Infant Seat Tent Tutorial

My sister just had a baby a few weeks ago and she asked me to make her an oh-so-girly car seat tent.  No problem!  I took pictures through the whole process, so I could offer the tutorial.  This is a super easy project and didn't take much time.  Happy sewing!

Materials

• 1 1/4 yard of fabric A
• 1 1/4 yard of fabric B
• a bit of velcro
• matching thread

My fabric was 44 in. wide, so I just let that be the length of my tent.
With the fabric still folded in half, cut 37 inches.

Open up both pieces and lay them right sides facing and trim any parts that don't really match up.

Take a large bowl and place it on your corners.

Trace around the curve of the bowl to give yourself some rounded corners and cut along the pen mark.

Using 1/2 in. seams, sew your pieces together leaving a small hole to flip it right side out.

Clip your corners so that they will lay flat when you flip it.

Iron the seams and the body of the tent.

Top stitch all the way around

Lay it out in front of you so that it is longer than it is wide.  Now fold it in half.

Mark the center and go 4 inches out on either side from the center.  Mark those spots.

Mark on the outside edge of the 2 outer pins.  This is where your straps are going to go.

Of contrasting fabric, cut 2 rectangles 5 in. by 10 in.

Fold in half and iron.  Then open back up fold each long edge in 1/2 in. and iron.

Fold each short edge in 1/4 in. and iron.

Fold back in half along your iron mark and top stitch all 4 sides.

Cut velcro to fit and sew or iron on making sure that you put it in the right spot so it will close properly.  See the picture for correct placement.  (Make sure you don't iron over sew-in velcro.  I promise it isn't pretty.)

Fold straps in half and mark center.

Go back to your tent and place straps directly over the pins you have marking where they go.

Sew straps on using a reinforced box stitch (a box with an x inside of it).

Step back and admire your handiwork!

We are fresh out of infant seats (sniff sniff) so I strapped the tent to the legs of my ironing board.  You get the right idea...although it would be WAY cuter if I had a little munchkin peeking out from under it.

There is still time to enter my Messy Monday and/or my Transform Tuesday link parties.  I'd love to see what you have to share!

I'm linking this to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

• We did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage

• Strut your stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of My Favorite Things

• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Strollers

We just got back from vacation and it was FANTASTIC!  We went camping in Nauvoo, Illinois for a week.  It rained for 3 days, but it didn't even matter.  We had so much fun just being together. 

So why is the post about strollers?  Because we have the most amazing stroller I have ever seen and every time we go out we get asked about it.  It is a Valco Baby Tri-Mode Twin.  We also got a couple of add on accessories.  There is a toddler seat that goes on the front and a hitch-hiker ride along that attaches to the back.  Do you realize what I am saying?  I can get ALL 4 of my kids on the stroller at the same time--safely!    It's amazing!!! 

This is what it looks like with the toddler seat on the front.  It also has a rain cover that goes over all 3 of the seats.  It came in really handy when we were out and about in the rain.  Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the kids in it on our trip.  The only picture I can find of everyone on it is from E's first day of school last year.  You can tell in the picture that they are pretty done with me taking pics.  :)

These are expensive strollers, but for a mom with multiples or lots of small children at home, I say it is TOTALLY worth the price.  It gave me freedom.  I can take my kids to the zoo or the mall or wherever I want to go by myself and still keep a handle on them.  I can also walk the kids to and from school everyday and if I want to I can go jogging...because it is also a jogging stroller.  If you decide you want to buy one of the beauties, go to http://www.joggermon.com/  Kelly is the owner and mother of triplets plus one.  She was fantastic to work with and very personal.  She even called me a month or so later to see if we were happy with our purchase.  She also gave us a discount and threw in 2 free cup holders. 

There is a lady that we pass every morning on the way to school and one day she told me that she looks forward to seeing my "parade" pass by everyday.  That made me smile for atleast a week.

What if you don't need one so huge?  Well there are TONS of options.  You can go super basic with an umbrella stroller like this one.  I keep one similar to this in the car too.  You can get an umbrella with a few extras, or a double side-by-side umbrella.

You can get a single stroller that will hold your baby carrier and then can be used for your child until they are bigger like this one.  Or you can get a double front-to-back that will hold a baby carrier and an older child and eventually two older children.  You can also get attachments that allow kids to sit or stand on the back of the stroller you already have.

Then there are jogging strollers.  There are TONS of different jogging strollers and each of them is a bit different.  JoggerMom is a stroller distributor, and has every different type and style you can imagine.  She can also help you figure out what your needs are.  Best of all, if you live in Southern California she will let you test drive some different strollers so you don't end up buying something that you end up not liking.

Infant Acid Reflux

"Does your baby seem to spit up a lot? Grab your burp cloth and join the group! Infant acid reflux, more accurately known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a common problem. In fact, more than half of all babies experience infant acid reflux during the first three months after birth, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Although infant acid reflux is most likely after a feeding, it can happen anytime your baby coughs, cries or strains. And it's probably tougher on you than on your baby. Even when soaked in spit up, most babies who have infant acid reflux are healthy and content.

Infant acid reflux typically resolves on its own by ages 12 to 18 months. In the meantime, changes in feeding technique — such as smaller, more frequent feedings, changing position or interrupting feedings to burp — can help keep reflux under control. In a few cases, medication or other treatments may be recommended."  This is directly from the Mayo Clinic website.

I added the emphasis at the end.  That is the part that I want to talk about.

During my 3rd pregnancy I had an ultrasound at 14 weeks that found a subchorionic bleed.  The Dr. said that they are fairly common and not to worry about it.  He said that they usually resolve themselves on their own and are not a problem.  So I didn't worry about it.  2 weeks later I started to have mild contractions (I contracted early with my first 2 pregnancies also and it wasn't an issue).  I continued to contract several times a week, but not regularly for the next several weeks.  The Dr. didn't seem worried, so neither was I.

Six weeks later I had my 20 week ultrasound to see how the baby was doing and to check on the bleed.  The baby was fine, but the bleed didn't resolve itself.  The ultrasound tech said that I had an abruption and that she could see the contractions I was having during the ultrasound.  She also confirmed that they were "real" contractions.  When I met with the Dr. he asked me all sorts of questions about my contractions, if I was having any cramping, or sharp pains, or spotting/bleeding.  He wanted me to document the contractions to see if they were random, had some sort of rhythm to them or if they were caused by certain activities.  To make a long story short, I ended up on partial bed rest for the last three months of my pregnancy and my daughter was born at 38 weeks.

I noticed in the hospital that she was spitting up which I thought was odd.  I was nursing her and I knew that my milk had not come in yet, so I wondered how she could be spitting up when there wasn't much there to spit up.  The nurse told me it was normal and not to worry about it.  When we went home, it just got worse.  I took her back to the Dr. several times those first few weeks because I knew something wasn't right, and I didn't know what to do about it.

The Dr. suggested that I cut out foods that commonly cause issues for new babies...but I was already doing that.  Then she suggested I cut out all dairy for six weeks.  I did that and it did not make a difference.  The Dr. finally put B on Zantac.  Within about a week and a half, she was a different baby!  She still threw up regularly, but she wasn't crying all the time.  She started sleeping better and she was finally happy!  By the time she was nine months old, she was completely off her medicine and totally fine.

Now, fast forward to my 4th pregnancy.  I had complications with this one as well.  The worst of which was problems with my heart.  I also had early contractions, but they weren't as bad as they were with B.  By the time I was eight months pregnant, I was having "episodes" with my heart several times a week and it was affecting my ability to function properly.  All of my children have had shoulder dystocia births (which is where they get stuck in the birth canal...two of them broke a collarbone).  These deliveries are high risk.  So, C was born at 36 weeks.  He was in the NICU for a week and then he was able to come home.  He was born on a Monday and they didn't let me feed him until Thursday (don't worry, he was on IV's).  Even though there was nothing in his stomach, he was spitting up quite a bit.  I instantly suspected reflux.

When he came home, he always ate like a champ.  Then he would cry and throw up a TON then he would cry some more and then he would be hungry again.  It was a never ending cycle of crying, eating, crying, puking, crying...Sometimes I joined him in the crying part because we were both exhausted and miserable.  The Dr. started him on Zantac and I was so excited.  I assumed it would help him as much as it helped B...even though his was way worse.  I didn't really see much difference.  He was also put on Reglan and something else that I can't remember.  They x-rayed his stomach to check for pyloric stenosis and thankfully he did not have it.  Nothing seemed to be helping very much.

We had already elevated the head of his bed and kept him propped up after each feeding.  I was feeding him less, but more often...we did everything.  Finally the Dr. decided to put him on Prevacid.  It made his hair fall out in chunks!  I was horrified and stopped it immediately.  The Dr. said that that isn't one of the side effects listed by the manufacturer, but it happened when he was on the medicine and stopped when he stopped it.  If you look it up in Google, it is also a side effect that some people do experience.

By this point, we were desperate!  We went to a pediatric gastroenterologist and he put us back on Zantac and added Mylanta Supreme.  Wonder of wonders, that combination worked!  From that day, I noticed big changes in C's temperament.  He still threw up, but as long as we kept him upright for at least 30 minutes after each feeding, he was a happy baby!!!

It took a lot of experimenting, but we were able to figure out that he couldn't just be propped up a bit after feedings.  He literally needed to be vertical or he didn't do very well.  This was a bit of a challenge because I had three other young children to take care of too.  Sometimes I couldn't hold him when he needed it.  I had a baby carrier that I could put him in, but it was not very comfortable for either of us.  He was a pretty chunky baby (another sign of reflux) and so he was heavy!  I did a ton of research to try and find another carrier that I could use with him for extended periods of time that would not hurt my back.  That's when I found the mei tai carrier.  These are Asian style carriers where you literally tie your baby to your body.  They become a part of you.  I also found that they are pretty expensive.  I looked at several different styles and picked out my favorite parts of them.  Then I combined everything I liked and made my own.  It is what saved both of us during those really hard months.  He didn't outgrow the reflux until right around his 1st birthday.  He still has an easy gag reflex, but he is just fine.

I'm working on some carriers to offer in my store.  Check back soon to see them and to see how to wear them.  Thanks!

Diaper Bags

Let's talk Diaper bags.  At one time diaper bags were, in my opinion like maternity clothes used to be...purely functional.  They did the job, but didn't really add to your appearance at all.  Thank goodness things have changed!

When my first was born I spent a lot of time trying to pick "the perfect diaper bag".  It had to have just enough pockets and places to hold everything I needed, not be monstrously big, and still be somewhat stylish.  I ended up with something similar to this.

When my second child was born (18 months later) I quickly realized that my "perfect" diaper bag wasn't big enough for two kids.  I still had the same requirements as I did the first time.  It just needed to be a little bit bigger.  I ended up with something similar to this.

When my third child was born (20 months after #2) I had to swallow my image pride and get something completely practical.  I used the same bag for #3 and #4.  I had 3 kids in diapers at the same time twice!  I needed lots of room for lots of stuff.  I ended up with something similar to this.

Yes it is big, but it holds everything I need.  Now that my 4th child is almost 18 months old, I am getting excited to put this down and get a nice stylish purse...

There are as many different types of diaper bags as they are types of diapers.  When you are looking for one, you need to figure out what your needs are and what type of person you are.  You also need to decide if you are going to buy a new bag with each new child or if you want it to work for multiple children.

If you are they type of person who constantly has blisters because you just can't make yourself wear more practical shoes that may not perfectly match your outfit, then you may feel like you will have to sacrifice practicality in the name of fashion.  Not necessarily.

If you are the type of person who wears tennis shoes with your suit because comfort is the only way to go, then you may not really care what it looks like as long as it gets the job done.  Finding a fashionable diaper bag that is also completely practical and comfortable might be easier than you think.

Check out these different sites. 

• http://www.diaperbagboutique.com/
• http://www.potterybarnkids.com/ --just click on baby and then on diaper bags.
• http://www.sassystitching.com/ --this one is really cool because you can choose from several different options and create your own bag.

There are tons of options in all different price ranges.  You can also think about using a computer bag with lots of pockets, which was what my second bag really was.  Or you can try a back pack.  They have lots of different compartments for all of the different things you need to carry.  Look through the old purses you already have.  Maybe one of them is big enough or has enough compartments to hold what you need.  Chances are that if you already own it, you already like it.  Or you can look at small duffle bags, which is what the diaper bag I currently use is.

Burrito Babies

I have a ton of friends who are either pregnant or are have just had babies.  I think the next several posts will be on all things baby.  This one is about swaddling.  Ever heard of it?  Know what it is?  Know why babies like it?

Swaddling means "to bind (an infant, esp. a newborn infant) with long, narrow strips of cloth to prevent free movement; wrap tightly with clothes." (from http://www.dictionary.com/)

Babies just came from a very snug and cozy environment where there wasn't a lot of room to move around.  When they are born they don't have control of their muscles so they arms and legs tend to flail around.  This can make sleeping very difficult.  Swaddling an infant comforts them and makes it easier for them to sleep.  It helped all 4 of mine anyway.

There are a few different ways you can swaddle the baby.  This is what worked best for us.  Once they get older you can swaddle with the arms out.  Some of mine liked this and some of them didn't.  You can swaddle a baby until they don't like it anymore.  A friend of mine swaddled her baby until she was almost 8 months old.  She wouldn't sleep unless she was wrapped up tight.

1.  You will need a blanket.  I always used a receiving blanket.  It works best if it is square.  If the blanket you are going to use is not square, just fold one edge down until it is.  If your baby outgrows this blanket, just use a bigger one.

2.  Fold the top corner down about 1/3 of the way.  This is where your baby's head will be.

3.  Put your baby onto the blanket.  Make sure they are changed and fed before you swaddle them or you will have to undo them in a few minutes.  (sorry about the naked baby doll.  None of my kids are little enough to swaddle anymore and I couldn't find her clothes.)

4.  Fold either side over the baby and tuck the edge under the baby.  This will keep it secure.

5.  Take the bottom corner and fold it up.  If it is too long and will cover the baby's face, just fold it down a little bit.

6.  Take the other side and fold it over the baby.  Wrap it around and under the baby.

And that is how you do it.  Now you know why we call them "burrito babies".  :)

You can also buy swaddling blankets.  I have never used one, but I have several friends that have used and loved them.  As far as I know, they all work pretty much the same.  Here is an example.