1) It took me almost a year to discover them, but now I am in LOVE with Up&Up Diapers (Target brand). They are super cheap and just as good as the expensive ones!
2) I tried several baby carriers and finally found the best one...The Moby Wrap. I actually bought a Sleepy Wrap, but they are the same thing. I wish I would have had it when he was smaller! It's a little complicated to learn at first and not as fast as the over-the-head slings, but WELL worth it!!
3) Robeez or any other type of soft-soled shoes. These are great for crawling and learning-to-walk babies. They are much better for them to learn to walk in than a hard-soled shoe that doesn't give. Go to www.robeez.com for the full explanation.
4) Couldn't have lived without my Boppy! This multi-function pillow is a must for breast feeding, but also does so much more. You can prop a baby up that can not sit on his own and great for the all-important tummy time. I suggest an extra cover, too.
5) My favorite baby wipe would have to be Pamper's Baby Fresh Wipes. They are softer than Huggies and seem to do a better job, and this scent is my favorite!
6) The Bumbo is also one of the greatest inventions. This chair helps babies develop their core so they can sit up on their own. It's best to wait until baby has decent head control, but then they can sit at the table with you while you eat, watch you fold laundry, etc... It also has a play tray that can be purchased separately for around $10.
7) My car seat of choice was a Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat and an extra base. This is one of the highest rated infant car seats and is super easy to install with the LATCH system that is found in all newer cars. I definitely recommend an extra base if there are two parents that will be transporting the infant. The padding inserts are great in this seat and there is no need to buy any extra head or body supports, even for a 5# preemie like Trapper! It will also last you a while since it goes up to 30 pounds. We found that Trapper was tired of laying down to travel long before he reached the weight limit, so we upgraded to a convertible seat at 8 months (shhhh, don't tell!) You can also get the car seat and stroller travel system, but I chose not to. Which brings me to my next item...
8) I searched and searched for months to find the perfect stroller that didn't cost $1000 and finally found one that I could not be happier with. The Joovy Kooper!! It folds like an umbrella stoller, but still reclines for sleeping. It has a decent sized basket that so far, has been big enough for everything we've needed it for. There are also 2 side pockets (1 on either side of the child) that are perfect for toys or sippy cups. The sun canopy is quite large and it unfolds easily. It comes in fun colors, too, but I'm boring and just got black.
9) If you are breast feeding, the next 3 items are for you...
Washable breast pads (instead of the disposable ones) are wonderful. Much more comfortable and cheaper in the long run. I used Playtex and Avent. Playtex were thinner and Avent ones are thicker and better for days at work or long periods away from baby. Plus the Avent ones come with a little mesh bag to wash 'em in and store 'em all together.
10) Medela Pump in Style breast pump. I chose the backpack one. This is one of the best pumps, but expensive. Great for those of us that have to go back to work post baby.
11) Hot Slings nursing cover. This one goes all the way around you so even if baby is flailing his arms and legs you can still stay covered. I didn't purchase this, but borrowed a friends for our trip to California . I didn't think that I would like this particular style, but ended up loving it! Maybe I will make one like it before baby #2 comes!
12) Swaddling a baby helps them to sleep better, but not everybody knows how to get a good swaddle that will stay secure without constricting the baby's breathing. Introducing the swaddle blanket for dummies...Summer Infant SwaddleMe. These are great and come in different fabrics for different seasons. Tyson was even able to swaddle Trapper!
13) Bottles were not used much in my house, but not for lack of trying! We went through about 7-8 different types before finding any that Trapper would take. Our favorites were Dr. Brown's. These worked great when Trapper was still really little and got gassy from time to time. We also liked Nuby silicone bottles and Tommee Tippee bottles are very similar. The last 2 are shaped more like the breast and work great for nursing/bottle babies (If they will take a bottle at all!)
Now for the items I wish I had had with Trapper...
1) Summer Infant Velboa Snuzzler...this just looks like a cloud! I wouldn't need it for our car seat, but would have liked it for the stroller for when Trapper was littler.
2) JJ Cole Bundle Me...I would still like to order this the the Toddler sized Lite version. It would be perfect for the stroller to keep him warm in the fall and winter without having to worry about dropping or running over a blanket. Come to think of it....I may just have to go ahead and get one!!
3) Aden + Anais Swaddle Plus Wraps 4 pack. These are large muslin blankets that are great for swaddling. They are thin and breathe so baby doesn't get hot and sweaty. These, however, are on the pricey side and also require knowledge on how to swaddle.
4) I just found this nifty item online...don't know much about it, but seems neat and worth a try. BabyBond Slurp & Burp Nursing Cover. This keeps you covered while leaving baby uncovered and makes it so you don't have to have expensive nursing tops.
These are my top picks for baby items and if you have any questions about these or other items please feel free to ask!
great list for new momma's!!
ReplyDeleteWe finally found Dr. Brown's with my 1st after she wouldn't take anything else! Plus they were excellent with the gassiness. When you have your 2nd baby, you will be so much more prepared! lol After 3 I know so much more! :)
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