Boppy - I actually have two boppys and several covers. One stays upstairs beside my bed, and the other stays downstairs. I can't imagine my life without it. I use it primarily for nursing, but Shane also used it when he gave Matthew a bottle. Multiple covers are needed because inevitable it will get spit up, pooped, or peed on.
Diaper champ - Diaper genies require specific refills that are expensive and useless. The diaper champ just uses trash bags and works wonderful. We have a different kind of diaper trashcan downstairs and we both prefer the diaper champ, it contains the smell best. Babies R Us also has a version of their own, just make sure you can use regular trash bags.
Carters Gowns - Matthew slept in these for about 4 months. They make middle of the night diaper changes so much easier, when you are tired and don't know what is up or down, much less where to zip and snap! You'll want 4 to start, I only had 2 at the beginning and that wasn't enough (again they will inevitably get spit up, pooped, or peed on)!
Breathable bumpers - Because you will need to take the cute ones (I never had cute ones, we just had a cute sheet, and these handy bumpers - simple) out as soon as they start moving around in the crib. Matthew, at six months, always ends up with his face crammed into the side of the crib/bumpers.
Graco Silhouette Play Yard (pack n play) - Graco products are wonderful, and the silhouette has a changing table that folds up and down. Again, great for night time diaper changes in your room at the beginning. It also has the option of being elevated for easier access when they are babies. The vibration element was also a lifesaver for us and Matthew as a newborn. I really don't know what we would have done without the vibration, it put him right to sleep.
Graco Snugride 35 Carseat - We have loved our carseat. We also have an additional base for Shane's truck, though you could do without, it just makes life a little easier and more convenient. The carseat also comes in many different patterns. I will say you could get a snugride 30 because there is no way we will keep Matthew in it until he is 35lbs. The 30 & 35 are bigger and have better safety reviews than the other snugrides though. (Technically this infant carrier carseat is optional. If you are desperate you could go straight to a convertible carseat (below); however, the convenience of this seat is amazing and I would not do without it).
Snap n Go Stroller - Another great Graco product. It is so lightweight, and easy for when they are babies. I personally did not want a travel system because they are just bulky and not very practical. The snap n go works great for trips to the mall, or a walk around the neighborhood when they are still in the infant carseat. It is lightweight and easy to throw in the car, with a big basket underneath.
Britax Convertible Carseat - Really any Britax convertible carseat is a great choice, with wonderful safety ratings. This is the carseat you will want, once the baby gets too big for the infant carrier one (above). Britax is amazing, and so easy to use, I have never heard anyone be disappointed in them. Their straps are so easy to loosen/tighten, and this particular one makes a clicking noise when tightened securely. It is also easy to take apart, adjust the straps, and remove the cover to wash; it can also be forward or re-facing (important factor).
Medela Pump In Style® Advanced (Metro Bag) - This is the best double electric breastpump, everyone I know uses Medela. The metro bag is also wonderful because the actual pump part comes out of the bag so it is much smaller for when you need to take it places. However, I also ended up purchasing a Medela Harmony Manual pump for on the go pumping or pumping on long car trips (yes I do it, don't judge until you've driven across the country in one day with your newborn!).
Aden + Anais blankets - I cannot tell you enough good things about these blankets. I know they are expensive, but they are more than worth it (and that is coming from a very frugal person!). When we first got them I wanted to sleep with them, they are so soft and wonderful. My favorite blanket hands down. Unfolded they are big and thin (great for swaddling), but folded they are thicker but still breathable. You can use them for everything - nursing cover, burp cloth, etc. Aside from warmer blankets for extreme cold (winter in Kansas), this is really the only blanket we use. Update - at 1 year old Matthew decided these were his favorite also and now they are his blanky!
Lansinoh Lanolin - This is the best cream for breastfeeding mama's. It is safe for your baby, so you don't have to wipe it off before nursing, and it works wonders! Anytime I am sore, or hurting I put it on and by the next feeding I am fine.
Moby Wrap - I love my moby, even if some people are very opposed to them. Call me a crazy baby wearing mom, but it was/is a lifesaver on rough days. It is amazing once you learn how to tie it (which really isn't that hard, all of you are smart!). When Matthew was a newborn he loved sleeping all snuggled up in it, he thought it was just like I was carrying him around in my arms. Now that he is older he loves facing out and watching everything/everyone. A must have for days when babies think they need to be held all day, or you just have a lot to get done. I have walked around grocery stores, the mall, or just vacuumed our house with him in it.
Monitor - This monitor has worked great for us. If you turn it up you can hear the baby breathing, it is that sensitive, which is great for peace of mind. We got the package with 2 receivers since we wanted 1 in our bedroom and 1 downstairs, so I wouldn't constantly have to be moving it to where I was. However, if you have a one story house you could easily do with just one receiver, in my opinion. I'm anti video monitors, but I know a lot of people who love theirs as well.
Swaddles - These are cheater swaddles, and make swaddling so easy! We swaddled Matthew until he was 5 months old, and only stopped then because he could roll over in them. They helped him sleep so well for the first few months, I can't imagine him sleeping without them. You do however have to make them very tight, like tighter than you think they can stand. You'll want different sizes as well because they will either get strong enough to bust out, or outgrow them in length.
Pacifier clip - These are a lifesaver if your baby takes a paci! I keep one attached to his carseat at all times, and have another one for his clothes. For the first six months of Matthew's life he would barely keep his paci in his mouth (but yet always wanted it in his mouth), so this saved us from picking it up off the floor every 30 seconds.
City Mini Stroller - Like most other products on this list, I love this stroller. It is easy to fold, and even easier to unfold. Folds flat, and it is lightweight. Easy to push with one hand, and has great steering. It also has a huge canopy that can almost cover baby completely. The seat reclines to an almost horizontal position for naps. I also like having the option of adding a glider board for the future. Shane and I both have run with it very easily (even though it is not a jogging stroller), and we have even taken it off-road on tank trails.
Zip up, footed pajamas - These were our favorite clothing item for the first few months. The zipper is key (no snaps!), plus you know they will stay warm. Children's Place carries them and calls them stretchies, and we had several from Gymboree, and Carters as well. Loved them!
For clothes our favorite brands are Carters, Gymboree, Crazy 8, and Children's place. They are all durable, cute, and hold up well wash after wash after wash....
No comments:
Post a Comment