Kutsie Blog

Baby Led Weaning - A Quick Recap

Baby Led Weaning - A Quick Recap

What is Baby Led Weaning?

Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is a method by which infants self-feed solid foods.  You start BLW around 6 months of age.  Essentially, with BLW, babies skip the puree food stage and you don't have to feed your baby with a spoon.  Babies who are ready for BLW will demonstrate the following skills: 

1.  Able to sit up unassisted

2. Tongue thrust reflex has gone away

3. Able to grab and hold on to food

4. Can successfully take food/objects to their mouth

Benefits of BLW:

1. Babies are introduced to different textures, smells, and colors.  

2.  Babies are given a variety of finger foods to choose from.  This allows the baby to have more control over which foods they decide to eat and at their own pace.

3. BLW supports fine motor skills (hand-eye coordination and chewing).

4. You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen steaming AND pureeing food! 

Check out these Kutsie Babies nailing Baby Led Weaning!

Baby Led Weaning Facts          

Did we mention it's a little MESSY?!        

Tips for baby led weaning

A great way to serve bananas with BLW!

 

One major concern that caretakers have with BLW is choking.  When your baby is gagging with BLW, this is their gag reflex doing its job.  Choking is silent.  As with other food methods, you must be present when your baby is eating and monitor them carefully.  BLW is not for everyone and you need to decide which method suits you best.  

Kutsie Baby Owner
Posted on July 07, 2016
Kutsie Baby Owner
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To My Best Friend Having Her First Child

To My Best Friend Having Her First Child

To My Best Friend Having Her First Child

You are almost to the finish line! Only a few more weeks and you will experience a love that you couldn’t even imagine existed. You’ve battled the morning sickness, the aches and pains, heartburn, and the endless rollercoaster of emotions. You have felt the twirls, kicks, and hiccups of this little being inside of you. I want you to know that you are going to be the best mom to this little girl. Never doubt yourself, stand up for your beliefs, and know that it is okay to be tired, it is okay to cry, it is okay to ask for help.

The first day after giving birth will be euphoric. The baby sleeps, and sleeps, and sleeps. You will stare at that little girl in admiration, not knowing how you lived before her. The next few days are rough though, you will be running on little sleep, you’ll be in some pain, and you may not be eating as much as you should, but you got this.

The first few months after giving birth to your precious baby will be some of the hardest months of your life. Your body will be changed forever, but this isn’t a bad thing. It is something to be proud of. You are a mother, your body created life, of course there will be evidence. Please know that I’ve got your back, I am here for you. I will bring you food, I will listen to your complaining without judgement, I will coach you through sleepless nights, and I will assure you, you are an amazing mom.

I guess I’m really just writing this to you, to let you know this thing called motherhood is HARD and that I have been in your shoes, and I am here for you whenever you need. I won’t judge you, I will stand beside you. I will love that little girl as if she were my own. The next few years will be some of the best years of your life and I can’t wait to be there to experience them with you.  

We may have grown apart since I had my first child, but I can't wait for us and our children to grow together in this new chapter of our friendship.

Welcome to the “mom” group!

We've shared the same dimple and now we get to share the same title, Mom.

Kutsie Baby Owner
Posted on June 22, 2016
Kutsie Baby Owner
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Kutsie Baby Mommy & Me Clothing Collection

Kutsie Baby Mommy & Me Clothing Collection

We are so excited to announce our very own Kutsie Baby clothing collection!  Our clothing collection will include onesies and baby tees, tanks and tees for women, and mommy & me sets!  We will be adding new styles weekly so visit us frequently to view our newest items.  

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Mommy & Me: But First Coffee Tank & But First Milk Onesie

 

 2. Started From The Belly Now I'm Here Onesie - Hot Pink

 

3. Mermaid Hair Don't Care Onesie - Black

 

4. Work Hard, Gym Hard, Mom Hard Tank - White

Kutsie Baby Owner
Posted on June 12, 2016
Kutsie Baby Owner
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Best Baby Shower Gift of 2015: Nursing & Teething Necklaces!

 

Gorgeous Nursing Necklaces

Baby shower gifts are fun!

Cute, little, pretty, soft. All reasons to OOH and AHH over adorable baby stuff. It’s so fun to shop for a baby shower but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many gadgets and gizmos a new mom needs and wants.

How do you know what a new mom needs?

You of course can shop her registry, but even the most thorough registry is missing items that a new mom would love. So how do you know what to get? I have a suggestion for you.

A new mom needs support

And not just from a new bra (which btw, she does need). She needs support from friends and family to help her with the giant and oh-so-important task of breastfeeding her new baby.

Breastfeeding is tough

It can be painful, isolating and doesn’t always happen easily. And to make matters worse, no one likes to talk about it. So how do you help? You can give her a gift to relieve some of the discomforts of breastfeeding.

Get her a nursing necklace!

Let’s face it, nipple cream and breast pads are not too fun. Necessary, yes, but no one OOHS and AHHS over them at a baby shower. Get your friend a gift she will love to open. A nursing necklace is pretty, useful and is a way to show her you’ll be there if she needs some extra support during the tough breastfeeding times.

Oh Purple Panda Nursing Necklaces

What is a nursing necklace?

It’s a soft and safe fabric necklace that mom wears when she’s breastfeeding. It alleviates hair pulling, face scratching and de-latching caused by a distracted baby. Simply put, it helps make breastfeeding more comfortable and more successful.

And, guess what, Kutsie Baby is now offering a specialty line of nursing necklaces from Oh Purple Panda! Click here to shop all the gorgeous fabric options available. They really do make a fabulous baby shower gift, and if you don’t have one for yourself yet, make sure to order two!

Adorable Nursing NecklacesWatercolor Breastfeeding Necklace

Guest blog post by Grace Druecke, Founder of Oh Purple Panda, a company dedicated to making fabric nursing necklaces. Follow her blog here Fabric Nursing Necklaces for other helpful tips.
Grace Druecke - Oh Purple Panda Owner
Posted on March 12, 2015
Grace Druecke - Oh Purple Panda Owner
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Kickstarter Campaign for New Kids Toy: Pillow Pals

We take pride in offering the newest and most innovative baby and kid products on the market! Many of our items have been featured on Shark Tank and gain national attention AFTER we have already discovered them!  This product is well on its way to win the hearts of America and the rest of the world! Pillow Pals is simply genius! It takes your child's drawing and brings it to life! Now your child can touch, cuddle, and play with something they thought up of themselves!  

Pillow Pals has started a Kickstarter campaign to further expand their business and we couldn't be more excited for them!

We wish Pillow Pals the best of luck! Don't forget to purchase your Pillow Pal Here, the holiday season is right around the corner!

 

Kutsie Baby Owner
Posted on October 20, 2014
Kutsie Baby Owner
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Turn your child's drawings into stuffed animals with Pillow Pals!

We are SO excited about this new product! It is the perfect present for any occasion and kids of all ages!  Bring your child's most favorite drawing to life with Pillow Pals!  Purchase your Pillow Pal Here then submit your drawing to info@kutsiebaby.com and in no time your child will receive a one of a kind pillow to cuddle, snuggle, and dream with!  Each pillow is quite large measuring at about 24"-28"!

 

Turn your child's drawing into a stuffed animal

 

Kutsie Baby Owner
Posted on September 03, 2014
Kutsie Baby Owner
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13 Baby Shower Gift Ideas Under $30.00

13 Baby Shower Gift Ideas Under $30.00

 

We all want to get an expecting mother a gift for her baby shower that she will 1. USE and 2. LOVE without spending a fortune! Here is a great list of items under $30.00 that any expecting mother will adore!
  Adorable Chevron Baby Burp Cloths Baby Mouse Hooded Robe Cute Sea Creature Diaper Covers
  • The Diaper Clutch, $24.00  A diaper and wipes carrying case for moms on the go!  Great for small outings and bypassing those obnoxiously large diaper bags! Lots of adorable styles to chose from! 
Diaper Clutch for Diapers and Wipes
  • Aqueduck Faucet Extender, 12.99 & Aqueduck Handle Extender $16.00, $28.99  The mother-to-be will receive lots of gifts for the first 6 months of her little one's life.  These two products will definitely come in handy before she knows it! 
Faucet and Handle Extender for Toddlers Built in Bib Onesie Modern Nursery Artwork Baby Monster Socks and Plush Toy Gift Three Piece Football Gift Set for Baby Adorable Flower Headband and Booties for Baby
  • Refresh-a-Baby, $6.99  This baby product is our most favorite invention!  The Refresh-a-Baby is a baby bottle nipple that attaches to water bottles.  We can't tell you how many amazing reviews and comments we have received from customers who have bought this product!  From babies who won't drink from a bottle or sippy cup and magically drink from a water bottle with the Refresh-a-Baby attachment to pure convenience of not having a bottle handy!  Buy two or three so that your mom-to-be can stash them in her bags and home! 
Baby Bottle Nipple Attachment for Water Bottles Giraffe Baby Lovey Chicken Leg Warmers Baby Gift Set
    Kutsie Baby Owner
    Posted on June 25, 2014
    Kutsie Baby Owner
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    Six Simple Father's Day Gift Ideas

    Six Simple Father's Day Gift Ideas! 

      1.  Photography: Our favorite is taking a picture of your little one(s) with the letters "D" and "A," your local craft store should have various frames and wooden letters to chose from!  You can even create your own back drop with balloons or ribbon! 
      Creative Father's Day Gift Ideas

       

      2.  Gadgets: This is a must have for every father! The Swiss Army Knife (or something similar)! Rip through those boxes, plastic packages, and unscrew those battery boxes like a pro!
          Simple Father's Day Gift Ideas
          3.  Food!: What father doesn't appreciate some good home cookin'? 
          Cilantro Lime Skirt Steak & Chimichurri Sauce Recipe (from Married Claire)
          Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
          Cilantro-lime Steak Marinade:
          Inspired by: Feasting at Home
          1 lb skirt steak
          1/3 cup soy sauce
          1/3 cup olive oil
          1 tsp sesame oil
          2 limes juiced
          3 garlic cloves
          handful of cilantro
          pinch of sugar
          dash of red pepper flakes
          Directions:
          1. combine all ingredients in a bowl
          2. put steak in ziploc bag, add marinade
          3. refrigerate for up to 4 hours, taking steak out of the fridge approximately 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temp
          4. grill steak on medium high to desired doneness [ours was a bit chewy, it is very thin & doesn't need to be cooked long!]
          Chimichurri:
          handful parsley
          handful cilantro
          1/2 cup olive oil
          1/2 onion
          2 limes juiced
          1 clove garlic
          1 tsp cumin
          1 tsp coriander
          1 tsp kosher salt
          1/2 jalapeno seeds removed
          Directions:
          1. place jalapeno, onion & garlic in food processor & blend until chopped
          2. add herbs
          3. add rest of ingredients & blend until combined
          4.  For the Father All About His Fitness!: Muscle Roller
          Muscle rollers massage and reinvigorate sore/tired muscles preparing them for exercise.  Trust me, he will thank you! Muscle rollers can be purchased at any sports goods store.
          Muscle Massager and Roller
          5. For The Bearded Father: Specialty Shaving Products
          We chose The Art of Shaving Lexington Gift Set in Unscented
          6.  Get Crafty!: Have your little ones design a grilling apron for dad!
          Courtesy of FamilyFun Magazine
          Total Time 1 hour
          Ages all-ages

          Add a few splashes of fabric paint to a plain canvas apron, and what do you get?

          A gorgeous kid creation that will artfully shield Dad's clothes from that messy grill.

          What you'll need

          • White canvas apron, in Dad's size, available at craft stores
          • Masking tape
          • Fabric paints of different colors
          • Paintbrushes

          How to make it

          Prewash the apron. Mark off sections of the apron with masking tape, so each child artist gets his or her own tableau.

          Kids can sketch out ideas on paper beforehand or go straight to canvas. Themes might include food on the grill, family self-ortraits, or Dad's favorite things. Remove the tape and set the paint according to the manufacturer's directions

          Kutsie Baby Owner
          Posted on June 12, 2014
          Kutsie Baby Owner
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          How To Get Back In Shape After Having A Baby!

          I know it can be scary in your third trimester wondering how in the world am I going to lose all of this "baby" weight?!  Don't stress! There are many ways and I'll tell you how I did it!   I gained about 30lbs throughout my pregnancy.  A week after giving birth to my son, I lost about 15lbs!  I nursed my son for 10 months.  Nursing also helps you lose weight faster. 

          When my son was about 9 months, I had 5 lbs to go to my pre-pregnancy weight.  I hadn't been working out, but I was eating healthily.  I love to juice!  Make sure you use lots of veggies when juicing though, too many fruits and you will defeat the purpose. 

          Here is a great recipe: 1 bunch of parsley, 2 granny smith apples, 1/2 lemon, 1/4 cucumber, 2 handfuls of spinach

          After drinking this, you'll be ready to take over the world! :) I limited my sugar and caffeine intake primarily because I was nursing and didn't want a night-owl (even though I ended up with one anyway, but that's another story!) 

          Once I had 5lbs to go I went to a local boot-camp style gym.  They combine Crossfit workouts with cardio.  Within 5 weeks I was in the best shape of my life!

          Here is a breakdown!

          • A lot of the weight will come off right after you give birth
          • Breastfeed - this helps you lose weight faster!
          • Breastfeeding encourages healthy eating! Eat lots of fruits, veggies, lean meat, and drink lots of water!  Try our juicing recipe!
          • Go on daily walks when you return home from the hospital (with your doctor's "okay").  You can also try these mom and baby exercises: 
          1. Baby Squat:  Hold your baby close to your chest and do a squat.  Here you can learn How to Squat properly.
          2. Baby Push-ups:  Place your baby underneath you eye to eye.  Now you can interact with your baby and get fit! She will absolutely love seeing mommy go up and down!
          3. Baby Lunge:  Hold your baby close to your chest (or in a baby carrier) and do a lunges, alternating legs each time.
          4. Baby Russian Twists: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and heel about a foot from your bottom.  Lean back and keep your spine straight.  Holding yourself at a 45 degree angle hold your baby and gently twist from side to side.
          • Make sure you are getting your rest!
          • If you are working out and not seeing any results, try a boot-camp or engage in different activities.  Your body will get used to the same ol' routine. We joined Hard Exercise Works.
          • Don't stress, make small goals. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, you have plenty of time to lose the weight.  Follow these steps and you'll be back to your pre-pregnancy weight in no time!
          Kutsie Baby Owner
          Posted on May 16, 2014
          Kutsie Baby Owner
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          13 Sensory and Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers!

          We LOVE these educational activities for TODDLERS!

          Many are great for rainy days! :)

           

          Edible Homemade Finger Paint

          *Sensory Play*

          2+ years

           

          Moon Sand

          *Sensory Play*

          3+ years

          *Creative Play*
          2+ years
          *Sensory & Pretend Play*
          3+ years

           

          Water Beads

          *Sensory Play*

          3+ years

           

          Yogurt Cup Wind Chimes

          *Creative + Motor Skill Play*

          2+ years

          Paper Towel Tie Dye

          *Creative Play*

          2+ years

           

          Felt Cupcakes

          *Motor Skills Play*

          2+ years

           

          Ice Boats

          *Sensory Play*

          2+ years

           

           

           

          Colander Sorting

          *Motor Skills Play*

          2+ years

           

          Play Dough & Magnetic Letters

          *Sensory & Motor Skills Activity*

          2+ years

           

          Rainbow Slime

          *Sensory Play*

          2+ years

           

          Scented Colorful Rice

          *Sensory Play*

          2+ years

           

           

           

           

           

          Kutsie Baby Owner
          Posted on May 04, 2014
          Kutsie Baby Owner
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          We've teamed up with Destination Maternity! Mom-to-be and Baby Must Have List of 2014!

          We are so excited to announce we have teamed up with Destination Maternity! We will keep you up to date on all of the latest sales and maternity trends! 

          Here are a few of our favorite things for baby and mom for 2014-2015:

            Mom-to-be MUST HAVE: The Snoogle!!  HINT: when you start to toss and turn at night, it is time for a Snoogle! The Snoogle is designed to keep moms-to-be comfortable and rested!
              Lasinoh Disposable Nursing Pads:  We love these! They stick to the inside of your bra and don't move around (or make noise!) like some other brands.  They also keep mom nice and dry.
                    Aden + Anais Receiving Blankets:  Soft, modern, and adorable!
                        Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover: Full coverage, adorable prints!
                        Sophie The Giraffe: Every baby must have this amazing ALL NATURAL teether! 
                        Wubbanub Ella Bella Pink Elephant Pacifier
                        3/4 Sleeve Ruched Maternity Dress: Perfect for staying comfortable at work!
                          Basic Long Sleeve Maternity T-Shirt: Grab a few basic long sleeve t-shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, and tank tops!
                          Date night dress: Don't forget to enjoy your nights out before baby comes!

                          7 For All Mankind Secret Belly Fit Jeans - Boot Cut: We can't say enough about these jeans! They will last your entire pregnancy and are extremely comfortable! Definitely an investment piece!

                          Fold Over Maternity Skirt:  Sometimes you just don't want to deal with pants and these are ADORABLE!

                           

                          3 Piece Nursing Pajama Set: Comfort is key when nursing! 

                           

                          Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag: Adorable, functional, mom-approved!

                           

                           

                          Kutsie Baby Owner
                          Posted on April 23, 2014
                          Kutsie Baby Owner
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                          Refresh a Baby - Baby Bottle Nipple Adapter for Water Bottles!

                          We are so impressed with the Refresh a Baby: baby bottle nipple adapter for water bottles!  This is a must have product for any mom "on-the-go" (and let's face it, this means EVERY mom).  Personally, I have been out and about and realized I forgot to pack a bottle/sippy cup.  The Refresh a Baby baby bottle adapter was a life saver!   I have two in my diaper bag.  One in plain sight and one hidden away for extreme emergencies (this goes for pacifiers too! haha). 

                          The Refresh a Baby baby bottle nipple adapter fits the following water bottles:

                          Aquafina, Evian (regular & sports cap), Publix (small and large bottles), Spring, Volvic, Fiji, Dannon, Dasani, Zephyrhills (all) , Poland Springs, Crystal, Nestle, Poland Springs, Sam’s Choice, Aqua Panna, Smart Water, Break Escapes, Deer Park, Arrowhead, Ice mountain, Ozarka, Mountclair, Vittel, Smart Water, Contrax, Biota, Volvic, Naya, SPA, Kentwood Springs, Crystal Geyser, Crystal, Springtime, many juice bottles, Enfamil “Ready to Use” Baby and Infant Formula Bottles, Similac “Ready To Feed” Infant Formula Bottles, and many more!

                          This new and innovative baby product of 2014 makes for a great baby shower gift!  You'll be sure to impress your favorite expecting mother with this gift!  Refresh a Baby comes in lots of colors too! Choose from: Purple, Yellow, Blue & Lime.

                           

                           

                          Kutsie Baby Owner
                          Posted on April 10, 2014
                          Kutsie Baby Owner
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