I’m a mom of four – two sets of twins. (No, I didn’t use Clomid or IVF, and no, they didn’t run in my family. Yes, it was a big shock, both times.) Our oldest son, Ben, died when he was a month old, from complications of prematurity. Nora, his spunky, smart, funny, twin, turned 3 last spring. At 8 months, our youngest, Josh and Lia, make it clear we’re raising kids with three very distinct personalities.
Already a cautious consumer and mom, after Ben died I became a little obsessed with making the best possible choices for our kids. After a few friends asked for baby gear recommendations, I started a list, which quickly grew to a manifesto. Friends urged me to become a mommy-blogger. I was a teacher, then a legal aid attorney, and thanks to a lay-off, am a stay-at-home mom right now. I’m no expert, just a careful shopper who believes “Safety First” when it comes to my kids.
I will walk through the research I did to make my selection, and include links so you can judge for yourself. Then I’ll explain what choice I made, and why. If applicable, I’ll explain what I might have done differently. Nobody pays me for endorsements, and the only free stuff I get is hand-me-downs from friends and family. Who wants to buy replacements of their pricey gear?
Making choices for your kids is deeply personal. If my choices differ from yours, that’s not a slam on you. Please explain why you made a different choice, and how happy or not you are with it. That’ll make this blog more helpful to other parents.
Just an FYI – I always choose more time with my kids. It may take a while to add posts or respond to comments.
choicesbycarolyn 