I have been pretty open and honest about life since we welcomed our second baby boy back in May. I love my life and my boys, but we had many long and hard days, followed by long and sleepless nights. Not only did Lincoln hate naps, but he also tended to wake up consistently throughout the night. None of us were getting any sleep.
Finally, about two months ago, we decided to pull the trigger on doing some sleep training, and boy oh boy am I glad that we did. In a matter of days, my baby who had never had a night where he didn't wake up fewer than twice was sleeping through the night. All night. Every night. It was absolutely amazing. And despite the difficult moments, it was truly worth every tear and moment of sadness to know that I am now giving my baby the conditions he needs to get solid, sound sleep so that he can fully recharge and continue to grow and thrive.
While we seem to have finally gotten some control over the sleep in our house, one consistent struggle has now become getting Lincoln to nap anywhere besides his crib. With the exception of his pack n' play at grandma's house, he has become pretty particular about where he snoozes. And, he is pretty darn particular about how he drifts off to sleep, too. He really prefers to put himself to sleep most of the time, even if it requires a bit of fussing. No rocking or cuddling for this guy!
I was so excited for the opportunity to have him sleep in a Dockatot.
My very first thought was how perfect this would be when we didn't have access to his crib. I cannot tell you how uneasy it always makes me when we end up having him take a nap on a bed when we are at the homes of others. I had gotten into the habit of stacking about fifty pillows around him and checking on him obsessively to ensure he hadn't rolled to a dangerous spot. Not only do I hate this uneasiness, but trust me when I say that I know that this is incredibly unsafe. Thanks to Dockatot, we can throw it in the car, and when he starts to get sleepy, rather than trying to create a safe sleep space when the conditions just do not lend themselves to be, I can be confident that he is laying in a safe, secure place that will keep him in one spot while he sleeps!
Dockatot is not only designed with the comfort of your baby in mind, but their safety as well. The fabric is 100% breathable, which provides so much relief and ease of mind for mamas of young babies. It is also non heat absorbing, meaning regulated temperatures and, again, comfort for baby. It is hypoallergenic, and a great transitional tool for babies moving from cribs to toddler beds. To have found a piece that is 100% safe for my baby, while also providing an environment where he feels comfortable and secure, is such an awesome feeling. He has napped in multiple locations that I would never have been able to get him to remain sleeping had it not been for Dockatot.
The docks come in two sizes, the Deluxe and the Grand. The Deluxe is perfect for newborn-8 months. The Grand is for 9-36 months, great for continuing with babies who have outgrown the Deluxe, or who are ready to transition to a bigger bed by providing extra comfort and security. Lincoln is a big guy, so at 8 months we went right to the Grand, and it is the perfect size for him. Of course, big brother (who is 30 months old) thinks the Dockatot is pretty cool, too, and has stolen it out of his brother's room more than once! It's a total hit in our house, all around!
Want $10 off of a Dockatot of your own? Shop with this code, and check out all of their adorable designs.
*This post is sponsored by Dockatot. As always all opinions are solely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Stang&Co.
is an absolute must. Both of my boys got so much use out of this thing. There are a lot of varieties out there, but this one allows a lot of 'bouncing', and doesn't limit baby on how much they can use their little legs. There are lots of toys for entertainment, and heights can be adjusted as baby grows. We tested out a few others, but I can say with confidence that this one will not be a regret!
One thing I purchased for my first baby that I would never do the second time around was shoes. They fall off, bother baby, and really are just not worth the effort. Even now at nine months, Lincoln doesn't wear shoes all that often. However, I have found that 
are the best option when you do want your little one donning something on their precious feet. The elastic around the ankles and the fact that they slide on easily yet also stay on is huge. They are great for new walkers too, because they are lightweight and don't hinder baby in learning to move on their own.
I really didn't look back. They are absorbent, super soft, and sit around baby's neck so much more comfortably. I bought them in bulk packs, and once I started using them I basically did away with all of our old bibs. And they are so cute and trendy! I love that they are a drool catcher disguised as a trendy little accessory ;-)
trend, but without fail, every single baby loves this toy! Something with its design is so perfect for a teething baby. I would have laughed at anyone who told me I would spend $25 on a teething toy, but after buying at least that much in failed products, I can tell you that silly little giraffe is 100% worth the investment.
are a favorite! Thick hats are great, but those little babies are toasty creatures, and these beanies are lightweight, while still being warm. They are also fitted great, so they work on newborns with a roll or two around the bottom, yet unrolled will even comfortably fit my toddler. They come in so many cute colors and styles, too! I die a thousand deaths every time I see my baby rocking a beanie. It is too cute to handle.
, though. They are wonderful for helping with hand-eye coordination, and don't fill baby up too much, so they are nice to give when we are trying to prep dinner and can stick our little guy in his high chair with a snack! They also dissolve pretty darn quickly, so they are a great transitional tool for babies who don't quite have the ability to eat many solids, but are learning! 
