Growing up, the time of year from January - May seemed slow. The holiday season was over and there wasn’t much to break up the rhythm of school, work, etc. Now that we have children in the mix, each week feels like it’s jam packed with things to do, places to visit and people to see. I am not one to have a ton of commitments, and desire home to be the safe haven for my family. A place to rest and enjoy time and meals together. I think this gets easier as kids grow and bedtime and regular schedules aren’t so out of sync with he rhythms of daily life. One thing I am thankful for in this quest of creating happy daily rhythm whether at home or out and about. Today I’m going to share about two baby products thus far - the Binxy Baby Hammock and the Ollie swaddle.
I first saw the Binxy hammock on Instagram and was immediately intrigued. A portable hammock used to help baby lounge comfortably while you grocery shop? Sign me up! It’s compact design and sturdy fabric make it a small product that lacks a big punch.
There are two ways to use the Binxy Hammock - first is to have your baby lounge comfortably and safely in the hammock while you shop. It has straps and velcro to endure it won’t get knocked off, as well as a safety seat buckle so baby is secure in the hammock. When I first took Josephine out in this people commented how they wish they had something similar when their kids were little- and of course about how cute she was. She loved sitting and smiling at the people as we walked from aisle to aisle.
The second use option is actually my favorite. You can also use the hammock to hold your car seat, without losing any cart space! The plastic clips hold up to 50 lbs, and you simply secure the hammock to the cart, set the car seat in, then secure the safety strap across the lap portion of the seat. Now baby can nap without even realizing you went from car to store!
Up until this point I always wore Josie in a wrap at grocery stores, but love having an option that is not disruptive to her sleep cycle.
I store my Binxy in the net on the back of the drivers seat in my car and just grab it when I put the kids in the cart. It’s small, easy to use and well made. It has elastic, which allows it to be used on smaller carts as well as larger ones too - like Target or Costco. Having something to keep the kids happy and comfortable while we run errands has been invaluable and makes the process a lot more enjoyable for everyone. When we come home, the transition to naps or quiet time is a lot easier because our time at the store isn’t filled with tears or discomfort.
Speaking of sleep, I also wanted to share with you all about the Ollie swaddle! I had heard of the Ollie swaddle a while ago but learned more about it while I was in the NICCU with Josie. You can read the full story here, but it was developed with the help of a pediatric neuro-developmental psychologist for a little foster boy names Oliver, who needed something to keep constant pressure on his shoulders in order to help him sleep well at night. Long story short, it transformed little Oliver into a thriving, growing baby. The inventor wasn't satisfied with traditional swaddle options on the market, and I have to agree. Having used blankets and various sleep sacks / Velcro swaddles for both kids, this one is by far my favorite.
First off, the material is breathable and stretchy. Living in Southern California that is essential because we often have warm days and chilly nights - and I don’t have time or money to have different swaddles for each climate. It has moisture-wicking fabric to prevent overheating. The fabric stretches well, never restricting movement of the hips and shoulders which can cause developmental issues that require physical therapy later on.
Second it is sooo easy to use. You wrap it below the shoulders and with two simple tucks, baby is ready for dreamland. The velcro is great and Josie never could wiggle her way out of it - and she didn't try to either. It has an elastic band on the bottom that allows for easy nighttime diaper changes.
Lastly, unlike other swaddles is it highly adaptable. Most swaddle pods come in sizes by age, making it more expensive over time. The Ollie is secured at the bottom with an attached elastic band, placed just below baby’s feet. It can also be used differently depending on your babies sleep preference. Josie likes to suck her thumb, so we secure her swaddle under her underarms. This provides the secure feeling she loves, while also self soothing with her thumb.
Josie never cried when I would put her in the swaddle and actually slept her first 11 hour stretch wheile snuggled up inside her Ollie swaddle. At first glance the price seems questionable for a swaddle but you could honestly get by just fine with ONE Ollie swaddle, as opposed to many blankets or sleep sacks you have to re purchase as baby grows and matures.
Cleaning it was a breeze, and they even include a washing bag for convenience! Josie loved being snuggled in her Ollie up until she could roll and didn’t want to be swaddled the same way anymore.
I have definitely benefited from these products, and they have helped make our home a more peaceful place. I couldn't recommend them more highly, and think you'll feel the same way too.
Happy Friday, loves!
Xx, B
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