S T R E T C H M A R K S

Stretch marks.  Nobody wants them, but sometimes, it's inevitable.  Your body is doing a lot of growing to accommodate your baby.  A few stretch marks aren't the end of the world, and most of them should fade over time, but here's what you can do to help prevent, or at least minimize them.

First of all, stretch marks are believed to be hereditary, so you do not have 100% control over whether or not you will get them.  What you can do, is make sure that your skin stays hydrated.  Drink LOTS of water, and eat well.  Healthy skin will have the most elasticity.  Skin is your body's biggest organ - take care of it!

I applied the following products throughout my pregnancy:

Bio-Oil

Bio-Oil is super hydrating, but it is an oil, so you may not want to put it on before getting dressed... I think it's best applied after the shower, while your skin is still moist.  I didn't mind getting my pj's oily, but I didn't want to go to work looking like I forgot what a shower was.  It's REALLY oily.  The instructions suggest you apply, (and I quote), "During pregnancy, it should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs."

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion.  I didn't LOVE this product, but I still went through an entire bottle.  I used it on my thighs and bottom mainly.  It smells pretty good, but doesn't feel thick enough to really coat and sink into the skin.   It claims to, "boost your skins elasticity and suppleness... best for pregnant women to help prevent stretch marks."

Therapy Massage Bar by LUSH

Therapy Massage Bar by LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.  My brothers girlfriend got this for my birthday.  This little bar just melts upon skin contact, so you'll want to store it in a moisture free area (not in the bathroom).  You just rub it in your hands and then into your skin.  It "moisturizes with cocoa and shea butters to make your hard skin get softer and supple. All of the essential oils and butters in Therapy are certified organic..."  Wondering about the design on top of the bar?  1 out of 4 babies are born with outie belly buttons!  Love! 








I have also heard great things about Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula, Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks.  I've never tried it, so I can't offer an honest review, but several of my friends have tried it and liked it. 







Amy

Rub a Dub Dub... Baby Bath Time !

I love bath time!  It's part of our nightly routine and one of my favourite times of the day. 

Here are some of our bath time favourites:

Simon in his Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub

This is so adorable !  I received it as a gift and Simon loves it.  It offers a bit more peace of mind when bathing babies that are still a little wobbly in sit up position, because they can't really slip around or tip over.  Obviously, this goes without saying, but you would never leave them unattended, it just prevents you from breaking your ribs while bending over a tub and supporting the weight of a 20 pounder.  Features:  Non slip bottom, a "quacking" beak, a temperature guide, bottom plug to release the water and suction cup to hang it to dry inside the shower/tub.

Features 13 water toys and everything fits inside the boat for easy storage.  I received it as a gift, but I believe it's sold at Target and "specialty" children's stores/ boutiques.  LOVE this. 

B. Curious "Fish and Splish"

Johnson's Baby Products have been around for over 100 years.  Here are my favourites:

Lavender Shampoo - smells so good and of course Lavender is supposed to help babies (and adults) wind down and relax before bed.

Honey Apple Body Wash - smells so yummy and doesn't dry out baby's skin.  I always squirt a little in the bath water.  

Bedtime Lotion - supposed to contain a blend of soothing aromas - try giving your baby a message using this before bed 

 

Hooded Baby Towels

Hooded Baby Towels.  There's nothing cuter, and for an added je ne sais pas, you can throw it in the dryer for a minute or two to make it nice and toasty.

MY BATH TIME TIPS:

• Get your baby used to the water at an early age so that bath time doesn't become contentious. 
• If they know that they will get a bath every night, (and hair wash every second night) then there will be no arguments because you've made it part of their routine.
• Teach them not to fear water.  Don't worry about a little bit of water in the eyes or playtime splashing.  
• Most importantly, make it fun!  If bath time is a chore for you, babies can sense that.  So, sing, tickle, play and smile at them, and if all else fails, hop right in there with them !

Amy