Docking My Tot

About a month ago, I mentioned how much Sterling and I were loving our Dock A Tot in my Infant Top 10 List and as the weeks have gone by, this multi-functional nest has become one of my most essential and recommended items in our home.

The Dock A Tot is a lightweight docking station that is handmade in Europe and created as a solution for a more comfortable and supportive sleeping frame for infants and children.

Made from 100% cotton and materials that will not harbour heat, allowing the best possible micro-climate and breathability. Dock A Tot is also Oeko-tex certified and passes the standards for healthy textiles which means it is free of harmful substances.

The cover, which is available in tons of adorable prints and patterns, is also machine washable, which is amazing, as I’ve learned how messy babies can be. I have the Bananas For You print and love how on-trend (and gender neutral) it is.

We’ve found it perfect for lounging, playing, chilling, resting and snuggling and lately we’ve been using as part of his supervised tummy time. By placing Sterling with the round bumper under his chest and armpits, he can strengthen his neck and has began to reach for colourful things in front of him. Sterling also sleeps securely for hours (only on his back) allowing me to work, cook and clean the house. The snug fit of the Dock A Tot is to resemble the womb, comforting him to fall and remain asleep.

We also love how portable and lightweight it is. When planning a day out to visit family and friends, we’ve brought the Dock A Tot with us to ensure Sterling has a comfortable spot to lounge and nap. We kept the packaging and cardboard it came in to ensure it stays clean and help keep its shape during the transporting. Last week, our Dock A Tot joined Sterling and I in Miami, fitting perfectly in my luggage and was the perfect place to sleep and to move throughout the condo for lounging.

We have the Deluxe + which is meant for 0-8 months and cannot wait to get the Grand for Sterling when he’s 9-36 months. I have and will continue to recommend it to excepting families, as I can’t imagine our home without it during the last 2 months.

I received products compliments of and/or in collaboration with Dock A Tot, but all opinions are 100% my own. If you are interested in working together in please contact me (barbara.ann.solomon@gmail.com) or Krista at Shine Influencers (krista@shineinfluencers.com).

Photography by the amazing Scarlet O’Neill during our family shoot.
Fox outfit: So’Dorable, Swaddle blanket: Aden and Anais Silky Soft Swaddle in Sahara

Our Son Sterling


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It’s been just over 2 months since our son blessed our family and filled our home with an indescribable love. When I got pregnant I got excited to prepare for a family shoot and knew there would be only one photographer I wanted to capture the love and craziness of our family.

Scarlet O’Neill is a Toronto-based wedding photographer, whose work has been featured basically everywhere. I found her while working with Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay and fell in love with the way she documented love stories. I knew that she would be the perfect person to share this special time with.

Linen & Swaddle Blanket: Little Unicorn

Our day together was filled with laughter and sharing stories. Here are some of my favourite photos we shot with her. And don’t forget to follow Scarlet on Instagram for a beautiful feed filled with wedding and lifestyle inspiration.

A quick update about Sterling at 2 months old: he’s beginning to smile, he loves to splash in the bath, cuddle during story time. He’s travelled (like a pro) to Florida and enjoyed 10 days in the sun exploring Miami.

  

Thank you Scarlet for capturing our family perfectly. We absolutely love these photos.

Maternity Shoot

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Maternity shoots are a right of passage that I feel that all pregnant women should spend the time and money on.  After everything your body does during these 9 months it’s important to embrace and celebrate all the changes by documenting it. Picking an outfit that makes you feel glamorous and comfortable is key to having a successful shoot.

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This gown was created by the amazing team at Sew Trendy Accessories, a brand that specializes in handmade maternity gowns, formal gowns, boudoir clothing, gown accessories and newborn outfits ideal for photo shoots. I picked the timeless Krysten gown in white, because I loved the long sleeves and elegance of the cut.

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When you order your gown and send in your measurement there are some options you can choose from to customize the dress. I chose the boat neck, rather than a droop back, to ensure I could wear a bra and picked to have a simple train instead of the exaggerated ones. If you are looking for maternity shoot inspiration, check out their Instagram account, as it served as a daily source of the most magical and beautiful images.

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We shot this at 35 weeks pregnant on a freezing cold day at the Scarborough Bluffs. Other outfits that I’ve shot that could have worked for a maternity shoot are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and one of my favourites 6.

Dress & Headpiece: C/O Sew Trendy Accessories, Jewellery: Vintage