I've learned a lot the past three months, and I have had a lot of comments from Mommies to be on the blog, so I thought I'd share a list of things that were musts for me the past 3 months. Hope it gives some insight when planning your registries.
1. Angel Care Monitor: This little device has helped me rest easy at night. The pad goes under the crib mattress to detect your baby's breathing. If there is no movement detected for 10 seconds it will sound an alarm. I opted for the sound and movement monitor, but they have one with video too.
2. Boppy: I use my Boppy every time we nurse. It allows me more comfort, and the option of nursing hands free.
3. Boppy Changing Pad Liners: These have saved me from having to change my changing pad cover daily, (and from ruining the pretty white color). If he uses the bathroom before I get a fresh diaper on I just remove the liner, wash it and replace it with a fresh one. They come 3 in a pack, I'd get several.
4. Diaper Genie: No smelling E's dirty diapers with this guy! And it holds a lot, so you don't need to change it every day.
5. Miracle Blanket: This truly is a miracle worker. We own 3. It looks intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy. Elliott won't sleep without it. I'm convinced it's the reason he sleeps 10 hours straight at night.
6. Nap Nanny: When we brought Elliott home from the hospital he refused to sleep flat on his back. He could be sound asleep, and as soon as I would lay him down flat, those eyes popped open and we were back at square one. He slept in his swing the first 3 weeks home because it was the only way I could get him to sleep without me holding him. We had several friends say the only way their babies would sleep was on a Nap Nanny, so Mom bought us one (which luckily fit snug in his cradle, so there was no risk of him falling out) and we moved him from the swing and into it at 3 weeks. They were right, it worked like a charm! He slept in it until he was about 2 and a half months old, when we moved him to his crib.
7. Swing: Like I said, Elliott slept in his swing the first 3 weeks home, and now he will only nap when he is in his swing, so it's been an essential in our home. We have the Graco Capri in the picture.
8. Medela Pump in Style: If you're planning on breastfeeding this is a must, even if you're not going back to work. I used mine to help bring in my milk and later to increase my supply. I use it 3 times a day at work and once in the evening before bed after Elliott has gone to sleep. It's easy to use and easy to load up and go. A few other nursing must haves for me:
A. Nipple Shield- This was a huge help the first few weeks when neither of us knew what we were doing!
B. Hydro Gels- (Also called "Soothies") These were also great to have at the hospital to help with the first few weeks of intense pain.
C. Lanolin- Another great way to help manage the pain in the first few weeks.
D. Nursing Bras and Tanks- I got all of mine at Target. They were cheap and I've been pleased with the quality. You'll want some for sleeping in too. I learned that the hard way...
E. Nursing Bra Pads- These will help in avoiding embarrassing wet circles on your shirt in public.
F. Medela Pump and Store Bags- for freezing your milk.
G. Medela Steam Clean Bags- These make cleaning bottles and pump parts a breeze. You can use each bag up to 20 times. Just rinse your bottles, nipples, and pump parts in warm water, put them in the bag with 2 oz. of water, seal it, microwave for a minute and a half, and they're sanitized! I can't live with out these, well I could, but I would be stuck standing at the kitchen sink washing bottles all day.
H. Medela Hands Free Pumping Bra- Now I can pump and stalk my friends on Facebook at the same time :)
I. "Hooter Hider"- Goes around your neck to create a little tent for nursing in public.
J. Fenugreek- An herbal supplement that helps increase your milk supply. I take 2 at breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The "Mother's Milk Organic Tea" was also helpful. Both are available at Kroger in the organic section.
9. Burt's Bees Baby Bee Products- They make diaper ointment, baby powder, an awesome baby oil, shampoo, body wash and lotion. Who doesn't love Burt's Bees?
These are the things I've leaned on the past 3 months. Any of you veteran moms out there have any must haves I need to try? I'm always open to suggestions, I'm new at this mommy thing.
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