A few weeks ago, we invited our NYC Bumpies to come hang out with us, our amazing co-host Mama Glow and a dozen of our favorite pregnancy vendors for an evening of pampering, fun and (most importantly!) free stuff. While our mamas-to-be snacked on mini cupcakes, veggies and dip and sipped on cool, refreshing pregnancy-approved drinks, they also had the chance to check out some of the most innovative, amazing and bump-safe products on the market.

There were massages, make-up tutorials and more! Huge, huge, huge thanks to our sponsors because we couldn’t have done it without you! Special thanks to: Aden+Anais, Belli Skincare, BioCorneum, Boots Beauty, Capri Clear, CV Skin Labs, Kelo-cote, La Voila Beauty, Mama Mio, Nine Naturals, SkinFoto, Vitacare and Enaltus.

We also wanted to say a special thank-you to our food and beverage providers for making sure our VIP guests were well fed and hydrated all night long: Balance, Franchia Cafe, Lee & Marie’s Cakery, Organic Avenue, Runa and Tumeric!

Check out a few of our most stylish highlights from the event (and tell us if you spot yourself!):

What’s your favorite way to unwind when you’re pregnant?

If you’re planning to breastfeed we highly recommend you invest in a good quality breast pump — and we love the Medela Pump In Style (especially if you’re going to be a working mama)! It’s portable, powerful and discrete for your trips to and from work. It also comes with a freezer bag complete with storage bottles that’s perfect for tucking away in the office fridge — a big plus for keeping your breast milk fresh. Watch this video to see more on why this pump is a must-have!

Register for the Medela Pump in Style here, or buy it here.

What is your favorite breast pump?

Plus, more from the Bump:

Top 7 Breast Pumps

Tips for Pumping at Work

Worst Breastfeeding Advice Ever!

Do you have twins on the way and the thought of feeding both babies at the same time seems a bit daunting? Fear no more! Our friend, Christopher at Buy Buy Baby recommends the My Brest Friend Twin Nursing Pillow to make feedings easy and comfortable with its spacious base and great back support. And since it’s perfect for breastfeeding or bottle feeding, dad or grandma will be well equipped to feed both little ones at the same time too! Watch this video to see more on why you’ll love this twin size feeding pillow.

Register for the My Breast Friend Twin Nursing Pillow here, or buy it here.

What are your favorite products for feeding baby?

Plus, more from the Bump:

More Products That Make Breastfeeding a Breeze

Parenting Secrets for Moms of Twins

Twins: Fact or Fiction?

Not feelin’ so hot this morning? We’ve got something that’ll cheer your back-to-work blues right on up! While everyone else is busy moping about after their long, gorgeous weekend, we’re giving one very, very lucky mama (or da-da!) the chance to take home this stylish and comfortable 4moms mamaRoo bouncer!

The mamaRoo (valued at $240) is fashionable, functional and the perfect way to soothe baby when mom or dad don’t have a free hand to spare. The mamaRoo bounces up and down and sways from side to side to simulate a parents movements when comforting their babies. The ultra plush fabric keeps baby comfortable and you don’t have to worry about a mess — it’s removable for easy washing!

No purchase necessary. See official rules here. Now, here comes the fun part:

TO ENTER, please leave answer the following question by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post. You can sign-in to leave a comment using your Facebook, Twitter, WordPress or email address.

Here’s the question: What soothing songs will you (or do you already) sing to baby when he’s fussy?

Ready? Set? Start commenting! Good luck!

Follow @TheBump to be alerted of our giveaways with the hashtag #TBFreebies and make sure to stay in touch with us on Facebook by following The Bump!

Note: Winners will be announced next week.

We’re back at it for more freebies! While everyone else is distracted by their backyard barbeques, we’re giving one very, very lucky mama (or da-da!) the chance to take home this gorgeous Diono Radian RXT Car Seat!

The Radian family of car seats aren’t only comfortable — they’re versatile, too! The convertible booster seats boast a full steel frame, which makes them one of the safest car seats available for parents! With added infant body support cushions and memory foam (can’t ever be too comfortable!), you won’t ever have to worry about your little one’s safety. It comfortably seats rear-facing children from 5-45 lbs, forward-facing children from 20-80 lbs in 5-point harness, then converts to a booster for children up to 120 lbs., which means this car seat is a one-stop-shop for infancy through toddlerhood! The best part? Fold it up for travel!

No purchase necessary. See official rules below. Now, here comes the fun part:

TO ENTER, please leave answer the following question by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post. You can sign-in to leave a comment using your Facebook, Twitter, WordPress or email address.

Here’s the question: What are you looking forward to most this summer?

Ready? Set? Start commenting! Good luck!

Follow @TheBump to be alerted of our giveaways with the hashtag #TBFreebies and make sure to stay in touch with us on Facebook by following The Bump!

Note: Winners will be announced next week.

“Five Days of Freebies — May” Sweepstakes

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. MAKING A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

TERM:

The “Five Days of Freebies — May” Sweepstakes (each, a “Sweepstakes”) entry periods are as follows: each entry period commences at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on each day beginning on May 27, 2013 and ending on May 31, 2013, inclusive (each, a “Sweepstakes Entry Period”). The Sweepstakes is sponsored by XO Group Inc., through its division The Bump, 195 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10007 (the “Sponsor”).

ELIGIBILITY:

This Sweepstakes is open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years or older as of date of entry.  Employees of the Sponsor; Prize providers; any promotional companies or advertising agencies participating in the Sweepstakes and employees of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates; any persons involved in the creation, development, or implementation of this Sweepstakes; and any other persons or entities directly associated with this Sweepstakes and any members of their immediate families or households are ineligible to participate. Entries for the Sweepstakes drawing must be received prior to the expiration of the applicable Sweepstakes Entry Period. This Sweepstakes is void in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and wherever prohibited or restricted by law, and is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. By submitting an entry form, entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations that govern sweepstakes.

PRIZES/VALUE:

One (1) Prize winner per Sweepstakes listed below (selected in separate random drawings following each Sweepstakes Entry Period) will receive the following, in each case, selected by Sponsor in its sole discretion:

• May 27, 2013: one (1) Diono Radian RXT Storm (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $339);
• May 28, 2013: one (1) 4moms mamaRoo Bouncer (ARV: $240);
• May 29, 2013: one (1) Boba Wrap (ARV:  $38), one (1) Boba Carrier 3G  and one (1) Boba Air (Total ARV: up to $290);
• May 30, 2013: one (1) Wonder Bumpers 38 print set (ARV: $239); and
• May 31, 2013: one (1) Bliss Feeding Pillow; one (1) Born Free Classic Bottle Gift Set; and one (10 Tru-Temp Bottle Warming System (Total ARV: $194.97).

Actual retail value of each Prize may vary. The Prizes are not transferable or assignable, or redeemable for cash or any other consideration, and no substitutions will be allowed except by Sponsor, which reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value or nature if advertised prize (or component thereof) is not available. Each Prize winner is responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the payment of all applicable taxes.

HOW TO ENTER:

You may enter the Sweepstakes by accessing the administrator-created blog post titled “Five Days of Freebies Sweepstakes!” located at http://blog.thebump.com/ and submitting an answer to the question included in the applicable blog post, in the space provided for comments, in accordance with the instructions set forth therein, in each case, during the applicable Sweepstakes Entry Period.

Limit one entry per person/email address. Normal internet access and usage charges imposed by your online carrier apply.  Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified.  If an entrant is determined to have submitted more than one entry submission, that entrant will be disqualified.  An entry will be deemed to have been made by the “authorized account holder” of the Twitter, WordPress or Facebook account, or email address provided by the entrant, as applicable, at the time the entry is made. For purposes herein, the “authorized account holder” refers to the person assigned by Twitter, WordPress or Facebook to an account, or to an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses.  All entries will become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Sponsor is not responsible for transmission and/or computer error.  For the avoidance of doubt, acceptance of entries or submissions will not be deemed to waive any provisions of these Official Rules, and the entrant may subsequently be disqualified.

Entries must comply with character limitations on entry page (e.g., must be a proper response to the applicable blog post and subject to the character limitations in the applicable reply box, etc.), and must be in English. Entries must be entrant’s own original work and owned solely and exclusively by entrant, have not won a previous prize or award and have not been previously published, must not infringe on, misappropriate or otherwise violate any third-party rights (including but not limited to copyright, trademark, rights of publicity or privacy or any other proprietary right), and must be deemed suitable by Sponsor. Entrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sponsor, Diono Inc., Thorley Industries LLC, Boba Inc., Go Mama Go Designs LLC, and Born Free Holdings Ltd., and each of their respective affiliates and subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents from any losses, damages, or expenses arising from or in connection with infringement, misappropriation or violation of any third party rights. Entries deemed lewd or offensive by Sponsor in its sole discretion will be disqualified.  Entries that comply with format and suitability specifications may, in Sponsor’s sole discretion, be acknowledged by e-mail, but nevertheless remain subject to full eligibility determinations at the sole discretion of Sponsor.  An entry that does not comply with entry guidelines will be deemed void and of no effect.

RANDOM DRAWINGS/ODDS OF WINNING/WINNERS:

The potential Prize winners of the Sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received for the applicable Sweepstakes, on or about May 31, 2013. Each winner will be notified via email, using the email address associated with the account details (i.e., WordPress, Facebook or Twitter) used by the winner or, if no such account details are used, the email address otherwise provided by the winner, when responding to the applicable blog post, on or about May 31, 2013. Each entrant is responsible for the accuracy of the information included in his/her account details used or otherwise provided when responding to the applicable blog post, as applicable. The Prize drawings will be conducted by Sponsor. The Prize drawings shall be final and conclusive. The odds of winning a Prize will be determined by the actual number of eligible entries received for the applicable Sweepstakes. Potential Prize winners will be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release, and where legal, a Publicity Release within ten (10) days of notification attempt. Noncompliance within this time period will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the applicable Prize, and Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, award the applicable Prize to an alternate winner selected at random from all eligible entries received. If Prize notification is returned as non-deliverable, the potential winner will be disqualified and the applicable Prize forfeited, and Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, award the Prize to an alternate winner selected at random from all eligible entries received.   The names of the winners of the Sweepstakes will be available after June 30, 2013. To obtain this information, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to “Five Days of Freebies Sweepstakes — May” Winners, c/o XO Group Inc., 195 Broadway, 25^th Floor, New York, NY 10007.

CAUTION:

Any attempt by any person to deliberately damage any website or undermine legitimate operation of a sweepstakes may constitute a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from and/or to prosecute any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any such tampering will also result in ineligibility to win a Prize in the Sweepstakes.

CONDITIONS:

By participating in this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which are final in all matters relating to this Sweepstakes and acknowledge compliance with these Official Rules. Each entrant acknowledges that the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use found on the www.thebump.com website are hereby incorporated by reference and apply to the submission of entries pursuant to these Official Rules.  By participating in this Sweepstakes, each entrant hereby agrees to Sponsor’s collection and usage of the entrant’s personal information and acknowledges that entrant has read and accepted the above-referenced Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sponsor is in no way liable for any damage, loss, or injury resulting from computer malfunctions, misdirected or incomplete entries, or acceptance and use of any Prize. Each winner assumes liability for injuries caused or claimed to be caused by participation in the Sweepstakes or the use or misuse of any Prize. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes should virus, bugs, or other causes beyond the control of Sponsor corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper play of the Sweepstakes and award any Prize from all eligible entries received prior to cancellation or suspension.

By entering this Sweepstakes, each entrant hereby voluntarily and irrevocably releases, holds harmless and agrees not to institute any claim against Sponsor, Diono Inc., Thorley Industries LLC, Boba Inc., Go Mama Go Designs LLC, and Born Free Holdings Ltd., or any of their respective affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents from any losses, damages, or expenses from any and all injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising from or in connection with, either directly or indirectly, (1) the awarding, acceptance, receipt, possession, use and/or misuse of the Prizes awarded herein; and/or (2) participation in the Sweepstakes or any prize-related activities.

Under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and each entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, or any other damages, including attorneys’ fees, and entrant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

By accepting a Prize, each winner grants Sponsor permission to use his or her name and likeness for advertising and promotional purposes without any additional compensation (except where prohibited by law). By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants shall be deemed to have agreed to have their entry information made available to the Sponsor. The Sweepstakes is subject to these Official Rules. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants and winners agree to waive any right to claim any ambiguity, inequity or error in the Official Rules of the Sweepstakes, and/or of the Sweepstakes itself, and agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by all decisions of, and interpretations of these Official Rules by, the Sponsor, which in all respects shall be final and binding.

THE NEW YORK COURTS (STATE AND FEDERAL) SHALL HAVE SOLE JURISDICTION OF ANY CONTROVERSIES REGARDING THE SWEEPSTAKES AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES, SHALL GOVERN THE SWEEPSTAKES. ENTRANTS WAIVE ANY AND ALL OBJECTIONS TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE IN THESE COURTS AND HEREBY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS.

All rights reserved. Official Rules may be copied for personal use only and not for any commercial purpose whatsoever.

SPONSOR:

XO Group Inc., through its division The Bump, 195 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10007

ADMINISTRATOR:

XO Group Inc., through its division The Bump, 195 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10007

We asked some of the most adorable babies to head in to our NYC offices and strike a pose for our video team! These all-star babies put on their squishy happy faces and modeled the very best in swimwear for babies! The result? Certified cuteness on a level we’ve never seen before (and trust us, we know cute!).

These little ladies and gents are all decked out for a sunny, sand-playin’ day at the beach, so if Mother Nature would just throw us a bone here, maybe we could get these little lads some sand, sun and splashes!

Check out these little divas and dudes. You can find details on where to buy each suit below. Happy cuteness and happy shopping!

Swim suits featured in the video are:

Kate Mack, Seaside Petals Baby Bubble

Iplay Perwinkle Pier Ultimate Swim Diaper

Iplay Ultimate Swim Diaper Sailboat Pocket Trunks & Rash Guard top

Which nautical suit is your favorite?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Cutest Baby Bathing Suits

8 Hilarious Baby Onesies

How to Buy: Baby Clothes

Yesterday, I spent the (very rainy) day in NYC at the annual New York Baby Show. I got to see the latest  products and services available to parents in New York — and nationwide. These are my picks for the hottest things there — because they’re new, different and useful for new parents.

What’s your favorite baby gear item?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Top 10 Strollers

Wacky Baby Products That Work

The Bump Best of Baby Product Awards

As The Bump editorial team’s resident pregnant woman (I’m 20 weeks as of yesterday — halfway there!), I get the pretty awesome job of being a guinea pig for the latest products. After all, someone’s got to see what works and what doesn’t, right? So of course, I wanted to pass along a few of my favorites so far.

What are your favorite pregnancy products?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Top 6 Pregnancy Skin Issues (and How to Deal)

Is Your Beauty Routine Safe for Pregnancy?

Sneaky (and Cheap!) Ways to Stretch Your Maternity Wardrobe

1. Find a mom to shop with.

Registering is overwhelming. The best thing I did was plan to have a champion by my side — my sister-in-law, a three-time “Black Belt Mommy”. Having someone experienced there to give you thumbs up or thumbs down on key baby items melts away any anxiety you might have.

I’m so glad my husband and I didn’t go it alone; I shudder to think what my registry list might have been like. As an added bonus, your Black Belt Momma is there when you spread your wings and try out some jog strollers in the store, but can’t freaking figure out how the freaking thing folds and unfolds and you start to sweat, tears welling in your eyes when you think maybe you’re not cut out for this after all, and… well, you get the picture. Just watch your her fold and unfold any contraption with ease. She also pointed out things I never would have noticed.  Like scratchy fabrics in some car seats, versus soft breathable ones. Even though you’re not a Black Belt Momma yourself yet, at least you’ll have the registry of one, and that’s what you want.

2. Really do your research beforehand.

I hated hearing this in school too. But researching the pricier baby gear is essential before you register. Repeat after me: “I solemnly swear to refrain from registering for any product with complex parts and components, motors, electrical doo-dad, or any safety related gear without first checking multiple sites for user ratings and reviews.”

I failed to take this vow and realized when it was too late. Case in point: the jogging stroller I picked out was great in the store. I tried it out and it seemed smooth, comfy for baby, and oh, was it pretty. As a more expensive registry item, my parents agreed to purchase the stroller and all components. I pictured myself whipping my hiney back into prebaby shape as I jogged along the streets behind my fab new stroller. Well, one day I noticed in my online registry that the stroller had only gotten two stars. I started reading reviews there and then went to other sites (in the vain hope that the poor reviews could be contained) and learned that the stroller would shake it like a Polaroid picture at jog speeds. My mom had already bought it, given it to us and we’d already had it proudly assembled in our living room. When it was finally time to try it out, sure enough the shimmy was strong enough to jar the teeth out of my baby’s mouth (good thing he doesn’t have teeth).

Now, I review almost everything I buy for my baby. This could save you from having to return baby monitors, breast pumps and humidifiers. Check the reviews on the big-ticket items. It’s worth your time.

3. Stick to the basics.

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Wait! I’m having a baby girl!  What d’ya mean, ‘no frills’?” I mean take a hard look at your registry list and comb it for things that you really don’t need. I know it’s hard. Who wouldn’t want a lady-bug light switch cover with matching lamp shade and valance? Well, actually there is someone — your baby — who doesn’t really care at this point if it’s lady bugs or tarantulas. I’m not saying you can’t have a cute nursery. I’m merely warning you that nursery decor adds up to lots of cash — cash that could go toward real necessities like spare breast pump parts, wipes, travel gear and pretty much anything else.

Have you priced a bedding set lately?  The cost is insane! Don’t waste your precious registry dollars on those items. Instead, watch for them to go on clearance and purchase them with one of numerous gift cards you will ultimately receive. Or purchase a bed skirt to coordinate with a sheet. Besides, you can’t even use half of what’s in a bedding set anyways.  Blankets and bumpers are a no-no. You can add plenty of personality to your baby’s space without the frills. Drawer organizers, closet organizers and crib sheets all come in cute patterns and bright colors and they are necessities.

Same thing with changing pad covers — they come in adorable patterns. By the time you have a tub organizer shaped like a frog, a green polka-dot crib sheet and you’ve replaced the hardware on your baby’s furniture with green knobs, voila! Cute and simple nursery. Don’t fall prey to artwork and lighting from a baby store unless it’s on super-clearance. Full price on these items is like dancing down the aisles, throwing cash playfully into the air.  If you put these items on your registry, it’s your friends and family throwing their cash in the air. I initially registered for a few frills myself, but went online and ended up taking them out completely or replacing them with more important items. And I’m glad I did! Oh, and the frills?  Trust me — regardless of whether you register for them or not, you’ll get plenty. Folks can’t resist lace socks, eyelet dresses and tulle any more than they can resist plaid newsboy caps, over-alls and mini-Converse shoes!

4. Be leery of upgrades.

It seems like a pack-n-play with lots of extra bells, whistles, hum-dings and attachments is a better value. But before you buy it, take time to weigh the options. We registered for a great pack-n-play that had a bassinet feature and a little seat attachment that vibrated and changing table component. Sounds awesome, right? Wrong. He outgrew the changing table and little vibrating seat in about three weeks. It wasn’t long before we took them down to our basement for storing and just used the pack-n-play as a bassinet only. Remember, your little one won’t stay that way for long. Ask yourself the golden question before committing: How long will I be able to use this?

5. Skip registering for clothes… at least at the beginning.

When folks buy clothing for your babe,  it’s the teeny-tiny stuff they can’t resist. We received adorable, snuggly outfits galore. Then, when my son turned 7 months and was fitting into 9-month clothing, we realized we didn’t have much. Eventually, you will have to buy clothing for your own baby, but having a few things to get you to that 12-24 month mark wouldn’t be half bad to have, right?  If you choose to keep clothes off the registry altogether, no worries.  That’s what gift cards are for!

Whatever you decide, relax and have fun! At this point, you deserve it!

What registry tips helped you?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Most Overrated Baby Items — Ever!

10 Fun Gifts for Your Registry

What to Buy (and What to Skip!) for Baby’s Registry

At the beginning of April, we announced all of the Best of Baby winners and so far this week, we’ve be giving very lucky mamas the chance to take home some incredible swag! Today, marks the final day of our Five Days of Freebies giveaway series and while we’re bummed all the free fun is over, we’ve got a juicy prize to go out in style with! Here’s what we’re giving away right this instant:

One very lucky mama will be proud new owner of  this incredible Babyhome ONFOUR Babysitter (valued at $129).  The Onfour gives mom (and dad!) the option to move the babysitter effortlessly and without hassle with its front wheels. We’re loving the four different positions that give baby reclining options! Added bonus? The lightweight babysitter can be used in winter or summer by simply removing the upper fabric and using the non-aggressive mesh to keep baby cool!

No purchase necessary. See official rules here. Now, here comes the fun part:

TO ENTER, please leave answer the following question by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post. You can sign-in to leave a comment using your Facebook, Twitter, WordPress or email address.

Here’s the question: What’s your favorite baby shower theme?

Ready? Set? Start commenting! Good luck!

Follow @TheBump to be alerted of our giveaways with the hashtag #TBFreebies and make sure to stay in touch with us on Facebook by following The Bump!

Note: Winners will be announced next week.