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The rundown
Bellybuds, ($50) are special flat speakers that can be adhered to your belly to play music and sounds directly to your baby in womb (essentially wearable earphones for your belly).
The product was created by dad turned inventor Curtis Williams, who came up with the idea after watching his then-pregnant wife try to play music to their unborn daughter using iPod earbuds. The problem with her technique was that it left her on her back lying down — not an ideal position for pregnant women — and limited what she could do while playing music.
Realizing there wasn’t currently a prenatal music player on the market, Williams came up with the idea of Bellybuds.
What it promises
A baby’s hearing is fully developed in the womb at about 20 weeks and studies have shown that memories begin at 30 weeks.
Bellybuds provide parents an alternative way to give audio stimulation to their unborn child and it can help start creating music memories now. Research has found that newborns recognize, and can even be soothed by, sounds that were heard in the womb.
Plus, the experience of playing music to your unborn child can help parents further bond.
Ways Bellybuds can be used:
- Moms with breech babies play music to help turn the baby
- Military moms can play recorded messages from dads oversees
- OBGYNS are using Bellybuds to help capture the perfect ultrasound picture
- Surrogacy/adopting couples can familiarize their baby-to-be with their voices
Includes:
- 1 Set of Bellybuds: Bellybuds plug into standard digital music players
- 4 Pairs of adhesives: To secure the Bellybuds to your tummy while on the go
- 1 Audio splitter: You can listen to the same music as your baby this way
- 1 Storage pouch: Holds all the items for easy organization and portability (just toss in your purse)
To use, follow these steps:
- Plug Bellybuds into any standards digital music player.
- To use without adhesives, simply tuck them into your maternity pants for support.
- To use with adhesives, belly should be free of lotions and oils so they adhere correctly. Follow instructions for applying adhesives to Bellybuds.
- There are “Pre” and “Post” natal settings on the Bellybuds. Make sure to select the “pre”-natal setting. This setting has a lower maximum level of sound that’s safe for a baby in womb.
- Limit use of Bellybuds to 1 hour a day.
Consult your doctor prior to using. See product for full details.
The experience:
I was super excited to check out the Bellybuds especially after seeing the Modern Family episode where Gloria sings to the baby while wearing a pair. Having similar vocal talents as Gloria, I opted to play the baby some tunes rather than singing her lullabies (don’t want to traumatize her after all).
Prior to using the Bellybuds I discussed it with my OB to get his OK and he recommended playing soft-paced tunes over wild and crazy beats.
With my baby daddy
My husband is obsessed with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, which he chose to play for our baby girl (I think he’s secretly hoping it’ll have the Mozart Effect). The first time we used the Bellybuds we used it without the adhesives and the elastic panel in my maternity pants held it in place just fine while sitting on the couch.
It turned out to be a great bonding experience for my husband. He cuddled up and rubbed my belly while the songs played. We both had a great time together.
With the baby’s Grammie
I used the audio splitter to hook up the Bellybuds and my Apple earbuds up to my iPhone so that my mom, who is several states away, could speak to the baby while we were on the phone. Note: I kept the cell phone about 3 feet away from my belly while on the call as an extra safety precaution against cell phone radiation.
Being so far away from each other during my first pregnancy (also my mom’s first grandchild) hasn’t been easy and this was a fun way for her to interact with the baby.
On the move
The adhesives are a nice option for a little more mobility. I was able to wear the Bellybuds while doing a little spring-cleaning in preparation for our little one. The sticky feeling on the adhesives took a little getting used to, but they held up quite nicely and I think the amount that came in the set is enough to get me through the rest of my pregnancy.
I’ve heard moms say that as newborns their little one recognizes the songs they were played in utero. We still have a few more weeks before our little girl arrives and I haven’t been able to test this out yet, but we are playing a rotation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Miles Davis’ Kinda Blue to give her some music appreciation and will hopefully be able to see if she recognizes the songs after birth.
The bottom line
Bellybuds are a fun way for parents-to-be bond with their baby. Grandparents and other family members will get a kick out of the experience too. Dads who are in the military or frequently travel will likely appreciate the bonding opportunity it provides since they can record their voice to be played to the baby.
Bellybuds would be a great baby shower gift or the perfect little present for new grandparents to send expecting moms as a special treat.
Where to buy
Bellybuds are available for purchase at www.bellybuds.com, Babies “R” Us, Amazon.com, BuyBuyBaby, Diapers.com and other retailers.
Original review found here:
Love these!
I’m pregnant with my second child, and I was a little concerned a few weeks back, because the baby was in the breech position, and nothing I seemed to do would turn her. I got myself a pair of belly buds, and wore them around the house for a couple days, playing her classical music and keeping the headphones low on my belly (hoping to lure her downwards.) Anyway, it worked! The next time I went to the doctor, she was in the “head-down” position, and has stayed there ever since.
I’ve continued using my belly buds, since I read that playing music is stimulating for the baby (and after nine months in there, she’s gotta be a little bored:). They’re lightweight, easy to use, and perhaps most importantly, they make me feel like I’m doing something nice for my baby, even as I’m just going about my day. I highly recommend this product to any expectant mother.
Original article written by Jennifer Lacey
Your baby’s growth and development in the womb is a remarkable experience. At the beginning of your second month of pregnancy, your little one’s eyes, nose, and ears are clearly visible via ultrasound, and by the fifth month, your baby’s hearing has fully developed. His newfound ability to recognize you and other familiar voices in the environment around him is quickly established.
Benefits of Prenatal Stimulation
Prenatal stimulation through music heard regularly while in the womb might provide some babies with a sense of confidence and relaxation after they’re born. You and your baby also will quickly discover an excellent way to bond and share in the emotional and potential intellectual development benefits this method may bring.
The ABCs of Prenatal Music Stimulation
Prenatal stimulation is a method that uses stimuli such as sounds (mother’s voice and musical ones), movement, pressure, vibrations, and light to communicate with a developing baby prior to birth. While in the womb, Baby learns to recognize and respond to different stimuli, which leads to encouragement of physical, mental, and sensory development. Stimulation exercises will allow Baby to communicate with you and your spouse/partner through her movement in the womb, establish a relationship between specific stimuli (such as your voices) and, most importantly, help develop her memory.
The Right Music Choices for Baby
Does your baby move rhythmically with the strains of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, or do you find she kicks up a storm whenever a song by Madonna comes on the car radio? With the right mix of sounds and repetition, Baby may enjoy a mix variety of music.
Most pediatric specialists agree that almost any type of music is suitable for you and Baby to enjoy. “Diversity of different kinds of music are essential and can be useful for the baby’s future writing, reading, and language skills,” says Dr. Philip A. De Fina, chief neuropsychologist and director of neurotherapies at the NYU Brain Research Laboratories.
The Research
Recent scientific research into the effects of prenatal music stimulation varies greatly. Several early childhood researchers believe there is no direct concrete evidence that supports the theory that music stimulation prior to birth means a child has a higher intelligence in her future. Other specialists maintain just the opposite, arguing there are direct studies showing once they are born, babies have the innate ability to recognize their mother’s voices and may be further able to respond to familiar music their family played for them while they were nestled in the womb.
Accurate information has become available to researchers through the use of ultrasound, in utero monitors, and fiber optic television, which provide a fascinating look at life developing inside the womb. Studies by two of the leading early childhood researchers, Thomas R. Verny and Rene Van de Carr, have detailed that babies who have been stimulated while in the womb exhibit advanced visual, auditory, language, and motor development skills. Verny and Van de Carr maintain these babies sleep better, are more alert to their environment and surroundings, and are far more content than infants who did not receive any form of prenatal stimulation.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Just like many things in life, Dr. De Fina believes prenatal music stimulation should be practiced in moderation. “A perfect time to stimulate your baby would be when you decide to take a nap or rest during the day,” she says. Although over-stimulation will not harm your baby physically, it can make Baby feel overwhelmed by the extra attention and she may stop responding to your efforts.
Listen to your moods—if you’re getting tired of hearing the same opera aria, chances are Baby is feeling the same. This should be a special time of enjoyment and bonding shared between you, your spouse/partner, and Baby. Remember, it is not about the amount of time, but the quality of the wonderful experience you are sharing together.
Bellybuds® Pregnancy Bellyphones
“Soothe. Share. Bond.”
We have all heard how beneficial music can be for a child’s development and learning, but what about a baby in the womb?
Studies show that babies in the womb can hear voices and music. When babies are born they are familiar with the voices that they had heard while in the womb and this is comforting to them. Many believe that the music a baby hears while in the womb is also important, that is can soothe and help in their development.
Bellybuds are soft “bellyphones” that adhere to a mommie’s tummy. These volume controlled speakers allow baby to hear recorded voices and prenatal music while in the womb. Plug them into your iPod or any Mp3 player, they even come with a splitter so you can plug a pair of headphones in and listen along with baby.
Safe and comfortable!
“Bellybuds have a fixed safe maximum volume so you won’t have to worry about turning them up too loud.”
“Skin-safe, disposable, hydrogel adhesive rings secure the bellybuds to the unique and changing curves of a pregnant belly.”
Another really cool thing about Bellybuds is that they are pretty much silent to those around you, you can wear them under your clothing and play music for your baby, anywhere and anytime without disturbing others!
Since I am not pregnant I got my best friend “D”, who was, to give Bellybuds a try. She loved them! She said they were very easy to use, didn’t hurt at all when removing from her belly, they were comfortable to wear under clothing and while relaxing. “D” thought they were so awesome! She said they were one of the best prezzies she received and she goes around telling everyone about them! (so cute)
“Not Just For Music Anymore…”
Check out these amazing ways others are using BellyBuds:
*Adopting couples are sending their voices for the birth mom to play to her belly
*OB/GYNs are helping turn the baby “toward camera” for ultrasound pictures
*Surrogacy couples are familiarizing their baby-to-be with their voices
*Moms with breech babies are helping turn the baby downwards
Bellybuds VoiceShare, Free voice recording service!! “You can share loving messages with your baby from parents, grandparents, other relatives and friends. This way, when your baby meets the person who recorded the message for the first time, their voice will already be familiar.“ How cool is that?!
Bellybuds receives 2 total thumbs up from me and “D”, we recommend Bellybuds for any mommy to be!
The Deluxe Bellybuds® set includes:
1 set of Bellybuds Bellyphones® to share prenatal music and voices with your baby anytime, anywhere
4 sets of Hydrogel Adhesive Rings to secure the bellybuds to the unique and changing curves of your belly
1 set of Silicon Covers that dampen the external sound so you play to your baby, not your neighbors
1 Storage Pouch to take your bellybuds anywhere
1 Audio Splitter so you can hear the same audio as your baby
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You can purchase Bellybuds online or at a retailer near you.
Bellybuds is on Facebook and Twitter, be sure to check them out!
Retail Price: $49.99
Thanks to our friends over at www.parttimehomemaker.com for reviewing Bellybuds!
(View original post here)
Every mommy wants to do everything perfectly during her pregnancy to give her baby the best headstart possible in life. This is why I purchased Bellybuds through Amazon after much research on all the contraptions that allow your baby to listen to music in the womb. I’m not sure if they really do work in terms of enhancing mental development since there’s no definitive research proving or disproving that playing music to the baby in the womb does make a difference later in life. But I figure it couldn’t hurt and besides, she seems to like it, well at least that’s how I interpret all her kicking and thumping around whenever I play some music. Our baby listens to baby Mozart and nursery rhymes, you can get CDs in any Odyssey or SM for around 100-300 Php for a compilation. We bought our CDs in Odyssey Greenbelt 1 and SM Makati.
Bellybuds come with a pouch, additional adhesive rings, silicon covers, and an audio splitter so you can listen to your baby’s music too.
Bellybuds, neoprene storage pouch, audio splitterPros: Quick, convenient way for baby to listen to music no matter where you are. Just plug them into your iPod, iPhone or computer and you’re good to go. When you’re done, the pouch slips easily into your purse! I find these less conspicuous than the music belts that I’ve seen online. Adhesives allow the Bellybuds to stick easily to your tummy but I prefer to use them under my maternity pants to keep them in place instead.
Cons: You have to change the adhesives every now and then and refills cost extra. But you don’t really need to buy them if you secure them with your maternity pants. Also, don’t lose the white peanut shaped thing that the Bellybuds are mounted on or you won’t have any place to store them without damaging the adhesives. Here’s a picture of the adhesive portion of the Bellybuds:
All in all, I highly recommend them for any expectant mommy. We are hoping that she turns from her current footling breech position to cephalic before she’s ready to come out. A lot of the reviews online say that playing music is effective in helping a breech baby to turn since babies apparently try to move their heads towards the music. I’m skeptical but hopefully it works!
Many thanks to our friend Angie for this great review of Bellybuds!
(View the original post here)
Your Deluxe Bellybuds® set includes:
1 set of Bellybuds Bellyphones®
to share prenatal music and voices with your baby anytime, anywhere
4 sets of Hydrogel Adhesive Rings to secure the bellybuds to the unique and changing curves of your belly
1 set of Silicon Covers
that dampen the external sound so you play to your baby, not your neighbors
1 Storage Pouch to take your bellybuds anywhere
1 Audio Splitter so you can hear the same audio as your baby
Bellybuds® make an ideal pregnancy or baby shower gift. Play prenatal music or the recorded voices of loved ones to the womb using VoiceShareTM, our FREE voice recording platform at bellybuds dot com. Bellybuds are specialized, wearable speakers for expectant mothers that have been uniquely designed to conveniently and safely allow the playing of music and voices to a developing child in the womb. Bellybuds consist of two modular bellyphones that gently adhere to the varying curvature of a growing belly with skin-safe, form-fitting hydrogel adhesive rings. With its comfortable belt-less design that is all but invisible under clothing, expectant mothers may now bond with and share the pleasure of music and voices with their child in virtually any location. Bellybuds plug into any standard digital music player or sound device and are easily transportable. Now every mom-to-be can enjoy audio in utero on the go! For more information, links to research and special product offers visit “bellybuds” online. Included with your purchase of bellybuds: One pair of Bellybuds bellyphones®One pair of sound-dampening covers Four sets of hydrogel adhesive rings One audio splitter for simultaneous listening One carry pouch with belt clip
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