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Prior to my son being born, I went to so many different stores looking for the perfect baby bag and I honestly was just disappointed over and over again. I was okay with having the ordinary black nylon baby bag for everyday wear but I really wanted something for the days where we had special events to go…. something that didn’t look so much like your typical baby bag.

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When I discovered the Henri Bendel West 57th Baby Bag, it was an instant breathe of fresh air. Finally a baby bag with a chic and classic touch. The bag is made of saffiano leather with two durable and water resistant nylon exterior pockets on each side. It comes in black and dark grey which are both lined with a purple silk like material. It has amazing details too such as full zipper closure, two bottle compartments, two open pockets, four additional inner pockets, a changing pad and a removable/adjustable cross body strap. My favorite thing about this bag is that it doesn’t look like a diaper bag at all and I plan to use it to travel when my son is out of the diaper stage.

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Top: Stretch Knit Body Suit // Pants: Striped Palazzo Pants

Shoes: Calvin Klein Caged Sandals // Bag: West 57th Baby Bag

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While this is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Munchkin and Latina Bloggers Connect, all opinions expressed are my own.

As a first time mom, it took me some time to find a balance between mom life and me time. This was especially true when it came time to feeding my son. Prior to his birth I already knew I wanted to breastfeed and hoped to do so for at least the first 3 months. Breastfeeding was this totally new concept for me and I was a little overwhelmed when I started to think about running errands between nursing him.

After a few weeks of us being settled at home, I decided I wanted to exclusively pump. I knew this would be more time consuming but it was important to me that I continue providing breast milk for my son. I was little nervous about bottle feeding as I have heard many babies have nipple confusion and will refuse to bottle feed or even start refusing the breast. This is when I was introduced to Munchkin’s LATCH line. Designed to ease the transition from breast to bottle—and back again, the LATCH bottle features a patented nipple that enables the baby’s palate to stretch back and forth, and attain a proper latch. When breastfeeding, baby controls the flow of milk by applying pressure to the base of mom’s nipple. The LATCH bottle mimics mom by releasing more breast milk as baby pushes against the nipple’s base.

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In addition to the bottle, the LATCH line also includes nursing pads (5X thinner and 3X more absorbent than the average nursing pad), a LATCH bottle brush, sterilizer bags (Which I love! Just toss one in your bag for easy on-the-go bottle cleanings) and a pump brush (the only brush on the market designed for a breast pump).

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The LATCH line really gives me freedom to not only get things done around my home but also to take some time out for myself, which is so important when you are a parent. I love that I have peace of mind that my husband and family can also help during my son’s feedings. Motherhood is stressful and sometimes you just a need time out to go outside and read a book or relax. I do yoga to destress as well and the LATCH miracle nursing pads keep me dry during class but are super discreet since they are so thin.

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How do you find balance as a mom? Leave your tips below.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Munchkin and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all opinions and text are all mine.

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This is a sponsored collaboration with DiMe Media and Dreft. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Spring has sprung! Now that the weather is finally beautiful, my family loves to spend time outside. These are the days that we spend on our deck bbq’ing with friends and family and our little one absolutely loves playing in the grass. Unfortunately with the change of the season comes a ton of seasonal allergies and other worries that can be daunting to our children. With the heightened allergens in the air, rising temperatures can trigger skin irritations so I am always looking for gentle products to protect my little one’s sensitive skin.

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Cleaning your children’s clothes in a gentle, hypoallergenic product, like Dreft, is a great way to help keep them comfortable during the spring season. Dreft is the Number 1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin. Dreft has been trusted for over 80 years and comes with a baby scent that is loved by Mothers.

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Dr. Hes has teamed up with Dreft to bring you some of her top tips to keeping your baby comfortable during this spring season.

  1. Shade the sun – The long awaited spring season means increased outdoor time for parents and their babies. When heading outside, don’t forget to practice appropriate baby skin safety.

 For babies 6 months or older. If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen. Also, avoid exposing your baby to the sun during peak hours — generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses. 

For babies younger than 6 months. If your baby is younger than 6 months, keep him or her out of direct sunlight. Protect your baby from sun exposure by dressing him or her in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses

2. Load up on liquids – Staying hydrated during the spring months is important as baby gets more active outdoor time and sun exposure. Start with the inside and ensure children get enough to drink throughout the day. Infants should nurse or take a bottle often; older kids should tote a sippy cup or reusable water bottle. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and smoothies in your child’s diet too

3. Choose the right fabrics and care for them properly – When it comes to fabrics, it’s extremely important to seek out gentle and hypoallergenic items to care for the items that touch baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also essential that fabrics be cared for properly. Wash baby’s items with a specially-formulated product such as Dreft, the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin. Trusted for over 80 years, Dreft comes with a babyhood scent beloved by moms, and it remains safe and hypoallergenic for baby.

Interested in finding out more information about Dreft? Join us for a Dreft Twitter Party and a chance to win fabulous prizes on Thursday, May 12th from 9-10pm ET! To RSVP, visit www.dimemedia.net #DreftSpring

I’ve teamed up with Dreft to host a fun giveaway for my readers! One lucky person will win the following.

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-Dreft product: Newborn, Active and Blissfuls

-$50 AMEX Giftcard

To enter all you have to do is comment below and tell me what your favorite spring time activity to do with your little one is.

For an additional entry, follow me on Instagram // @pearls_and_paris  and Tweet about the giveaway using the #DreftSpring hashtag.

The giveaway will end on May 24th and the winner will be announced by May 27th. The giveaway is open to US residents 18+ only.

GOOD LUCK xo

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trumpette

Trumpette is a children’s apparel brand and they basically have the most adorable socks that you will find for your little one.

Here’s how Baby Victor stays in style with Trumpette.

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Since Spring is only a few weeks away, I have teamed up with Trumpette for a GIVEAWAY to keep your little ones toes not only warm but fashionable. One lucky winner will receive two 6-packs of 0-12 socks. (Value: $50+) Head over to my Instagram [ @pearls_and_paris ] to find out how to enter!

Here’s a look at some of the styles that you can win!

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Remember to head over to @pearls_and_paris on IG to see how you can enter!

GOOD LUCK xo

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As a First Time Mom you are constantly being told from other people what works and what doesn’t. Now that my son is 5 months I can honestly say it varies for each baby. What one persons child loves another one can hate. These products I have listed are items I personally feel will work for all Moms! I also want to note that this isn’t a sponsored post, these are all items I own and use on a daily basis! These items have made not only my day but my son’s day go a lot smoother.
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1.DockATot – If there is 1 item I had to chose as my absolute MUST HAVE item for any parent, this would be it! This product is a game changer. My son at 2 months old was a terrible sleeper. We were up literally every 2 hours during the night and just figured this would be life for a few more months so we just got used to it. When I received the DockATot I didn’t expect much except a comfy new spot for my son but I was wrong, it is so much more. The first night he slept in it, he slept for 5 hours before waking up for a feeding and it has only gotten better. He is now 5 months and uses his DockATot everyday – not only for bedtime but also for naps, tummy time and just hanging out during the day. We just got back from the Caribbean and it was super easy to carry on the plane with us and it doubled as the perfect spot for him on the beach and pool. It comes in 2 sizes, Deluxe ($165) & Grand ($360) – they are worth every penny and grow with your baby. For $10 off your order at www.DockATot.com, use the promo code: 10OFF
2.Fisher-Price Whale Rub / $27 – There are so many tubs for babies out there that you will literally go crazy looking through all the brands and the features. I love this tub because it’s a no frill basic tub. You can use it in your own bathtub or in the kitchen sink and it grows with your child from infant to toddler. It includes a baby stopper and soft foam back which prevents your infant from sliding into the water.
3.Graco Soothing System Glider  / $240 – Graco’s Soothing System Glider has four modes, including a gliding swing, gliding bassinet, portable bouncer and portable bassinet. I mainly only use the gliding systems but have used the portable bouncer a handful of times. This is the only thing my son will nap in. The gliding bassinet was amazing when we first brought my son home from the hospital and now at 5 months he loves the gliding swing.
4.Happy Wrap / $48 – I’m all about baby wearing! Before giving birth I wasn’t really sure if it would be my thing but fast forward to having a fussy newborn who won’t let you put him down and you will try anything. I absolutely love Happy Wrap. Designed for today’s active parent, the Happy Wrap is stylish, comfortable, and fully adjustable leaving you free to get things done while enjoying the closeness of your baby. It supports a baby up to 25lbs and is lightweight and breathable.
5.Babyganics Essentials Gift Set / $28 – I think lotions and bath care is something First Time parents really freak out about. Browsing through labels and trying to break down every ingredient can be not only time consuming but aggravating. Babyganics has really figured it out. All products are made with plant-based, baby-safe ingredients so your baby can go forth and grow safely. Some of my favorite products are the Alcohol-free Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Moisturizing Daily Lotion and the 50+ SPF Sunscreen.
6.The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer / $16 – This is the BEST bottle warmer in my opinion. Super affordable and it works like a charm. I didn’t think I would need a bottle warmer in the beginning but when you have a baby waking up every 2 hours in the middle of the night, you don’t have time waiting for a bottle sitting in water to warm up. This only takes 3 minutes and never over heats the milk.
7.Philips Avent Green Soothie / $4 – I was 100% that pregnant lady saying that her child would’t use a pacifier. When you bring your baby home and he won’t stop crying – you will literally try any and everything! This was the only pacifier that my son would use and he still loves these. Make sure to stock up, for some reason they just end up lost!
8.Munchkin Arms & Hammer Diaper Bags / $4 – My husband and I did’t want a diaper pail/genie. It just isn’t our thing. These bags are inexpensive and really great! We keep them next to the diapers in the nursery for when our son goes #2 as well as in the diaper bag.
9.Nuby Teethers / $2.99+ – At only 2 1/2 months my son was pre teething. This mean tons of drool and him trying to munch on everything in site. The Nuby teethers are my favorite because theres a variety of types and he loves them. My favorite feature is the massaging bristles which really help makes his gums feel better.
10.Dr. Brown Standard Bottles / $10+ – I heard from tons of other moms while pregnant that babies only like certain bottles and that I should get a few different types to try them out. I also heard how Dr. Brown bottles had so many parts which made me decide not to get them. Well, I guess I was lucky – my son would literally drink from any bottle. Then at 2 months the gas started. He was super fussy and we just could’t figure out what to do. My pediatrician suggesting switching to Dr. Brown bottles and at that time I was willing to try anything to help him. These bottles are heaven sent. They help with digestion, reduce colic and spitting up and preserve bottle nutrients. They even came out with a really great options bottle. Oh… and I have zero complaints about cleaning them. They are the best bottle on the market.
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While I do have a few other products that I really like these 10 are the ones I constantly use. I hope this list really can help some of you when creating your registry or even trying to purchase something for a shower. If you have any questions on any of the items above – just send me a message! xo