Emailing 101

During the end of my pregnancy I learned about how you email and message companies on Facebook and request to try out their products. Some of the samples I've received have been so helpful. Baby stuff is expensive and its nice to be able to try the product before I invest in it.

When I started messaging companies I got on Instagram to see what companies other people had luck with. At first I didn't have a lot of success but the more I did it the more I learned.

I want to share some of my learning with you.

Tips

• When first starting out make a list of the companies you want you write and keep track of who you write and who you receive product for. 
• The more personal the message the better your chances are of getting a positive response.
• You can write emails, message companies on Facebook, or send handwritten letter. (You might have better luck with hand written letters because that's more personal but I'd start with email and Facebook!)
• Tell companies about the experiences you've already had. They enjoy hearing that you've had a positive experience. 
• Add your address at the bottom of all your message. Some companies don't reply to messages and some don't have the time do but they will possibly send stuff if you add your address at the bottom. 

Message I've sent to companies

Before I started my blog ..

• Hi! I'm a new mom trying out different products for my son to see what works best. I've heard great things about your products from other mothers but would still like to try for myself. I was hoping to see if you send out free samples or coupons. Thanks in advance.

After I started my blog 

• Hi! I recently started a blog for new moms like myself. On my blog I'd like to review different baby products. I'd love to try out your products and write a review for them.
  Can you help me get started by sending me product to try out? That would be fantastic.
  jaydens-mommy.tumblr.com
  @jaydens.mommy
  
  Also here's my information to my blog and my Instagram page where I also plan on posting.
  Thanks in advance.

(I removed my address for obvious reason)

Companies I've had success with

• Dr. Smith's
• Boogie Wipes
• Kandoo Wipes
• Beech Nut
• The Village Company
• Babyganics
• Dapple
• Oilogic
• Aquaphor
• Babymagic
• Mustela
• bambo nature
• Balmex
• Weleda
• Enfamil
• Similac
• Gerber
• MAM
• Seventh Generation 
• Wellements
• Zarbee's

These companies either sent me coupons or samples in the mail.
I didn't pay for anything I received. It was all completely free. 

There are so many ways to receive baby products or samples for free.
Writing to companies is probably the easiest.

If you write to companies let me know which ones and which ones you've had success with.

If you read this and use some of my tips let me know how it worked out for you. 

Good luck!

Thanks for reading. 

Bambo Nature Diaper Review

During the end of my prengnacy I learned about how you can send companies messages and request samples. I looked around on the internet and on instagram to find out what other people had received and that's how I found Bambo Nature!

I sent Bambo Nature an email before my son was born. I told them that I'm a new mom looking for the best products for my son. A while later they sent me four diapers; two size ones and two size twos.

Before I requested these I had never heard of Bambo Nature but I'm super opened minded and I was looking forward to trying them out.

After a while I learned that they are eco-friendly diapers! I love things all eco-friendly. I don't like using chemicals or anything around that area on ANYTHING in my home so that made me even more excited to try these.

Sadly I had to wait for my son to move up a diaper size before trying but he's big enough now so I got a chance to try out my size ones.

The diapers were actually super soft and I was surprised. They fit him good too. I thought they felt a little thin but I wasn't too concerned.

With diapers its always a must have for me that the diapers are SUPER absorbent because like I'm mentioned in my past post my son wets diapers like its nothing.

These diapers aren't absorbent enough for him. It leaked and I've never had that happen with a diaper before. I was disappointed and a little upset.

When trying out baby products and doing a review for them I always have high hopes that I wont have to give them a bad review and that everything works out find for us.
In this case it didn't.

I don't plan on ever purchasing these diapers and I don't plan on using the rest of my samples. I won't recommend them either.

These diapers leaked and that's a big turn off for me.

Hopefully not everyone had the same experience I did with these diapers,

Thanks for reading!

Free Baby Formula

Honestly there are so many ways to receive things for free through the mail and I found a lot of them towards the end of my pregnancy. One of my favorite and most useful was the free formula I received.

If  you're just formula feeding and don't receive any kind of assistance these programs can be great for you.

A few days after coming home for the hospital postpartum depression hit me hard and it made it complicate to continue breastfeeding.
One night I was having a really difficult time getting my son to latch and he was just screaming. I had enfamil new born formula on hand from signing up for their program and I was so grateful for that. After that I started supplementing and they also sent coupons which was big help too.

Even if you do plan on just breasting I'd sign up because you never know. I had planned on just breastfeeding and it didn't work out that way for me.

I signed up for all of these programs and they are all super great.  

Enfamil Family Beginnings

Go to Enfamil’s website and enroll in their Enfamil Family Beginnings
They’ll send you free formula, coupon checks, and helpful information about your baby’s development.
When I finally received my hello baby box from them I got..
- one box of enfamil newborn ready to use formula with two disposable nipples.
- a full size can of their enfamil gentlease formula.
- four easy to use enfamil infant formula packets.
- two five dollars off any enfamil product checks.
- an informational booklet.
I signed up for the Family Beginnings program sometimes in January or February and received my product at point in July right before my son was born.
That is all I’ve gotten from them this far.
I’ve also emailed them a few times and they seem pretty willing to send you more stuff if needed. I had my son on their newborn formula and I emailed them seeing if they could send me more. They said they could but before I got around to replying I had to switch to a different formula. 

Similac StrongMoms

Go to Similac’s website and enroll in their Similac StrongMoms program. They’ll send free formula. coupon checks, and helpful information about your baby’s development as well.
I also signed up for this at some point in January or February and didn’t received anything until recently and I actually received two different boxes from them.
In the first box I got..
-  three samples size ( 8 ounces ) cans of their Similac advance, Similac sensitive, and Similac total comfort formulas.
- four five dollars off any Similac product checks.
- an informational booklet.
In the second box I got..
- two sample size ( 8 ounces ) cans of their Similac advance and Similac total comfort formula.
- four five dollars off any Similac product checks.
- an informational booklet.

MyGerber

Go to Gerber’s website and register for the MyGerber program.
I’m not completely sure how this one works. I don’t remember signing up but I have received two boxes from them.
In the first box I got..
- one full size can of the Gerber Good Start Gentle formula
- milestone cards and bib.
In the second box I got..
- one full size can of the Gerber Good Start Gentle formula.
- a small, cute bag.
- three informational booklets with coupons.
Like I mentioned aboved I’m not exactly sure how this works. I’ve also emailed them a few times and that might be why I received the product but regardless I think you should try to sign up and see what happens for you.

If you've signed up for these products and gotten stuff let me know what you got.

If you're having breastfeeding issues just know that it's okay. Its a personal choice to do it or not do it.
It doesn't make you a bad mom. You're fine and you're doing your best. I promise.

Thanks for reading! 

Babyganics Product Review

I've been dying to try Babyganics products since I first learned about them!
Babies R Us currently has ALL Babyganics products BOGO 50% off from now until October second! That means all diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, shampoos, washes, lotions, all of it! I figured now would be a best time to get the things I want to try.

I grabbed a pack of size one diapers and the Babyganics bath and skin care essentials kit.
I've also tried their hand sanitizer and foaming bottle soap.

Here is my experience with the products I've tried ...

Foaming Bottle Soap

I got the bottle soap for free from Babies R Us. They had a coupon in their ad a few months back for a free thing of Babyganics bottle soap with a purchase of twenty dollars or more.
At first I really enjoyed the soap. Knowing it was natural and lacked chemicals was nice for me. It didn't dry my hands out and it didn't have a scent to it. It was working out fine until I tried Seventh Generation dish soap. After using that I decided that I don't like foaming soap. I feel that the Seventh Generation cleans my bottles so much better and it also makes my hands feel so much better than regular dish soap and even the Babyganics. If I ever had the opportunity to get more for free or if I were to find a good deal I'd definitely pick some up. I didn't find any major issues for me. Its all just preference. 

Hand Sanitizer 

I absolutely HATE using hand sanitizer that have alcohol in them. I hate the smell and I hate how it dries my hands out,  For a long time I was using some with alcohol but it had aloe in it. I decided that I didn't want that stuff touching my sons skin. 

Although I feel like its a little expensive ( $ 5.99 ) I purchased some Babyganics because that was all I could think of.
I actually appreciate the fact that its foaming. I feel like I'm getting the perfect amount each time. I also like the way it has a slight scent. I wouldn't mind if it were fragrance free but the scent is nice. I purchased two small travel size bottle which is the same price as the one larger bottle. I keep on in my diaper bag and one next to my door or visitors.
This has definitely become a diaper bag must have and I will be purchasing more in the future. 

Diapers  

My parents told me that it was better to use only one brand of diaper for your baby so before I had my son I was set on using huggies for him which worked out great until I started reading about other brands I had no idea existed and I decided that it wouldn't hurt to give them all a try.
Target always has AMAZING baby deals and gift card offers. If I can get away with using multiple brands of diapers on son why not, right? 

So far I've tried pampers, huggies, seventh generation, and honest company.
I was really sketchy about trying the Babyganics. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like them. I didn't want to spend money on something I felt like I wasn't going to appreciate but Babies R Us had the deal so I got this pack for six dollars.
I've used about five of the diapers and I don't really have any complains. They feel super thin at first but my son is the master of wetting diapers and they hold up fantastic. Even at nice with his longer stretches! They felt soft and they fit him nicely. They hold odor in nicely which is something the huggies don't do. They also have a cute design on the front. The tabs on the back after hard to pull like the Seventh Generation's are. My son's father actually broke one of the Seventh Generation diapers trying to pull the tabs, The babyganics also have some type of strip on the front like huggies and pampers do to let you know when their wet. Its no mystery with my son (he's always wet) but its a nice thing to have.
I'm super glad I tried these. So far I like them. They aren't my favorite but if I find a good deal I'd definitely purchase more for. 

Bath And Skin Care Essentials Kit

The kit came with shampoo and wash, lotion, and bubble bath. I have not used the bubble bath yet and don't plan to for a while. My son is still young and I don't want to use it until he'll appreciate it. I did try the lotion and wash.
My son has sensitive skin and there are current things I can't use on current parts of his body. This actually worked out really well for him. It didn't irritated or break him out.
They both actually have a nice scent to them as well. I love when lotion and washes have a fragrance. Its a must have when buying for me. Just as long as the fragrance isn't strong because I have asthma.
I would definitely purchase more of the washes and lotion in the future.

Over all although the Babyganics products I've tried aren't my first choice or go to products I'd definitely buy more with a good deal going on. I'm glad my son tolerates them well so I can invest in more if I'd like to.

If you'd tried Babyganics products let me know what you thought or if there are any you'd like for me to try let me know that too!

Thanks for reading.

Baby Registry Freebies

An awesome way to get freebies and coupons is through registries. Most of the time when you sign up for a registry the store will give you a bag full of cool and useful stuff. Some also offer special "deals" towards the end of your pregnancy for discounts off the remaining ideas on your registry or they allow you to earn points that turn into money.
Even if you don't plan on using the registry its definitely worth trying up for to get the free stuff.

Target
When you sign up for a target baby registry they will give you a free goodie bag filled with samples, coupons, and information.
You can sign up online and go in store to request your bag or just sign up while there.
I suggest calling ahead of time to make sure your store has the bags on hand.
I signed up sometime around January online and went to the customer service desk and asked for a bag.
I no longer remember what exactly I got in my bag. 

Babies r us
Babies r us will also give you a free goodie bag when you sign up for a registry. You have to do this in stores.
Their registry also has some decent perks depending on how often you decide to use the registry,
You can read about that here.
I also had a babies r us registry and I don’t remember receving any cool samples but I did get some really nice coupons.

Amazon
Amazon will send you a free welcome box.
Go to amazon.com and sign up for their free baby registry and also sign up for a free 30 day trial of Amazon Prime. ( Make sure you cancel after you receive your box because they will charge you. )
You have to have over ten dollars of purchases made off your registry by you or someone else before you are able to receive your welcome box.
Here are some FAQ  

BuyBuyBaby
I do not have a BuyBuyBaby in my area but I’ve read that they also give our free goodie bags when you create a registry.
You can create one for you unborn baby or their birthday.
Since I don’t have a lot of knowledge about this registry here’s a link to there website and it should answer any questions you might have.
BuyBuyBaby Registry 

Motherhood Maternity
Motherhood Maternity offers gift bags also. I'm not sure if its with a purchase or not because I got mine from a gift I received from a family member. It came with a NUK bottle which ended up being all my son would use. It also came with coupons for free products.

I only signed up for Target and Babies r us and those worked out great for me. I’ve seen a lot about amazon and buybuybaby. I received so many coupons and samples of things like detergent, washes, i got free bottles and pacifiers. I didn't even use my target registry but that bag was my favorite and I wish I would've requested more than one. I've heard you can do that.
I've been debating on signing up for that amazon one. I've it around on Instagram and it seemed to have a lot of cool stuff it in.

If you've signed up for any of these registries let me know what you thought of the free stuff you got and if there were any I didn't mention let me know about that too.

Thanks for reading. 

Seventh Generation Product Review // Laundry Detergent and Dish Soap

I've recently gotten into using products that are more natural and eco-friendly and not too long ago I went to target and purchased several Seventh Generation products. 

I got their diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, and dish soap. I already wrote about my experience with their diapers and wipes so now its time for the laundry detergent and dish soap.

Laundry Detergent 

This is what their website said about their Laundry Detergent: 

Our laundry detergent removes visible BBQ and cran-grape stains from cotton in warm water. These formulas are not toxic to you and are biodegradable.

•  Enzymes Lift Stubborn Stains
•  Works in All Temperatures
•  No Synthetic Fragrances

Natural Laundry liquid designed for Standard and HE machines

Laundry Liquid free of dyes & synthetic fragrances

Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is made for sensitive skin

USDA Certified Biobased 97%

Natural Laundry Liquid that supports sustainable palm oil

Liquid Laundry Detergent that is hypoallergenic

I purchased their 100 ounce natural laundry detergent in the scent blue eucalyptus & lavender.

I used it on a load of my clothes, my baby's clothes, and my bathroom towels.

One of the most important things to me even choosing laundry detergent is that it has a scent to it that's going to last. I love to have my clothes smell clean not only look and feel clean.

This didn't do that for me. After using it none of my laundry smelt any different. 

Dish Soap

This is what their website had to say about their dish soap:

Our dish soap removes 100% of dried-on foods in a standardized lab test, and our formulas are not toxic to you and are biodegradable. Always use as directed.

 Cleans with the Power of Plants Scents from Essential Oils & Botanical Extracts No Dyes or Synthetic Fragrances

USDA Certified Biobased Product (95%)

Natural Dish Liquid clinically proven hypoallergenic

Dishwashing liquid with no dyes or synthetic fragrances

Biodegradable liquid dish soap formula

100% recycled plastic bottle (excluding colorant)

I purchased their dish liquid in the scent lavender flower and mint. 

I used it to clean my bottle. Before I was using babyganics foaming bottle soap and I've decided that I do not like soaps that foam. I don't feel like they clean good.

The seventh generation dish soap is now a new must have in my house. I felt like the bottles were getting so much cleaner and it doesn't dry my hands out. Not to mention how amazing it smells. 

I definitely plan on using this product for a while. 

If you would like to try these products you can sign up to be apart of the Generation Community and receive a four dollar coupon book. 

You can sign up here: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/generationgood

You can also sign up on Grove Collaboration  where you can purchase natural and eco-friendly products and have them delivered right to your door. You can also schedule deliveries! I think that's great for new moms trying to balance it all.

Sign up using this link: https://www.grove.co/referrer/467724/

if you end up trying or have tried any of the seventh generation products I've reviewed let me know about your experience.

Thanks for reading. 

Honest Company Product Review // Diapers and Wipes

Diapers and wipes

I love the idea of using products on and for my son that are natural and lack chemicals. I tried the seventh generation diapers and was really surprised with how much I enjoyed them. 
When I created a baby registry at target I received a free goodie bag with a decent amount of baby samples and coupons. One of the things that was in the bag was two honest diapers and a ten count package of honest wipes.

I finally got around to using them and here is my thoughts and experiences.

Wipes

This is what they had to say about their wipes on their website..

• Ultra soft and thick medical-grade cloth
• Pure, effective ingredients cleanse with plant extracts to help support healthy skin
• Infused with a botanical blend of pomegranate (antioxidants), chamomile and cucumber (to help soothe), and masterwort leaf (to help moisturize)
• Embossed and interlocked for extra loft and softness, plus easy pop-up dispensing
• Cheek to Cheek℠ from sensitive, wet bottoms and messy fingers, to sticky countertops, pacifiers, and gunked-up toys
• Made without petrochemicals, chlorine or harsh chemicals
• Convenient Dispenser and Travel-Size Wipes also available
• Biodegradable* • Hypoallergenic • Medical Grade Cloth .

Although I love the idea of using "safer" wipes on my son I didn't find some of the stuff they said to be true.
The first thing I noticed was the scent of the wipes. When I look for wipes I look for something that is fragrance free but the smell gave me a headache. Maybe it's because they're plant based but I didn't like it at all and I probably won't even finishing using them.
I also noticed how that they don't seem too thick and seem as though they'll rip easily when taking them out of the packaging. I had a hard time removing them from the trial size package.
They were soft though. The did feel like moist cloths and not just baby wipes. That's the only positive thing I have to say.
I only used them on my son to clean him up after a wet diaper and after the experience I had with that I do not plan on using them on a dirt diaper.

Diapers

Their website says their diapers are/have..

• Super-absorbent core with fluff pulp harvested from sustainably managed forests
• Securely fitting moisture barrier cuffs help prevent leakage and blowouts
• Made without chlorine processing or chemical bleaches
• Simply pure — made without latex, fragrances or lotions
• Comfy stretch side panels and soft, refastenable tabs for perfect fit and wigglability!
• Ultra-soft plant-based (PLA) inner and outer layer — gentle on your baby’s bottom
• Naturally derived odor blockers from citrus and chlorophyll
• Bio-based wheat / corn blend in super-absorbent core, with less sodium polyacrylate
• Cute stylish prints for boys and girls (with new prints every season!)
• Gentle and safe — your baby deserves the best

Of course the first thing I notice about the diapers is the cute design. The design was so cute I had to have a mini photo shoot with him.
The next thing I notice is the texture of the diaper and I wasn't too pleased. It didn't feel soft and felt a lot like paper to me on the outside. The inside was a little softer. 

It also felt a little weird when pull the side tabs off to fasten the diapers.
I do feel like they absorbe decently. My son wets diapers like its nothing.
They do not have a scent at all.

I feel like these diapers aren't the best and a little over priced for what they're worth. I also feel like the only reason people go crazy over them
is because of the cute designs but I could be wrong considering I only experienced two diapers. I do
plan on buying at least one package of their diapers and trying them more or signing up for their "free" trials

If you do decide to try them let me know how they work out for you or if you already have tell me about your experience.

Thanks for reading. 

Seventh Generation Product Review // Diapers and Wipes

Diapers and Wipes

after receiving my free wipe sample for being a part of generation good I went to target and purchased several Seventh Generation products to try out. So far I’ve only tried the diapers and wipes.

I purchased the free and clear size one forty count diapers and free and clear sixty-four count wipes from target using some coupons I received for being apart of the Generation Good community. 

Here’s my experience..

Wipes

The wipe packaging says they are fragrance free, contain zero percent alcohol, parabens, and phenoxyethanol.
I love the idea of using something more natural on my sons skin.

The package is like most wipes. Plastic with a hinge top.
The wipes pull apart nicely unlike the huggies I’ve been using.
They also clean up the mess super good. They don’t just spread it around. They actually pick up so I’m using less wipes which is great!
I also love how they are fragrance free. I hate wipes with a scent to them.

One thing I’m not too fond of is that they don’t feel super thick and sometimes rip when I pull them out of the container.

All in all I’m super pleased with the wipes and I definitely plan on investing in more soon!

Diapers

Diapers The diaper packaging says they are ultra absorbent, contain zero percent bleaching chemicals, and are made for sensitive skin..

 At first I was taken a little by surprise by the texture of the diapers. They feel also like paper to me in some areas but the inside seemed comfy. They also block out odor well which is super nifty.They have a cute little design on them as well and I mean who doesn’t love cute diapers?

My experience with how well they adsorb was wonderful! My son makes a lot of wet diapers and they don’t made over night diapers for newborns I’ve been trying to find something that’s going to hold up better for those longer stretches at night and I think I might have found what I’m looking for! they handle up great during the night and my little guy wasn’t red at all when I went to go chance his diaper. 

Everything that was on the packaging I found to be true. I definitely plan on buying more of these in the future and suggesting them to new mommies to be!