Tuesday, June 5, 2012

My Must Haves from One New Momma to Another


One of my friends who is expecting asked me to blog about my top recommended baby/nursing items that I can’t live without. What a great idea! So here’s to you Ellen and I hope this helps as you plan for your sweet baby boy!

First off, this is strictly my opinion. Some, most or all of these items may not work for you and your baby but they worked for us. And, as you will learn as a new mom, everything is trial and error, so give them a shot and if you don’t like them, move on. If you find something better, please share.

Second, it’s true when they say you really don’t need very much….at first. When they first come home all they need is clothing, diapers, food and a place to sleep (and lots of love of course). All those things you registered for that you didn’t get, don’t feel like you have to get them right away. With time you will quickly learn what you will actually need as you get to know your baby and it’s individual needs. Don’t worry, let them get a little bigger and you will wonder “why does such a little creature have so many things!”

So here’s my list. I plan to do this again at about 6-8 months when he is more mobile because I am sure I will have more products to recommend.

BIG STUFF

The Nap Nanny
Nap Nanny: Worth every penny! I have heard some babies don’t like it but it saved us at the beginning when Sawyer wouldn’t sleep flat on his back. We would put this bad boy right in his pack ‘n play by our bed. Now he uses it to nap and hang out.  We got ours at Jelly Beans in Springfield but you can find them online too (www.napnanny.com)

Snap N Go: Your Car Seat fits right in
Baby Trend Snap N Go Stroller: Super cheap and fits any car seat, this is my go – to stroller for everyday use (shopping, errands, etc.), I use the jogging stroller (also by Baby Trend) now for walks/hikes now that he is big enough. (Baby Trend's Website)

Video Monitor: I honestly didn’t think we needed a fancy one since we live in a small house but now I can’t imagine not having it. You can use for other purposes besides sleeping too…gardening, dishes, laundry, etc. We have the Summer Slim & Secure Handheld Color Video Monitor (www.summerinfant.com)

The Bumbo
Bumbo: This really isn’t that expensive but it didn’t fit into any of my other categories. The Bumbo is great when your baby can hold it’s own head up. It allows you to have them close by without holding them all the time. We got a tray for his toys and snacks (or future snacks) and we also heard it is great to use in the bath too. (www.bumbo.com)

CLOTHING/DIAPERING STUFF
White Wash Clothes: This was John’s idea and it was genius…we go through these puppies like they are going out of style. We use them for spit up, clean up, bathing, everything!

Plain White Onesies: Babies make a lot of messes so when you aren’t taking them out or showing them off, plain onesies are really the best thing to keep them in.

Pampers Swaddlers with the Wetness Indicator: Yes, they are a little more expensive but it saves you from the guessing game. So in the end maybe you are saving money (well maybe not). If they are wearing the plain white onesies as I previously mentioned, you can see the blue strip right through it and saves you from getting them undressed, genius!

NURSING STUFF
Soothies by Lansinoh Gel Pads: The disposable pads are nice but boy do these Gel Pads feel good, you can even put them in the refrigerator. You will understand later I promise. They are reusable so another great money saver. (Lansinoh's website)

The Boppy: Multiple uses besides just for nursing
Nursing Pillow: Whether you go for the Boppy or My Breast Friend, these nursing pillows are a God’s send. They are also great for tummy time or just propping your baby up when you are playing. (www.boppy.com)

Medela Quick Clean Breast pump Accessory Wipes: Once you go back to work and only have like 10-15 minutes to pump and be back at your desk, these are life-savers.

Medela Quick Steam Bags: These are great for traveling or quick cleaning of your pump supplies. Watch out they get super hot and will burn your flesh off!


EATING STUFF
Bibs: If your baby drools like Sawyer does, they can literally wear them all day! Get lots!

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles: We tried almost every other bottle on the market to avoid buying Dr. Brown’s (because they are one of the most expensive) but we learned there is a reason for their price. They work and do reduce Colic (which Sawyer had!)

Mylicon/Simethicone Gas Drops: Here is another product we didn’t know existed, Gas drops are awesome. They are all natural so you don’t have to worry about giving them too much and they do help their little bellies almost instantly. We use the Target Up&Up Brand. (www.mylicon.com/infantgas)

Burp Clothes: We didn’t register for these for some strange reason but use them A LOT! Sawyer likes to spit up and unless you want to make a fashion statement with drool stained shoulders, you’ll want to stock up.

BATH STUFF
Bath Sponge
Big Bath Sponge: We didn’t use one of those fancy bathtubs they sell instead opted for a big sponge,. Sawyer loves it and it was cheap. Might be worth trying one of these before you make the big purchase. 

Burt’s Bees Baby Bubble Bath: Our son has sensitive skin and his pediatrician recommended we switch to Burt’s Bees instead from the Johnson and Johnson’s Lavender product we were using. His rash was gone after a couple days. Plus John and I use it too.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar: Another great product for sensitive skin babies recommended by his doc. It lathers really great and makes his skin super soft. John and I now use it too as our soap. (www.dove.com)

Eucerin Calming Cream: Instead of J&J baby lotion we use this to avoid rashes. I have been using it too because I have sensitive skin and with holding him all the time you never know what irritates their skin. (www.eucerinus.com)

SLEEP STUFF
Aden+Anais Muslin Blankets
Aden+Anais Muslin Blankets: Our little man is like a furnace but still likes to be swaddled (arms out!) so these are great because it doesn’t make him sweat. They have adorable patterns too. (adenandanais.com)

Sound Machine: Word to the wise…get your child used to sleeping in loud/bright rooms! If you get them in the pattern of only sleeping when it’s dark and quiet you’ll be sneaking around in the dark like a crazy person for who knows how long. We keep lights on and have a sound machine on at all times for Sawyer and he will sleep even in the loudest rooms. We never whisper when he is sleeping and go on with our normal activity so he is used to it. It will help in the end, I promise! We have the Homedics SoundSpa Lullaby with Ceiling Light Show - Sawyer loves this!) (www.homedics.com/soundspa)


Hope this all helps! All the moms out there feel free to comment and add what you love. Everything helps.

j+k

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