It seems as if everyone I know either recently had a baby, is expecting a new baby or is trying for a baby. I'm thrilled--BRING ON THE BABIES--I can't wait for the day we are all hanging out with each other watching our kids chase each other around the backyard. I have already imagined Caden being the "someday Groom" of one of these unborn baby girls. I kid, I kid...sortof. Anyway, some of these people ask me what baby items I can't live without. I wish I would have had a list like this when I was feeling overwhelmed looking at the endless options in the baby stores. So I decided to go ahead and blog it.
Aden + Anais swaddling blankets:
My #1 must have! Caden loved being swaddled in the early days (as most babies do) and these blankets have a very soft and stretchy material that make swaddling much easier and I would think more comfortable as well. Plus, they have some swaddling blankets that are so thin that they can be used in the heat of the summer (they make thicker ones also). They're more expensive than other blankets but 100% worth it. So far I've seen them cheapest at
Target (I want to say about $31 for a pack of 4). So go return all your other ones and spend that money to buy these! You're welcome :)
Nap Nanny: I got this picture from the Nap Nanny website--to my surprise I didn't have any of Caden in his. This thing is great to have (but I won't say necessary). It only weighs 3 lbs so you can put it in any room of the house so baby can sit safely with you while you work/clean/etc. It has a lab belt you can use and keeps baby in an incline position. Caden slept in his for the first 3 months and loved it. At that time he slept better in an inclined position and his doctor even said it was good for him because it helped fluid drain down (less ear infections) as well as helped him breathe while congested.
Chicco Keyfit Travel System: We loved this carseat/stroller combination! I have been told by carseat safety specialists at a hospital in Lubbock that this brand is the number one recommendation based on safety, comfort and ease of use. It's been so easy to use (and Caden always traveled well in it). I would recommend buying in on Amazon or at Babies R Us when they are marked down 20%.
Little Noses Saline Spray: Since babies can't clear their noses themselves. You just spray this is their nose to loosen all the "gunk" and suck it out with a bulb syringe (sidenote: keep the bulb syringe they give you at the hospital because it works significantly better than any you can buy at stores). Up and Up brand at Target works just as well and is cheaper.
Boogie Wipes: These are just some sort of wet wipes with saline to keep little noses from getting so raw and irritated from all the wiping.
Boppy: A "must have" for the early days. It's great for breastfeeding, assists with holding the baby, great for baby to lay on in recline position and for tummy time.
Bumbo Seat: Great for baby to start to explore their surroundings before they can sit independently. Keeps them supported and happy that they can still see you washing dishes. BUT, as I learned from my pediatric clinical rotation--take them out of it when they can sit on their own.
pack-n-play: Caden slept in our room in his pack-n-play for the first few months (I wasn't big on walking across the house to get him every 3 hours). I loved the changing table attached and it's been great for travel. Ours does not have the infant napper like in this picture so I don't know about it?
Jumperoo: While this is not my child, mine does have this Ocean Wonder's Jumperoo made by Fisher Price and loves it.
Other things we use(d): bottles = playtex drop ins (believe it or not they bend but don't break when ran over by a vehicle); breastpump = medela pump in style; gripe water for gas/hiccups; diapers = I haven't found any that I don't like but I do prefer huggies little snugglers or pampers swaddlers (but they are more expensive than regular pampers or huggies); for fever=rectal thermometer and infant acetaminophen; infant swings and vibration seats; sleep sacks for use as blankets while sleeping.
I'm no expert, these are just products that I came across and believe in because they have worked for us. Hope this helps a little!
One thing I wish I would have known earlier: Generic brands of formula from Target, Walmart, and Babies R Us are just as good for the baby as the name brands of Similac and Enfamil (of course I know breastmilk is best). Our pediatricians confirmed it. Formula isn't cheap and the generic brands are about half the cost.
