Car Seat Check

While Tillman's Mimi was in town last week (with a van) we made the voyage up to Babies R Us.  We went Friday night late shopping after dinner at Coast!

One of the things we picked up was a car seat.  We chose the Graco Snugride 35 Infant Car Seat - Laguna Bay.  When we originally registered, we just looked at what we thought would be a nice color.  Really, we didn't pay much attention to the safety aspects and consumer ratings.  This particular seat is good for a child up to 35 lbs. and all the consumer reviews seem positive so far.

I wanted to make sure it was a good and safe one too.  I contacted our local Safe Kids coordinator, and here is what she said about car seats and when parents should have them installed in their cars. 

"As far as an ideal time to have your seat checked, there is no guideline, but I wouldn’t wait until the last minute. Ideally, when you have the seat checked for installation, the technician would install it and then ask you (or your husband) to install it again before you leave, so it isn’t necessary for you to have both cars/bases when you go. The “job” of our techs is to teach parents and caregivers how to do it so they feel confident in doing it themselves on their own, not to just install it for them.


The seat you got is very popular and parents love it. It is user friendly and easy to install in most vehicles. The thing with car seats is that they are all tested and have to follow the same stringent guidelines before going out on the market. So, we always tell parents that the best car seat is the one that fits your child, your vehicle, and you will use correctly every time. I would recommend you setting up an appointment with Katie Pohlman to have your seat checked (I live in the West Ashley area). She is VERY experienced and really takes her time with making sure you are comfortable with installing your seat before you leave. Her number is 402-6764, she works at Rick Hendrick Dodge on Savannah Hwy, but no worries…she won’t pressure you into a new car!"

Diaper Bags...Every Mom's (and Dad's) Fashion Accessory! (like it or not)

I haven't received much advice on diaper bags, but one thing is for sure, I've been asked probably 10 times or more if I was going to get a Vera Bradley baby bag.  I am not very educated on diaper bags, and when reading mommy blogs, there is not real consensus on "the best" diaper bag (at least one under $200).
I chose the "Sittin' in a Tree" pattern by Vera Bradley for Tillman's diaper bag.  If you know me at all, you know that green and brown are my "signature colors!"  In fact, I am going to change my stroller and car seat selection (I think) to a green and brown pattern.  I want to be neutral as possible, so in the event we have a little girl some day, she won't be all decked in blue!

This bag print is just perfect, and I think the bag will be big enough for what we'll need to tote around (at least I hope).

Here's a little about the Vera Bradley baby bag (16" x 11¾" x 5½" –12" strap drop, 26" x 14" changing pad)
"Our latest Baby Bag has a total of 11 pockets inside and out, including a full zippered back, and holds everything from bottles to extra clothes. We've added a special clip for disappearing pacifiers and lined the interior for easy cleaning. Also includes a 26" x 14" terry-covered changing pad with coordinating trim."
 
Have any baby bag advice?  What's your favorite?

Dealing with Target Drama

This blog is supposed to be about everything baby and the joys of pregnancy.  I realized yesterday (for sure) the regular woes and drama of life don't stop during this happy time.  As many of you know by reading, I have sang Target's praises with their registry incentives and great maternity wear; however, yesterday could possibly my last time ever talking to the Target online people!

Long story short the maternity bath suit top came in the mail.  It was from a different dye lot than the skirt purchased in the store.  Target is a HUGE company, so I know this could happen.  However, there should be some resolution to getting the customer a matching set rather than doing nothing!! 

Below is a summary of my complaint that I sent to an email address on Target's website regarding the lack of customer service they provided.

I do want everyone to know that the Target in West Ashley, SC is WONDERFUL!  They did everything they could to make it right on there end.  The manager was extremely apologetic, and provided me with 4 $3 "I'm sorry" coupons to cover the cost of my shipping if I chose to "try" to get a matching set from online by ordering both pieces from online.  The major issue is the store and online Target are completely separate making the store manager powerless to provide the customer any service recovery or making the situation better. 

Online Complaint (I had to fill in my order number within the contact information. Someone is supposed to respond within 24 hours.  I hope to have this resolved, and I'll update everyone regarding the situation)
"No customer service with this order inquiry. I purchased the bathing suit skirt bottom from the store and the top from your online store. When top arrived, it was from a different dye lot (therefore didn't match).

Went to the store, and the store needed me to call online customer service to refund shipping cost and to see if the online store could send me two matching pieces (I called from the in store customer service area with a Target employee with me to help me with the online rep).
Ruth S was NO HELP! She suggested I just return everything, and she couldn't refund shipping. The store manager said the online rep could refund shipping and was also appalled (as well) at this lack of customer service.
I do not think it is right for an online store to put two pieces online as a set, and then when ordered, they arrive looking different. I ordered the top from online because that is the top that is shown with the skirt as matching (a set) in the photo of the top.
Further, I want the bathing suit (and want a matching set...that is what I paid for). However, Ruth S made no attempt to make me a happy Target Customer. The only suggestion was to return it and I "eat" the shipping. She provided no alternative to getting a matching set (even though I suggested for her to send me both piece from online and waive the shipping...Ruth S stated it was not an option and she "couldn't waive shipping." Again, the store states online does this all the time).
After speaking with her, I asked to speak to the online manager. I was on hold for close to 10 minutes. Ruth S came back to the line and tried to "get me off the phone." I again asked to speak with a manager. The manager, Simone, answered after 10 more minutes of holding and provided no customer service either. Still no resolution, still no offer to get me a matching set, still no offer to waive the shipping expense. The store was absolutely appalled as was I.
I just did a baby registry through Target and have been very impressed with the in-store customer service, but I'm not so sure I want my friends and family purchasing from such a "nasty and unfriendly" place if they are to purchase from online.
I would appreciate being contacted by a manager that is willing to provide a solution to this issue. "

Target Registry

First let me say as a follow up to yesterday's post, I did purchase the maternity bathing suit skirt.  They had it in the store.  However, I had to hunt to find it.  It was mixed in with the regular sizes.  I ordered a different bathing suit top than the one pictured in yesterday's post.  I got this one.  Now, just keep your fingers crossed that it gets here on Friday.
I did read the reviews of this bathing suit.  The overall theme is that the material is its "super cheap".  It has been my experience and many have told me that maternity clothing in general is made cheaply, so I just plan to keep that in consideration and rinse it out after going in the pool or ocean and hand-washing it.

Registry....Target is offering some wonderful deals to moms-to-be for registering.  I received a bag of free coupons and samples.  They also told me to visit the pharmacy.  After listening to their "spiel" about why choose Target Rx over all others, they gave us some samples of commonly used things and a voucher for a $10 gift card!!!!! (I used it last night on the bathing suit, so it is legit!) If anything, go register at Target to get your gift card!!

Our Target registry isn't as comprehensive as the Babies R Us registry.  Since Target isn't a baby only store, it does allow you to be more creative.  For example, Nick and I are interested in "grinding" / "blending" up our own baby food.  We registered for the Jack LaLanne Juicer. My friend, Rachel, used a juicer for her son and is still using it today.

Another good reason to register at Target is there are simply more Targets.  If your family and friends scatted about, it is always great to go with a store that everyone has.  Target is a good option.  After looking at Babies R Us' map of stores, they're not in as many towns as I first thought.

Below are a few products that came highly recommended from friends and family to register. 

Itzbeen Baby Care Timer

This timer keeps up with the schedule!  I love structure, so if there is a timer that can tell me when to do something, bring it on!  It even keeps up with which breast to start feeding (L/R...I can't keep up with simple stuff like that as it is!  This will be a life saver)!! 

Here are some of the product review comments:

~"I love the L/R feature for breastfeeding, the backlight is great for nighttime, and the alarm beep is gentle."

~"The 4th button (*) is ingenious, as, having had a C-section, I needed to monitor my pain meds for the first two weeks"

~"I use it more than anything I got for baby. I honestly never realized how quickly time can just slip by and just when you think it's been maybe 30 min since the last feeding, diaper change, etc, you look at the timer and it's been like an hour and a half!"

Miracle Blanket

I follow So Happily Us blog, and after reading her post about her top 10 baby favs, I knew that I was going to register for one of these!  Click on the post to read her review! 

Boppy Bare Pillow

I don't think there has been anyone who said DON'T get this!  Everyone loves the Boppy Pillow.  They are available everywhere, which is great! 

If you're interested in viewing Tillman's Target registry, click here!  Let me know if you have any advice or if there are some products out there that you feel are a "must have!"