Friday, May 23, 2014

Baby Essentials

I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant with baby #2, and I'm just one out of MANY friends who are expecting. Since most of them are expecting their first, I want to share with them my list of baby essentials; the things I wouldn't want to be without. This is based off my personal opinion and I am not being compensated by any of these companies for promoting their products (unfortunately).

So here it is! In no particular order...
  1. Tommee Tippee Bottles. They are awesome. I never intended to bottle feed, but apparently my body had a different idea. These bottles were a life saver. I tried a few other brands that had been given/mailed to me and my son would not take them. When you look at it, it makes sense. This is shaped more like a real nipple than other bottles. I got these because I was still trying to nurse and was concerned about "nipple confusion". These were recommended to me by a friend who nursed and also pumped and used bottles when she needed to. I was also able to switch back and forth from nursing to bottle feeding with no problems using these bottles.  
  2. Bottle Warmer. Again, if you are planning to bottle feed at all, get a bottle warmer. You aren't supposed to put formula in the microwave (at least that is what my nurse told me), and if you heat it on the stove it takes forever and usually gets too hot. This is the similar to the bottle warmer I have, I think this is just a newer model. http://www.target.com/p/munchkin-high-speed-bottle-warmer/-/A-10863477#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=munchkin+bottle+warmer
  3. Breast Pump. A good breast pump will make your life easier. I got the Medela Pump in Style on a recommendation from a friend who loved hers and used it constantly. I liked that it came in the backpack so everything was in one place and easy to transport. I used the ice pack and cooler all the time when I was traveling. The best part was that it is a DOUBLE PUMP. Talk about a time saver. It is expensive, but worth it. Save up those gift cards from your shower, or beg your mom because you will love this. Here is the link to the one I have (can you tell I love Target?) http://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-with-backpack/-/A-10762066#prodSlot=medium_1_31
  4. Nursing Pillow.  I had a Boppy and I loved it. Although I didn't nurse for very long, this was still nice to have while bottle feeding. It helps keep the baby in a comfortable position, and I would use this while we weren't feeding and just have my baby close to me but my hands free. My husband also enjoyed using this pillow while holding or feeding our baby. Here is Jett enjoying our Boppy. Don't worry, I never went far, I was folding clothes on our bed.
     
  5. Petroleum Jelly in the squeeze tubes. If you are having a boy and planning on circumcising him, grab a few bottles of this stuff to have on hand. It's way easier and more convenient to apply than a regular jar of Vasoline or those little foil squeeze packets they give you in the hospital. This will make everyone feel better, especially your husband if he is helping change diapers. 
  6. Baby Gowns. Yes, I dressed my son in a nightgown to my husbands horror. BUT, when you are getting up multiple times in the night to feed and change diapers, these things make that job much simpler and more efficient. My husband came to realize this and thought they were great too, it was just a little shocking for him to see our baby boy in a "dress". When I was buying these I had a hard time finding newborn size, so I got 0-6 months. Size 0 is small right? I had no idea, but newborn is much smaller and the right size for your, well, newborn. Here is a link to a 2-pack Target has for a really great deal. I don't know how long it will be around for, even I'm thinking of buying another set for this new baby! http://www.target.com/p/circo-newborn-boys-2-pack-gown-blue-grey/-/A-14900915?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14900915&CPNG=Women&kpid=14900915&LID=22pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14900915&gclid=CLew8KflnL4CFYlafgod0noAyQ
  7.  Diaper Bag. I have awesome aunts and an awesome grandma who knew that I wanted a Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack so bad, so for my shower present they got me one. Aren't they great? It's my favorite bag. I've had it for 2 years and it still looks brand new. It holds a ton of stuff. It has a zip down, fold out changing pad with pockets for diapers and wipes. My favorite part about the bag is that it comes with the shoulder strap AND backpack straps. I love it. It is so convenient. Look on Craigslist or watch out for Petunia Pickle Bottom sales, these bags are definitely worth the money. Here is a picture of the one I have.
  8.  
    This is as much as my pregnant mind can think of at the moment, but I'm sure there is more. If you are having or have had a baby, make a list of things you love because later you'll forget it, like I started to. :) 
     Question for all you moms out there, what are some of your baby essentials?

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