These onesies start at size 2T and run all the way up until 6T.  They are, as the company name implies, purely white – basic, yet easy to match with any outfit.  There is a great amount of detail on the quality of the construction, cotton, dying process and strength of the snaps.  I can attest that through several washings, the onesies still look and feel like new.  I did follow the instructions and have never put them in the dryer out of fear of shrinkage; you can always go for a larger size if you plan on putting them in the dryer.

Essential Whites offers a selection of long-sleeve, short-sleeve or sleeveless bodysuits.  Each kind can come with either a lap (my preference – less fuss as you pull it over baby’s head) or round collar.  Pricing is very competitive given the quality of these garments – each starts at $8USD (sleeveless or short-sleeve) or $9USD (long-sleeve), and increases in price with size.  Essential Whites also offers buy-3-get-1-free which is what I opted for.  I did contact customer service to check on my order, because it took almost three weeks to arrive from the USA.  Their response was quick and friendly – impressive!

These onesies are great for those who like the concept.   An added bonus: now that my toddler has started to figure out how to undo his diaper (which doesn’t happen too often, because I had enough foresight to buy most of my cloth diapers with snaps), wearing a onesie makes this impossible (well, for now, until he gets really smart).  So kudos to Essential Whites for filling a need in the baby garment industry!

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I was excited when I was asked if I would test the Rain Poncho and Pants from Baby Polar Gear.  The Rain Poncho and Pants are made in the USA from highly technical, extreme weather guard fabric Polartec Power Shield.  The company claims that you will be amazed at the water shedding properties of the fabric, so of course I was intrigued because I live in the wettest city in Canada, not counting the snow and wind (we can get wind gusts up to 100 km per hour ).  With a one year old son (pictured above) and a rambunctious dog, I am always outside, rain or shine (sadly, more rain than shine).  We own a fabulous Bugaboo Frog, and with its great rain cover we are outside for at least two walks a day, but there are times and places when a stroller just won’t do, so we rely on our back or front carrier, leaving my poor little guy to brave the elements.  This is where the Rain Poncho and Pants by Baby Polar Gear comes in extremely handy!

This Rain Poncho and Pants is perfect for layering. I tested out the 18 month size, and at a year old my son is 22 pounds and 30 inches long, so there is plenty of room to grow.  What I did not expect was that he would be dry and warm crawling around in it.  At almost a year, my son has zero interest in walking, but he is lightening fast at crawling and often does not want to be held.  He gets very frustrated when we are outside and he doesn’t understand why I can’t put him down on the soggy moss that those of living in a rainforest call a lawn.  So today, with him clad in his Poncho and Pants, I decided to put the suit to the ultimate test.  He happily crawled around our yard in the rain checking everything out, and even sat and watched the birds eat out of the feeder for a few minutes.  When I took him inside and removed the suit, he was dry and warm underneath!  Now that was one happy baby (and Mama)!

The Rain Poncho and Pants are easy to clean, too. I used a tad of liquid laundry soap on a cold cycle.  Because of the ability of Polartec to repel water, the suit was practically dry when I removed it from the washer and definitely did not need any time in the dryer.  Lightweight and not bulky, the Poncho and Pants fit nicely into my diaper bag or into the basket of the stroller, just in case.  I even put it in my purse the other day.  I would definitely recommend Baby Polar Gear’s Rain Poncho and Pants to other parents, though at $34.95 USD for each piece (comes in black only – it would be nice to see other, brighter and more visible colours available in the future), the set is a tad pricey but well worth it, especially if you live an area that gets a lot of rain or wind.

Aside from the company’s Rain Poncho and Pants set with its impressive water shedding ability, Baby Polar Gear has a wide range of products available for outdoorsy families, from car seat covers, bunting bags, hats, mittens, and blankets to jackets, pants, booties, and towels!  To find out more about this great Portland, Oregon company, check out their Facebook page or follow Baby Polar Gear on Twitter.

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Enter to WIN a Baby Gear Polartech Powersheild Rain Poncho or get 20% off of your rain gear purchase until April 14, 2011.  To win the Rain Poncho, leave a comment on the company’s Facebook Page providing either feedback about any of their products OR telling them why you would like to win the Rain Poncho.  For 20% off of your rain gear purchase, simply enter code RAIN20 at checkout through Baby Polar Gear.  Please share with others by Tweeting, ” #WIN a @BabyPolarGear Rain Poncho for your child or get 20% off at http://tinyurl.com/6fhzvh4 @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway #contest “, and good luck!

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Anyone who has been shopping for maternity clothes in the last decade or so knows that you have your choice of 2 different kinds. The frumpy flowery kind that makes you look like you’re giving birth in the 1970’s, and the awesome kind which lets you look modern and pregnant and beautiful.  KSeraSera Maternity shirts are of the awesome variety, making me feel like a modern pregnant girl with fashion sense.

When I first spotted them at a baby trade show last fall I knew I had to have one.  They are super soft and eco-friendly. Made from organic bamboo fabric and organic cotton, the shirts are screen-printed with a variety of beautiful baby themed designs. And did I mention that KSeraSera Maternity is a husband and wife team from Canada? I love buying locally!

What I love about these shirts (aside from them being super soft on my itchy pregnant-chick skin) is that they are long enough to cover my growing belly without me having to worry about it shrinking and riding up! A definite must when you’re seven and a half months pregnant in the cold depths of winter! The shirts are warm but the organic bamboo fabric is really lightweight which suits me just fine since I’m usually feeling pretty warm these days anyways!

A big thanks to KSeraSera Maternity for sending me a sample of their Pitter Patter Heart shirt. I just love the tiny little footprints on my belly that remind me of what I have to look forward to in a few short months. Of course these days it’s kind of hard to see the screen-print from my vantage point since it’s below my belly bump, but I know it’s there and I love it!

These fantastic shirts can be bought online at the KSeraSera Maternity website for $20 CDN (short-sleeved) or $25 CDN (long-sleeved) each. They also sell Daddy Tees and Kids Tees for $14.95 CDN each.

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KSeraSera Maternity has generously supplied us with a PitterPatter Heart Long Sleeve Tee for one lucky reader to WIN!  Thank you KSeraSera Maternity!

To Enter:  Go to KSeraSera Maternity’s  website and then leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which KSeraSera Maternity Shirt you love most.  Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” WIN a Pitter Patter Heart Long Sleeve Tee THX TO KSeraSera Maternity http://tinyurl.com/4ejfubr @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway #contest ” and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• If you ‘Like’ KSS Apparel on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog  and leave us a link in the comments for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Friday March 4th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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Starfish Kidz clothing line includes onesies from size three months to t-shirts in XL and also have bottoms for three to 24 months. What really caught my eye was their beanies; you can chose between applique or floral, from newborn to mom size. Their current line of appliques includes All Star, Hush (as seen above), and Skullz, and Starfish Kidz are just about to release a new line of appliques!

Not only is Starfish Kidz’s kid’s line ridiculously cute, but the company strives to give back to the community by donating money to various beneficiaries. When I bought Travis his Skullz onesie, the company was having a promotion where they donated $1 from every beanie sold to baby Molly. The reason behind the company’s interest in giving back (as if there needs to be a reason!) is that the founding trio of Starfish Kidz moms had been to visit Children’s Hospital and had met with Dan Mornar, the hospital’s parent/patient advocate. Dan Mornar took these moms through the oncology ward to meet with the children, their parents and the staff. Starfish Kidz graciously donated almost 60 beanies, florals and appliques as well as over 50 t-shirts and onesies to the children! Yeah, it made me tear up too. They missed meeting little Molly by three days, and so they sent her a beanie of her own (so she can feel like part of the group), as well as a cash donation to help out her family.

Starfish Kidz’ clothing is made from a blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton and it is deliciously soft! But aside from the softness, there were many reasons why the company chooses this Eco-friendly fabric. Bamboo can grow to full maturation within seven years and it grows so rapidly that it self-regenerates automatically. Bamboo is grown pesticide-free, and a chemical free process distills the bamboo into cellulose fiber, which is then manufactured according to rigid ISO world standards. Unlike nylon, polyester and other synthetics which cause odors and harbor bacteria, bamboo has natural anti-bacterial properties, and is extremely breathable as it wicks away moisture. It also contains a natural UPF, which helps to protect skin from harmful sun damage.

You too can own a piece of Starfish Kidz clothing for your little monkey by making a purchase through the company’s website. A onesie retails for$26 CAD, short sleeve t-shirts cost $20 CAD, bottoms cost $18 CAD, and beanies range from $20 to $24 CAD. You might want to grab a beanie for yourself while you shop, because trust me, the fabric is so soft that when your child’s clothing arrives, you’ll be jealous!

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Want to keep you newborn infant warm in his or her car seat this winter?  Check out these gorgeous Winter Pockets by Canadian company Ocena.  As beautifully embroidered as the mimiTENS, their fleecy soft interior will keep your little one snug and cozy when you’re out and about.  Intended for babies aged zero to nine months, Ocean Winter Pockets can be purchased through the company’s website for $96 CAD.

US company Patagonia produces well-made outdoor and winter clothing for babies, kids, and the entire family.  One of our all-time favourites is their Kids Puffer Vest, but now that a West Coast winter is in full force, we are loving Patagonia’s Baby Down Sweater and Reversible Puff-Ball Jacket.  Cozy warm and cool!  Purchase at your local Patagonia retailer or through the company’s website (prices vary).

Canadian company Stonz makes the funkiest flexible and cozy winter boots for little feet.  These water, wind, and skid-proof booties are super light weight, stay on kid’s feet, and can be machine washed.  We especially love that you put multiple layers of socks and/or slippers on your child’s feet before putting the Stonz on – that’s how roomy they are!  Stonz can be purchased through the company’s website or these retailers from $46.95 CAD and fit children aged zero to three years.

Let us know how you’re keeping your children cozy and warm this winter.  Leave us a comment telling us about your favourite product of the season!

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If you think this toque looks like two wool socks and some fleece lining, you’d be right about smack on.  The Pook Toque may very well be the most original and comfortable toque I’ve ever worn, not to mention the funniest.  And don’t worry, if you don’t like the mullet look, there are endless ways to wear your Pook Toque (it’s even reversible!).  My husband and I have never laughed so hard as when we worked our way through the Pook Toque styles.  The Cowboy Mullet and the Ray Charles almost made me pee my pants (after four kids my pelvic floor muscles aren’t what they used to be).

I will admit that the Pook Toque isn’t for everyone, but the guys at Pook have already thought of that.  The Pook Toque II is perfect for those who prefer not to draw quite as much attention to their heads.  Not only did the guys at Pook fashion a toque out of a couple socks, they’ve created Pook Dukes, the Pook Loop, the Pookie Toquie, the Pook Monkey, Pook Boots, and the Hockey Sockey.

Pook Toques are available through the company’s website for $26.00 CDN.  In fact, all Pook products are $26 CDN, and that includes taxes and shipping.  There’s really no reason why your entire family can’t be decked out in their Pook Toques for next year’s family Christmas photo!

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I refuse to buy just any shoe for my children’s feet and am a self admitted shoe snob, but this was my first experience with pediped’s shoes.  They are fabulous!  This US company’s shoes are extremely flexible and comfortable, not to mention stylish and well-made.  pediped has three different footwear systems:

• The Originals line (from $31 to $43 USD) are designed for babies getting ready to take their first steps and fit children ages zero to 24 months.  Soft and flexible, they are designed to mimic barefoot walking and are a great first shoe.  If you are interested in shoes from this line for the holidays, consider the very pretty penny or naomi styles for girls and the ashton or michael shoes for boys.
• pediped’s Grip’n’ Go shoes ($44 to $53 USD) are for children in the transitional stage between early and confident walking and fit children aged nine months to three years.  Their soft rubber soles mimic the natural shape of children’s feet while their firm but flexible heels offer the stability required for children on-the-go.  The alyssa shoes for girls are a great option for the holidays.
• Shoes in the company’s flex collection ($32 to $86 USD) are ideal for confident walkers and fit children aged one to six years old.  These shoes feature leather uppers, cushioned arch support, and a soft rubber outsole for flexibility.  My holiday picks in this line are the natasha shoes for girls and the daniel (pictured above) or adrian (super light and MACHINE WASHABLE, these are the ones Oliver was sent to try out – we love how easy they are for him to take off and put on by himself thanks to their Velcro closures) shoes for boys.  A unique and innovative feature of pediped’s flex shoes is that they have the flex fit system.  Each pair of flex shoes comes with an additional 2mm insole to customize the shoe’s fit to your child’s foot.  If you insert the flex fit insoles, you reduce the size of each shoe by half a size, which means you can get an extra couple of months out of your child’s shoes!

With a huge range of styles to choose from, you’ll be sure to find a pair of pediped shoes for that special someone’s holiday season (also check out their great selection of socks and tights from $5 USD).  Purchase your child’s holiday shoes through pediped’s website or find a retailer near you.

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pediped is giving away a pair of shoes to one lucky Spilt Milk Moms reader from their fabulous Originals collection (pediped will be choosing the style of shoes once the winner provides the size and boy/girl – it’s like getting a Christmas present and knowing it’s shoes but not which kind!).  Thanks for sponsoring this great giveaway, pediped!

To Enter: Go to the pediped website and then leave us a comment HERE DAILY telling us which of the company’s shoes would look great on your child for that special holiday occasion. Once you’ve entered by leaving this mandatory comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• If you ‘Like’ pediped on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know.  This entry method will count as TWO ENTRIES for this giveaway (leave two comments, please).
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Follow @pedipedFootwear and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” WIN a stylish pair of @pedipedFootwear Originals shoes for your 0-24 month old! http://tinyurl.com/2574yuz @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway #contest “ and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or Email and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Tuesday, December 21st, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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Both of my kids own some Paul Frank kids wear, and both of them love the bold graphic designs on their clothing. There’s just something about that monkey that appeals to everyone. Personally, I like the simple design of the clothing that makes it easy to get the clothes on and off the kids. There are no tiny buttons or hard-to-do-up snaps.

My kids have also put their Paul Frank kids wear through a strenuous durability test and the clothing has stood up well. I’ve washed all of their clothing more times that I can count, and I’m pleased to announce that the colours are still bright and the monkey logo has not chipped or pealed.

Paul Frank products are sold in retail shops all over the world as well as online from PaulFrank.com. The shirt shown is a 2-in-1 tee for toddlers and retails for $30 from PaulFrank.com.

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Now that it’s Fall and Winter is approaching quickly, I was packing away Charlotte’s floppy summer hats when I stumbled across BabyBoo’s unique hats at a local boutique.  Olga, the company’s founder, was lovely enough to send me one for Charlotte to try out (it arrived in a beautiful envelope adorned with ribbon and the company’s tag – ready to be gifted).  The Canadian company’s tagline, “bamboo baby toques with style”, describes their hats perfectly.

Perfect for the chillier weather on the way, BabyBoo’s hats are functional, funky, and stylish, too!  BabyBoo carries a variety of different designer styles to match your child’s unique personal style and these hats make FABULOUS gifts.  If you want to be involved in the creation of a hat for someone special, the company is also happy to make a one-of-a-kind hat designed just for you.

BabyBoo carries hats for both boys and girls, and fit children aged zero to 12 years (LittleBoo fits 0-6 months, MiddleBoo 6-12 months, and BiggerBoo 2-12 years).  The hats in the Boys line are more edgy, and include mohawks and nifty appliques and fun names like Return to Neverland, Mo-Style, and my favourite Top Gear. The Girls line is whimsical, pretty, and feminine, adorned with beautiful flowers in various sizes and colours as well as a touch of bling.  My favourites include Ballet (pictured above), Happily Ever After, and Blackberry Jam.  There is a hat for every season and occasion!

After looking at all of the choices available in the Girls line I couldn’t make a decision about which hat would suit Charlotte best, so I sent Olga an email describing my little Miss and basically leaving it up to her.  When the hat arrived about a week later, Olga had nailed it!  Her grey bamboo toque with a single flower and a vintage button in the middle is absolutely stunning against Charlotte’s dark hair, pale skin, and blue eyes.  She’s been wearing the hat everywhere, and we are often stopped on the street by strangers exclaiming how cute she is in her beautiful toque.  Her BabyBoo hat gives her a sophisticated, classy, and feminine touch (which is nice given that she hardly has any hair and I’m sure most people think she’s a boy).

BabyBoo baby toques are made out of Eco-friendly bamboo and are handmade in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada.  Charlotte’s hat is incredibly soft and I’m thrilled that its bamboo content makes it antibacterial and hypoallergenic, especially because she has such sensitive skin.  If you’re looking for a unique and stylish gift or simply a unique hat for your child made to your specifications, take some time to browse the BabyBoo website.  And be prepared for plenty of smiles and comments from strangers about how cute your child when wearing his or her hat!

BabyBoo’s bamboo toques with style cost a reasonable $25 to $27 CDN (depending on the size of the hat) and are available for purchase through the company’s website.

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BabyBoo is generously giving away hats to TWO lucky Spilt Milk Moms readers in the style and size of his/her choice!  Thanks BabyBoo!

To Enter: Go to the BabyBoo website and then leave us a comment HERE (one per day only, please) telling us which of these stylish toques you would choose for your child if you win. Once you’ve entered by leaving this comment, you can gain additional entries like this:

• Follow @shopBabyBoo and @SpiltMilkMoms on Twitter and tweet ” #WIN 1/2 stylish and warm @shopBabyBoo bamboo toques for your baby, toddler or child! http://tinyurl.com/27e8wm4 @SpiltMilkMoms #giveaway “ and leave us the link for extra DAILY entries.
• If you ‘Like’ BabyBoo on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• If you ‘Like’ Spilt Milk Moms on Facebook, leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog for one extra entry.
• Subscribe to Spilt Milk Moms by RSS or Email Subscription and leave us a comment letting us know for one extra entry.
  

This giveaway ends at 12:01am PST on Tuesday,  November 16th, and the winner will be selected using Random.org.  The winner will have 7 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

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I also love a great story, and the Hatley company has such a neat one.  This Canadian company began twenty years ago when John began selling aprons depicting his wife Alice’s artwork.  Twenty years later, Hatley is run by John and Alice’s three sons and carries everything from rain boots to greeting cards.  The Hatley line includes clothing for the whole family, from boxers for dad, beach cover ups for mom, and play sets for baby.

Hatley kids’ pajamas retail for $29.99 CAD and can be purchased online through the Hatley Store, where shipping is free for orders over $50 CAD, and you can find lots of great deals on sale items.  If you sign up for Hatley’s free e-mail newsletter, you’ll receive notice of discounts, sales, and other Hatley news.  Hatley strives to provide their customers with products of the best quality and excellent customer service, so if for some reason you are unhappy with your purchase, Hatley will exchange or refund your order within 30 days.  You just can’t go wrong!

Hatley has been generous enough to offer Spilt Milk Moms readers 20% off your entire order until November 11, 2010.  Simply use promo code spiltmilk20 at checkout.  Thank you Hatley!

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If you’ve read my past reviews, you’ve probably noticed a common theme with me: a desire to find cool clothing for boys! Not to disappoint, Fig Kids is a Canadian clothing line based in Vancouver made from 95% super soft organic cotton blended with 5% Lycra. They have both a boys and girls clothing line, and their products go up to size 8!

Everyone wants what’s best for their children, and we all know that organic cotton is great, but what makes Fig Kids even better is the fact that their clothes are bright and colourful with innovative, original prints. My favorite tee for T-dog is their Olli Oop design (above, right) in lime green. Fig Kids makes their clothing from certified, organically grown cotton in factories that treat employees ethically. It makes me feel good knowing that I’m buying from a responsible and caring company.

You can check out their clothing online; however, they are currently in the process of redoing their online store so you might have to wait to order from the company directly. Shirts retail for around $36 CAD at many online stores. Fig Kids is a funky kids label from the founders of Twice-Shy, the company’s adult clothing line, and produces clothes that kids will love to wear and adults will love to dress them in!

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If you have a son, or have gone shopping for little boys’ clothing, you know that shopping for them isn’t nearly as exciting as shopping for little girls. There is a limited market of cool apparel for young boys, and I get a little tired of the typical threads that are out there – after all, how can Travis show his unique style when he’s dressed like every other one year old?! Knuckleheads Clothing has changed my opinion on shopping for boys!

A family business that was founded in 2004, Knuckleheads Clothing focuses on current styles and quality (as well as ethical) clothing designed to look good on your boy. The look is very different from your usual tees and boring pants. Retro button up shirts, plaid jackets, and greaser jeans are just a few of the fabulous styles you’ll find at their online store. My favorite recent purchase is their Outdoor Jacket in green. Yes, I did buy in size 3 and Travis won’t fit it for another year or two, but it was half price and so I couldn’t resist!

Knuckleheads does have clothing for newborns, toddlers and tweens, as well as a variety of awesome hats to adorn your little rocker’s head. If you happen to have daughters, do not despair – they have a chic line for girls as well!

As much as I love Knuckleheads Clothing, their clothing are a bit pricey so I usually wait until I find things on sale. A t-shirt goes for $28 USD and shorts average $38 USD on their website. Knuckleheads Clothing line gives your son that edgy, urban look that will allow him to be just that much more unique. If you’re looking for distinctive, funky clothing for boys, Knuckleheads will be sure to be a hit.

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It can be very tricky finding the right clothes to wear once your baby is born; you’re not feeling your most beautiful and you require functionality and privacy for the times you are nursing in the company of others.   I would pull the necks down of all the shirts in the stores to see which was elastic-y enough to accommodate breastfeeding, but that proved to be a rather ineffective and time-consuming method for finding nursing clothes.  Finally I was lucky enough to receive a nursing top from Momzelle – and how I wished I had this top from the beginning!

Momzelle makes a full line of maternity clothes, ranging from tank-tops to t-shirts, hoodies and even nursing nightdresses.  The company was founded by a Canadian mom who couldn’t quite find the right clothes for nursing her baby, and thus this attractive nursingware was born.  Most of the nursing tops work by having a panel of material at the top which stays in place while a panel underneath slides down for nursing.  Thus you get maximum coverage (no pancake tummy exposed).    I chose the criss-cross t-shirt, which to me looks slightly less obviously like a nursing shirt than the others (though now I am coveting the hoodie…).  The sizing is perfect – a close-fitting shirt with enough length to feel sufficiently decent (yet doesn’t form a tube on my hips like other long tops tend to do).  The material is soft and very comfortable.  And most importantly, it is easy and quick to get that boob out when the little one needs it!

Most of the tops are offered in a few colour selections and range in price (averaging about $50CAD).  They can be purchased directly from the website or in retail stores.

Momzelle has been kind enough to offer our readers a $5 discount for items purchased from their website! Just enter the code ‘spiltmilkmoms’ in the coupon code box at checkout and there’s free shipping for orders over $79.  Thanks Momzelle!

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