Baby Bond Nursing Sash: Product Review & Giveaway *Edited 3/11/11*

This is my first product GIVEAWAY, Sponsored by Tomoson.com

As I enter the third trimester of my pregnancy, I find myself more and more interested in the products that are currently available for both Mom and Baby.  I have a 2 year-old daughter, but there are still many new and exciting products available today that either did not exist, or I was not aware of when she was born.  I love to browse baby aisles and think through whether or not these are items I would be interested in testing out with Baby #2.

I used a nursing cover with my first daughter - one that hung around my neck and covered her entire body and my front while she nursed. I loved this cover, because it allowed me to nurse discreetly in public. Then summer rolled around (along with warm weather), my daughter got more nosey about her environment, and the nursing cover just was not working for us. I remember visiting my parents' house, and every 3 hours I had to retreat to a bedroom to nurse the baby for about half an hour. I felt like I missed out on so much. There had to be a better way.

I was very excited when I learned that I was selected to do a review of a new and exciting product:  a Baby Bond Nursing Sash.  I did some research on their website and was impressed with the design of the sashes.  These allow Baby's head to be exposed, while Mom remains covered.  The sashes come in three different styles:  Original, Flex, and Couture.  I watched the videos on the website and then selected the Couture in Hudson, based on its versatility.  I liked the thought that it could be used as a belly band to nurse from under your shirt, as well as a nursing top to nurse from the top. 

A few days later, my package arrived in the mail.  The box included photos of the product as well as visual instructions on the two different ways to use it.

I tried on the sash and was pleased that the one-size-fits-all truly did cover my larger frame.  The 100% cotton design was soft to the touch and would not irritate myself or Baby.  I was excited to test out the product, but I was missing one thing.  A baby.  :)

I sent the sash to my sister-in-law, who was happy to assist me in my review.  Her beautiful baby is currently 2 months old and is a frequent nurser.  She had been using a more traditional nursing cover and was eager to give this a try. 

Baby Bond allowed her son to breathe better as he nursed, which resulted in less spitting-up.  She liked that the sash folded up into itself, saving space in the diaper bag.  It is very easy to launder, and there is no concern about wires bending or poking through the material.  She also liked the versatility of being able to use the product as a sash or as a belly band.

My sister-in-law is very modest, and modesty was her main concern with using this product.  Her son frequently pulls off to look at her or look around while nursing.  When using the product as a sash, she was exposed at this point.  In addition, latching on without exposure was difficult.  When using the product as a belly band, she felt she would have to either have it on all the time or try to find a place to put it on in order to prevent her belly and back from exposure while adjusting it.  She also felt uncoordinated when trying to adjust the band, which she felt would become eaiser with practice.

Her conclusion was that her son's nursing habits make her a little uncomfortable with using the product.  She would likely use it in "semi-public" situations such as around immediate family, but she would not be comfortable using it around the general public.

*Edit* 3/11/11
I received a comment on this post from Missy, the owner of the company that makes these nursing sashes.  She pointed out that my sister-in-law was using her sash improperly and provided links to some YouTube videos that would be of assistance.  The first demonstrated how to put on the product on as a sash.  The second demonstrates how to put it on as a belly band. 

After viewing these videos, my sister-in-law realized she had been nursing from the right side when wearing the product on her right shoulder.  To use the sash properly, she should have been nursing from the left side when wearing the product on her right shoulder.  Take a look at these photos, demonstrating how to use the product properly.

She commented to me that she actually felt quite a bit more modest when using the product properly.  In fact, her intention now is to use it more often - especially on hot days this summer!  She also pointed out that holding her baby in a cradle-hold felt more modest than the "football hold" she usually does.

Just look at the confidence in this proud momma!  :)

*End Edit*

Perhaps this is a product you would be interested in trying out!  I am looking forward to giving it a try when my baby arrives in May, and I will post another review at that point.  For now, I would encourage you to take a look at a demonstration video on the Baby Bond site and see if this is a product you would be interested in using.

Now for the giveaway!  One lucky person will receive a nursing sash from Baby Bond.  To enter to win:  Visit Baby Bond's website and post a comment here with your favorite product and color.  Please be sure to leave your e-mail address (if I do not know you) so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).
2 extra entries if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
3 extra entries if you blog about this giveaway, linking back to Our House of Fun.  Please leave an address where it can be found.
1 extra daily entry each time you visit this blog during the giveaway.

This giveaway will end on March 12th at 11:59pm EST.  The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.