My review of the kid’s new car seats. Cash is 5 years old and got the MyFit. Sawyer is 3 years old and Capri is 6 months old and they are both in the Chicco NextFits.
These car seats were gifted to us, but we have been fans of Chicco for almost 5 years!
Some links are affiliate links.
You know you’re a mom when you get excited about new car seats. I literally almost cried when Chicco told me they were sending all 3 kiddos new car seats.
Cash had been in his Chicco NextFit since he was 6 months old (he’s almost FIVE!) and Sawyer had been in hers since around 5 or 6 months also (she turns THREE this week!). Both of their seats have held up so well over the years, but between taking them in and out of the car, taking them on vacation, snack crumbs, *potty* accidents, and regular wear and tear I knew it was time for new seats.
Capri had been in her infant carrier that she absolutely HATED. I won’t say the brand but let’s just say I wouldn’t buy it ever again and Capri never looked comfortable in it. She cried almost every single time we left the house. So I couldn’t wait to get her a NextFit just like Cash & Sawyer.
I’m kind of paranoid when it comes to my kid’s safety, so ever since Cash was little I’ve been researching car seat safety. I know that rear-facing as long as possible is very important, so we didn’t even turn Cash around until a few months ago! (At age 4 1/2!)
The NextFit has a rear facing limit of 40 lbs, so since Sawyer is only about 32 lbs she’ll continue to rear face a bit longer, along with Capri.
As soon we put Capri in the NextFit I KNEW her hatred for car rides was a thing of the past. We installed these seats a couple weeks ago and since then I’ve run lots of errands and drove to my parent’s house and back (an hour away) and she has not cried AT ALL! She falls asleep almost every time. She’s super cozy which makes it so much less stressful to take her places.
Since Cash is now forward facing we got him the Chicco MyFit Harness + booster car seat. This seat is awesome because it’s adjustable and he’ll be able to fit in it for a long time. Cash is using it with the straps and back right now, but the back can be taken off as well as the straps so you can use your regular car seat straps. But, of course, I will be keeping him in with the back and car seat straps for as long as possible. (Because *safety first*!!!) He has been loving it so far. No complaints from him, and trust me he’d let me know if he wasn’t comfortable.
I definitely recommend these seats for anyone on the hunt for new car seats.
The Chicco NextFits are so comfortable and you can tell just by looking at them that they are good quality seats.
The Chicco MyFit is a great option for your bigger kids and it’s super affordable.
I can confidently say that I feel like my kids are very safe in these seats.
A couple questions I wanted to answer about the seats:
Q. Are they hard to install?
A. Honestly, they’re pretty easy to install if you know what you’re doing but the NextFits ARE heavy. So, if you plan on moving the seat in and out of cars you might want to take that into consideration. I personally would recommend putting the NextFit in the vehicle you drive the most and then buy a cheaper/lighter seat for the other vehicle. BUT I will say that I have had cheaper/lighter seats for vacationing/ grandparent’s vehicles and even though they’re lighter they’re actually more difficult to install correctly. So that’s also something to think about.
Q. Can you fit 3 across?
A. While I’m sure that you could…I haven’t tried so I honestly can’t say.
Q. Why do you rear face so long?
A. It’s truly the safest option. Rear facing spreads the crash force more evenly across the back of the car seat and the child’s body. It also limits the motion of the head, reducing the potential for neck injury, and keeps the child more contained within the shell of the child restraint. If you go to Youtube and watch some videos of rear facing vs forward facing you’ll see why extended rear facing is so important.
Here is a link to the AAP’s Car Seat Safety Recommendations
I hope this review was helpful! If you’re looking for a carseat and aren’t sure what to get, Chicco is the way to go! You won’t be disappointed.
Link to Chicco Nextfit: https://rstyle.me/n/dcmxmfcc7rf
Link to Chicco MyFit: https://rstyle.me/n/dcmxpgcc7rf
And here’s our little video of the kids in their seats:
Fall / Winter Apparel For Boys
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
When I found out I was having a boy during my first pregnancy I was super excited BUT I knew that shopping wouldn’t be as fun as it would be for a girl. Cash is almost 5 and boy clothes have really gotten so much cuter over the last few years.
Some of the places I like to shop for Cash are H&M, Old Navy/Gap, Zara & Cotton On. He definitely has a say in what he wears, comfort is key for him! His H&M sweatpants [10] are his favorite pants to wear when it’s cool enough out. And cozy graphic raglans [3] are perfect for cool AZ winter days. I put together some of my favorite fall pieces from some of my favorite stores.
[This is not a sponsored post but some of these are affiliate links.]
3 New Products For Baby # 3!
I always said I would have at *least* 3 kids. I actually always wanted 4. However, after Sawyer (my second child) I decided I was done. I still liked the idea of 3 or 4 children, but I did not want to go through pregnancy/ nursing/ the baby phase / etc. all over again.
So, since I had decided that I didn’t want to have any more we got rid of almost all of our baby stuff that we had saved.
Well, just a couple of weeks after throwing away a big bulk of baby stuff (including our crib), we found out that I was pregnant again. Surprise! I guess God planned on me having 3 babies after all!
While I was a little bummed about some of the stuff that I had gotten rid of, I was excited to shop for a baby again. (I am never not excited about shopping!)
Sawyer is now 2 1/2, so it had been a couple of years since I bought baby stuff. There were a lot of new products that I had not seen or got a chance to use with my other two, so I was excited to try some new stuff out with baby # 3!
When I reached out to my Instagram followers and asked about their *must-have* baby products a large majority of them mentioned the Dockatot. I had seen the Dockatot before (who hasn’t?), but I feel like within the last couple years it has definitely gotten more popular. However, I was honestly surprised to hear people say that it was one of their must-have products. I was always curious about it, and since so many people suggested it I was really intrigued to try it for myself!
DOCKATOT
We received our Dockatot Deluxe just a couple weeks ago. I have been putting it in bed with me and that’s where I’ll lay Capri down after I nurse her into a deep sleep. It has honestly been the only thing that has made co-sleeping with a newborn feel comfortable + safe. I was always hesitant about co-sleeping with newborns. (They’re so tiny and fragile!) I’ve tried a few other sleepers and bassinets in the past, and honestly the Dockatot along with the Rock-n-Play are the only things my kids have slept in comfortably! I like switching off between the two because it’s nice to switch up her position. I think the Dockatot will make transitioning to the crib (much later on) a lot easier. The Dockatot comes in two sizes (Deluxe for 0-8 Months, Grand 9-36 months). You definitely want get the appropriate size for your baby, because the size is what makes it so comfortable for your little one.
Now, I do know there are some similar items to the Dockatot for a lot cheaper. From what I’ve heard, most do not have the bottom support that the Dockatot has. I could see that compromising some of the child’s comfort. I also feel like the bottom support is what makes it more of a sleeper than a pillow. Ya know? And as we usually find out, “you get what you pay for.” So, keep that in mind!
You can get $10 off a Dockatot with my referral link: Dockatot
BINXY BABY HAMMOCK
Another item that I had seen around but never got a chance to try with my other two was the cart hammock by Binxy. I was a little hesitant to try it, because it didn’t really look safe- HOWEVER, let me tell you the honest truth, it really is super safe!! It goes a lot deeper than it looks in photos. (Imagine an actual hammock, but with more support/structure!)
I tried this for the first time about a week ago and I actually LOVE it. It is so much easier to use this than an infant carrier, which is heavy and takes up a ton of room in the cart. It’s truly genius! I usually wear my kiddos out when they’re infants, but there’s almost always a reason that I need to set them down for something (adjust my carrier, go to the bathroom, etc.) so this is perfect for me! It can also hold your carseat for you if you decide you want to bring that also. It can actually hold up to 50 pounds! It can be used until you baby is 6-8 months old. (Up until they can start sitting up on their own.)
You can get 10% off a Binxy hammock with my referral link: Binxy Hammock
OLLIE SWADDLE
The third item that I recently received for baby Capri that I had not used in the past is the Ollie baby swaddle. Now, I am not a huge fan of swaddling. Mostly because I have always sucked at it. Logan was always the one to swaddle Cash & Sawyer, and I usually would have him re-do it if he did it too tight.
Thankfully I was able to easily swaddle Capri with the Ollie, and it took me like 10 seconds. It’s made from custom moisture-wicking material to reduce the risk of overheating, and it has velcro on the sides. I like that the velcro makes it easy to adjust if needed.
This is SO much easier than dealing with a swaddling blanket. Capri was super cozy in it. She obviously approves as well! I really love the Ollie + Dockatot combo. I received the Dockatot before the Ollie and I would have to lay out a blanket in the Dockatot to swaddle her (which was a pain), but this swaddle makes it so much easier!
You can get 10% off an Ollie swaddle with my referral link: Ollie Swaddle
Trying these new items was really fun and I truly love all 3 of them. I am excited to try more new things as Capri gets older!
While I did receive these items in turn for a review, it was not technically necessary that I leave a positive review! However, I honestly do love all 3 products! Capri is only 5 weeks old, so we definitely have a lot of use left in these items. I will report back if my mind changes on anything. 😉
Use my referral links to get a discount on these items!
Dockatot ($10 off!)
Binxy Hammock (10% off!)
Ollie Swaddle (10% off!)
xx
Newborn Essentials / Must Have Baby Items
Newborn Necessities + Everything You Need On Your Baby Registry This will be my third baby, so at this point I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on what’s necessary and what I could live without. Some links are affiliate links!
1. Crib [similar crib linked] https://rstyle.me/n/c3ck25cc7rf
2. Swaddle blankets / Muslin Swaddles https://rstyle.me/n/c3ck4ecc7rf
3. Baby monitor https://rstyle.me/n/c3ck4ycc7rf
4. Diaper bag/ Backpack http://fawndesign.com
5. Hamper
6. Free & clear laundry detergent
7. Onesies https://rstyle.me/n/c3ck5ncc7rf
8. Burp cloths https://rstyle.me/n/c3ck5ycc7rf
9. Rock n play https://rstyle.me/n/c3cmhrcc7rf
10. Baby carrier https://sollybaby.com
11. Swing https://rstyle.me/n/c3cmikcc7rf
12. Car seat
Breastfeeding:
1. Breast pump [Free through insurance!] I ordered mine through here: https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/
2. Nursing bras https://rstyle.me/n/c3cmi9cc7rf
3. Breast pads https://rstyle.me/~aqlsc
Must-Have but I haven’t gotten yet:
1. Owlet monitor https://rstyle.me/n/c3cmjscc7rf
2. Dock a tot https://rstyle.me/n/c3cmj3cc7rf Follow me on Instagram! Instagram.com/britt.kav
Petite Princess Box
Sawyer got a package just for her!
Petite Princess Box is a subscription box for little princess’.
Get yours at petiteprincessbox.com and use code ROYAL for 10% off your first box.
White With Style Teeth Whitening Kit
Use code BRITTANYK28 to get the $269 kit for only $28!
whitewithstyle.com
Craftly Subscription Box Review & Unboxing
Use code BRITTKAV for 10% off at craftly.com
Craftly is an artisan subscription box that connects modern makers with creative and conscientious consumers from around the world.
Britt’s List Of Unique Baby Gifts
I’ve gathered up some of my favorite baby items for this blog post.
WARNING: This post may cause baby fever.
I don’t think I want another baby, but damn, this stuff is so cute it sure makes me consider having one more!!
BURRITO BABY SWADDLES
As if you didn’t want to eat up a new baby already, this will make it even harder to resist! These burrito baby swaddles are hilarious and adorable. SHOP HERE by Mirando Brand
PERSONALIZED BLOCKS & UNIQUE WOODEN TEETHERS/TOYS
Little Sapling Toys has the cutest selection of wooden teethers, toys, and blocks. Personalized blocks that spell baby’s name would be a lifelong keepsake. I really like the idea of finding a teether that fits perfectly with the family, for example the guitar for musicians, the castle for Disney lovers, the airplane for a pilot’s baby, etc. There’s seriously SO many cute ones to choose from!! SHOP HERE by Little Sapling Toys
SLUMBER SLOTHS
Who doesn’t love sloths? Exactly. These super soft, handmade sloths are perfect for little ones to cuddle with. And they’re super duper adorable. SHOP HERE by Slumberkins
MILESTONE BLANKETS
These milestone blankets by BatzKids are such a great way to photograph and treasure those special milestones. There’s so many to choose from, including age blankets, monthly milestones, first holidays, and even a monthly pregnancy blanket. SHOP HERE by BatzKids
MILESTONE CARDS
Another great product to track milestones are these milestone cards! There’s a lot to choose from, and they are all super cute. SHOP HERE by Milestone
DOCKATOT
If you haven’t heard of DockATot yet, then you’re missing out! (From what I hear, at least.) I always read rave reviews about this product. Basically, this little spot is designed to help your baby sleep like…well…a baby! I wish I had known about it with my littles. SHOP HERE by DockATot
SHOPPING CART HAMMOCK
I’m not going to lie, these shopping cart hammocks look too good to be true! What a great little invention. Putting a car seat in the front of a shopping cart is frowned upon because it can be dangerous, and putting it in the back takes up the entire cart. I would have loved one of these when my kids were little! SHOP HERE by Binxy Baby
MOSES BASKET
I am obsessed with these Moses baskets! They are seriously the perfect little spot for a new baby to sleep. Bassinets take up a lot of room, and are hard to move around. I would have loved one of these for my babies. SHOP HERE by Plum + Sparrow
BABY BOOK
Baby books have been around for forever, but they’ve never been as cute as they are today! These adorable Baby’s First Year books are so unique and modern. SHOP HERE by Lucy Darling
MULTI-USE NURSING COVER
I actually own a Covered Goods nursing cover, and still use it even though I am done nursing! This cover not only acts as a traditional nursing cover, but it also functions has a carseat cover, shopping cart cover, and a scarf! SHOP HERE by Covered Goods
BABY WRAP
Baby-wearing is a new-mom NECESSITY! I didn’t master the art of baby-wearing with Cash, mostly because I didn’t find a carrier that I loved/felt comfortable with. Thankfully I discovered Solly Baby wraps before having Sawyer, and it ended up being a lifesaver! I love that it’s very lightweight and breathable, and holds baby super close and snug to your body. SHOP HERE by Solly Baby
These are my favorite unique gifts. I hope this came in handy with your registry or the next baby shower you’ll be attending! I’m sure I’m missing some other amazing unique gifts on here, so if there’s any that you recommend, LET ME KNOW!!
xx
Britt
A FREE Subscription box
PinchMe sent me a ton of free samples, and you can get some also! All you have to do is create an account, and once you receive your items just go and leave your reviews of each item you received.
I love these types of boxes because: A. They’re freeeee, and B. I am a creature of habit, so this is a great way for me to try new products that I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise.
Create an account and get some free samples for yourself by signing up HERE
Non-Toxic Tampons That Get Delivered To Your Door
You need to throw away your toxic feminine hygiene products, because there are non-toxic products available!
I know it seems like just about everything causes cancer these days, or contains an ingredient that might cause cancer, so it can be difficult deciding which things you’re going to risk using and which things you’re going to ditch. When it comes to things I put in my body, like food, I *try* to eat mostly organic, healthy foods.
Within the last couple years or so I read up on how extremely toxic tampons and pads are, and it made me feel all gross inside. When I first read about how bad they are I looked into alternatives such as “The Diva Cup” and that period underwear (Spanx or something?)…neither looked appealing to me. I just wanted a tampon that wasn’t toxic!!
Thankfully, with being pregnant and nursing the last four years I hadn’t had a period until just a few months ago. (TMI? Sorry…kinda.) So, once Aunt Flow came back I just used up the tampons that were sitting in my cupboard, waiting for her return.
Then I was introduced to LOLA. Lola carries 100% ORGANIC cotton tampons and pads. *Angel choir singing.*
NOT ONLY are they 100% organic, (which means no toxins, dyes, synthetic additives), but they DELIVER. Straight to your door. And you can sign up to have them be delivered to you once a month. *Angel choir sings again.*
I can’t even tell you the amount of times I have started my period and had only a tampon or two (if that) on hand, and had to make my husband run to the drug store to grab me more. (Husbands love doing that, I’m sure he’ll miss it.)
As you can tell, I am super stoked on Lola. Who knew tampons and pads could make me so excited??
If you guys want to try them out (why wouldn’t you?), then you’re in luck because I have a 60% off code for you to use! It expires May 31st 2017, so don’t wait. The code is: BRITTKAV
Order from mylola.com
You will not be disappointed.
*sponsored by Lola.