So I wrote my delivery must have list, and now I feel like I must share my list of AMAZING items that make my life SO MUCH BETTER! I am not getting a dime to endorse any of these products...I just want to remember what I need to pull out when baby number two comes along and maybe help a new momma out.
- The Miracle Blanket: We've used since birth and LOVE it! I seriously would sell these in the hospital for a living if asked. We did try a couple of other swaddle options just to see, and ended up going back to the miracle blanket as soon as possible. I have seen those new woombies and may try that with kiddo number two, but have no experience with it...so the miracle blanket ranks number 1 in my book. Downside: pricey
- The Nap Nanny: Yep...this has been recalled and I still stand behind it. I think it's sad when stupid parents ruin good things for others. We used this right after birth, then stopped, and then tried it again where she slept through the night for the first time ever. So...she still sleeps in this! I also love just having to pack this for road trips rather than the bulky pack n play. Downside: recalled and pricey
- Medela Pump In Style Advance: I am now exclusively pumping, so this is a life line. I can't imagine life with a sorry pump. Just make the investment ladies! I also love the carry bag because it really does make travel easy. I'm a stay at home mom and still say this is the pump for you. Downside: pricey
- Baby Jogger City Mini GT: I LOVE LOVE LOVE my stroller! I haven't met a person who owns one that doesn't love it. It's lighter than a Bob, folds up in one swoop, opens in one swoop, and is tall! When stroller test driving I noticed a lot of the strollers were very low. This stroller is tall and has an adjustable handle bar that makes it even taller if needed. I wanted to push my baby without any bending over and have the same for my tall husband Luke. I bought the adapter piece for this, so my car seat drops right in and out easily. It comes in a bunch of great colors and I will own the double one day. Downside: not a lot of storage and pricey!
- Chicco Keyfit 30 Car Seat: Great safety ratings, super easy install for base, and easy drop click in for everyday use. I have already removed the infant insert and moved the straps up to the middle level. Lane doesn't love her car seat like some babies, but she doesn't hate it either. She does well it in for a couple of hours and then wants to stretch out...I really can't blame her though.
- Playtex Drop In Bottles: Yes I am not being eco friendly with this option, but not worrying with washing bottles is AWESOME! I just pump into the liner, freeze or fridge it, and then feed. All the same liner, so no pouring worries. I bought the breast milk storage kit from Playtex to allow the freezing. I have plenty of nipples too, so no worries about washing all the time. I moved Lane to a medium flow nipple the week before her three month birthday and she seems to be so much happier. Downside: you have to buy liners (like buy a major stock pile...you will use them all)
- Activity Mat: I am not sure it matters what brand, but Lane LOVES her Fisher Price rain forest play mat. I think it's great hand eye coordination training too. I lay her down, turn on the music, and she instantly starts swinging and kicking away. It's really easy to travel with so I've taken it everywhere we've gone out of town. It's just something familiar for her to play with that she loves.
- Mamaroo Swing: Don't pay for the plush one...the only difference is a softer seat, we always have a blanket over it anyway. I guess if you didn't want to put down a blanket...then buy the plush one. This swing is a great space saver and Lane seems to love it. We really don't have anything to compare it to, but we love it.
- Mommy's Bliss Apple Gripe Water: Lane gets hiccups A LOT! This water stops them almost instantly. I know they say hiccups don't hurt them...but how do they even know that. Lane always look uncomfortable when she has them, so I just give her a quick drop of this and she is instantly happier. It says you can use it for gas, and colic too, but we have only used it for hiccups and it's awesome. It really does stop them on the spot. We have actual gas drops for gas and they seem to work well too. *Buy this brand for a couple more bucks--you don't have to refrigerate after opening like the other brands. So...you can carry it around in your purse without any worry of finding a fridge. I seriously have one bottle on every floor of my house.
- Pampers Swaddlers: I have friends that did the diaper test and all came back with the same conclusion. Pampers Swaddlers are the best diapers. I LOVE the wet indicator! Lane started with these in the hospital in size 1 and we are still rocking the same size ones today. Not sure how many more days we have in size 1 (tear...not many), but we have loved these diapers.
- Huggies Natural Care Wipes: I haven't tried any other wipes. I have heard they are all pretty much the same. I just buy these in bulk at Sams and they work great.
- Soothie Pacifers: In the hospital and for the first couple of weeks we only used Soothies and they were wonderful. Downside: they are harder to keep in!
- Nuk Pacifers: After I stopped nursing and started just pumping I switched to these pacifiers. They are a lot easier for Lane to keep in and once you've driven down the road with a screaming baby whose pacifier fell out... you never want that to happen again. (Thankfully that phase is over since she can self soothe with her hands), but I still use these. Downside: they leave a suck ring/mark on the face for 10 min. after you remove it.
- IPhone Eat Sleep App: I downloaded this when I needed to keep track of her feedings, dirty, and wet diapers. I don't use this all the time, but every now and then I like to track her ounces to see where she is.
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Using both the Miracle Blanket and Nap Nanny! It doesn't come with pillow, but I did love that for her in the beginning
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Pump
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| Bottles |
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| Mat doubles as dock tent |
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| Diapers |
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| Wipes |
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| Soothie |
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| Nuk |
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| I Phone App |
So this is my list for 0-3 months! I'm sure I've forgotten something and please feel free to add your favorite products in the comments section. I LOVE reading blogs about what works for different people. Plus...I plan on having another kid at some point, so I need to know other great finds!
My neighbor just had a beautiful baby boy. I need to get her a gift. I think I will be choosing from your list. Thanks Lauren!
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