3 Diaper Bag Must-Haves For Amusement Park Trips #HuggiesLatino

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

My mama used to tell me to do everything in life right the first time so you don't have to waste time correcting it.  Who knew that years later it would make sense when it came to diapers...  If you choose the right diapers the first time you won't waste time washing soiled sheets and wet clothes.  I'm bringing this up because we were at Disney California Adventure Park a couple weeks ago and I overheard two different conversations about clothes that got peed on!  Ew!  The worst part of it all - the parents didn't think to bring an extra set of clothes!  Poor babies having to sit in soggy, smelly clothes! It's the holiday season, make your life easier with these amusement park tips so you can focus on what really matters! Time with your family!!!

Diaper Bag Must-Haves:

• Always bring more clothes!  In addition to changing for an "accident"... you might have to layer up for weather.  Having traveled through the years, weather is unpredictable.  Here in Southern California, it could be in the 80s on a November day and 50s at night.  
• Bring lots of baby wipes!  I don't want to sound like a clean freak but sometimes you'll be standing in line for hours and your kids are touching every single thing, wipes come in handy for keeping hands, noses and faces clean.  Easier than having to leave the line to run to the restroom to wash hands!  Which brings me to a funny story - I have been asked for wipes from random strangers because they saw I had a baby and knew I would have some.  Sharing is caring.    
• Pack a diaper for every hour!  Listen, you probably won't go through all those diapers but it's better to be safe than sorry.  Especially when you are out at an amusement park for the whole day.  Most important:  if you know you are going to be waiting for a ride or show, before you get in line, put on a fresh diaper.  This is a must and will save you from accidents!  Also sometimes parents forget and it doesn't hurt to share your good diapers!  Pay it forward!

I would love to hear your diaper bag must-haves - leave a comment with your tips!  

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Follow and join the conversation by sharing your own parenting challenges and tips:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

Parenting Challenge Numero Uno: Getting Baby To Sleep

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.


From the dawn of time... no not really, more like since the beginning of my first son's toddler years, I've been asked by other parents - how do you get your baby to sleep and how to do you keep him asleep? That my friends, is parenting challenge numero uno.  My theory is that baby's sleeping habits start when they are still in the womb.  That's right mamas, when you train yourself to sleep early you are training baby to sleep early.  That's my secret to the start of good sleep but here are my tried-and-true tips (results may vary):

• Make sure baby is comfy!  An outfit could definitely be the cause of baby not sleeping!  Does your baby have on too many layers?  Is baby too hot or cold?  These are all questions you should ask yourself.  
• Clean, dry diapers!  We make sure diapers are brand new before feedings.  I know, this should be a no-brainer but you would be surprised at how many new parents don't know this!    
• Let them sleep where they are!  This advice is mainly for toddlers.  See that picture up there?  I do not move Omar unless he might fall off our bed.  Find out where baby sleeps best!   
• Be consistent with bedtime!  Sometimes I'm in the middle of doing something right at 9pm and don't want to stop but I have to.  Babies like rituals and routines, stick to it.  
• Full tummy!  You ever get sleepy after eating?  Same thing happens with babies.  

Wishing you all the best sleeps!

What are your favorite tips on getting baby to sleep?  I would love to hear them!

The Huggies' parenting webisodes featuring Zuleyka Rivera, Huggies spokesperson, and her son Sebastian will be uploaded monthly and will be available on Huggies Latino Facebook page - You can check out the fourth one here!  Share your thoughts and comments on the video here or on the YouTube video!

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Get Social with Huggies:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

Baby's Day Out At The Beach #HuggiesLatino

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

The sad reality is that we always overlook the luxury of living close to the beach until family or friends are in town and they want to visit.  One Summer we hung out at the beach about 6x.  That was a record for us.  We definitely take living by the Pacific Ocean for granted and that needs to change.  We ventured out last weekend to Mothers Beach to celebrate Lily's 2nd Birthday!  Now that Omie is a little bit older we knew he would enjoy the freedom to run around in a new environment and enjoy cake!  We were right, we know our kid.  He freaked out having his feet in the sand but the minute I walked him to the water, he didn't want to leave.  He splashed and danced around but the minute he put his hand in his mouth, it was time to head back to the party and clean up!

I used baby wipes at the beach for everything that day - cleaning off Omie's hands, wiping sand off his face, cleaning up his face after eating pizza (and cupcakes!) and when he got a booboo on his foot.  I didn't realize how much of a lifesaver they are for us!  As long as we have them, we can survive at the beach!  More trips are definitely in our future!  Another parenting challenge conquered!

The Huggies' parenting webisodes featuring Zuleyka Rivera, Huggies spokesperson, and her son Sebastian will be uploaded monthly and will be available on Huggies Latino Facebook page - You can check out the third one here!

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Get Social with Huggies:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

Parenting Challenge: Traveling With A Toddler #HuggiesLatino

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

One of the biggest challenges parents face is traveling with babies and toddlers.  I know I get anxiety just thinking about it.  We decided last year that we wouldn't travel till Omie was at least a year old.  Omie is almost 16 months old and we're going on a trip with him next week!  It's a big trip too - we leave from LA and layover in San Antonio and finally to Orlando, FL.  It's his first plane ride and we are crossing our fingers that it goes easy.  I brainstormed and came up with travel tips that I think will be helpful for the whole family when dealing with our toddler.

• Prepare the family to take turns with the toddler - I usually find that prepping the kids with their duties helps.  This way everyone knows what is expected of them and that means when the little prince looks bored or is cranky, we switch without hesitation.    
• Diaper change before boarding - This should be a no-brainer.  Even if the diaper is just a little wet, change it.  Changing diapers on the plane is bad for everyone.  Your little one, you, everyone on the plane.   
• Comfy clothes - I remember a few long flights with my parents back in the 80s.  This was when it was still cool to get dressed up for flying.  In one of the pictures, my parents had me fitted in a suit.  Yes.  Ironed pants, a blouse and a suit coat.  I have no idea what they were thinking but that's not how I dress my kids these days.  I insist they dress for comfort.
• Favorites - Omie has a favorite blanket and a few toys.  Bring them.  It'll make your child feel comfortable.  
• Review My Top 10 Tips For Traveling with Kids - Go over that list again.  Definitely bring a variety of snacks (both good and bad - it will work wonders and save the day) and download a few movies and games to keep the little one entertained.  

I would love to hear your tips for traveling with a toddler - Has traveling with a toddler been a parenting challenge for you?  What is the one thing that helps you when you fly?



The Huggies' parenting webisodes featuring Zuleyka Rivera, Huggies spokesperson, and her son Sebastian will be uploaded monthly and will be available on Huggies Latino Facebook page - You can check out the second one here!

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Get Social with Huggies:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

The Newest Huggies Brand Ambassador Is Us!

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

I am so happy to announce that I am a Huggies Latina Brand Ambassador and I'll be developing a series of posts over the next several months!  This brand ambassadorship is super special to me because I have used Huggies on all four of my babies!  My littlest of four just turned one in April so we still have another adventurous year or two in diapers!  I'm also excited to announce that telenovela actress and Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera is partnering up with Huggies as the new Huggies spokesperson to try out their new and improved diapers and wipes!  She will be sharing real-life parenting tips via a monthly webisode series that includes personal moments with her son Sebastian!  Zuleyka's partnership and webisodes were launched during an exclusive preview event in New York that several Latina Mom Bloggers also attended!  

The biggest reason I have remained faithful to Huggies over the years is because their diapers are comfortable and have never let me down!  It's important for me to have dry kids especially since we're always out and about!

My Omie bear enjoying art at Galerie Michael in Beverly Hills

Huggies Latino Playdate event in New York unveiled an exclusive preview of Huggies new parenting webisodes featuring Zuleyka and her son Sebastian!

Webisodes will be uploaded monthly and will be available on Huggies Latino Facebook page - You can check out the first one here!

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Huggies® Snug & Dry Diapers with NEW SureFit* Design:
Provide up to 12 hours of leakage protection
Unique flexible waistband for all-around fit
More conforming gap-free fit

Huggies Natural Care® Wipes with NEW Triple Clean* Layers:
Gentle on baby’s skin, thick enough to clean the mess
Strong, soft, absorbent layers

A Baby Adventure with Huggies & Dad!

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Bloggers Connect and Huggies®. Babies R’ Us has provided me with a $50 gift card to supply to one reader for a giveaway. I have been financially compensated to provide my opinion and review of the products. Even though I received compensation for this post, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on the products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines, 16 C.F.R Part 255.


There is a six year age gap from our last baby to our newest baby.  I can tell you the funniest baby adventures about each and every one of them.  All parents remember 'em like it was yesterday - I know I do.  Ready to embarrass our kids when they hit those lovely teen years.  Our littlest Omar, is an busy baby.  He fears nothing except the vacuum cleaner.  He started crawling at 4 months and started walking when he turned one.  We love Huggies Snug & Dry new SureFit design because he's so mobile and the closer-to-body fit to move with his twists and turns!  As he gets older, his little personality is shining through - a little bit defiant, he knows what no means but will smile and do it anyway.  He knows he's the baby and he knows he can do whatever he likes which brings me to his squirmy story.

Last year, before school let out for the Summer - we were trying to get Duke's paperwork in order so that we could homeschool him.  We had to head to the district office to fill out a form to release him from our district.  After running around all day, I thought it would take a minute to drop off the release but the district campus is huge and I had to walk 2-3 buildings all the way to the back.  My husband Chris was waiting in the truck with Omar.  I came out 20 minutes later, my husband had moved the truck and the back hatch was open.  I came around the corner and saw my husband's face - it had the look of disgust and disappointment.  I looked down and saw the baby laying on a blanket, smiling and a pile of 20 used baby wipes.  Chris bursts out, "I don't know what happened but his poop is everywhere!  We should just throw out his onesie!"  It was so funny!  Amazingly enough, the Huggies diaper did it's job - my husband on the other hand, acted like a new father and forgot how to wipe a squirmy baby!

You can find Huggies® Snug & Dry at Babies R Us®

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Huggies Is Our Brand.

During my very first year as a mom, almost 16 years ago, I learned that diapers were important to parenthood.  I know, it sounds like I'm reaching but there is nothing worse than waking up to an ear-piercing scream because your baby has soaked through a diaper, clothes and blanket.  So there you are, half awake, trying to calm your otherwise sweet & happy baby, put on a new outfit and change the sheets.  You tend to learn real quick that you need to invest in good dry, clean and comfy diapers.  My sons have never experienced diaper rash, thanks to good diapers!  I have always been the type to choose a brand and stick to it.  (Something I learned from my mom!)  Huggies is our brand.

We use Huggies Snug and Dry with our 7 month old, Omie.  I always need 2 diapers when I'm changing Omie - one to put on and one to give him.  He inspects the diaper and somehow it entertains him.  Its cute to watch!

Right now, Walmart.com has Huggies Snug and Dry Super Packs for $22.94 each!  You can opt for store pickup or home delivery.  Ordering diapers online is my preferred choice.  Especially when Walmart.com rollsback the price!  Its easy - you don't have to put a big box in your cart, lug it around the store, to your car and carry it in your house.  A couple clicks and it arrives at your front door!

I recommend Huggies to all new moms, as baby shower gifts and years down the line when my sons are ready to have kids of their own - I'll be reminding them how I used Huggies with them!

Look Mom! I found my diapers!

Disclosure:  I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Huggies. #HuggiesWalmart #CBias #SocialFabric

Huggies Baby Shower Planner / Organizador de Baby Shower

I am in love with the Huggies Baby Shower Planner!  Have you checked it out yet?  There are so many cute themes to name: Camp, Love Sweet Love, Star Light Star Bright...  You can also check out Infographics, Printables and Eats!      

The Huggies Baby Shower Planner is an inspiring array of theme ideas featuring games, favors, flavors, diaper cakes and more to help expectant moms, friends and family plan a baby shower. For more information you can visit http://pinterest.com/huggies.

Huggies Welcome Baby Guide (English) 

Huggies Welcome Baby Guide / Guía Bienvenida a tu Bebe (Spanish)

Offers the ultimate go-to’s, checklists, must-haves and reminders for expectant and new Moms looking for advice on bringing baby home. 

Respuestas de Mamás (Mommy Answers Forum) 

A one-stop destination on the Huggies Latino Facebook page. It brings together curated information from the top baby and pregnancy sites on the web and does the work for mom so she’s not spending her time searching for answers to her questions. 

Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

Parenting Tips From A Dad!

I can honestly say my husband Chris enjoys being a Dad and he's great at it.  There have been many times where I am just completely wiped out and he has saved the day by taking the kids to do something or keeping them busy while I take a nap.  I asked him how he does it!        

What are your day-to-day challenges of being a parent?

One of the challenges is making time to spend with my boys.  I work full-time and go to school part-time so there are days when I feel so exhausted but I always make it a point to spend quality time with my babies.  I think it's important that I don't show or tell them I'm tired!!! 

What are your tips for new Dads?

My tips for new Dads are just to relax and don't stress.  Remember that you are truly blessed and cherish each moment with your baby.  Your new baby will be adjusting to life on the outside, you need to be calm and cool.  Don't panic!  Remember to laugh!    

Don't hide your feelings from them, it's important for your kids to know who you are and how you feel about them.  Give them lots of hugs, kisses, high fives and I Love Yous!  Yes even when they are babies!  (Especially when they are babies!)        

What are your favorite things about being a Dad?

I get to relive my childhood with my children - I get to play with them and teach them about toys and characters I liked when I was younger!  It's fun to show them movies and cartoons I enjoyed when I was a kid and have your kid like 'em just the same.  

This might be hard to believe but I love learning from them - children can teach us so much about life.

The thing I love most about my kids is that they give me a bigger outlook on life that I didn't have before.  I love seeing them grow smarter and watching their personalities unfold.  

Ask TV Personality and Father of two Poncho de Anda your parenting questions in a live Facebook chat on Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 12pm EST to 1pm EST at: www.facebook.com/HuggiesLatino 

Just look for the picture of Poncho on the Huggies Latino Facebook page to participate.  The chat will be in Spanish.  

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with Huggies and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.

Introducing Huggies Respuestas de Mamás at #NicheMommy12

I had the honor of being one of the Brand Ambassadors for Huggies at The Niche Mommy Conference.  Jeannette Torres-Alvarez, mother of two and child development expert was on hand to explain Huggies Respuestas de Mamás program to conference attendees in the Huggies® suite.  Respuestas de Mamás is a new forum called Mommy Answers—a special one-stop destination on the Huggies Latino Facebook page that puts top pregnancy and baby information at Mom’s fingertips.

Having four children, I am no stranger to Huggies.  It is our choice for diapers ever since I had my first child 15 years ago to my last child just 4 months ago.  There is a 6 year gap between my two youngest sons so I was impressed when I found out at the hospital that Huggies® Little Snugglers have an integrated moisture indicator, which changes color when wet.  My 6 year old loves yelling at me to change his brother's diaper every time he sees the blue line.  Talk about innovative!  Thank you Huggies for thinking of Mamas and babies with your high quality products and programs!  It shows you truly care!

Una encuesta reciente de Respuestas de Mamás de Huggies® descubrió que el 72% de las nuevas y futuras mamás hispanas en los Estados Unidos quisieran contar con una sola "fuente" para obtener toda la información que necesitan sobre sus bebés. Por eso pienso que las Respuestas de Mamá de Huggies® son perfectas para nuevas y futuras mamás: porque reúnen la mejor información de los sitios principales, como BabyCenter, en un espacio de acceso fácil en el que las mamás pueden interactuar con otras como ellas y presentar sus propias preguntas.

¿Vas a tener un bebé? ¿Y ahora qué? Huggies® ayuda a las nuevas mamás a conseguir respuestas a todas las preguntas relacionadas con su primer bebé, con Respuestas de Mamás de Huggies®: un exclusivo y único destino en la página de Huggies Latino en Facebook, que pone la información principal sobre bebés en la palma de la mano de toda mamá.

Las futuras mamás pueden visitar Facebook.com/HuggiesLatino para buscar las Respuestas de Mamás de Huggies®, donde encontrarán la información principal sobre el embarazo y el bebé de los sitios y recursos líderes en la crianza de los hijos.



¿Qué productos para recién nacidos ofrece Huggies?
Huggies® ofrece toda una variedad de productos enfocados en los recién nacidos. Los Pañales Little Snugglers de Huggies® proporcionan cuidado delicado para tu bebé con el sistema comprobado de protección Leak Lock®, una cómoda capa exterior transpirable y una capa interior acolchonada y flexible. Los Pañales Little Snugglers de Huggies® vienen con un indicador de humedad integrado, que cambia de color cuando están mojados, y un recorte para el área del cordón umbilical que protege el ombligo de tu pequeño hasta que sane. Las nuevas y mejoradas Toallitas Natural Care® de Huggies® ahora limpian mejor y son limpieza sensible y delicada para la piel naturalmente perfecta de tu bebé.



¿En qué tamaños están disponibles los Little Snugglers de Huggies®?
Los Pañales Little Snugglers de Huggies® vienen en tres tamaños diferentes: desde Recién Nacido (máx. de 10 lb) hasta Talla 2 (12 a 18 lb).







Disclosure:  I am a Niche Mommy scholarship recipient through Huggies and received Huggies diapers to review.  All thoughts are my own.   

I'm Going To The Niche Mommy Conference! Thanks #HuggiesLatino

Let me tell you a story about how things just work out sometimes.  You just have to have a little faith.  

I had been itching to attend a blogging conference after all the fun and learning from last year's BlogHer.   I met many, lovely ladies that understand blogging.  I turned down many drinks at BlogHer because we were trying to conceive and I didn't know if I was with child yet.  I found out later that I was pregnant and I knew I had to count out all conferences for the next year.  BlogHer in New York was definitely out.  I couldn't handle being almost 3000 miles away from my 3 month old.  It just wasn't happening and I was kinda sad about it.

And then I applied for a sponsorship for The Niche Mommy Conference in New Orleans and was chosen!  You can't imagine how honored I am!  Excited is an understatement.  I am so grateful to The Niche Mommy Network and Huggies!  Thank you for choosing me and giving me this huge opportunity to learn and grow!

There are still passes available - This is a great opportunity for those of you that want to start blogging or advance your skills!

      

Huggies® is helping new Moms get all their first-time baby questions answered with Huggies Mommy Answers—a one-stop destination on the Huggies Latino Facebook page that compiles information from top baby sites, making it easy for Mom to get all the answers she needs as she starts the incredible journey of motherhood. 

At this year’s conference, child development and parenting expert Jeannette Torres-Alvarez will be greeting attendees in the Huggies® Mommy Answers suite and discussing all of your most pressing baby questions.

Disclosure: I didn't have to write this post but I wanted to.  I also want to hug each and every one who had a hand in the process.  All thoughts are my own.  As always.