in January.

 BabyTrend Triangle Play Yard

 For those awkward corners in your home, BabyTrend is introducing a triangular play yard.

Boon Nosh

 Boon is redesigning the snack container with the Nosh.

Boon Soak Tub

 The new Boon Soak Tub (available in March) grows with kids. The infant insert can be reversed for bigger kids, providing support where they need it.

Britax Click-Tight Convertible Car Seat

 In August, Britax introduced its Click-Tight technology — a system that makes convertible-car-seat installation quick and secure in a matter of minutes. The system does not use LATCH technology; rather, it threads the seatbelt straps under the seat for the most secure fit we've ever seen. The car seats ($329) hit stores this week.

Bugaboo Cameleon Diesel Collection

 Perhaps the most exciting thing to come out of Bugaboo this year will be the start company's three-year collaboration with denim company Diesel. The Bugaboo Cameleon Diesel Collection Stroller ($1,299) is full of fun military details — a mesh canopy (a first for a traditional Bugaboo hood), leatherette handles and bumper bar, a military pouch on the back of the seat, yellow shocks, cool hubcaps, and some really fun accessories.

Chicco Lulla Go

 Chicco's Lulla Go ($99) is a lightweight bassinet that is earning rave reviews.

Cybex Cloud Q Infant Car Seat

 Another JPMA Innovation Award winner, the Cybex Cloud Q Infant Car Seat ($400) will be the best unique infant carrier on the market — it is an infant car seat that reclines, completely! The seat, which is basically the Aton Q seat, flattens out so baby can recline when the seat is in a stroller or on the floor (but not in the car).

Cybex Priam

 The Priam is Cybex's first "build-your-own" stroller. Buyers choose the frame ($800) and seat ($400) of their choice for a truly custom buggy. Leatherette details just add to the look!

Doona Car-Seat Stroller

 Doona may be the ultimate travel stroller. It is an infant carrier with integrated wheels that can be pulled down into a full-size stroller.

Fisher Price 4-in-1 Rock-n-Glide Soother

 Parents don't even have to get up from their seats to work Fisher Price's 4-in-1 Rock-n-Glide Soother ($139). The system — which moves forward and backward and side to side — works via a foot pedal. The seat comes off the automatic rocker to move from room to room. Expect it in January 2015.

Fisher Price Breastfeeding Pillow

 Fisher Price's first foray into breastfeeding includes a pillow that "grows" with your baby. In the beginning, moms place the baby on the larger side to bring them closer to the breast. As baby grows, mom uses the smaller side. And when baby's not nursing, the pillow can be used as a play spot with the attached bar.

Fisher Price Comfort Curve Bouncer

 Fisher Price's Comfort Curve Bouncer ($40) is part of the company's newer, sleeker design collection.

Fisher Price Day-to-Night Play Yard

 Fisher Price is entering the play-yard market with this ultralight version ($139).

FridaBaby Fridet

 From the company that brought us the NoseFrida comes the Fridet — a portable bidet to clean tots after they use the bathroom. The founders say it can also be used as a peri-bottle after birth.

Love to Dream Swaddle Up & 50/50 Transition

 The new Love to Dream 50/50 Transition won the JPMA Innovation Award for the infant and toddler category. The swaddler is a great way to transition babies from swaddle to more movement. It has zippers that can be removed when it's time to transition out of the newborn version.

Milk Sense

 The Milk Sense Breast Milk monitor will finally hit the market in Q1 2015. It measures the amount of milk in a mother's breast before and after feeding so she can monitor how much her baby is eating.

Nurseryworks Contour Crib

How cool is Nurseryworks' Contour crib ($7,500)? The LA-made crib actually easily converts from a bassinet to a crib.


Nurseryworks Halo

 The ultraluxe Nurseryworks Halo crib ($6,900) is plated in 24K gold. The crib converts into a toddler bed so you have a few extra years with it.


Orbit Baby O2

The Orbit Baby O2 is the company's first jogging stroller. Its stroller's seat moves back and down with just one click to convert from an everyday stroller into a jogger — the seat can also be placed in a rear-facing position so kids can face their parents. The frame ($600) fits any Orbit seat but can be bought as a whole system for $900. Expect it Summer 2015.


Puj Filla

 Kids have a habit of leaving their cups all over the place but never being able to find one when they need one. Puj will change that with Filla — a cup that hangs on a nub that attaches to the refrigerator. Expect them in stores in January.

Sili Skin Straw Tops

 One of our favorite finds at the fair, the Sili Skin Straw Tops ($9 for three) convert any glass into a spill-proof cup. Just slip them (sippy cup or straw-up style) over a glass's opening, and you're set! Expect to see them in stores Dec. 1.

Skip Hop Lunch Set

 Skip Hop just introduced lunch sets that include easy-open lunch boxes, a thermal container with a thick thread so little kids can easily open it, and a coordinating lunch box.

Skip Hop Owl Phone

 This sweet Skip Hop owl phone will hit stores in October.

Snuggwugg

 Designed by a mom who was having trouble changing her squirmy baby's diaper, the Snuggwugg ($35) is an activity bar with textures and toys for baby to play with, as well as a pocket that holds a smartphone or a photo.

Tiny Love Cozy Gyminie

 For families short on space, Tiny Love is introducing the Cozy Gyminie early in 2015.

Tiny Love Cozy Rocker

 Tiny Love's baby seat is being updated into a bassinet.

Ubi 3-in-1 Potty

 Ubi is moving beyond the diaper pail and into the bathroom with its new 3-in-1 Potty ($40). It includes a step stool, a potty seat, and a potty.

Ubi Tweat

A fun take on the classic snack trap, Ubi's Tweat ($9) keeps snacks safe, fresh, and cutely kept in these adorable containers. They'll be out in January.