5 Things I Rediscovered After Having My Second Baby

After a gruelling pregnancy of countless infections, painful Braxton Hicks contractions through both my second and third trimesters, multiple trips to the walk-in clinic and endless nausea, I finally gave birth to my beautiful son on November 9th.

And what a baby – maybe I'm speaking too soon, but he's a great sleeper, eater and totally calm! However, this whole prenatal and postnatal experience has forced me to reflect on four years ago, when I gave birth to my daughter.

So when it comes to saving your sanity and money, check out these tips for if you're have your first, second or nineteenth baby:

1. Just say no. Seriously. If family or friends want you to come over to their place, or you were asked to organize an event, don't do it. Just don't. You pushed a watermelon out of your body, you deserve to rest!

2. Keep food and water at your nightstand. Nighttime feedings with a newborn can make you hungry and thirsty. So here's your chance to be lazy - keep granola bars and water bottles by your bed instead of walking to the kitchen.

3. Ask for help. There's no shame in asking your parents or grandparents to bring some food over, as well as saying "yes" when a friend offers to buy you groceries or do your laundry. This is a time when you need to think about your recovery.

4. Don't cheap out on lanolin cream. "They" say applying breast milk should help with sore and cracked nipples. But geez, if you need a nudge on axing the uncomfortable-ness of breastfeeding, splurge $10 or $12 on some lanolin cream. It's worth it!

5. Samples can be lifesavers. If you get some worthwhile samples, keep them in a container or drawer. (But not in a hoarder way, if you know what I mean.)  When I refer to worthwhile, I mean moisturizers, bottles, diaper rash creams, etc. They could come in handy in desperate situations (that's how I realized Lansinoh is worth it!).

What are your tips for surviving with a newborn? Looking forward to reading your feedback! And as always, please continue to post your money-saving tips on the official Adventures in Baby Savings Facebook Group. 

Review: The Baby Show, Toronto, Ontario

Readers, I am honoured to introduce you to "Foxy", my latest guest blogger. In fact, you may have seen her work on some popular Canadian TV shows! Please meet Foxy:

"Before baby, I worked as a costumer on set of different film and TV shows and at a vintage costume studio. Plus, I was a fitness instructor and a tea expert at a tea store!  Yes I was busy, and I had lots of practice getting little sleep. But being a new mom has trumped everything. I love staying home and looking after our son, who was born only a few months ago. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Foxy recently attended The Baby Show, which happened last month at the Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, and the first thing I asked was, "so... was it good? Busy? Did you leave with lots of goodies? Details!" Check out Foxy's review of this prenatal, baby and toddler event: 

Just some of Foxy's swag from the Baby Show ;) 

First off, I found that this show gears specifically to families who are expecting or for those who are raising toddlers.  The first 2,500 people who came on either September 27th or 28th got a swag bag worth $30. Tickets were $15 each, so when you got your bag, it was like getting your money back. (Check out the goodies I got in the photo! I didn't do half bad, huh?)

By far, this was a comprehensive show -- my husband and I even stayed for four hours! There were over 90 vendors, which included baby photographers, baby furniture, clothes, cloth diaper services and eco-friendly products.

There was even a breastfeeding-friendly area sectioned off for nursing, as well as a diaper changing station (thank goodness!). Oh, and get this: Diapers and cream were provided! Each family that entered the diaper-changing section got a sample of Baby Butz diaper rash cream. So if you're wondering, yes, if you had to change your baby 2 or 3 times at the show (hey, it happens!), you always got a Baby Butz sample. 

Take Note:

• Very stroller-friendly. Lots of space for parents to stroll their kids around -- if you go next time, don't worry about lugging a stroller. 
• You will find some great deals there. For instance, I’ve always liked Snuggle Bugz and they had a great deal on muslin blankets. Normally Lulujo muslins are approximately $17.99 for one; however, at the Baby Show, Snuggle Bugz had a deal at 2 for $20! 
• How was transportation? Instead of TTC or GO Transit, we drove and we got there within the hour the show opened. However, the city closed the QEW for the weekend! If we knew about this ahead of time, we would have taken the GO train. Getting home around 1:30 pm was a nightmare; a normal 30-minute drive was an hour-and-a-half! FYI: Parking costed about $14.

So will I go back again? Of course! The freebies and deals are worth it, and maybe next time I won't bother driving.

Did you attend the Baby Show? What did you think of it? 

Awesome (and Affordable!) Products for Kindergarten Students

Now that my daughter's been in junior kindergarten for approximately a month, I'm getting the hang of what she needs (and doesn't need!) in terms of shopping. So for the future, note these cool products for when your kids start school:

1. Funtainer Bottles by Thermos
I've tried many different water bottles and this is by far the BEST. In public school, kindergarteners have to do things "by themselves", and this thermos is so easy to open and close! My daughter's been using this one since she was about two and now she's almost four. And don't worry, it comes in different characters, not just Hello Kitty.

Best place to find it cheap: Real Canadian Superstore -- wait for a no-tax day and you can pay approximately $9 or $10.


2. Pruta Food Containers

I purchased these containers before my daughter was born, but it just so happens that I've found these to be the most user-friendly for her little hands. She can take off the lids and put them back on the containers, and they're still secure enough for food AND survive the rough-and-toughness of a child. 

PLUS, you get so many in one package at an awesome price, you can't lose out! So in other words, great for home and the classroom. 

Best place to find it cheap: Ikea (online), set of 17 containers for $5.49



3. Mabels Labels "Write Away" Labels
 
Everything -- and I mean everything -- needs to be labelled in school. Backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles, containers, shoes, clothes, the works. I didn't want to keep wasting pen and tape for labels, so I gave Mabels Labels a try. Well, they work alright! Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, they're super durable and when they stick on things, they stick! However, they don't stick on "textured" products such as backpacks very well, but they're amazing on clothes and other items.

Best place to find it cheap: Walmart! You can find a package for $10. (FYI: these are only the "Write Away" labels, NOT the personalized ones.)


Have you tried these products? Can you recommend other kindergarten-friendly items? 

What you've always wanted to know about birth doulas...

I have always been curious about the role of a doula.

Sure, I've heard about sleep doulas, but what exactly does a birth doula do? I found out when I attended a friend's baby shower awhile back and I met Nici Shipway, my friend's birth doula. I've kept in touch with Nici, and her website’s birth stories and super helpful resources always amaze me. 

Bottom line: if you think you need help adjusting to a newborn, especially after you've given birth, don't hesitate to contact a doula – it may be well worth it. 

Check out this Q&A I conducted with Nici – you'll be surprised to learn the exact role of a doula, how to find the perfect one, and where you can save money here.

Q. What do you do as a doula? 

A. As a doula, I offer care during the prenatal period, the birth and the postnatal period. I support as a non-medical role and offer alternative relaxation and pain reduction methods. I assist families in establishing birth preferences and offer informational support and refer families to support that are not within my scope of practice. Another very important part of my job is to empower woman so that they feel comfortable to ask questions during their labour and make educated decisions.

Q. How do you help parents pre- and post-pregnancy? 

A. In the prenatal period, I answer any questions that the family may have about labor and birth. We develop birth preferences together (aka a birth plan) and we discuss how to make their preferences possible. During this time, we also build our relationship by getting to know each other better and doing things like massage, belly henna, etc. 

During the postpartum period, we talk about the birth and sometimes develop a birth story together. I assist with breast-feeding techniques and pretty much anything that the moms needs (even if it's doing the laundry or hanging out with the baby so that mom can shower or go for a walk).

Q. How do you go about finding a doula?
A. The best way to find a doula is word of mouth. Ask your friends and family. Another way is to call or approach yoga studios that offer prenatal yoga. Sometimes the instructors are also doulas or they can refer you to someone. There are also websites such as DoulaMatch that are available.

Q. What qualities should your doula already have?
A. No one actually needs to take any courses to call themselves a doula. However, there are a few very well established doula trainings such as DONA (where I did my training) and CAPPA. 

As far as choosing your doula, you should pick someone whom you feel like you click with. Someone who is on the same level as you when it comes to your birth preferences, and someone who is at a price point you can afford. I always suggest for families to interview a few doulas to make sure they feel confident in their decision.

Q. Do insurance companies cover doula services?
Some do. Some insurance companies offer health and wellness packages, which would include a certified doula. You must produce a copy of your doula's certification from a recognized doula training.

If you have more questions about doula services, visit Nici's awesome website here or email Nici. Have you ever used a doula before? If so, what was your experience like? I would love to know your thoughts – please post them below. 

NEWS: Walmart.ca has FREE shipping on household items!

I just got a flyer in my mailbox from Walmart.ca that I'm pretty stoked about!

Now Walmart.ca is offering free shipping on products ranging in health/beauty, groceries, pet food, household, diapers/formula. PLUS, you don't have to spend a minimum amount, score!

I have to say, I get turned off of "free shipping" offers whenever you have to spend a certain amount of money, so this new shipping offer from Walmart has made my baby-savings day.

FYI: This is only free for standard shipping – also, "remote markets" are not included, so you may want to contact Walmart if you have questions about their exclusions.

Any other retailers you know that do free shipping? I would love to know your tips in the comments below!

Don’t Forget These Tips Before You Bring Your Family To Disney World

If you loved the previous post, “How I survived Disney World ona budget – with TWO young kids” by JenniMommy, you’re going to be astounded by these 11 bonus tips she’s sharing with Adventures in Baby Savings readers.

So before you head to Disney World with the family, take note of these things, writes JenniMommy:

1.  Check the crowd calendar on sites like Undercover Tourist to find out when the busiest times of year and busiest days of the week are for the park you want to visit.
2. Bring extra Ziploc bags. They’re great for storing extra snacks, dirty clothes, bottles of bubbles for waiting in lines, small toys and such.
3. Download the Disney Experience app. Awesome for booking fast passes and checking the times for parades. Plus, it shows you how long the lines are for the rides, which can be useful for deciding which ride to do next.
4. Make use of your fast passes at Disney.  You can always change the times or the ride if you haven’t used them yet; and they shorten the time that you have to spend entertaining little ones in line!
5. Try to eat during “off times” for meals  (i.e. 10:30am or 11:00am for lunch). The restaurants and lines are less busy and, during these times, it's easier to find a table.
6. At Magic Kingdom, go left to Adventureland first, especially if you’re there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. When we were at Disney World, we noticed how everyone went straight to Tomorrowland and Fantasyland first. Adventureland was empty enough that we were able to go on the Magic Carpets twice and reschedule our fast pass for another activity later in the day!
7. Try not to follow a rigid schedule. Chances are if you’re travelling with a toddler, it’s not going to happen on time.  If you need to go back to the hotel for a short nap, make time for it.  Dragging grumpy toddlers through lines and rides is not fun! Also, you should know that your ticket allows re-admission into the park; same goes for your parking.
8. Check out the free attractions, too!  Downtown Disney is a fun place to window shop; go play in the dancing water fountains or visit the Lego store. Plus, parking is free!
9. Try not to do the park the day before you go back on the airplane. Visiting these parks can be super tiring! 
10. Make time to chill by the pool and relax a bit. Travelling with small children is exhausting and you need some “me” time, too.
11. Use your Pampers or Huggies points to create an awesome photo book from Shutterfly – they’re a great way to remember all of those vacation moments!

Can you add more must-know Disney World tips to this list? Share them in the comment box below.

“How I survived Disney World on a budget – with TWO young kids”

So you want to take your family to Disney World? Not so fast – read this post by my new guest blogger, JenniMommy, who has written the most comprehensive guide to saving money at Disney World that you’ll ever read. Here's her bio:

“I’m a mom to two happy little boys, ages 2 years and 4 months, which keeps me pretty busy. While I’ve always enjoyed a great deal, two maternity leaves in such a short span has made me really awesome at checking the flyers for sales and coupons.  When I’m not being a mommy, I’m a Grade Two teacher in Mississauga, Ont.”

With that, please proceed to JenniMommy’s post, “How I survived Disney World on a budget – with TWO young kids”:

Magic Kingdom

When I tell people that my husband and I took our 2-year-old and 3-month-old to Orlando and Disney World, most of them look at us like we’re crazy.

And, to be honest, it kind of felt that way.

It was a pretty daunting trip, given that we’d never been on an airplane with the kids before, plus we were doing it on a budget since I’m on mat leave, and travelling with small children can be so unpredictable (thank you, terrible twos!).

I did a lot of research before we left, looking at prices, hotels, parks, discounts and ways to keep my little ones occupied. So here are my top 8 tips for travelling to Disney World that kept us (relatively) sane:

1. Book through a package deal: Even with discounted airfares and hotel prices, we found it cheaper to book through Air Transat, which included our hotel (a 2-bedroom condo at the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club, 10 minutes from Disney), airfare and car rental (we rented a minivan, which my 2-year-old loved!). 

We also didn’t travel during high season and luckily we had the flexibility to leave on a Thursday, which was slightly less expensive than a Saturday. The downside, of course, is that AirTransat only travelled on Thursdays or Saturdays, which worked for us but may not be feasible for other families.

2. Get free or cheap kid stuff for the airplane: Before leaving, I raided the dollar store for small inexpensive toys to keep my toddler busy both at the airport and on the plane.  New little cars, a water colouring book, small figurines and a Megablocks Thomas train (my favourite dollar-store find!), helped pass the time (and if we lost them I didn’t really care since I hadn’t spent a ton on them). I also downloaded free apps (endless 1,2,3, jigsaw puzzles 1,2,3, puzzles 1,2,3 and candy count) and TV episodes (Bubble Guppies, Mighty Machines and Sid the Science Kid) for my toddler to watch on my phone.

Baby-savings tip: some episodes and apps don’t stay free for very long; if you see that they’re free, download them while you can!

   3. Stay off-site in a condo:  I researched a lot of hotels before booking (thank you, TripAdvisor!), and decided that we didn’t really need the full Disney resort experience; after all, our kids are too young to remember it all.  I also wanted to have a bit more space and flexibility.  My kids aren’t great sleepers and when we’re all in one hotel room, we do even worse. So having a separate bedroom for my 2-year-old and one for my husband, 3-month-old and I was a plus, giving all of us a bit of space. 

Having a full kitchen also meant that we could store milk, buy simple groceries and pseudo-cook at the hotel (toast, cereal, BBQ chicken sandwiches); not having to deal with two grumpy children at restaurants saved a bit of money, too! This was especially great for breakfast each morning.

4. Find discounted tickets: Let’s face it, Disney World is expensive! Tickets are about $100 a person.  Luckily, kids ages 3 and under are free.  We decided to get a three-day pass, since that ended up being cheaper per day and we knew it would take us a few days to get through the parks we wanted to see.  

I looked into a few options and decided to buy our tickets through CAA, which gave us a slight discount (or at least enough to negate the exchange rate).  You can also order discount tickets through Undercovertourist.com. However, I chose CAA because I wanted to have them in hand at the park and pass right through the gate, rather than line up to buy tickets.  And I didn’t have enough time to have them shipped from the United States (and besides, who wants to pay for shipping?!).

5. Be smart about eating at Disney World:  An easy way I saved a few dollars at Disney was by bringing my own snacks and water bottles.  You’re allowed to bring outside food into the parks, so you could bring your own lunch if you wanted to – but it’s a lot to carry and, in the heat, you might worry about things spoiling.  We brought our own snacks and used them to supplement our meals; they also kept our little guy occupied while waiting in line for the rides.

Baby-savings tip: Instead of pop, order water – it’s free and you can use it to refill your water bottles.

P.S. When you order meals, order off the kids’ menu!  It’s not really less food than an “adult” meal, and it includes pre-packaged snacks like apple slices and carrot sticks, which make great snacks for nibbling on later. Our favourite restaurants were “Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn” at Magic Kingdom (they had a fantastic pulled pork sandwich and amazing salad topping bar) and “Restaurantosaurus” at Animal Kingdom (a fantastic burger topping bar, including caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms!); kids meals come in a pail with a shovel that you can take with you to the “Bone Yard Dig Site” to play with and also makes a great free souvenir to take back to the pool at the hotel!

Animal Kingdom

6.  How to get FREE souvenirs:  Souvenirs can be pricey, but there are lots of free souvenirs you can pick up at Disney other than the guide map.  If you’re going for a special occasion (first visit, birthday, anniversary) you can get a free button from guest services.  It doesn’t need to be the day of your celebration, just within 6 months of the date and often they’ll personalize it for you by writing your name and the year on the button.  We got “First Visit” buttons, which I plan to turn into fridge magnets for the kids to play with at home. 

At Magic Kingdom, you can play the Sorcerer’s Game throughout the park and get free trading cards with various Disney characters on them.  You can also go on the Pirate’s Treasure Hunt in Adventureland and get a treasure map.  At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, you can get a sprinkling of fairy dust; meanwhile, at Animal Kingdom, kids can earn badges (stickers that go on various pages of their guide book) when they complete various tasks or answer questions around the park. 

We only did these two parks, but I know that there are other freebie activities/souvenirs for kids at Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  Don’t forget to bring your camera and take pictures.  There are tons of professional photographers at the park taking photos to sell to you; but they will also happily take the picture with your camera too, so take advantage to get some awesome family photos! 

Baby-savings tip: Don’t forget to check if your airline gives out free kids packs. Canjet/AirTransat gave out a little backpack that had a beach ball, keychain game, a reusable sticker book and card game!  They also often have free headphones for children under 12.

7. How to save money buying souvenirs:  Okay, let’s be real here: you’re probably going to have to buy some souvenirs.  My suggestion would be not to buy them at the park.  Hit a Target or Walmart instead! Target near our hotel had a section of Disney souvenirs (many of them the same as in the park) and Walmart had an even bigger section with cheaper prices.  You can definitely pick up a t-shirt, toy or mug for a few bucks less and you don’t have to lug them through the park.  In fact, I even bought my boys their Mickey Mouse t-shirts here in Canada (Walmart, Target, Old Navy) – that way, we already had them to wear to the park and for photos!

8.  Bring the stroller – seriously, just do it: Even if your kid doesn’t usually sit in the stroller, bring it along. Seriously. If you can get away with an umbrella stroller that takes up less room, even better!  There are tons of spots for stroller parking and they are monitored by Disney cast members (however, that doesn’t mean you leave your purse there!). 

Epcot

It can be a long, hot day and even if you go back to the hotel in the afternoon for a nap (FYI: your parking pass is good for re-entry), your little one may want somewhere to chill.  

Your stroller also makes a great spot for them to sit during parades and a convenient place to put the backpack and water bottles.  You can rent them from the park, too (I think it was less than $20 a day) or various stroller rental companies in Orlando, but it’s also handy to have it along in the airport for waiting or toting stuff.  We preferred to have our own double stroller since our 3-month-old was too little to sit in the plastic park strollers and needed to still be in the car seat in the stroller.  

Ahh, the car seat – if your kid doesn’t need to be in it for a stroller ride, don’t bring it to the park. You can bring the stroller and fold it up on some rides or trains, but this isn’t possible with the car seat. In that case, the baby carrier was a must and our little baby spent a lot of time in ours, which also made it easier to get on and off rides quickly or wait in lines.

How did you survive Disney World with young children? Share your comments below and keep an eye out for Part 2 of this Disney World series.