Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Archives for 2013

Changes at Kids Ain’t Cheap

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Hey everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that I would be picking up the pace here on Kids Ain’t Cheap.

Earlier this year, you know I purchased this site to continue the belief that, while kids aren’t cheap, they are totally worth it.  As part of my journey to parenthood, I was going to write a bit about what’s happening in my life.

Well, easier said than done with all that’s going on in my online and offline life.  However, I’ve finally sat down and written an editorial calendar for the site, so you should start seeing some new, personal content.

With the baby due any day now, there should be some fun stuff coming soon.

Being an Engaged Parent

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Engaged ParentBeing a mom is easily the hardest thing I have ever, and will ever, do in my life. Being responsible for someone else’s well-being is a stressful job. There is no job in the world that gives so much stress and so much reward at the same time. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Trying to be the best parent I can isn’t always easy. In today’s world of fancy technology and constantly being surrounded by something it’s easy to lose focus.

 

Lesson From The Dental Office

Today, it’s not uncommon to have both parents working full-time. This isn’t the world that our grandparents grew up in where it was more common to have mom at home tending to all of the family’s needs.

Last week at work I had a young mom bring her son in. As soon as the little boy was sitting in the dental chair, mom was in the corner sitting in a chair frantically typing away on her phone, totally disengaged from her son’s dental appointment. When it became clear to me, evident by the rampant decay in his mouth, that mom was not brushing his teeth as he needed, I alerted mom. I asked her how he was managing with tooth brushing and how often she was doing it for him given that he was only four. She told me, and I quote:

”As you can tell, I’m a very busy woman, I don’t have time to brush his teeth, he’s four, he can do it himself…his sister had soft teeth too, it’s not my fault they’re rotten”

Yup. This is what she actually said to me. This woman’s life is too busy to brush her four-year-old’s teeth. I was so mad at her I couldn’t help myself and I responded:

”If you don’t have time to do something simple like brush his teeth, what do you have time for in his life?”

She was so taken aback by me saying anything she just stared at me, saying nothing.

She put her phone in her purse came over to he son and asked me to show her how to properly brush his teeth. I was so happy she decided to become engaged in his appointment and learn from her mistake.

 

Engaged Parenting

I see this sort of thing every day. Parents seem to be so far removed from what’s going on in their children’s lives it scares me. As a parent we have a responsibility to be engaged in our child’s life.  This means paying attention to them when they need it, playing with them without our faces in our phones and putting effort into understanding what’s going on in their life, everything from Facebook accounts to general hobbies. Though I value a child’s privacy, we as parents should still have a good understanding of everything that’s going on in their lives, while still respecting privacy boundaries.

How do you balance engaged parenting while respecting boundaries?

Rewarding Students for Good Grades?

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Rewarding Students for Good GradesGrowing up, children have very few responsibilities in life, make your bed, help with chores, be a nice person and do well in school. Given that doing well in school is really the only task throughout your day that requires any real effort, should we be rewarding our children for good grades? Something we expect from them anyway?

 

Rewarding Good Behavior

Rewarding a good, or positive, behavior isn’t necessarily a bad thing. People in general, do better in life when they receive positive reinforcement. As a working adult, if I only ever heard from my boss when I did something wrong, I would begin to resent our relationship and loath anytime he wanted to chat with me. We, as humans, like to know when we’ve done something good, or right, and always appreciate the acknowledgement of a job well done.

 

Not All Kids Are Self Motivated

Kids are no different. If you’re struggling to have them help with chores around the house, a simple reward chart that includes something small like stickers every time they accomplish something, is often enough incentive to have them work harder. Kids like to see how far they’ve come and how far they have to go. They are very visual learners.

Not all children are self-motivated. Some kids are innately self-motivated while others are not and need sticker charts for chores. I was always self-motivated and getting good grades for myself was all that I needed. I didn’t need my mom asking me if my homework was done. Of course it was. I motivated myself through life on nothing other than good grades and hard work, but most of my friends did not. Though my friends did well in school it was often because their parents helped them with homework every night and rewarded them at the end the year for a job well done in the form of a present.

There is nothing wrong with parents helping children with homework, on the contrary. I think it is hugely important to understand everything your child is learning for more reason than one, but I don’t know if rewarding them at the end of the year for a job well done is the right message.

 

Sending Mixed Signals

My concern is that if a child is rewarded with a present at the end of the school year for doing something we expected them to do anyway, they will maintain this mentality throughout life. As  adults we know not all jobs have bonuses and rewards for simply doing your job. What job satisfaction will they have if they don’t get a bonus or reward? Shouldn’t we teach our children to be happy with a job well done and not have them expect a present?

 

My Thoughts on Rewarding Students for Good Grades

I am of the opinion that children should be taught to be proud of what they accomplish academically. That praise from family and friends should be enough. I don’t think it’s appropriate to buy a 5th grader a new bike because they finished the school year with good grades, as expected. Upon high school graduation, I think a gift is appropriate to acknowledge many years worth of work and effort coming to an end, and the movement into the next phase in life. Individual grading gifts are over the top though. At the end of the school year, have a nice family gathering and celebrate the end of the academic year and start of summer together. Congratulate your child for a job well done in non-monetary or material items.

For more on kids and their education check out these other great articles.

What to Get The Graduate in Your Life
What Would You Sacrifice to Pay for Your Child’s Education
Should You Save For Post Secondary or Spend it on Experience?

What is your opinion on grading gifts?

Choosing a Baby Name

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Baby On BoardWhen a baby is “on board”, there is a lot that goes into preparing for the newest member of the family, including the picking of the baby name. This task can be both fun and daunting as friends and loved ones all give their two-cents. As you wade through the seemingly endless sea of possibilities, there are a few factors to consider as you hunt for your favorite name.

  1. Current Trends: Many of us want to give our child a name that is both familiar and unique, and so we try to find new inspiration. Unfortunately, lots of parents find ideas in many of the same things like celebrities, pop culture and more. Therefore, be aware of the current trends so you can anticipate what your child’s third grade class will look like. Right now, parents are loving the idea of naming their children after locations; Reese Witherspoon named her child Tennessee, Ashlee Simpson named her son Bronx, Ethan Hawke named his daughter Indiana, Chris Hemsworth named his daughter India . . . the list goes on and on. Another popular trend right now is to bestow monikers with Scandinavian and Roman influences, as these provide “just the right amount” of exoticism without deviating too far from the easily-recognized. So, be aware that if you name your baby daughter Octavia as a way of differentiating her from her peers, she may just end up in a classroom full of Brooklyns, Viggos and Caesars.
  2. Cruel Nicknames: Being a child and teenage is hard enough without a horrible nickname, so make sure that you aren’t giving bullies potential material. For instance, while you believe that Harry is a lovely name, you may want to rethink it if your last name is Pecker. Be aware of what the initials spell out, what bad phrases may be all-too-easily rhymed with the name. And never underestimate the creativity of children!
  3. How the name will age: Certain names have certain ages associated with them – some are regarded as uptight and appropriate for older individuals, while others are overly adorable and may make being taken seriously a bit more challenging. Therefore, try to find a name that will “age well”. To be safe, consider whether your choice has numerous nicknames that your child can call upon when appropriate. For instance, Victoria; as a child she may want to be called Vicky, as she matures she might prefer Tori and revert back to Victoria when being interviewed by potential employers.
  4. Reflect upon what inspires you: With there being a world of options at your fingertips, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the responsibility of settling on a name. Therefore, consider what has l meaning to you. Perhaps you want to use the name as a way to celebrate your cultural heritage, pay homage to a personal hero, honor Mother Nature or instill the characteristics of your favorite fictional hero. Say the name over and over again, and write it down so you can see what it looks like spelled out. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, just remind yourself that there is no such thing as the “right” or “wrong” name, and that your new baby is going to be wonderful regardless.

What are your thoughts on choosing a baby name?

5 Family Day Trips to Keep Everyone Smiling

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Cadbury WorldIt can be tough on parents to keep generating family-friendly days out, which everyone can enjoy. It’s unlikely that you can afford half of the options, let alone opt for something democratically. Here are just a few of our suggestions for inexpensive days out that will allow everyone to bond together.

Cadbury World

Who doesn’t love chocolate? If you’re a freak of nature, who has forsaken the more-ish delights of the cocoa bean, move on to the next subheading – nobody wants your healthy diet choices here. Easter has already been and gone, and you won’t get another chocolate haul like that again until Christmas (from well-wishing relatives who really can’t think of anything else to buy you). Well, that is…unless you go to Cadbury World.

Cadbury World is largely a poorly masqueraded opportunity to walk away with a year’s supply of chocolate (okay, a week’s). Yeah, you can learn about the chocolate-making process and even how Cadbury advertises their goodies, but really everyone is here to get sick on Crunchies. Just remember to take a pack of wet wipes with you, or you’ll regret it.

There’s also an African adventure play park, where the kids can work off all that extra energy. Top tip: book online and save 5% off a family ticket price.

Nidderdale Llamas

Walking can be a bit lonely and boring, but at Nidderdale Llamas, you can go for a trek with a llama…just because. Special therapy sessions with the llamas can even be arranged for children with difficulties. You can meet and greet the alpaca, before strapping on your walking boots.

 Don’t worry, these llamas are friendly and gentle souls, who don’t rush slow walkers. There’s no spitting from these furry creatures. According to Trip Advisor, it gets 5/5!

Eureka!

Our nation’s child museum is especially tailored to the kids…and your inner five year old. Eureka is especially designed for young ones, so if you still have under-tens on your hands, this makes learning fun. The new gallery, ‘All About Me,’ explores how the body works, and was built by adults and children working together.

Other attractions include ‘Living and Working Together,’ which means children can role-play as grown-ups. There are many more informative and hands-on galleries.

Chester Zoo

Go wild at Chester Zoo! Not only are there 11,000 fantastic animals to see but there is also Oakfield Manor to explore. The beautiful gardens are excellent for strolling around. Chester Zoo is big on its conservation and can boast some of the most innovative enclosures in the country. Besides, no-one ever grows out of their love for cute and amazing animals, so even Granny can come along and have an enjoyable day out.

Warner Bros Studios

Fans of Harry Potter will be stupefied by this day out. The Harry Potter tour includes real scenery from the films, from the Great Hall to the Gryffindor Common Room. You can even toast to your day out with a glass of refreshing butterbeer!

The fun and furry inhabitants at Knowsley Safari Park have collaborated with Kids Ain’t Cheap to bring you this post today. Click here for information on exciting days out.

Got any ideas for family day trips that we’ve missed? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

Save on Baby Goods (and Make Money) with CouponChief

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diapersIf you’re a new parent, hearing that babies are expensive is no surprise.  Seriously, who knew a little newborn could go through so many diapers in 24 hours!  Sometimes, you know more than change the baby and the diaper needs to be changed again.

However, diapers aren’t the only supplies babies run through.  They grow so quickly that an outfit that fits great one day can literally be too tight just a few days later.  My son was a big baby who went through new sizes every 6 weeks until he finally settled into 12-18 month for awhile.  Keeping up with their clothing needs can be expensive.  Let’s not even talk about formula and baby pictures.

If you know what I’m talking about, you’re likely looking for ways to cut corners without compromising on quality.  One great way to do that, especially if you’re an avid online shopper, is CouponChief.

 

How CouponChief Works

You’ve likely seen that online retailers have a box for promo codes when you check out, and you likely know that there are sites online that will share online promo codes.  CouponChief works the same way, with a few differences.

CouponChief shares the promo code, but then you can read other people’s comments about the code and also see how frequently the code works.  Best of all, unlike some other sites, CouponChief removes the code when it’s expired, which makes your search more productive and less time consuming.  (And anything that helps save time when you have an infant is welcome!)

Even better, you can create a profile and then save your favorite searches.  For instance, let’s say you want to see all the promo codes related to the “baby” category.  CouponChief will e-mail you every time there is a new code for anything from diapers, to baby clothes, to portrait studio packages.  You don’t need to keep checking the site; they send the information to you.

 

Make Money with CouponChief

Not only will CouponChief save you money, but it may also be able to make you some money.  If you’re good at tracking down coupon codes, share it on CouponChief, and you’ll earn 2% of the purchase total that others make using your coupon code.  You can earn up to $25 a month, per coupon.

How sweet is that?

Kids are expensive, but if you learn some tricks such as using promo codes to save money and sharing coupon codes to make money, having children becomes just a bit more affordable.

How to Save Money for Your Family

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save money for familyAre you looking to save money for your family? Many families today are just trying to tread water when it comes to paying the bills and staying out of debt. Who has extra money to actually put into the bank? Well, when you put your mind to something, you might be surprised how much you can accomplish, especially when it comes to savings money.

Two Steps to Saving Money

If you truly are committed to saving money for your family, there are just two things that you need to focus on. You must reduce your costs and you must learn to grow your money once you’ve got some stashed away in savings.

Reducing Costs

This can be a tall order because many of us already feel like we’re pinching pennies as it is. But, no matter how tight you think you are with money, there are always ways to spend less than you are now.

  1. Second Hand Stores – When is the last time you stepped foot in a second hand store to make a purchase? If buying second hand clothing weirds you out, I understand, but there are plenty of other things that you can save money on by buying it second hand. If your chair breaks and you have nothing left to sit on, I bet you can find a perfectly reliable one at the second hand store. It might not match perfectly with your décor, but it will allow you to save money for your family.
  2. No more restaurants – Going out to eat is fun, but man is it expensive! I just made pasta for myself at home for $1.50. Do you know what this would cost you at a family restaurant? Probably at least $8 if not more! Avoid those restaurants and buy your food from the grocery store.

Grow Your Money

After you save enough money, you might start to wonder what you should do with it. If you don’t have an emergency fund, that would be your first option. When things go wrong in life, like your water heater breaking down or a major home expense such as bathroom remodeling in Washington Township (or elsewhere), it’s reassuring to have the money on hand for these unknown expenses. To cover these types of costs, make sure your funds are easily accessible. This might mean putting some money in a standard savings account, some in a check-writing CD, and another portion in an ISA, which is an individual savings account. For those in the United Kingdom, ISAs can be particularly useful for emergency savings and provide a secure place to park a portion of your funds.

Once your emergency account is funded, then it’s time to start growing your money. Instead of earning a couple of percent interest here and there, consider investing your additional money into a venture that could potentially offer a higher return, like 10% or more. This could be anything from starting your own business to supporting a promising project or even diversifying into real estate. The riskier the investment, typically the higher the return you might expect. But proceed with caution—risky investments can sometimes fall short.

It’s simple, but true.  What do you think?

Five Father’s Day Gift Ideas

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fathers day gift ideasWith Father’s Day approaching this weekend, kids all over the world will be preparing to celebrate their dads in their own special ways. Growing up I remember decorating neck ties and coloring pictures in school. Though any dad would appreciate the effort behind a hand-made gift, sometimes dad also want a little pampering and gifts.

 

Car Detailing

I included this on my Mother’s Day gift idea as well, but think dad would love it too. Everyone loves getting into a new car but after a while of living in it, the new car luxury is taken over by dirt and crumbs. Dirt has a way of finding its way into tiny nooks and crannies within your car. A professional car detailing from somewhere like https://autocolorwi.com/auto-detailing/ will restore your car to new-car condition for a fraction of a new car cost! Some professional detailing will just do the interior while others will do interior, exterior and engine. Book one you think dad will love and always check online coupon sites to see if you can score a deal.

 

Electronics

Some dads like computers, some are into iDevices and other like gaming systems. Whatever your dad is into, check local sales and see if you can score a deal. Remember to check refurbished products as well since they are usually available at a fraction of the price and often still with a warranty.

 

A Good Steak or Lobster Dinner

Sometimes a dad just wants a good feast and a good steak and/or lobster would do just that. For a dad who loves to grill, heading to a local butcher for your dad’s favorite cut is a nice gesture and won’t break the bank. Lobster may be pricier depending on where you live but another nice meal option.

 

Alcohol

If you’re dad likes to enjoy a drink, buying him a bottle of something special is always a nice idea. If he enjoys beer, maybe buying a few cans of a specialty beer would be a treat. For the hard-liquor drinker, a small bottle of something unique, or a tested favorite, would be well received. There are many options when it comes to wine, asking for a recommendation at the liquor store will point you in the right direction.

 

Needs

Sometimes dad would love to get something he genuinely needs. It doesn’t have to be anything extra special but would be much appreciated. If you’re stumped for what to get him asking him what he needs wouldn’t be inappropriate. If he doesn’t give you much direction, look around and see if anything needs replacing. Is his 10-year-old wallet being held together with duck tape? He may not need a new wallet, but would likely appreciate one.

Taking time out of your day to tell you dad you appreciate him, and all that he does, is the most important thing you can do for dad on Father’s day. If you can’t be with dad on Father’s day, make sure you send a card or call, I’m sure it will be appreciated.

What are you getting your dad for father’s day?

356 Days…

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breastfeeding356 days is how long I was able to breastfeed. Nine days short of baby girls first birthday. Try as I might I don’t think she’ll be able to get one more ounce out of me. With returning to work full-time just two weeks ago, I’ve noticed a big dip in my supply, combined with the fact that baby girl seems to be loosing interest in the whole thing. I will try breastfeeding one more day, but I think my breastfeeding days with this baby are over.

 

My Goal

I’m disappointed I didn’t make my one year goal. I know nine days isn’t a lot, but I really wanted to make that one year mark. I know I should be proud of what we accomplished but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little bummed. One year was my first goal. I planned on going as long as she self-weaned which I hoped would be later but I think it’s here now.

Breastfeeding has been the single most difficult thing I’ve had to do as a mom. I’m so thankful I’m in Canada and allowed a 52 week maternity leave. I know there is no way we would have made it this long if I had to return to work in the early weeks. I commend women who are able to work full-time, raise a family and do everything required to maintain a milk supply for their baby. Given my job it would be incredibly hard so I’m thankful I was able to be home with her to nurse on demand.

My daughter went through growth spurts textbook style. I would spend what felt like days, nursing. The first grow spurt was frustrating, I was stuck inside during the beautiful summer doing nothing but nursing. By the second growth spurt I had grown to love our time together. She wanted and needed me, for that I loved our time together.

 

Memories

I’ll miss those sweet moments of just the two of us. The way she’d look at me and the way she’d place her hands and feet on me. I’ll miss the special cuddles only she and I shared and how calm she was. I will especially miss not having to figure out why she was upset because I had the answer to whatever it was. I enjoyed breastfeeding so much more than I could have ever imagined. The bond it helped create is beyond words.

My husband is constantly reminding me that she’s healthy, happy and growing and as parents that’s all we can ask for. As much as we’d like, we can’t keep them small forever. It’s our responsibility to help the grow and navigate life. As she continues to grow and enters her second year of life, we will figure out new ways to bond and have many new experiences together.

I knew my breastfeeding days would eventually come to and end I just didn’t know how hard it would be on me. I just need to remind myself that I am so thankful I was able to breastfeed at all since I know it’s not always possible.

How to Save Money on Food

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fresh foodOther than housing, food is probably the second largest component in a family’s budget. With food prices only rising, it is important to save as much money as possible without compromising the integrity of your family’s healthy diet.

Eating well and cheap is possible but requires effort and planning. When just starting, expect to set aside at least an hour every week if you plan on getting serious about saving money on food for your family.

Here are some tips for how to save money on food and still eat well:

  • Meal plan. This is the easiest way to save money on food. With a meal plan, you can shop for the items you need for the whole week ensuring not only that you have all required ingredients, but also that you don’t end up back in the grocery store. When you make multiple trips to the store unnecessary costs will likely occur.
  • Shop with a list! If you don’t have a list you’ll navigate the store aimlessly and put more things in your cart than required, as well miss items you may need.
  • Always shop the parameter first. Grocery stores are designed to have all the fresh and frozen items on the exterior of the store. Non-perishables are found on the interior. Fill you cart with the health items first then move to the interior aisles.
  • Shop late at night. Shopping late at night may mean you score daily mark-downs. At the end of a normal day (usually around 7-8pm) a lot of grocery stores will start marking down things like their meats in preparation for the next day. They need to make room for the fresh product and will start marking down older or near expired items. I have found this to be particularly true for meat and bread.
  • Coupon. I don’t have a lot of advice to offer on couponing since there are many restrictions on coupon use here in Canada, but I know if done correctly, you’ll be able to save a lot of money and even score free product.
  • Keep a price book. For items that you frequently buy, keep a log of the different grocery store prices. Compare frequently and watch for sales. This will help establish a budget for your weekly spending.
  • Freezer cook. Freezer cooking involves preparing multiple meals at once, freezing them and using them as required. I recently partook in a ”Big Cook” where we prepared over 30 meals at once, froze them and had dinners for over a month. Most freezer cooking meals can adapted for crock pot or oven. Thaw the night before, put in slow cooker in the morning and have dinner cooked!
  • Take advantage of your farmer’s market. Utilizing your local farmer’s market is an easy way to save money on food and get a great product.
  • Buy seasonally and freeze. We have a large blueberry season where I live so in the summer we’ll go to a local u-pick lot and pick berries to freeze. We eat some fresh then freeze them to use throughout the year for things like baking and smoothies. This is much cheaper than buying them frozen throughout the year.

With a little planning and preparation you’ll be able to save money on groceries for your family and still eat well. It will soon become a routine and take no time at all.

How do you save money on food for your family?

Summertime Fun on the Cheap!

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summertime funThough some areas of the world may have a hard time believing it, summer is just around the corner! Summer is full of temptations to spend money. From new clothes, to summer activities and family outings, the summer season seems to be looking for money everywhere.

 

Children’s Summertime Wardrobe

With growing children and drastic weather change from winter to summer, children often need new clothes. Before ever buying new clothes, I always check my local thrift stores. At the rate children grow, you can get barely worn or even new clothes at a fraction of the department store prices.

The other thing to check for if buying from a department store is to see if the children’s clothes comes with any guarantee. Some store brands will promise that the clothes last until the child outgrows them offering replacement or money back guarantee. Given how hard kids can be on their clothes, it may be worth the investment!

 

Summer Sports

I grew up on a soccer field. I know how expensive sporting events can be. Sure soccer isn’t necessarily an expensive summer sport to play, but when you start factoring tournaments and team outings, costs add up fast!

To keep costs down for tournaments, the family would camp for the weekend away rather than spending money on a hotel room. We saved money on food as well since we would eat campground meals rather than restaurants for the weekend. I loved this since it combined camping and soccer in one weekend. My two favorite summer activities. I never felt like it was a ”money saving trip” or that we were doing it because we ”couldn’t” afford the hotel.

 

Summer Vacation Alternatives

A summer vacation that your kids can’t wait to tell their friends about doesn’t have to include a lavish trip away. Capitalize on your city and all that it has to offer! A staycation can be just as fun.  Exploring your city with the mindset of a tourist this summer will open your eyes to many new opportunities. Check out that event/restaurant/museum that you’ve been meaning to get to, but haven’t yet. We often take advantage of places within our hometowns since we live there. Don’t delay anymore and explore! Even checking out a local hotel for a family night away will be cheaper than burning gas or airfare to leave town.  

Picnics are another fun summer activity. Have everyone pack their favorite foods and drive to a favorite family spot for the day. Spending time together and eating the foods everyone loves is sure to please. A picnic beach day is always fun too!

If you do travel, remember our tips for travelling with children on vacation.

Summer goes too fast every year. Don’t stress about money, try to enjoy it or it will be over before you know it!

What are your favorite ways to save money while not compromising on summertime fun?

A Look at Baby Carriers

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beco butterfly carrierThis weekend I finally bought myself a good baby carrier. I like to take walks with baby when the weather is nice and we’re big on camping in the summer, sometimes a stroller isn’t always a great option. A stroller is not ideal in some situations (campground) but for me, most of the time it just bothers my wrists. I suffered from sever carpal tunnel in my pregnancy and still feel some of the effects today, pushing the stroller can be a pain, quite literally.

 

Ring Sling

When baby was a newborn I used my ring-sling religiously. Though I still like the ring-sling, it was never a great option for any real movement like hiking. I still throw it in my bag when we’re out and about in case baby girl gets fussy and just wants to be held. The ring sling can do multiple positions but again isn’t an option if you plan on breaking a good sweat.

 

Infant Carrier

Aside from my ring sling I had an infant carrier that accommodated babies up to 18 pounds. Though my daughter is only 17 pounds, she is much too heavy for me to use this carrier comfortably. This was nice option though in her early days when we would go for our hour-long walks around the neighborhood but as she started gaining weight the carrier wasn’t offering enough support for the front carry position. After a few minutes I would begin to feel the discomfort in my back from lack of support and the straps digging into my shoulders. I knew I needed to look into a better quality carrier that offered more support if I wanted to continue to carry her while we walked.

 

Thank You Online Classifieds

The carrier that I had my eye on was the Beco Butterfly. The price range was anywhere between $150-$180, not cheap, but after much research I had decided it was the one I wanted. Knowing I would use it often, I started saving my pennies to buy one.

This past week one popped up on our online classifieds listed for $80, only a year old. The pictures looked great. I emailed and asked if she would accept $65. She did and I picked it up on Friday. I am so happy with it. It has totally lived up to my expectations.

I did a 5k trail hike today and the carrier was perfect. With this carrier, you have the option of doing a front or back carry depending on what you and baby are feeling. Today baby girl is suffering from a bit of a sinus infection so I put her on a front carry so I could watch her, attached the hood that comes with it to protect her from the wind and sun, and let her nap our hike away. She sleeps while I hike, winning for both of us!

The Beco can accommodate infants as small as five pounds (using an insert) and toddlers as heavy as 45 pounds. The shoulder straps are very well padded and wide to help distribute the load. There is also a thick padding around the waist/back depending on what position you carry. I also like that there is a small pocket that I can stick my keys in.

If you’re in the market for a good baby carrier I highly recommend this carrier. The Beco Butterfly design was re-branded in December 2012 and replaced by the Beco Soliel on the Beco website but you can still buy the Butterfly (new) from stores like Amazon.

I’m very happy with my purchase, more excited that I stole it for $65 and looking froward to many more years with it!

Have you ever used a baby carrier? What’s your favorite?

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