Like practically every other new parent on Earth.. my biggest worry, stress, and tear-inducing frustration was sleep! No surprise there! It wasn’t just about me getting enough (err.. *any) sleep or when Iya would finally sleep through the night, it was everything about it. From the length & quality of sleep, safety, encouraging breastfeeding, being able to pull my half-asleep self out of bed to breastfeed… the list was and sometimes still is endless.
Also like a lot of new parents, we played a bit of trial and error. When we brought Iya home from the hospital we had a Halo Bassinest and Dockatot ready for her. I kid you not I can count on one hand how many times she slept in that Halo. Not only was it not working for her, it wasn’t working for me either! I had such a hard time pulling myself up to check on her when I was so exhausted, sleep deprived, & healing. And actually lifting her out of it every two hours to nurse??? That felt like a Herculean task. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for cesarean mamas <3
My goal is to room-share until she’s a year old so moving her to her crib across the hall wasn’t an option. Our temporary solution was to safely but very uncomfortably co-sleep lol. Despite the Halo being a fail for us, Iya did sleep very comfortably in her Dockatot. We kept her above our heads so we’d never bump her Dockatot off the bed or accidentally throw our blanket over her – God forbid both. Our feet dangled off the bed for a couple months while I was on the hunt for the perfect bedside sleeper. All the ones I saw on the market were, simply put, ugly!! I wanted something that was chic and functional for our baby and our bedroom. In comes babybay!
babybay Bedside Co-Sleeper
I was visiting a friend whose youngest is just a little younger than Iya and I was noticing his beautiful bed that I’ve never seen before. Babybay is a German company and they have a bunch of different models overseas but are brand new here in the US currently in one model that comes in several different finishes – all of which are gorgeous! It was exactly to the T what I was looking for so I quickly got Iya one in pure white. It’s so beautiful and beyond functional. It sits flush against the bed and the height is adjustable – I dropped her a couple inches below our mattress level so I can easily glance right down at her, soothe her with a quick touch, & smoothly lift her into our bed for feedings. Our babybay Bedside Co-Sleeper gives us all the benefits of co-sleeping while still keeping Iya in her own safe little space. I also love sneaking in snuggles!
I wanted a mattress that was both organic and breathable so we went with the Organic Mattress Pad. Its made from coconut fibers and is completely free of hazardous chemicals. Eventually when she graduates to her big girl crib she has a coconut fiber core mattress waiting for her there too (Nook)! How long before then? It’s a personal choice but as I mentioned earlier, my goal is to room-share until she’s a year old; which means she’ll be in her babybay co-sleeper until then too! The standard overseas is up to a year but due to stricter US regulations, it’s recommended up until 6 months or when they begin pushing themselves up. Iya isn’t quite mobile yet but she’s just about there so I’m ordering the guardrail & will drop the level a little lower this week to be on the safe side. Please talk to your pediatrician before choosing to do anything outside of your country’s safety guidelines!
Hi irene!
I remember you briefly mentioning sleep-training Iya a while back. Would you mind going over how you did so? I have a 6 month old- we cosleep and breastfeed. Feels impossible! Please share any tips you may have. Thank you
Hi.,I always watch up ur stories and derz so much I learn from ua blogs ..iam new to motherhood and my girl is 5 months old..I wud love to Win dis as it wid help me a lot to carry my little angel
You r a true inspiration …keep up ua work..wish u all gud luck nd lots of love frm USA
My insta: zunie084
You have a beautiful baby girl :). Your blog was very helpful. I’ll definitely get one when it is my turn :). Respect for giving away the stuff you dont need and bess you and your family!
IG name: natolio
I have been following you for some time now and have loved your posts. But now that I am expecting myself (due in July InshaAllah) it is so refreshing and even more fun to follow and read your posts about motherhood mashaAllah, may Allah always protect your family.
I would absolutely love to win the lug bug handle and it would be perfect to have as a new Mum (also because I have the tiniest wrists in the world ????)
May Allah bless you and your family
Instagram name: sank
Sorry my Instagram name is actually: sank_77
Iya is adorable Ma Ma
I love reading your mommy blog posts becayse they’re so informative! We also got a bassinet for my baby but ended up co-sleeping for the most part ?
IG: ayeshablogger
Your baby girl is so beautiful! This is my first time seeing a co-sleeper like that! We have one that we put on our bed and our 4 month old baby girl is starting to grow out of it! I might have to look into buying this one next! Love the bloggg!! ? IG name: chanelleamor
You have a beautiful family! Love following your blog! ?
My sister is having her first baby iA in May! Would love to gift this to her! @mariamxghani
I would love the lugbug handle for my new nephew that’s coming this summer @glenys_itamar
Love your blog ? I have a 22 month old daughter but I’m still learning and trying to figure out bings for the new baby coming in April ! My daughters bassinet was generic and still required me to get up and pick her up to breastfeed. Your review on the co sleeper gave me a better idea of what would be better for baby 2 ! So thanks 🙂 This seems more easier on the breastfeeding mom along with looking better then a plain wooden bassinet. Love love love iyas pictures foo modeling the product ??
Insta:: nazia_103
Hey Irene! I have been following you since way before you moved to LA and I love all your blog posts and YouTube videos. I just had my first born back in October and he’ll be turning 5 months this month. It’s so nice to hear other mommies share their experiences with their little ones. Really helps us out a lot. It’s not easy. You want to make sure you do the right thing and when you hear other experiences you then know your not alone. It’s very comforting in a way. I got my undergrad in early childhood development so I would always say when I have my baby I will never co sleep. That mindset changed when he was born. I want him as close to me as possible. I too got the halo bassinet and have never used it during the night. I want him to be right there next to me. I’ll defintely though be looking into this bedside co sleeper. Thanks for always sharing with us your experiences with Iya. Mashallah she is so adorable. May Allah swt always protect her for you and make her the coolness to your eyes.
Ig account: samady_maro
Your family is beautiful Masha’Allah ❤️
Ig: _the_saudi_effect
Eek I get excited everytime you do a blog post, loving them X
INSTA- @hennabyaeysha
LOVING THESE BLOG POSTS! Keep it up hun xx
Insta- aeyshakhxn
Loving these blog posts! Keep it up!! Xx
IF- aeyshakhxn
I really really really love your insta account. You’re so gorgeous, Ma shaa Allah? and every single post is amazing. Your makeup skills, your photography skills! Obviously your mommy skills with Iya. May ALLAH always bless you & your family, with love & happiness, Aameen?
Your instagram follower :-
tahniat94
How can u be so perfect mom ??? Lya is just like my maya ???
?perfect
Perfect!!!!! ?
OMG! They make these!!! I used to carry my twin girls car seats as if they were a purse! Right on each arm! With my baby bookbag on my back. And me telling my 3 year old to walk infront of me lol! Don’t need it now since they will be walking in& out of the car. But wow wish I knew this existed during the winter. ?
Bismillah MashAllah. We co sleep but the crib is not next next to the bed but a feet away and either it’s a great mattress or not (organic is best) it’s important to know that on the end of the day it’s what’s best for their bodies and emotions to feel safe and also us to have peace of mind.
IG: empirianoor
Bismillah MashAllah. We co sleep but the crib is not next next to the bed but a feet away and either it’s a great mattress or not (organic is best) it’s important to know that on the end of the day it’s what’s best for their bodies and emotions to feel safe and also us to have peace of mind.
IG
: empirianoor
Love the blogpost and the pictures too!! I’m due in about 4 weeks, can’t wait to meet my little one??
Insta @xunnoor
_forida for insta!
Love your blog and would love to win the giveaway! Young mummy from the U.K.!
This post spoke to me on so many levels. My baby boy is now 7 weeks old and I had the chicco next to me crib ready for him. He’s probably slept in it 5 times since coming home from hospital and now only likes to be in the bed with me but this gives me sleepless nights. I’m afraid either me or my husband might hurt him or he’ll get overheated. Although it does make breastfeeding so much easier with him in the bed, just whip out and feed. Now reading your blog it might be the uncomfortable mattress that comes as standard. I suppose I need to persevere with it but some nights (most nights) I just have no energy and just opt for the easy option and leave him in the bed.
Anymore advice on how to get him into his bedside crib will be greatly appreciated.
@shafla_
This thing is Sooo cool! You are georgous, love your posts ?
IG- courtneyalmakdasi
She’s such a cutie!
Mashallah, your baby is so cute and adorable. How did breastfeeding go for you? I know a lot of first time mothers struggle. I just got my baby prince, 2 months now. And I have never been so much confused in my life as now ? it’s always 1 step forward and 3 steps back.
Insta: bymanno
Hello and Salam Irene.. Loving all your blog posts and pictures and saving them in my Instagram since u were pregnant ad had Iya cause even I had a baby girl on feb 12.Looking at iya’s pictures made me wanna have a daughter. You waseem and Iya are Goals MashaaAllah. I am trying to copy your style and all the ideas for clicking the pictures of my baby girl too :).
We have been having doctores appointments and its really cold here in new jersey , the snow storm has made it difficuilt for us ? Speaking of which I told my husband lets order Lug bug handle and its gonna be easier for us to carry her car seat and then what I see is your post for the giveaway . (yaaaay Happy dance inside ??)
I hope to be winning it ??♀️ 🙂
instagram handle @dina.fsohail
SORRY ! its @dina.faizsohail **
My friend is expecting her first child, a little girl in April, and I love reading your mommy blogs to give her some insight!!! I would love to win the LugBug Handle for her!!!
IG: karlita.bee7
Man I’m so obsessed with your blogs, Instagram posts, YouTube, and Iya! MA!! I was pregnant around the same time as you and it’s been so awesome just going through it all with you .. I love all your posts!! You are awesome!! ??
@nazish14
Her face so precious! My halo worked but after seeing this I wish I had found this during my c section days of hell first few weeks ? iA for Baby 2 will be getting this. I also love your goal of room sharing and safely co sleeping and you got her sleep trained in the room so amazing! Makes me miss my little one when he’s asleep. Love all these pics 🙂 ig: mamaandaydin
I co sleep with a Moses basket and it works so well! I’ll leepndoing it until the baby starts sleeping longer hours between feeds. Hopefully soon ??
This is the cutest! I’ve been following yours and DYF journey for tips since I’m a new mom and I’m obsessed ❤️
No IG so I’ll use my nieces page @hbadaoui
Sorry need to correct IG username @hbadaoui12
Love the blog and your pretty baby girl! Xoxo
@sabinaatl
Absolutely love reading all your blog posts, and now that I’m becoming a mummy in a few weeks isA, it’s been great to follow you on your journey and just read some general tips and picks of your choices! If I am able to multi handle my life the way you seem to manage it it would be so good, just need to find the right balance. It’s great to see you thrive even through the delicate first year of babyhood x Keep up the amazing work and inspire us momma’s!
– @mxbuba_
Love your co sleeper wish I had looked more closely into them before when my son was younger!
@amarabano
I saw this on your insta before and wondered what it was! I have a 2 month old and we have been using the halo baasinest successfully – but it was a drag during the healing process! Maybe I’ll get this one next time 😉 @pkay61
Love you iya!! How blessed are you to be born to such talented parents. Love their work. Be proud baby girl. You chose well.
Iya is too adorable ??❤️
IG: omi093
This is such a practical co-sleeper and looks great too! Iya looks so precious with her little ears pierced.
Expecting my little girl in May and this product is amazing. I registered for the Halo thinking it would be the easiest but now I’m rethinking after hearing your opinion. Maybe I’ll still try it out since every little one is different but I need to look into this cosleeper ASAP! ?
IG Jennliz1201
I lot of my mom friends did have success with their Halo! It just reaaaaally didn’t work for us lol!
You guys are so cute!
IG : mariam.r16
It’s been amazing seeing your transition into being a Mom boss!!!!!!
I am not a parent but I am an Aunty, I would love it if my brother and sister in law could get this for my little princess ?
Instagram: gury_kaur
Iya is soo cute . Masha Allah
Iya has gotten so big now mashaAllah!
Can’t wait to get a cosleeper for mine IA.
Ig: @nskhan20
Cutest mommy-daughter duo, mashAllah! You and I became mothers around the same time, so I love reading about your experiences because I can totally relate to them! It’s not easy staying up to date with all the cool new baby products, but I know I can come to your page and find great things for my little one! Like that skip hop activity center that Iya has, I got it for my baby after seeing it on your page and she totally loves it! Thank you <3 @rabbiaaa
Hi Irene,
Love your IG and blog. I’m a first time mom to a 1 month old and I swear I watched your birth story on YouTube like 5 times so I could (somwhat) be prepared for labor and delivery :). Anyways, I could really use the lugbughandle because I had no freakin clue how heavy car seats were, lol.
IG: krista_ali26
Love your page! Would love to win this giveaway! My son is 9 months today and weighs 25lbs (LOL) I’m hauling close to 40lbs!!!
IG – faten_saab
Love the mommy posts! My daughter is 7 Months now and it’s so nice relating to another first time mommy!!
@mrsbiancafinney___ on insta!
Have been following you and reading your blog ! Love your posts!
iG: neelamqazi
Have been following you and reading your blog ! Love your posts!
iG: neelamqazi
Followed you before baby. And now that you blog about baby products I love it more.
As a mamma of a 16 month old and another one on the way in 5 weeks (ahh!) I love reading your updates and the great product reviews you give! Moms are sometimes expected to give up on themselves completely and it’s great to see you work to balance motherhood while still remembering that mamas need to Take care of themselves too! It’s so helpful to see accessories in action. Your little one is absolutely beautiful! Keep it up
Okay, I’ll be honest I’m new to this blog but I have become your new fan. The writing, pictures, and the stories are more than enough to keep me tuned in for more. I have followed you and your husband ever since you guys did a vlog to some wedding you were going. Of course, I’ll remember the amitabh bachan imitation you guys did haha forever favorite! I have a 10 month old son so motherhood is definitely a new concept for me as well. I’m glad that we are sharing this new mommy stuff together. Wishing you and your family good health, happiness, and lots more reasons to smile (like the ones where Iya is smiling in the pictures above). Ameen.
PS. My Instagram ID is: mariamrafkhan
I love your blog!!
Instagram: Shahzad.and.sana
Your daughter is a perfect mix of you and her father, beautiful Ma sha allah. I follow the both of you on Insta and I’m obsessed!
Although motherhood is a beautiful journey it isnt always an easy one. We’re constantly getting judged by outsiders, relatives, and society as a whole. I just had my 5th in November so I’ve had my fair share. I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us, thank you for being so raw and real about the struggles and the joys that come with being a mother, and thank you for being a bad a×× mom.
Your Insta follower: emizzo ❤❤
Love the mommy posts !
Instagram Mehak214
@raj.jandir.pabla What are you planning on using once she outgrows that?
She has a crib! She just hasn’t slept in it yet
Hi Irene! Your baby girl is adorable!
Instagram: @missjg_19
Hey girlie. Love your blog! Have a 3 yr old and a heavy 8 month old. This would come in handy. ???
LOVE reading your blogs and seeing your little girl! MA so precious
Great blog! ?
Instagram- @wahida0427
Hi Irene!
Thank you so much for sharing your mommy must-haves! It’s so helpful as I’m expecting for the first time and have no idea what I need and what I don’t. I have definitely added at least half the things you’ve recommended, to my shopping list. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this! My IG is kabir_bushra
Love ❤️ your blog!!!! I had been waiting for this review!!! It cost a good coin so I wanted to make sure it was a good buy! Thank you!!!!!!!
Thank you for posting this! Currently pregnant and love reading your thoughts on the different options!
MashaAllah, your baby is growing up so fast! Thanks for the informative blog post. I don’t have kids of my own, but would love to win the giveaway to gift it to my brother and sister-in-law! Their baby girl is 7 months this weekend ♥️
my instagram is @maha.ghaz ?
Your baby is beautiful mashallah! Thank you for the recommendations! I love reading about the things you recommend because I have a 4 month old 🙂 @faheemz29
since we travel around often it gets kind of hard with two kids( 20 months and 3 months ),id love to be the lucky one to win this
@lenakassem0205 love your posts I’ve followed your blogging since the start!!! She’s beautiful mashallah!
Aww such sweet pictures! She is a cutie mA
@nabilasid
My husband and have been trying to figure out something that will work for our little Meera and this seems like it would be perfect. Your little jaan Iya is the cutest. Thanks for sharing!
@tahi_b Love your pics! Been getting my makeup inspo looks from you and now for my baby looks from Iya!
This is way classier than my knock off halo bassinet, the one I have is awful looking and not nearly as functional as yours! Iya is so cute! Randeepk_
I honestly love ur blogs, and the way u represent yourself.
MashAllah your daughter is precious, Allah Mubarak Allah.
@samiyahjaman on insta love ur pictures and cute baby outfits u put on ur baby x
Love this ??
I’m a new mommy to be and always keeping up with your blog super inspiring with your baby family and fashion!
@Sanasyed__
Mommy goals!!! Themilliedoll
This is something i would deff use omg where was this when I had my first born?! Shes gorgeous by the way!
Instagram – mrs.naks_
Love your blog and mommy posts! I can always relate since I have a 4 month old! Mashallah Aya is so precious ??? alia_riz ?
Beautiful blog and baby girl!!?
I’ve been waiting for this review, as I haven’t heard from anyone else about it!! I’m so happy you did, because this is what I have been wanting to get and it looks so amazing!!
I love your blog so much. It’s the only one I actually read! ? the photographs of Iya are amazing as well. Keep it up!