SLEEP
- HALO sleepsack swaddle: we had the summer swaddle blankets but Emily was a long baby so these did not work very well. Luckily the hospital sent us home with a halo. I loved it. I bought a couple from someone. I did not like the ones I bought second hand as much. These were sacks where the swaddle part came off (was held on by velcro). I prefer the one where the swaddle is not removable. We only swaddled for about 8 weeks but some babies prefer longer. This brand is great for that because there is room by the feet.
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| Sleep sheep by cloud B |
-Cloud B sleep sheep: I really liked this and still use it. We have an older house that makes lots of noises so this is great to help keep her asleep before she gets to deep sleep. We got the normal sheep. If I could go back I would have gotten the travel size one. The main difference is that one is smaller and the travel one does not have the "womb/heartbeat" sound. Emily does not really like that sound (it also turns the monitor on) so we don't use that sound. The travel one would be more useful in the car and is cheaper. They also have other animals.
FEEDING
-First essentials bottles: These bottles are great. They are cheap. I think $3.50 for 3 at Target. They also attach to most breast-pumps. They have a universal top so all universal collars fit. These are not as great for mixing formula in. The formula will always spill when putting in the bottle via scoop.
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| Similac simply smart |
-Similac Simply Smart Bottles: I recieved a few of these 4oz bottles free and was given many coupons for them from the company. That is the only reason I used them. I am so glad. I love these bottles. They have a special attachment that assists in mixing formula. It is also wide mouthed which I liked when I was still breast feeding and pumping. They also have an amazing formula holder that becomes the cap for the bottle. I suggest getting the starter kit. The only downside is that it has a little gas vent and if you are not careful the nipple catches and is not flat against the collar and you will have major leaking. So you just have to check before screwing on the collar. Babies R Us does buy one get one every once an a while. And Walmart has half off on a regular basis.
-Burp Cloths: you can never have enough burp cloths. I like the ones that look like pre-folds. Gerber makes some that are in cute fun colors and are really soft. Some of my favorites are ones that people had embroidered with Emily's name and or initials. These are great when I take her places like the church nursery and the daycare at the gym because they never get confused with ones that belong to other kids.
-Bibs: I really like using bibs. Emily has really bad reflux and so if I don't use bibs I have to change her clothes 7-10 times a day. I like the solid ones because they match every outfit. Most of mine are not waterproof but those are great. If you want something personalized have the baby's name embroidered on it. I have 2 of these and I like using them when I take her to the church nursery or to the gym at an odd hour. That way the workers remember her name.
Toys
Right now we dont play with lots of toys but here are a few that we like.
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| Sophie the Giraffe by Vulli |
-Vulli Sophie the Giraffe: many people are put off by the price of this teether but it is worth it. We are not cutting teeth yet but love our Sophie. She is easy to hold and is made of natural rubber.
-bright star snuggle and teether: Emily has the elephant. She loves it. It is easy to hold and it makes crinkly noises. It also has a teething part as well.
Baby Gear
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| 2012 City Mini |
-Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller: I LOVE my stroller. I received it as a Christmas present from my parents. They got it from craigslist. Which is always a great way to get more expensive baby gear. This stroller is so popular that they go fast from craigslist and consignment sales. This stroller is only 10 lbs and has a handy one handed fold mechanism. This means that you can hold your baby while using one hand fold and lift the stroller into the car. I do not have the attachments for this stroller but if you will be getting before baby is born or when they are still a newborn I would suggest getting the car seat adapter and a corresponding car seat to make this into a travel system. The website has a disclaimer that this is not a jogging stroller and yes if you are a very fast runner I would not suggest utilizing it in that fashion but if you are a slower jogger and only want one stroller it is a good option. It does have a way to lock the front wheel if you are running on a straight track.
- Carseat: I have not included a link for a carseat. Pick the stroller you like the most then buy the corresponding carseat. We have the Graco snugride 35 which is very safe. I would not buy it again. for several reasons. One it is heavier because it holds a baby up to 35lbs. We will not be using this carseat up to that weight. Most 2 year olds are not that heavy and if you do have a heavier baby you are not going to be carrying them around in the pumpkin seat. Buy a cheaper car seat that holds up to a lower weight and you will have an easier time carrying your baby in the pumpkin seat because they weigh less (it will also fit in the shopping carts better). I also would buy a carseat that has a handle where you can change the angle of your grip. Would just make carrying it easier. Carseats dont expire for 5 years from the date they are manufactured. Due to this I bought a neutral color so that I can use this same carseat for any children we may have in that time period.
-Ergo Baby carrier: I love my Ergo. It is easy to use and comfortable. You can hold up to 40lbs (i know several people who carry their toddlers and are comfortable while doing it). There is an infant insert which makes it easy to use with newborns but is a little hot. I love using this when grocery shopping. You can also switch to carrying in back when the baby gets older. This was great when Emily had slight colic (due to allergy), it puts her right to sleep.
- Play mat: Any play mat is great. I prefer ones that make noise and have lights. I have added more toys to ours so she could reach them. This is great to entertain baby while you take a shower.
-Jumperoo: We have a jumperoo. Emily prefers this over the exersaucer she has also used. She is not really big enough to jump but she really likes sitting in it. Which ever kind you like will work. The one that is linked is the one we have. It was easy to put together and the toys are easy to use. She can even play with them now.
-Bumbo seat: we like using the bumbo seat. We borrowed one from a friend. Emily likes it because she likes to sit up but is not completely ready to do it on her own. This also means she can sit up and I can face her to play.
-Swings: we were given an older version of a Fisher-price swing. Not the one linked (based on the age of the persons child I think it is 10 years old, so they do last). It was nice but is big and bulky. It is perfect for ranch houses or condos. A friend let me borrow their Bright Stars portable swing which I really like. This swing easily folds up and moves. I was then able to move it to the floor I was currently on. Also when Emily was having colic I was able to move it to my room and sleep in my bed instead of on the couch. And when I had people coming over I could fold it up and put it away so it was not taking up space.
-Baby monitors: I like my monitor but if I was doing it again I would probably buy a video monitor. I have the Sony baby call nursery monitor. I like that it has two receivers and both have a charger. I leave one in my room and one in the basement. It also has an on mode and a mode that is voice activated (though the sleep sheep sometimes turns it on, see above). I did not originally register for a video monitor because I thought they were expensive and over kill. Now I can see the reason for them. The baby makes noises that you want to check sometimes and it would be nice to just look and see what she is doing. She is a light sleeper and walking in sometimes wakes her up. Though I do know several moms who have become obsessive with their video monitors. So there is some pros and cons.
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| Carseat Canopy in Reagan |
Health Items:
-Safety 1st Thermometer: I really like this thermometer because it has interchangeable tips for all 3 modes of temperature taking.
-Bath tub: this bath tub was awesome when she was a newborn because it has the canopy attachment. This held her in the water with out fear of drowning making it easier to soap her up. Now we don't use the canopy and the back has a seat and is designed to help her sit up. I bought mine used at a consignment sale, it is really easy to find these there in good shape.
So I think that is everything right now. I am sure that I will add things as we go along. If you have any questions about these items let me know. I am happy to elaborate. And please remember I am not being paid by these companies. This is just what I have learned from using these products.
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