What I won’t be sticking to is how I’ve been blogging in the past. While I don’t have much to hide, I’ll be sharing less of our day-to-day personal life happenings and focusing more on sharing thoughts on food/products/services/etc. that was use. I know I mentioned most of this before, but wanted to reiterate it here.
From little things like healthy snacks for kids and adults to big items like mattresses (yes, really, stay tuned!), I want to share our thoughts here in hopes that you’ll find them useful. Some reviews will be by my own doing on items we paid for ourselves, and some will be provided to me at a discount or for free. No matter how we received the item, you can trust that I will give you our true thoughts.
Yes, I said our, Avery is picking up her communication skills fast and is improving her ability to actually explain her thoughts to us, so why not have her help with reviews? And since we’re a close, loving family, Going Mom will obviously have her opinion heard on here too. This, along with other health-related topics like quick exercise routines and recipes are all in the Going Dad future.
Don’t worry, if you came here just for the cute pics of Avery, I’ll still have some on the blog, and there’s always plenty on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Okay, here’s one just because. She looks very unsure of the camera here….
Currently her favorite pajamas.
I might as well add that, if you’re in the market, whether a tech newbie or hosting pro, Bluehost has what you need and helps make things easy and affordable. So, if you want to check them out, I would appreciate you clicking the banner below. Whether you sign up or not, it helps me earn a few cents and maybe even dollars, and it’s no difference to you!
Posts will be shorter for small item reviews, but still contain useful information (I hope) to help you decide on if it’s worth it to you or not. I am looking forward to giving this new approach a try, and can’t wait to get started!
Hope you’re having a great start to the New Year! Let me know your thoughts on this new approach and what you’d like to see for reviews, workouts, or recipes and I’ll do my best to provide.
I wrote a review of their changing pad a few months ago and have included it below for all to see again. We are still happy with the changing pad when we’re traveling as it truly does help to avoid…ummm, messy situations. Apparently, as toddlers get older, they get increasingly curious, even about….well, you know where’ I’m going. 🙂
Anyway, why not start the New Year with your little ones on “clean” slate and enter to win a Clean Hands Changing Pad today? The giveaway will end next Wednesday, 01/13/16. I will contact the winner for design choice and mailing info. Good luck!
I’ve come to terms with the fact that our little girl is not quite ready for serious potty training. Any parent, I’m sure, understands the allure of not having to change diapers anymore, but it’s something we all must accept. Thanks to the Clean Hands Changing Pad from SnoofyBee, accepting this fundamental part of parenting is much easier!
SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad
SnoofyBee recently sent me one of their Clean Hands Changing Pads to use and review, and I must say, diaper changes have become quite pleasant less messy. At first glance, it looked like a modern day sun reflector used to tan your face years ago.
But, this changing pad actually helps parents keep their cool by keeping their kids’ and their own hands free of pee or poo. I don’t know about your kids, but Avery’s curious little grabby hands seem to gravitate directly to the mess before us when changing her diaper. This leads to to us quickly trying to correct her movement only to end up with both of our hands tainted by poo.
Unless you’re one of the lucky ones with a kid that patiently remains idle as you clean and change them, you know what I’m talking about. I was skeptical of the Clean Hands Changing Pad at first, so I just kept it in the car to use when on the go. Well, one day as we were on the go, she went, meaning t it was time to put the SnoofyBee to the test.
The result? Easy-peasy! The velcro attachment for the barrier to keep her hands mess-free was simply to put on and worked like a charm. Plus, the high quality material folds up easily after using and conveniently holds diapers and wipes inside.
Just toss it in a purse or diaper bag and you’re good to go! SnoofyBee’s instructions help ease any reservations you have about how to use their changing pad, and even have a video to watch.
Easy, right? My only issue was the concern that Avery would absolutely hate having a cone around her head, but, with the exception of the first two times, this was not a problem. We even play peek-a-boo during changes where I hide behind the cone which yields sweet giggles every time. Raise your hand if you’d like to hear your adorable child’s giggles instead of whines as you clean their behinds?
I was going for a semi-rhyme there, just work with me. And I hope you raised your hands!
Now I confidently go out to run errands or to a trampoline park with the SnoofyBee in tow for any diaper changes. Before, I used to fear having to use whatever was available to the public for changing her, but now we have a safe, clean, and dependable changing pad. Here are the key features:
Sides attach to create a barrier that keeps your baby’s hands away from diaper mess
Waterproof wipe-clean surface
Portable hassle-free diaper changing anywhere
Folds small for parents on the go
Fits diapers, wipes and a change of clothes inside folded pad
Padding keeps baby comfortable on any surface
Baby’s hands remain free to play
Barrier adjusts to fit growing baby
Certified safe and PVC free
I wish we had the SnoofyBee many months ago when Avery learned to squirm and wriggle about, but even now, at almost 2 years old, it’s an awesome investment in a parent’s mental state and everyone’s hygiene.
If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I love wearing my baby. I try to urge everyone to choose babywearing over alternative methods whenever possible. Check out my post on Why I Wear My Baby to get a better understanding of how important it is for parent and child and know my stance on the topic.
Being one who always wants to try everything, I was delighted when Ergobaby agreed to send me their new Ventus baby carrier from their Performance Collection to review. The Ventus is designed for the active parent who wants to comfortably take their child on adventures both around the city or hiking on trails. Adventures, baby, comfortable; all sound great to me!
I’ve had the pleasure of wearing Avery in an Ergobaby Original carrier and we both enjoyed the time spent with it on. But, when it gets hot outside which is guaranteed here in Texas, things can get sweaty, fast!
In the Ergobaby Original Carrier
When the Ventus arrived, I immediately noticed the difference in overall look and feel from the Original.
The Ventus is lighter and less bulky with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric throughout. It only comes in one color, graphite, and is perfect for a gender neutral carrier.
The Ventus offers 3 carry positions (front, back, and hip), but I’ve only worn Avery in front so far. Once she’s a little older and sitting up on her own, I will feel better about trying her in the back position.
Putting the carrier on was fairly easy, and if you’ve ever used a soft-structured carrier before, this will be no problem. The straps are pretty thick and proved slightly difficult to adjust which is annoying when you have a squirmy baby to hold on to at the same time. But, those thick straps also help to limit slippage and the need to re-tighten after a while, so I’m okay with the straps.
Front carry position
I truly appreciate the ability to move the chest strap up and down to get the right fit, and reaching behind my head to connect it was pretty easy. Actually getting the clips connected is hard at times; I just have an issue with how they are shaped and feeling my way to connect them. It’s not always, but just a minor thing to note.
Our first walk in the Ergobaby Ventus was over an hour and Avery slept most of the time while I was able to comfortably move at a brisk pace. Avery felt secure and snug against me the entire time and we both kept rather cool despite the heat and humidity that day.
Napping with the hood up!
If you are looking for a baby carrier, a small but very important thing to look for is a built-in hood. The Ventus has one and it works great to block everything from wind, dust, sun, and noise when I’m walking and trying to let her nap.
Once it is adjusted to fit Avery and me, the lightweight structure feels great all around except one area. The straps wrapping around me under my arms rub and put pressure on my shoulder blades. This only happens when I’m on a walk and I don’t notice it when moving around a store, but I walk a lot!
See how the clip us just under my arm where it will rub.
Again, the rubbing comes and goes and doesn’t stop me from using the carrier since it really is a great option for us both. Going Mom even enjoys wearing Avery in the Ventus and we even argue over who is going to use it when we’re together. But, Going Mom, as usual, wins.
That’s okay though, I love seeing my two girls together and know how much Kelley misses Avery when she’s at work; they both put a permanent smile on my face.
Part of what makes the Ventus so light is the absence of the bells and whistles like other carriers. You get a zippered pocket that conceals the hood and that’s it. To me, this is good and bad. If I were to go hiking in the Ventus, I would want some sort of storage compartment.
In our Onya Outback, it is heavier, but it has several pockets to store necessities which always comes in handy for me. So for going on an outdoor adventure, I’d prefer the Onya.
But if you have other places to store your necessities, the Ventus is a great choice with its breathable, lightweight material. I’ve actually started keeping it in my car so it’s always on hand when I bring Avery to the store. Plus, I know she likes that she can already stick her head over the top without an infant insert.
And it’s the perfect spot for her to chew and soothe those sore gums.
I have only tried a few soft-structured baby carriers thus far, but the Ergobaby Ventus is an overall great carrier for the active parent just as it claims. Since it is made to carry babies weighing anywhere from 7 to 45 pounds, it will last years as your baby grows with no need to upgrade.
Being lighter, Going Mom enjoys wearing this one more than our heavier Onya. I don’t mind the extra weight in trade for its storage space, but I would say the Ventus would be preferred by those with a smaller frame.
Here is the list of features on Ergobaby’s site:
Special
Body Material/Shell: 100% Polyester
Body Material/Mesh: 100% Polyester
Lining Material: 100% Polyester
Standard
Comfortable for Parents: Baby’s weight is evenly distributed between the hips and shoulders
Ergonomic for Baby: Baby is cradled in a natural sitting position
3 Carry Positions: Front, Back and Hip
Baby Weight Range: 7*-45 lb/3.2* – 20 kg (*Newborn with Infant Insert)
Stitching: Reinforced at all fabric intersections for extra durability
Waist belt Circumference Range: 29”-55” (74cm-140cm)
Shoulder Strap Padding:4mm EVA with 15mm High Density PU Foam
Hood
Machine washable
Designed in the USA
I have and will continue to enjoy using the Ventus with Avery and want to thank Ergobaby for the opportunity to use and review their carrier. As an active dad I want to get out and move with my baby to show her the world, and carriers made for this are awesome!
Disclosure: Ergobaby sent me their Ventus Carrier free of charge, but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I did not receive compensation for this post.
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
