Acelleron Medical Products

Category: Baby

What is Triple Feeding?
Feeding a baby, especially a newborn, is a journey. While it is a beautiful bonding experience, it can also be incredibly demanding and stressful. Some families who intend to breastfeed may encounter unexpected situations that lead to detours along the way. Triple feeding may be part of the plan to help reach breastfeeding/chestfeeding goals.

What is Triple Feeding?

Triple feeding is when there are three defined aspects of each individual feeding session for a baby:
1. Direct nursing
2. Supplementing
3. Pumping
There are many reasons why triple feeding may be needed, such as:
- Refusal of the breast/chest
- Baby weight loss
- Painful latch
- Low milk supply
The child’s pediatrician and an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) should be consulted to determine if triple feeding is necessary.

Direct Nursing

Frequent and regular attempts at nursing can be considered the most important part of triple feeding. Triple feeding is not a long-term solution to feeding difficulties. It is a way to move beyond difficulties with the goal of getting to, or back to, exclusive nursing. Direct nursing is the first part of each feeding session. It may require aids such as SNS (supplemental nursing system). Direct nursing is incredibly important because it is where parent and baby learn about their latch and direct feeding. It also sends signal to the body that breastmilk is needed, therefore stimulating supply for the feeding parent.

How long to direct nurse or attempt to latch during each feeding session is different for each parent/child. Working with an IBCLC is incredibly helpful throughout this process to determine what is right for specific situations.

Supplementing

After an attempt at direct nursing, supplementation can be done with pumped breastmilk or formula. The wind down of supplementation should move from formula (if using), to pumped milk, to no longer needing to supplement at all. This can be done at the breast/chest directly with pumped milk during direct nursing, with a bottle, or through finger or cup feeding.

Pumping

How often to pump in a day, for how many minutes, and at what settings is defined by each individual’s situation. The best way to determine these factors is by connecting with an IBCLC. It may be most beneficial to pump with a double electric breast pump. This can save time and help stimulate more milk compared to single pumping or using a manual pump. Thankfully, many double electric breast pumps are covered by insurance. In addition to double pumping, breast massage or hands-on pumping can also be helpful for stimulation.

It is important to follow appropriate milk storage guidelines when pumping and feeding breastmilk to babies.

When To Stop Triple Feeding

There are several factors to consider before triple feeding ends. If baby improves at emptying the breast, milk supply is sufficient, and appropriate weight gain is continuous, then supplementation and pumping can slowly be reduced. All these factors can be confirmed by the pediatrician and IBCLC overseeing care.

Support Matters!

Before, during, and after everything stated above, anyone that will be triple feeding needs to ensure they have a support system in place. Having the right support system will help reduce stress. Less stress equals more chances for your body to produce oxytocin, one of the hormones responsible for milk production.

Examples of support that may be beneficial include prepared snacks, washing pump parts and bottles, changing diapers, and general home care. Triple feeding takes time and energy! Any support can make a tremendous impact.

For more information on how to support a lactating individual, read this article from the Le Leche League.
August 3, 2022
The Formula Crisis, Breastfeeding, and Pumping Supplies
Families shouldn’t have to worry about how they feed their babies. Sadly, with this unprecedented formula crisis, parents are forced to make tough decisions with little support. The fact of the matter is that employers, insurance companies, and lawmakers need to increase access to breastfeeding supplies and lactation consultants for their breastfeeding and pumping parents. Here is how you can help make that happen.

Get Insurance Support

There are certain insurance plans that cover pumping supplies such as breastmilk storage bags and breast pump replacement parts. It is our belief, especially with the challenges finding formula for babies, that breast pumping supplies should be fully covered by all insurance plans. In fact, the AAHomecare Breastfeeding Coalition is calling for just that in a recent press release.

Breastmilk Storage Bags

If Acelleron is in network with your insurance or Medicaid plan, it is super easy to get breastmilk storage bags. Simply fill out this Breastmilk Storage Bag Resupply Program form to get started. If you don’t have a prescription, we’ll reach out to your provider to get one for you. After that, we’ll send you breastmilk storage bags based your insurance coverage. It’s that easy!

Breast Pump Replacement Parts

Just as with breastmilk storage bags, some insurance and Medicaid plans also cover breast pump replacement parts. Visit our Insurance Covered Breast Pump Accessories page to find out if your insurance or Medicaid plan has coverage for breast pump replacement parts.

Insurance plan not listed?

Don’t get too discouraged if you do not see your insurance plan listed. There are steps you can take to encourage your insurance provider to cover these for you and future parents.

Contact your insurance provider directly and let them know they should cover a monthly supply of breastmilk storage bags under code K1005 and breast pump replacement parts under codes A4281 – A4286 as these supplies are critical to your pumping experience. Similar to breast pumps, breast pump supplies should be covered and not subject to a deductible or co-insurance to comply with the Affordable Care Act. Let them know they can better support their members and increase breastfeeding duration rates by covering breastmilk storage bags and breast pump replacement parts.
- Call the Member Services phone number found on your card
- Message Member Services either with the email address found on their contact page or through your member portal
- Visit their Facebook page or Tweet @ them and urge them to act
- Ask your friends, family, and coworkers to reach out too!
Get Employer Support

If your employer is not lactation-friendly, you are not alone. Often, employers want to support their employees but don’t know where to start. We can provide resources for your employer to help them better support you and all of their lactating employees.

Get Lawmaker Support

It takes everyone getting on board for there to be adequate support for breastfeeding and pumping parents, including lawmakers. Be vocal with your state senators and representative in congress. Ask your state U.S. senators to support the PUMP Act, which would legally require even more employers to support parents and give protections for pumping at work.

We Are in This Together

We are seeing more insurance plans, employers, and states take action to support breastfeeding and pumping families. At Acelleron, we are already asking for these changes on your behalf. When we combine forces as parents, wellness advocates, and policy makers, we will be able to see these meaningful changes sooner and on a wider scale. Together, we can make an impact for your family now and for those in the future.
June 28, 2022
Breastfeeding – The First 48 Hours
The first 48 hours after birth is incredibly special. It is a chance to have the long awaited first snuggle and finally meet your newest family member (or members!). It can also be incredibly nerve wracking trying to navigate this next stage. The time immediately after birth is crucial to setting the stage for your breastfeeding journey. Here are some things you can expect during this time.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after birth is often referred to as “The Golden Hour.” Skin-to-skin contact between birth parent and baby is extremely important. Having skin-to-skin within the first hour of birth decreases stress levels in mom and baby, stabilizes body temperatures, improves newborn bonding, and increases the ability to exclusively breastfeed. Initiating skin-to-skin contact gives your baby the chance to find the breast and begin to breastfeed on their own.

Babies have the instinct to crawl to the breast, find the nipple, latch on, and start to suckle. Sometimes this is immediate. Sometimes it may take a bit more time. Either way is normal. This instinctual survival mechanism is truly incredible to watch. To encourage your baby to latch on by themselves, it’s important to have baby on your chest as soon as possible after birth. Even after a cesarean, as long as there are no major complications, this is still possible! If you are unable to have baby skin-to-skin after birth, have your partner hold baby close until you are able to.

During the first hour after birth, baby will eat colostrum from the breast. Colostrum is extremely important for newborns. It helps give immunity by coating the intestines, which prevents germs from absorbing, and kills harmful microorganisms. It helps clear meconium, baby’s first poop, out of the system, which can reduce jaundice. It also helps prevent low blood sugar. Colostrum is even more important for early and preterm babies. While baby will only consume a small quantity of colostrum, it will go a long way towards filling their tiny bellies and setting them up for health. With each day that goes by, the amount of milk increases and amount of colostrum decreases, until baby is drinking only mature milk.

The first 24 hours

During the first 24 hours after birth, baby may be very sleepy as they adjust to life outside of the womb. There is a chance you may need to wake baby for feedings. Nurses and midwives will often ask you to keep track of how often feedings happen, the duration of feedings, and what side baby nurses from during the first couple of days after birth. Having your baby close with skin-to-skin contact can help encourage them to feed. Keep an eye out for hunger cues, including rooting (when baby turns head searching for a nipple), moving hands and feet, flexing of the legs and arms, sucking on hands, and restlessness.

If you give birth in a hospital, take advantage of the opportunity to work with lactation specialists. If you give birth at home, seek guidance from your midwife or consider a virtual lactation consultation. Ask as many questions as you like. Have them watch your baby while breastfeeding, especially if something feels uncomfortable. The advice you get from a lactation specialist can be incredibly empowering. Sometimes just a few small tweaks can make a huge difference.

Often during the first 24 hours, your baby will experience their first poop, known as meconium. It is thick, tarry, and unlike what most poop will look like going forward. Expect nurses to ask you to keep track of your baby’s dirty and wet diapers during this time as well, in addition to feedings.

The first 48 hours

Typically, sometime between day 2 and 3, babies start to wake up and become more aware of their new reality. As they adjust to new surroundings, new feelings, and new sounds of life outside of the womb, they will likely start to become more dependent on mom, cry more frequently, and want to breastfeed more often. All this coming as soon as you are ready to leave the hospital or lose the care of your midwife or postpartum doula. As unnerving as this may be, it is completely normal. Keeping baby close and responding to cues early can help make this transition smoother for everyone involved.

What about 48 hours and beyond?

Okay, so you’ve made it through the first couple of days. Now that you don’t have the support of a medical team, what is a new parent to do? Keeping these things in mind will help ease you into this new chapter in life.
- How to know baby is getting enough milk – Keeping track of baby’s diapers can help you determine if they are eating enough. During days three and four, baby should have three or more wet diapers in 24 hours. Day five and beyond, baby should have 6 or more wet diapers and three to four stools that are loose and seedy in 24 hours. During nursing sessions, look for a rapid sucking pattern to encourage letdown, then watch as your baby changes to a longer sucking pattern with audible swallows, which indicates they have a good latch and are drinking well. Proper weight gain is another indicator baby is getting enough milk. During wellness checks (there are a lot in those first months!) your pediatrician will chart baby’s growth. If you prefer to check baby’s weight more often, an infant scale can help provide piece of mind.
- Forget schedules, feed on demand – While baby may feed the widely talked about 8-12 times within a 24 hour, they may also feed more. Instead of trying to stick to a schedule that a book recommends, listen to your baby and feed on demand.
- Understanding baby cues – Babys give signs when they are hungry. Rooting, moving their head side to side, putting their hands to their mouth, sucking on hands and lips, becoming unsettled, and rapid eye movement are all early signs of hunger. Try to react to these before baby cries, as crying is often the later stage of hunger.
- Night feeding – Even though sleep may be a bit illusive during these early days and months, night feedings are normal, and even an important part of maintaining a healthy milk supply. Embrace these quieter times and nighttime snuggles.
- Ask for support – The early days and months can be blissful and challenging all at the same time. Don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it. Enlist your partner for diaper duties. Take up offers for meals and chores. Seek advice from lactation specialists. If you feel you may be suffering from postpartum depression, get help. You are not alone. There is no shame in asking for support if you need it. Most will be delighted to be able to help in a meaningful way.
As your family adjusts to this new life together, your body is just beginning the process of healing, your baby is in culture shock from this entirely new world, and you are trying to figure out how to keep baby happy and fed on the outside. It can feel overwhelming, as your hormones endure a major shift and sleep is harder to come by. Yet, with a little preparation, some understanding, and a whole lot of love, you can get through these early days. Soon enough, you will be wondering how they went by so quickly.
March 30, 2022
Top 10 Podcasts for Parents

Between cluster feeds, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, sometimes all a new parent wants to do is take a minibreak. Sometimes even a seasoned parent needs a little pick-me-up. Thankfully, even if you are glued to the couch and bleary-eyed from the craze of having a new baby, or a pro at this whole parenting thing, there are plenty of podcasts to offer a little mental boost. Check out these top 10 podcasts to keep you entertained and informed.

That New Mom Life

A short but focused venture featuring 12 episodes, That New Mom Life from Parents.com focuses specifically on the first few months after having baby. Body changes, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, intimacy, and easing back into work are some of the topics they touch on. It’s a very targeted window, and just what a new mom after baby could use.

Miraculous Mamas

Taking an in depth look at motherhood, pregnancy, childbirth, and a variety of other topics that impact women’s lives, Miraculous Mamas takes a straightforward approach. Getting real about fertility, birthing, milk supply, infant sleep, menstrual cycles, and so much more, these are unfiltered discussions from a familiar landscape.

The Mom Hour

Designed by moms, for moms, The Mom Hour has real conversations about experiences the hosts, and many moms, have had. Not only does this podcast provide tips for pregnancy, new moms, toddlers, little kids, and older kids, it also dives into encouragement and support with discussions about body positivity, healthy habits, and work/life balance. The cohosts help moms feel better about where they are and the job they are doing.

First Class Fatherhood

Talking about fatherhood, from the perspective of fathers, First Class Fatherhood is looking to change the narrative on fatherhood and family life. Host Alec Lace interviews “high profile” dads, from sports legends to TV personalities. They break down how fatherhood has transformed them, along with the bright spots, the crazy times, and the moments that melt your heart. It provides unique and unexpectedly open discussions on what fathers’ experience through all stages of a child’s life.

The Longest Shortest Time

For something more adult oriented, The Longest Shortest Time has unfiltered stories from a variety of parents discussing all kinds of situations. It is often not for kids’ ears. That’s part of what makes it appealing though. It’s real. It’s raw. It talks about so many of the topics that parents face but may not broach in conversation. Sperm shopping, getting pregnant, babies, couples, sex, sleep, kids, and loss, this podcast has a wide range of real life talk to make you laugh, cry, and escape for a few minutes.

Mom and Dad are Fighting

Looking for a little comedic relief? Mom and Dad are Fighting can give you a few laughs that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. This podcast runs the gamut from toddler to teen, and all things in between. Potty training, screen time, medical fears, play dates, picking your battles, and how to enjoy long car rides with the whole family, there is enough to keep you occupied for hours. All with a little bit of humor to help get you through these milestones and situations. As you understand from their disclaimer, this podcast also isn’t the best for little ears. So, keep this to headphones or when baby is napping.

One Bad Mother

Another one that isn’t exactly meant for little ears, One Bad Mother IS specifically for moms. From relatable mortifying moments, to shattering gender roles, to a whole slew of parenting topics, it’s a refreshing take on what the stereotypical “mom” should or shouldn’t be and some of the challenges parents face with a whole lot of humor mixed in.

Best of Both Worlds

Balancing parenthood and a career can be challenging. Best of Both Worlds takes this topic head on. Cohosts Laura Vanderkam and Sarah Hart-Unger are devoted to both their families and their careers. They share tips on how to successfully navigate both. With interviews from well-known guests such as Heidi Murkoff, the author of “What to Expect When You Are Expecting,” and answers to listener questions, this podcast can offer a little support to those looking to navigate the workplace and caring for a family.

PediaCast

If you are interested in something with a medical approach, PediaCast is a good option. Pulling from his own experience as a pediatrician, interviewing pediatric and parenting experts, as well as fielding questions from parents themselves, Dr. Mike discusses just about every medical topic or situation you can think of. Have another question? Try submitting it to have your specific topic discussed.

Life Kit: Parenting

For some more practical, science-based insight, NPR’s Life Kit: Parenting Edition has you covered. This podcast has discussions ranging from pregnancy through the teenage years. With lighthearted topics ranging from picking out a baby name and reading to your children aloud, to more pointed conversations about mental health and social issues, Life Kit provides thought provoking and insightful talks for all stages of your child’s life.

February 11, 2022
Tips to Increase Milk Supply

It’s one of the biggest questions a breastfeeding or pumping mom has: “How do I increase my milk supply?” Here you’ll find tips to boost your supply and get more milk.

Top tips to Increase Milk Supply

Skin-to-skin contact

It is incredibly beneficial to have skin-to-skin contact, especially after baby is born. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) skin-to-skin contact helps newborns begin to breastfeed. Babies who have skin-to-skin contact shortly after birth have a higher likelihood of exclusively breastfeeding for six months. The benefits of skin-to-skin contact go beyond birth as well. Snuggling with your little one promotes the release of hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin, and endorphins in you – which help stimulate and promote lactation.

Breastfeed as often as possible

Breastmilk relies on supply and demand. The more you nurse your baby and remove milk, the more breastmilk your body will produce. Cluster feedings are a baby’s natural form of sending a signal to the body to increase milk production. Instead of giving baby a pacifier, breastfeed more frequently, even its just for comfort. Go ahead, let your baby use you as a pacifier. All hours of the day and night. Literally.

Embrace night feedings

This may not be exactly what you were hoping for as a sleep-deprived new parent, but it is normal for young babies to wake throughout the night. Night feedings are normal and important to establishing and maintaining a good milk supply, especially in the beginning. With prolactin levels being higher at night, these night feedings send an even stronger message to your body to boost supply. The La Leche League notes that breastfeeding at night can also help you and your baby fall back to sleep faster.

Feed on both sides at each feeding

Just as you do when you use a double electric breast pump, breastfeeding on both sides sends a signal to your body that milk is needed. During a feeding, start on one side. When baby is satisfied, offer the other side too. This can help to keep younger babies awake and alert while eating, which further stimulates milk production. But, don’t fret! Some babies only nurse from one side for each feeding session.

Catch milk on the other side

Let-down, when milk is released as baby starts sucking, happens on both sides. While many people wear nursing pads to prevent the common “leak” on the other side, you can use the let-down reflex to your advantage. By using a product like the Haakaa Manual Pump, you can catch the let-down (and more!) when you are nursing your baby. Simply suction it to your breast and let natural suction do its thing. There is zero assembly, it’s 100% food grade silicone, and easy to attach. This is a great way to get some extra milk.

Check baby’s latch

If a baby is not latching correctly, this can negatively impact milk supply. Poor milk removal due to an ineffective latch sends the incorrect signal to the body, reducing the amount of milk being produced. There can be a number of reasons baby isn’t latching correctly. Speak with your pediatrician or lactation consultant to help get to the root of the problem. In the meantime, use your breast pump to ensure breasts are emptied and milk production is stimulated.

Utilize “hands-on” pumping

Using your hands when you pump is a popular trick among the medical field to express more milk. It combines using breast massage techniques for compression, with the suction of an electric breast pump to get even more milk during a pumping session. A Stanford Medicine study proved that moms who utilize hands-on pumping expressed more milk each week than those who didn’t use hand compressions. Follow their detailed instructions on how to hands-on pump.

Power pumping

Power pumping mimics a cluster feeding baby. It involves pumping frequently in a short amount of time to help stimulate milk production. The general rule is: pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for 10 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for 10 minutes. Give yourself a full hour to complete a power pumping session. It’s a relatively “quick fix,” with many seeing results in three to seven days of daily power pumping sessions.

Make sure breast shields are the correct size

Having an ill-fitting breast flange or shield can hinder milk supply. Too tight, and it can restrict milk flow. Too loose, and it may not stimulate correctly. Either way can cause damage to the nipple, creating further supply issues. Use this guide for instructions on how to measure your flange size.

Check your pump parts

Valve tears, tubing issues, and collection kit assembly can all make a difference in pump performance, which in turn, can impact how much milk you pump. Replace pump parts based on the manufacturers recommendations and be on the lookout for these top 10 suction issues.

Less stress, more sleep

You might be thinking, “Yeah, right. I have a new baby. That means more stress and less sleep.” To a certain extent, that is true. However, there are ways to reduce stress and improve rest, even during this transitional period in your family’s life. Knowing that stress can negatively affect let-down, it’s worth finding ways to reduce anxiety and increase rest. Drink some tea, practice deep breathing or meditation, treat yourself, reach out to your support system, take up the grandparents on that offer to watch the baby, retreat to a quiet space, forgo those chores during naps and bedtime to catch up on sleep. If things still seem overwhelming, reach out to your healthcare provider for additional options and coping mechanisms.

Stay hydrated

Considering breastmilk’s general composition is 87% water, and babies drink anywhere from 19 to 30 ounces of milk per day, it’s no wonder lactating parents need to up their fluid intake while nursing and pumping. Keep a water bottle handy all day or drink a glass of water every time your baby nurses.

Fuel your body

It’s especially important to maintain a balanced diet while breastfeeding. The food you eat can directly impact energy levels, milk supply, and nutrient composition. A healthy mix of whole grains, lean protein, eggs, legumes, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, nuts, and seeds will provide the nutrients needed to fuel your body and supply. Many moms swear by the oatmeal, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast trio that can be found in snacks, like these lactation cookie bites and bars. Remember, breastfeeding or pumping may burn as many as 500-600 calories per day. Make up for those calories with wholesome foods and leave extreme dieting for weight loss out of the equation.

Want more tips? Try reading Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production by Lisa Marasco & Diana West. It comes highly recommended by IBCLCs, CLCs, speakers, and researchers.

A note about herbs and supplements

There are countless herbs and supplements that claim to increase milk supply. Many of these have potential side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant to decide what is safe for you in your situation.

A supply dip, and how this mom overcame it

This story from one of our moms at Acelleron proves that even when you notice a dip in supply, with a little effort and a lot of determination, you can still meet your breastfeeding goals.

“As a first-time mom, I was so lucky to have my breastfeeding journey start off perfectly. My baby latched immediately in the hospital, my milk came in like clockwork, and I never experienced pain or soreness. Sounds like a dream, right?

So, imagine my shock when my milk supply plummeted at around 9-months postpartum. Suddenly I was pumping less than my baby was drinking at daycare, and my freezer-stash was dwindling. I was riddled with anxiety about making it to my goal of 1-year exclusively breastfeeding and filled with dread at the thought of weaning. I knew I had to get serious about saving my supply, and so my breast pump became my best friend.

While my baby was sleeping through the night, I was waking up at 2:30 AM for a power-pumping session. I was drinking more water than I ever thought possible. I was heating warm cloths and researching massage techniques for breast tissue for milk letdown stimulation. After about two weeks of pumping and nursing around the clock, my supply recovered, and I felt the waves of relief wash over me.

Please know that if you are going through something similar, you do not have to give up on breastfeeding. This is your reminder that us moms are resilient. Breastfeeding is hard, but we can do hard things. Our breastfeeding goals are worth fighting for.”

-Ashley M.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means Acelleron may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

November 12, 2021
Milk Depots – Helping the Smallest Members of our Community
As proud partners of Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, we are happy to be helping the smallest, most fragile babies across the Northeast.

Making a difference for NICU babies

Research shows that premature and high-risk infants benefit greatly from receiving human milk. Human milk improves growth in premature infants, protects their intestines, can provide additional fat without increasing volume, and is attributed to saving lives! Due to health reasons, separation from baby, or other circumstances, some mothers are unable to get milk to come in or produce at the pace that is needed for their premature baby. When that is the case, their next best option is to receive pasteurized donor human milk. Thankfully, there are milk banks working with NICUs to get families the milk they need for these fragile little ones.

What is Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast?

Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, or MMBNE, is a nonprofit organization that coordinates screening, collection, processing, and dispensing human breast milk donated by lactating parents. When you start to break down what they do, this is a lot of work!

First, there are intake coordinators that screen nursing parents interested in donating. Screening includes a quick phone call (available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Crioulo), some brief paperwork, and a blood test. Once screens are completed, lactating parents make arrangements to deliver their milk.

Collection of milk can be done by mailing milk in prelabeled packages MMBNE ships to you, dropping it off at the milk bank itself, or by dropping milk off at one of their approved milk depots. More on milk depots below.

After milk is collected, it is pasteurized and tested by their trained technicians in their FDA-regulated laboratory to ensure it is safe for even the smallest and most fragile babies. See more about their amazing process here. Milk is then frozen and dispensed to hospitals and babies in need.

MMBNE receives, processes, and dispenses an incredible amount of life-saving milk every year!

What is a milk depot?

A milk depot is a conveniently located drop point in various communities that accepts milk from screened and approved donors. Milk depots receive the donated milk, store it in a freezer, then ship it to MMBNE. Not only do milk depots offer a local place for donors to drop milk, but they also play a huge role in raising community awareness of milk donation. Acelleron is proud to have three milk depots and a valued partnership with MMBNE.

Acelleron’s partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast

As a proud partner of MMBNE, three of our office locations are depots for parents to drop-off milk. Parents can easily contact our depots to arrange for a convenient drop off time with one of our staff members in North Andover, MA, Guilford, CT, and Bensalem, PA.

In total, we have received 65,598 ounces from 113 lactating parents, and counting!
- Since June 2015, our North Andover, MA location has 33,342 oz
- Since February 2016, our Guilford, CT location has sent 24,936 oz
- Since August 2017, our Bensalem, PA location has sent 7,320 oz
On September 28, 2021, Acelleron celebrated its Grand Reopening of the North Andover, MA milk depot. While this depot has been open since 2015, the address recently moved across the street where the new Acelleron office is located. MMBNE in partnership with Acelleron, hosted their first virtual grand opening. Donors were ready to drop their milk off and share their stories. It turned out to be a great success! Enthusiastic parents donated over 1,500 ounces during the grand reopening alone! The donated milk was delivered to the milk bank by Bikers for Babies, a motorcycle club dedicated to helping charities, including MMBNE. What an incredible event!

Thank you to all who donate, MMBNE, and community partners that make this lifesaving, beautiful process possible.

Want to become a donor? Start here!
October 4, 2021
Acelleron Employees Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2021

Acelleron employees share their breastfeeding and pumping experiences for World Breastfeeding Week to provide you with a little inspiration.

A different journey for everyone

Every parent, and even every baby, experiences a different breastfeeding and pumping journey. While it may require some flexibility and persistence, it is possible and well worth your efforts. We wanted to share some stories from our parents to help give you some encouragement for your journey.

A little inspiration from parents at Acelleron

“I have 3 kids (age 5, 3, and 4 months) so have been breastfeeding mostly for the last 5+ years straight. At this point, it has become part of my identity. Though it feels easy now, that wasn’t always the case. My original goal with my first born, Cora, was to try to breastfeed for 3 months. I took breastfeeding classes, obsessively researched the topic, and joined lactation Facebook groups to connect with other breastfeeding moms. When it came time to actually breastfeed, things didn’t go as I’d imagined it. Despite all the planning, we had latching issues, which resulted in extremely painful nursing sessions and cracked/bleeding nipples for a few weeks. Mix that with trying to heal in general from giving birth, and I felt like giving up. But, her loving gaze and deep connection I felt with her while nursing was something I didn’t want to lose. Family support and help from an IBCLC ultimately kept me going, and we eventually got the hang of it. I actually worked with an IBCLC every week for 4 months, which was invaluable, especially with other transitions like baby growth spurts, cluster feeding, and pumping and returning to work. My 3-month breastfeeding goal soon turned into 6 months, 9 months, and then 1 year. The more time went by, the easier it became. She ended up self-weaning right after turning 2 years old, which was 3 weeks before my second baby, Rose, was born.

Breastfeeding with Rose was much easier at first, but I still relied on the support groups and resources from before. Each new baby can bring different challenges, and this time, we had to navigate food allergies and how my diet may be impacting her through my breastmilk. Between working with an allergist and an IBCLC, we were able to make modifications, and we went on to have a healthy breastfeeding relationship until she was 2.5 years old. At that point, I was pregnant with my 3rd child. This time around, I got a 5-month breastfeeding break before Philip was born. With him, I thought, “ok this will be like riding a bike.” Well, each baby and breastfeeding relationship is unique, and he was born with a tongue tie that impacted his latch, resulting in painful nursing sessions for me. The good news was he was transferring milk and gaining weight. We eventually got the tongue tie “released” and we’ve since had a great breastfeeding journey.

The biggest takeaways and advice I have for other moms planning to breastfeed are to trust in yourself and your body, set small goals, and line up your support system ahead of time. Celebrate those small victories too! Joy, confidence, amazement, comfort, and love are some of the main feelings that come to mind when I think of my breastfeeding journey, so, even with the pain, tears, and exhaustion, breastfeeding each one of my kids has been so special and so worth it!”

~ Rebecca P.

“Breastfeeding has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I am so grateful I embarked on this special journey with each of my three children. It’s not always easy and there sometimes can be actual blood, sweat and tears. However…there are those times, especially during the quiet late night feeds, when the whole world fades away and it’s just you and your baby. She feels safe, warm, nourished and comforted. You breathe in her sweet scent as she quietly nurses and feel the softness of her chubby little hand on your skin. You wish you could freeze this perfect moment in time. These are the moments that carry a mama through the tough ones. Breastfeeding is a gritty but beautiful business and for me, it has always been completely worth it.”

~ Jacqui P.

“Breastfeeding and pumping has been a significant aspect of the upbringing of our two young children. It can be challenging at times, however the accessible pumps and accessories help Pumping moms complete this task while performing other daily tasks. My wife Brittany is passionate about breastfeeding and we both highly recommend it.”

~ Matt F.

“Many people assume given my work and background that my lactation journey has always been easy. Yet, my first experience started off with pumping way before I expected to and meant triple feeding for the 1^st 6 weeks PP. My biggest tip for anyone expecting is to find your support team before delivery (your preferred IBCLC and knowing how they are paid, what your hospital offers, and friends & family to lean on). You can reach your goals, but you do not need to do it alone. ❤”

~ Brittany R.

“As a first-time mom, I was so lucky to have my breastfeeding journey start off perfectly. My baby latched immediately in the hospital, my milk came in like clockwork, and I never experienced pain or soreness. Sounds like a dream, right? So, imagine my shock when my milk supply plummeted at around 9-months postpartum. Suddenly I was pumping less than my baby was drinking at daycare, and my freezer-stash was dwindling. I was riddled with anxiety about making it to my goal of 1-year EBF and filled with dread at the thought of weaning. I knew I had to get serious about saving my supply, and so my breast pump became my best friend. While my baby was sleeping through the night, I was waking up at 2:30 AM for a power-pumping session. I was drinking more water than I ever thought possible. I was heating warm cloths and researching massage techniques for breast tissue for milk letdown stimulation. After about two weeks of pumping and nursing around the clock, my supply recovered, and I felt the waves of relief wash over me. Please know that if you are going through something similar, you do not have to give up on breastfeeding. This is your reminder that us moms are resilient. Breastfeeding is hard, but we can do hard things. Our breastfeeding goals are worth fighting for.”

~ Ashley M.

“When I was breastfeeding, the only “pump” I found was a manual pump by Medela. (Showing my age here!) With my daughter, I had to return to work too soon, and we were not completely comfortable with the process. With my son, ten years later, I breastfed for a year. No pumping, though, as my son never would take a bottle. It didn’t matter what was in the bottle, it was just a “no go”. Medical challenges just kept us attached, quite literally, much of the time. Reflux caused him to nurse more frequently. I wouldn’t change a thing, though, about the experience, although bedding was changed multiple times daily 😊. “

~ Cathy H.

“My determination to EBF has pushed me through the early morning and late-night pump sessions. Breastfeeding and pumping is one of the hardest jobs I have ever done! Yet, I am SO grateful to have had the experience with both of my kids. When I look into those sweet baby eyes of my little boy when he’s nursing or we snuggle up for those middle of the night feedings, it makes it all worth it.

Remember to set realistic expectations, trust in your body, and enjoy those precious moments snuggled up.”

~ Tab Y.

Free breastfeeding and chestfeeding education

When you order your pump through us, you have access to a number of free resources to help you along the way. To help prepare you for your breastfeeding journey, take advantage of our breastfeeding education class. If you have questions about your pump, register for an “Unbox Your Pump” virtual consultation to get more comfortable and have a quick Q&A. Both are available in English and Spanish. We are rooting for you and want to support you as much as possible. You got this mama!

Stories shared by Acelleron parents on the same journey as you.

August 26, 2021
Food Allergy Basics: A Mom’s Story
When you think of food allergies, I bet one of the first things that comes to mind is “PEANUTS!” Up until I had children of my own, that is exactly what I thought of whenever I heard about food allergies or EpiPens.

I gave birth to my first child, a son, in July of 2015. My husband and I were so excited to finally have a child of our own, and I was very passionate about breastfeeding. Our baby arrived three weeks early and from the get-go he was full of surprises.

I had a difficult time breastfeeding (thank goodness for my breast pump), and my son had a hard time gaining weight due to the astronomical amount of times he spit up. His pediatrician told us he may have a dairy intolerance and asked us to bring a stool sample to be tested. The results came back negative, and he was diagnosed with acid reflux at his one month well visit.

I continued to breastfeed, and I also decided to eliminate dairy from my own diet to see if that helped at all. And it did! He was thriving and nursing so much better within a few weeks. Plus, I was able to quickly get rid of the baby weight I had gained. Seemed like a win/win situation.

Fast forward to when he was 7 months old, my niece, who was 13 months at the time, wanted to share her yogurt with her cousin. He barely tasted it, and I received a frantic call from my sister saying that he was very swollen all over and had red hives. I ran out of work and called his pediatrician immediately. Thankfully, the swelling went down, and he was back to being a happy baby after some Benadryl.

The next day we were seen by his pediatrician. She ordered blood work and tested him for dairy allergies. We received a call later that night stating what we had suspected – he had a severe food allergy to dairy and all dairy products. Suddenly, it all made sense… what appeared to be reflux was actually a dairy food allergy. He would spit up so much in the first few weeks of life because his little body was rejecting my breastmilk that had dairy traces in it.

So of course, as any parent would, I started doing some research. We brought him to an allergist, and they confirmed many food allergies by a skin test: dairy, any dairy products, peanuts, all tree nuts, sesame, and sunflower. Already feeling defeated from the dairy diagnosis, I felt even worse because we had used almond milk instead of cow’s milk to wean him off breastmilk at 13 months.

This is when the real challenge began. I had to read and re-read all food labels and educate myself on what the key words were to avoid. Suddenly, anything that was easy to cook or a quick snack I could grab for him were out of the question. No yogurt, no cheese, nothing with butter, no peanut butter sandwiches, which translated to no granola bars and pretty much any food that was prepared by anyone else but me. Going out to eat was impossible and terrifying!

Having learned so much in my journey, I would like to share some facts¹ about food allergies:
- What exactly is a food allergy? A food allergy is when your body’s immune system reacts to a food protein because it has mistaken that food protein as a threat. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
- You can have an allergy to literally ANY type of food, but there are 8 top food allergens:
1). Milk (cow’s milk)
2). Egg
3). Peanut
4). Soy
5). Wheat
6). Tree nut
7). Shellfish
8). Fish
9). Sesame (quickly becoming the unofficial 9^th allergy)
- There are 32 million Americans with food allergies, 6 million of those people are children.
- Some children may outgrow allergies such as milk, egg, wheat, and soy, but peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish are usually lifelong.
- There are two types of allergy testing: skin test and blood work.
One aspect I am thrilled about is that allergy friendly foods are a lot more accessible now, even from just 5 years ago. By the time I had my daughter in 2017, it was much easier to manage her allergies due to all the options that became mainstream after she was born.

Here are some of my go-to brands for top 8 allergens:
- Enjoy life
- Made good
- Divvies
- Daiya
- City Snacks
- Oatly
- Earth Balance
Whether your child has allergies or not, I hope my experience can help you understand the challenges, as well as some tips to overcome those challenges. No matter what, moms will do just about anything for their children’s safety and well-being, even if it means pushing yourself to your culinary limits!

¹ Source: www.foodallergy.org

Written by Connie Gregorio, human resources specialist at Acelleron and mom of 2 food allergy kids.
September 2, 2020
Baby, Take My Germs! The Benefits of Breastfeeding Through Cold and Flu Season

I don’t know about you, but my family has had a terrible winter full of sickness. Truly brutal. Every two weeks, if not every two days, something new enters my family of five; one has the stomach virus, one gets pink eye, one has a cold. There seems to be no pattern to this season’s viral fury, and it has left me feeling like I’m in a tunnel I may never get out of. I have young, elementary aged kids, and my husband is a teacher. Bugs come to us often, but this winter just seems like our worst in a couple of years. With the fearfulness of cold and flu season, as well as the unknown fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, it got me thinking I wish I was still nursing all of my “babies.”

I long for the days when I could nurse a baby with a cold and find comfort knowing I was not going to spread my cold to him through my breastmilk, and my body would also pass the antibodies he needed to fight off the illness. Yes, it really is true. Four days after I came home with my second born, I got the stomach virus. Recovering from birth while caring for a newborn and toddler was most definitely tough enough, but a stomach virus made it more challenging. I was incredibly worried about giving my 4-day old an illness he may have trouble handling. I called my doctor, and they let me know to just keep nursing him, and I would be able to protect him from the stomach virus because MY body was creating a way to protect my newborn through my breastmilk!!! There are endless amounts of benefits breastfeeding provides to mom and baby, but this topic truly amazes me!

In the first few days of baby’s life, a mother’s body is already paving the way to her baby’s strong immune system through colostrum. This “liquid gold” contains concentrated immunological properties that is baby’s first protection against the germs he is immediately exposed to coming into the world. The incredible scientists that study breastmilk have discovered an anti-infective agent in colostrum that coats baby’s intestines to protect against the passage of germs and proteins that could one day lead to allergies. As mature milk develops in the first two weeks, the baby develops an immune system nearly as strong as his mother’s.

So, what happens if mom gets sick?

There are only a few very serious illnesses that require mom to stop breastfeeding when she is sick. Even before you realize you are coming down with anything, your body is already passing the illness immunities to your baby! If you were to stop nursing when you felt the flu hit, you would deprive your baby of the incredibly important immune strength that this illness is specifically passing along. What’s mind-blowing is if baby gets sick first, he passes his germs to mom through breastfeeding, and the breast itself begins making antibodies, passing them right back to protect baby. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. Truly amazing!

That being said, it is important to continue to protect yourself and baby during illness by practicing hand washing, covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and limiting face to face snuggling (I know, super hard). It’s also VERY important for mom to keep hydrated and if being prescribed a medicine by your doctor, make sure it can be safely taken while breastfeeding. Thankfully, your breastmilk alone will be that big tall glass of electrolytes that baby needs to stay hydrated and comforted through illness. If you have further questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding during illness, contact your provider or a lactation consultant.

So, stay strong fellow moms through this year’s germ filled season. I’ll just be daydreaming about the time that all my children needed was the strength of my breastmilk to get through cold and flu season.

Written by Rachel Lowery, Certified Lactation Counselor and Customer Care Specialist at Acelleron. Rachel is also a mom of three!

Sources:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International

KellyMom.com

March 6, 2020
Becoming a Breast Milk Donor: An Unexpected Honor
My story begins when my oldest son, Dylan, was born on August 8, 2013. Like many first-time mamas, I had researched the extensive benefits of breast milk. Aside from the plethora of information available on the topic, breastfeeding was just something I had always wanted to try for myself and for my baby. After all, I had been planning for motherhood since I was 4 years old 🙂

I’ll never forget those hazy first hours after delivery; My lactation nurse, Liz, gently and expertly guiding me as my baby latched for the very first time. I learned about colostrum, the nutrient rich “liquid gold” that a newborn baby only needs a few drops of for those very early feedings. I was in complete awe of this magical elixir that my body was making for my sweet boy. Two days later, my milk came in fast and furious, just as Liz had advised it would. I had never been so happy to be sitting in a sopping wet shirt in my life! I felt so excited and so grateful to begin my journey into motherhood.

“Throughout my pumping journey with Dylan, I made just enough milk to support him – I never had a surplus. At this point in time, milk donation was not on my radar.”

After returning home from the hospital and 3 weeks of exclusively breastfeeding, my excitement had turned to pure exhaustion. I began pumping so my husband could help with feedings and I could take a break. From then on, I started pumping after my son nursed to start storing milk in preparation for my return to my full-time job. Dylan was 4 months old when I went back to work. Breastfeeding was going well for us, and I planned on pumping at work so I could continue providing milk while my son was at daycare. Initially, this was NOT easy. Many tears were shed during this time along with the roller coaster that was my milk supply. After a few months, I found my groove and was able to manage this schedule for a full year. Throughout my pumping journey with Dylan, I made just enough milk to support him – I never had a surplus. At this point in time, milk donation was not on my radar.

“The second time around was vastly different for several reasons, but the biggest change was my unexpected, abundant milk supply.”

On January 20, 2016, we welcomed our second son, Luke, into the world. My goal again was to breastfeed and pump for my baby. The second time around was vastly different for several reasons, but the biggest change was my unexpected, abundant milk supply. A stark contrast from my first experience! Before long, I had an entire freezer full of milk. I really had no idea at the time what I was storing for – I knew I wasn’t going to be able to use it all for Luke, but I continued to pump and save. During this time, I saw a story on my local news about Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast (MMBNE), which is an accredited, nonprofit community milk bank that provides donated, pasteurized human milk to NICU babies in fragile health throughout the Northeastern United States. They were announcing the opening of the first milk depot in CT, located at the Acelleron office in the next town over. Talk about serendipitous timing! After watching that story, I felt like I was being led to this cause and knew I had to contact MMBNE for more information on becoming a donor.

I called the next morning and was put in touch with Morgan, a Donor Intake Coordinator. First, she shared with me MMBNE’s mission as a non-profit milk bank. She explained the importance of milk donors and their crucial role in helping babies in need. Then, I answered a short series of qualifying questions. From there, I was sent paperwork to complete, along with instructions for a blood draw, which MMBNE covered the cost. The milk bank follows a strict screening process, established by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. After about 3 weeks, I was notified that I had passed, and I could begin donating.

During the waiting period, I had combed the milk bank’s website to learn all I could about donation and the impact milk donors have on the lives of the precious little recipients. Some of the reasons a baby may require donor milk include:
- Preterm birth
- Low blood sugar
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Feeding/formula intolerance
- Maternal health complications
- Or simply to be used as a temporary choice until mother’s own milk comes in.
“Just one ounce, or 30ml of breast milk, can equate to three feedings for a baby in the NICU.”

One fact that has stuck with me from the beginning is just one ounce, or 30ml of breast milk, can equate to three feedings for a baby in the NICU (potentially more for micro preemies who sometimes only take a few millilitres of milk per feeding). This blew my mind. I thought about the milk I had stored so far and realized I could provide hundreds of meals. I had witnessed first-hand the benefits breast milk provided to my own children, and I was eager to share it with those in critical need.

I’ll never forget my first donation drop. I met an amazing woman named Jan who oversees the Acelleron milk depot in Guilford, CT. She had me complete the “milk drop” paperwork, packaged up my frozen milk, and sent it off to the milk bank lab for processing. The whole process could not be easier! I looked forward to making these bi-weekly trips with my boys to drop off my donation (and to visit our friend, Jan!). But, if I decided I no longer wanted to drop off my donation, MMBNE would simply send me the boxes to fill, which would be picked up and shipped to them directly.

To offset the screening cost to the milk bank, a donor is asked to commit to a minimum donation amount of 150 ounces, which I ended up fulfilling in my very first drop. Just for fun, I set loose donation goals for myself along the way. By this point, I was pumping twice a day strictly for donation since my son nursed most of the time. After about 8 months or so, I was ready to part ways with my very well-used pump. Over my months of pumping, Luke and I lovingly donated 2,453 ounces of “liquid gold.” My success would not have been possible without the support of my husband, who would always help by washing my pump parts, but more notably, willingly gave up ice cream in exchange for freezer space to store the breast milk for the better part of a year 😉

“I will forever be an advocate of milk donation as I feel it is part of my personal mission to help spread awareness and education on this important topic.”

Becoming a milk donor has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I feel blessed and humbled that I was fortunate enough to provide nutritious, lifesaving, essential milk not only to my children, but to countless babies in need. It was truly a labor of love and knowing that I made a direct impact in the lives of others is deeply rewarding. This journey also further sparked my passion for supporting mothers and families. In addition, I have gained many wonderful friends, professional connections, and had the honor of meeting with a family who benefited from donor milk. I will forever be an advocate of milk donation as I feel it is part of my personal mission to help spread awareness and education on this important topic.

Milk donors are always needed! If your baby’s needs are being met and if you have extra milk to spare, I encourage you to consider becoming a donor. You can find more information on milk donation from the following resources: https://milkbankne.org/ and https://www.hmbana.org/

Written by Jacqui Penda, Certified Lactation Counselor, Customer Care Specialist at Acelleron, Birth & Postpartum Doula, and mama of two.
October 14, 2019
Top Learning Toys for Young Babies & Toddlers
Whether your baby is on the way, just arrived, or already settling in as the newest member of the family, chances are your toy collection is growing. In addition to safety, it’s important to also consider the developmental appropriateness of the toys you introduce to your child. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, while each child will develop at his or her individual pace, there are general guidelines to follow when selecting age-appropriate toys for infants and toddlers. Here, we’re offering tips for choosing toys at each stage as well as highlighting some of our favorite learning toys for young babies and toddlers.

Stage 1: Young Infants (birth through 6 months)

At this age, babies are interested in looking at people—especially faces—and bright colors. They are also beginning to discover their hands and feet, lift their heads, turn their heads toward sounds, put things in their mouths (careful!), and more. With all this in mind, choose toys that encourage your baby to use his or her hands, ears, and eyes.

Our favorite learning toys for young infants:
- A rattle is a simple yet ideal toy for young infants, as it helps to develop a baby’s grasp reflex and fine motor skills.
- It’s never too early to start reading to your child, and a book of lullabies is a sweet way to establish a bedtime routine. And we promise: your baby will love your singing voice, regardless of musical ability.
- A dual-facing mirror is a must-have for car travel, as you can keep an eye on baby while he or she stays entertained.
Stage 2: Older Infants (7 to 12 months)

As babies begin to explore their surroundings, they are also building their language skills (i.e. learning to understand their own names and other common words), and can start to identify body parts, find hidden objects, and place things in and out of containers.

Our favorite learning toys for older infants:
- Stimulate your child’s imagination by playing pretend with a puppet or doll.
- An etched wooden block set that features all the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and animals is a classic toy with endless, creative possibilities.
- Develop hand-eye coordination while also encouraging tactile exploration with this rainbow sensory ball that’s made of 100% natural rubber.
Stage 3: Young Toddlers (1-year-olds)

Curiosity is the name of the game for one-year-olds, and at this stage, your child is likely always on the go. Toys that encourage movement and creativity are essential—just be sure to have the necessary safety precautions in place.

Our favorite learning toys for young toddlers:
- For new walkers, a push and pull toy helps build strength and confidence.
- Young toddlers are beginning to enjoy listening to stories and say their first words, and a board book with simple illustrations or photographs will promote the development of your baby’s vocabulary and love of reading.
- Unleash your child’s inner artist with non-toxic, washable finger paint.
Stage 4: Older Toddlers (2-year-olds)

By two, your child has likely gained good control of his or her hands and fingers and likes to play with small objects. At this age, look for toys that require problem-solving skills, allow for creative uses, and will further develop your toddler’s large and small muscle groups.

Our favorite learning toys for older toddlers:
- A wooden puzzle is an educational and fun way to learn about different shapes.
- No matter the season, a sand table is perfect for creative play, plus it can be filled with all sorts of sensory items including rice and water for even more tactile exploration.
- Children at this age love to pretend, and a play kitchen set will make your little one feel like a Master Chef.
When it comes to choosing learning toys for young babies and toddlers, simplicity is key. Toys that can be played with in a variety of ways will help to encourage your child’s imagination, and allow him or her to make discoveries and create. And by paying attention to your baby’s development process, you can rest assured that you’re introducing age-appropriate toys at every stage.

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!
August 8, 2019
Red, White & Cute: Patriotic Summer Favorites for Your Little One

Summer is officially here! There’s nothing more fun than dressing your baby in a festive outfit, and with the Fourth of July just a week away , now is the time to get your little one stars and stripes ready. Carter’s is lighting up the sky this season with patriotic favorites for babies (including preemie) and kids up to size 14. Here, we’re sharing some of our favorite looks for both baby girls and baby boys that will keep them comfortable and cute all Independence Day long.

Baby Girl

Beat the heat in this sweet chambray bubble romper, complete with flutter details and allover stars. Crafted in 100% cotton, she’ll stay cool no matter how your family celebrates this Fourth of July.

With its cute slogan and tulle tutu, this lightweight bodysuit made of 100% cotton jersey is a cozy choice for firework fun. Or, this festive tank and coordinating shorts is the perfect patriotic pair. For a matching look with a big sister or cousin, share the love with this two-piece Fourth of July inspired bodysuit and diaper cover set and American flag heart sequin tank.

Baby will be ready to play in the sand in these super festive Fourth of July sunnies that also provide 100% UVA-UVB protection! Paired with a wide brim crochet flower sunhat, she’ll be able to enjoy the sunshine while also staying safe.

Baby Boy

This all-in-one outfit pairs a striped tee with classic shortalls, making it a festive and easy-to-wear option for the little guy. If your family’s Fourth plans involve splashing, these crab swim trunks will keep him comfy and protected all day long thanks to their covered elastic waistband and UPF 50+. And after he’s done playing in the water, this American flag tee crafted in extra soft slub jersey paired with pull-on French terry shorts will take him right through the fireworks.

Show his pride in this two-piece Fourth of July tee and striped short set. Made of 100% cotton slub jersey (tee) and 100% cotton shirting poplin (shorts), he can rock this look from sunup to sundown.

For a fancier Fourth, this piqué polo bodysuit looks crisp with canvas shorts for a handsome style. Complete his look with these adorable striped sneaker baby shoes, featuring padded insoles and no-tie elastic laces.

No matter how you plan to celebrate this Independence Day, Carter’s has something for everyone in sizes preemie to 14 and is offering up to 60% off patriotic summer favorites to our readers. Like fireworks, this deal will go fast, so head over to Carter’s and shop their Fourth of July collections for baby girls and baby boys before it’s too late!

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

June 24, 2019