I'm a little over 2 months into being a mommy and finally feel like I really know what I'm doing. Though I know there are many more learning experiences to come with my little guy.
When I was newly pregnant and going through the registering process, I remember feeling completely lost, uneducated and clueless. Let's face it, baby gear and all their "must haves" are just overwhelming. You hear this and you hear that, but what really is necessary?
I thought I would put together a list of newborn products I would recommend to others, for any future moms that might care:).
Please keep in mind, this is only my opinion and includes things that have worked and are working for me and my baby. Every child is different and there are tons of great products out there to choose from.
Love it List: Newborn Must Haves
Itz been Baby Care Timer
When I first saw this product in the store, I thought it seemed sort of silly. Well, after it was recommended to me by several people, I registered for it and got it from my good friend Megan! This thing is awesome. I take it everywhere with me.
Basically, it keep tracks of feedings, diaper changes and sleeping, so you don't have to try and remember or log it on paper. I can't imagine having to remember the last time Carson ate. Plus, he is a great eater, so much that I have to cut him off from nursing every time. The timer allows me to easily time 10 minutes on each side.
Note: I heard there is an iPhone App very similar to this concept.
JJ Cole Bundle Me Car Seat Blanket
What a great product. Especially for a winter baby. It goes inside your car seat and has holes for the straps so it firmly stays in place. The top flap easily flips over baby's head and doesn't blow off in the wind. I can't imagine having to use a blanket. A++ for this convenient product.
Summer Infant SwaddleMe Blankets
I know not all babies like to be swaddled, but Carson loves it and has to be swaddled to sleep. These make swaddling him easy peasy for Mom and Dad. And talk about secure. There's no way Carson can break out of this swaddle. Therefore, he sleeps better, we sleep better. It's a win-win situation. We don't even mess with the actual swaddle blankets anymore.
Don't get confused by the "Summer Infant", that's just the brand. When I
saw their products, I thought it might mean only for summer babies.
Call me blonde, but it confused me.
Boppy Nursing Pillow
I pretty much thought this was on everyone's must-have list, but I actually know people that didn't have one. I don't know what I would do without mine. I use it for feedings, rocking him to sleep, and propping him up on the bed or couch. It's easy on the arms and gives Carson a cushy pillow during feedings.
Good Bibs
I have a spit up child, so having good bibs is a must. The ones with a thick water resistant material are the best. Otherwise, the spit up just goes right through, entirely defeating the purpose of the bib. Also, I really like ones with a snap so they stay on better. These
ones from Target are great.
Cloud B Sleep Sheep
A calming sound is one of the five S's according to the Happiest Baby on the Block book. I'm a firm believer in a sound machine. This little guy is inexpensive and cute, and easily hangs from any crib. With four different sounds and a timer, it calms Carson when going to sleep. At least I think so:). I've also heard Cloub b's
Twilight Turtle is great for toddlers.
Boon LAWN Countertop Drying Rack
One of the most nifty things I have. Seriously. There are a ton of drying racks to choose from. Most people get the ones that match what kind of bottle they are using. I personally like this one. It's small, compact, and holds a lot more than you would think. I really like that you can pretty much place anything on it, pacifiers, pumping parts, bottles, you name it.
Here's my drying rack in action:
aiden + anais blankets
Several experienced moms told me these were a must. At first, I didn't find a real use for them because we were using the SwaddleMe blankets to swaddle. Now I use them as blankets when he is in his swing, bouncer, on the floor, etc. They are bigger than the average receiving blanket (47" x 47") and thin, so they make it super easy to tuck and stay in place.
Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor Deluxe
Another product where there are lots of great choices. I opted not to do a video monitor. I had a few friends that had troubles with them breaking a lot so I went for this one. It detects his heartbeat and will alarm if there isn't any movement. I LOVE this monitor. Simply because it puts my mind at ease and gives me the peace of mind I need to sleep soundly. It also helped with transitioning him to his crib earlier.
The First Years Deluxe Fold N Go Changing Kit
This makes out and about diaper changes so easy. And it's clean. This is also what I use when we travel. Our Pac N Play came with a diaper changing attachment, but we don't even use it because it takes up room and is just another thing to pack.
This pad works great on the floor, bathroom baby changing stations and in the car (while not moving of course:). It has two convenient pockets to hold wipes, diapers, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, etc. When out and about (say at a restaurant or running errands), I just grab this from the diaper bag, rather than taking the whole bag. The best part? Only $12 at Target.
JJ Cole Diaper Caddy
Diaper changes need to be quick. Especially with a boy! Diapers and cream need to be within hands reach. This caddy is great and keeps everything organized. I have it to the right of our changing pad and it also holds other daily essentials such as nasal drops, face/hand wipes, fingernail clippers, the bulb syringe, thermometer, etc. I also have the storage bins in his closet and they are great too. JJ Cole makes great products.
So there you have it. My Love It List for newborns. Of course you will need a quality stroller/carseat, swing, bouncer, etc, but these were the products I thought could get overlooked.
It was frigid in Kansas City this weekend and we're supposed to get snow tomorrow. Boo.
