Mom Must-Haves: 10 things I couldn't live without
Being a mom is challenging enough and then tack on all the "stuff" that comes along with it! As a first time mom-to-be, I was overwhelmed with suggestions, Amazon reviews and baby registries. After lots of online research and consulting with veteran moms on the basics, I decided on Graco for my car seat, Pack n’play & highchair; the Ergobaby 360 carrier, Dr. Brown's bottles, and I rely on Pampers to keep my baby's bottom dry. But as for the I-couldn't-survive-without items, here are my top 10 must-haves:
Feeding:
1. Medela Nipple Shield– (to preface: breastfeeding is hard even when everything is going right. For a lot of moms, they either aren’t able to or it’s just too painful to continue trying, and THAT’S OKAY. If this is your experience, stop beating yourself up; you’re not alone and you’re not a failure.) I was fortunate my baby latched right away and my milk came in early, however it was still difficult and painful! These were a life saver until breastfeeding stopped hurting, and I promise eventually it will. https://goo.gl/5NAfcp
2. Mixie Baby Bottle– This may be one of the most genius inventions ever. Perfect for meals on-the-go, traveling, flights and midnight feedings. Fill it up and leave it on the counter, when you’re ready to mix you’ll have a comfortable room temp bottle in a jiffy! https://goo.gl/Sx3WQ1
Sleeping:
3. Fisher-Price Auto Rock 'n Play Sleeper– Okay, this might be my biggest life saver. My child WOULD NOT sleep in a crib or anywhere other than with me in bed until I discovered this. Life changing. It rocks on its own! https://goo.gl/7flk6j
4. Terry Zip-Up PJ’s from Carters– Zippers will be your best friend for squirmy babies and the multiple night changes. I find the terry cloth material doesn’t shrink in the wash. https://goo.gl/D9007T
5. Summer Infant SwaddlePod– For the swaddling impaired and the baby who can always ninja their way out. My daughter really seemed comfortable and secure while sleeping in this and I found it so much easier! I wish I had discovered these sooner. https://goo.gl/mZW4WZ
General:
6. Infant Optics DXR-5 Baby Monitor– It may look like a Fisher-Price walkie-talkie but don’t let that fool you, this thing has navy seal night vision! https://goo.gl/uIHNus
7. Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper– Has a built in light. My child is 11 months old and I’ve never accidentally clipped her skin. https://goo.gl/H3VUBs
8. Handsocks– And I'm not just saying this because I work with them! We spent Thanksgiving at Tahoe in the snow and I'm so glad I packed a pair. They provided extra warmth and stayed put under my baby's snowsuit. My best friend's little boy was in the NICU after he was born; he had multiple scratches on his face from the IV ports and tubes. They used Handsocks to cover up his arms to keep the cords in place and protect his delicate skin. http://goo.gl/pAz9iB
9. Cetaphil *Cream*– I highlight "cream" because it's different than lotion. Lotions are mostly water which is not well absorbed into the skin and quickly evaporates, but the richer-oil content in cream creates a layer on the skin that locks in moisture. Long story short, creams are better for preventing and healing dry skin. My baby has eczema so we apply this often and regularly. It was recommended by our pediatrician and really does help! http://goo.gl/l4gQOR
Gear:
10. Baby Jogger City Mini stroller– You can truly pull a strap and it will fold down in an instant with one hand, brilliant! We actually bought ours used for $75, a total steal so check out craigslist. The fabric can be detached and washed in the washing machine AND it fits through the security x-ray machine at the airport! https://goo.gl/YXqmr4 (I used this car seat adapter until my little one was big enough to sit facing out in the seat: http://goo.gl/9cYT0W)
There you have it! You’re welcome for the unsolicited advice as I’m sure you’re getting plenty already :P But if you’re like me, I find it super helpful when someone else has done the research for me. If you have any must-haves you'd recommend, share them in the comments!
Love, Allison