We’ve survived a full month. Hallelujah! The first couple weeks were really challenging. Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, utter loss of control can take a real toll on your body, mind and spirit. But I’m proud to report that we’re starting to get this baby thing…it does get easier by the day. Can you believe Baby J is 5 weeks already?! Now he’s started to look like a real baby {less alien newborn} and communicate with us with “coos” and voluntary smiles.
As a new Mom – I read just about every single “product review” list there was pre and post baby. Its funny though, just mere days outside the womb, babies already have clear preferences for specific things. For example, Baby J likes Medela bottles/nipples over Avent, and he loves the 4Moms MamaRoo over the Fisher Price Rock N’ Play {apparently he’s already got expensive taste like his mama!}. I’ve compiled a short lists of items that we love and used the most so far. You’ll see our favorite brands include 4Moms, Honest and Baby Brezza. I am a self-proclaimed obsessive compulsive un-clutterer..err, whatever the exact opposite of a hoarder. I can’t stand random things on the floor or on table tops. i love clean open spaces. So it was especially important to have baby gear that was not only functional but with innovative clean design. It was easy to find my preferences in brands these amazing brands.
Hope they will be helpful to some new and even experienced mommy out there. 🙂
- Goumikids Mittens – These were the only mittens that actually stayed on! And word of advice: get multiple pairs. Like socks, magically one always goes missing in the wash.
- 4Moms MamaRoo – Baby J will sleep in this for hours. It has different types of movement in case baby gets bored with the side to side movement and prefers the “Ocean Wave”. Even has a build in plug and insert for an iPhone/iTouch for music. Also, get the matching 4Moms newborn insert. It kept his head from sliding down or to the sides.
- Honest Diapers – Honest has invaded my household even before the baby arrived {see my post on pregnancy essentials} and naturally when I wanted a non-toxic, natural and eco-friendly diapers, I turned to Honest. It fits Baby J well and we have less what I call “side pee” accidents.
- Zip-front Onesies – Baby J hates pullover onesies with a passion. He screams bloody murder at the sight of them. Ok, so a little dramatic, but really pullovers are not so convenient. Zip-front onesies were our fave. It’s easy to put on and convenient for fast diaper changes, especially during the middle of the night when aforementioned “side pee” occurs. Our favorite ones are these and these.
- Aden + Anais Swaddle blankets – We tried a few different swaddle blankets and even Sleepsacks like these, but felt the regular Aden + Anais ones are definitely a staple. Baby J is somewhat indifferent about being swaddled – sometimes he would sleep soundly and other times he would fight his way out. He actually liked these probably because they are breathable and gives him enough comfort but easy enough he doesn’t feel too restricted.
- 4Moms Tub – I’m sure the tub function works like any other. The differentiator here is the thermometer. I’m always second guessing…is too hot or too cold? This tub takes the guesswork out and made bath time enjoyable for everyone!
- Baby Brezza Sterilizer + Dryer – This is an all in one sterilizer and dryer and truly a must-have for all moms. I use to spend probably a combined 2-3 hours each day drying bottles, nipples and pumping parts! When this arrived at my doorstep, problem solved! Imagine what you can do with a couple more hours in a day!
- Aden + Anais Bibs – Like the swaddle blankets, we love the soft material since it constantly rubs his neck and face.
XOXO,
Lydia
