You’re Pregnant, Congratulations! Now What Products Do You Really Need?
You’re pregnant, congratulations! I remember when I was pregnant I run out and bought everything, well technically I ordered online because I was on bedrest for 8.5 months, yes, 8.5 months and that's another story. I ordered everything, from our crib, stroller, car seat, sheets, blankets, you name it I ordered it. In reality, YOU only need a few items, your baby only NEEDS YOU. I hope this list helps you out when you feel overwhelmed and think you’ve missed something. I wish someone had shared the basics with me, it would have saved me money and most importantly I wouldn’t have purchased items that are/were collecting dust.
Now you might be thinking you won’t be co-sleeping, I thought the same thing however when your baby is actually here it’s a different story. Especially when you’re breastfeeding like I did, your boob will be out without shame, you’ll be in pain and getting up every two to three hours to feed your baby will be exhausting. When your baby is in bed with you or in a co-sleeper next to your bed life is so much easier and less stressful, than getting up to go to their room while you’re in pain. You’ll see that I added two different co-sleeping options that will be easy for you. So let’s begin our journey:
DocATot Grand, is grand and I LOVE IT, it’s absolutely fabulous. The Deluxe+ dock is the ultimate docking station for your baby ages 0-8 months old or 5-22 Ibs. Multifunctional and multitasking, the Dockatot Deluxe+ offers a safe and comfy spot that lets baby rest, lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes. Deluxe+ docks are lightweight and portable, allowing for easy travel. Additional covers are available for purchase to match your mood, room, and style. Designed with love in Sweden and made in Europe. All materials used are breathable, washable and hypoallergenic. DockATot offers excellent air-permeability. All filling materials are sourced from world-leading suppliers with hygienic and non-toxic properties. I love this because your little one can grow with it, you can easily use the DockATot to transition from co-sleeping to sleeping in their own bed later. That’s another article, keep your eyes out for that one.
For the moms that want baby in a bed of their own, the Arms Reach Co-sleeper is phenomenal. From its varnished wood, to its elegant shape, the Sleigh Bed Co-Sleeper bedside bassinet has a beauty that’s hard to match. It also happens to be one of the more versatile products out there. It transforms from a Co-Sleeper to a freestanding bassinet, and to the "read to me" love seat. Like all of our Co-Sleeper bedside bassinets, the Sleigh Bed Co-Sleeper bedside bassinet allows you and your baby to sleep comfortably next to each other from the moment your baby arrives. This bedside bassinet enables you to reach over and draw your baby close for comforting and bonding. The innovative design also makes breastfeeding easy. The Sleigh Bed Co-Sleeper bassinet is the ideal sleep solution for any concerned parent.
Here is an AHA moment! Venice Child Stroller comes with a bassinet, convertible seat, muff, cup holder, rain cover and much more! No more nickel and diming you for added accessories that are necessities. The kangaroo is designed to be used from birth to toddler. The Kangaroo has a smooth and versatile chassis design with no screws or welding to join the parts. Designed with a sleek streamlined frame to prevent damage and avoid the issues that normally occur with welded frames. Carefully crafted with high grade polished aviation aluminium; to prevent corrosion and rusting. Our polished Aviation Aluminum gives the look of a chrome finish for added style. The wheels have a swivel mechanism enhanced with a shock absorbing technology; to ensure smooth and comfortable rides.
Here’s the irony about a sleeping baby, we’re happy they’re resting but we go in their room to make sure they’re breathing. Watch, you’ll see what I’m talking about, baby is asleep for a solid hour and panic sets in, you’re thinking why are they sleeping long, is this normal, are the thoughts you're experiencing normal? Yes, that’s what motherhood is all about loving , caring, worrying about your child and much more. If you want an added security while they are sleeping I’d invest in Monbaby. Monobaby is a Smart Breathing Movement Monitor for Babies. MonBaby Smart Button has universal form factor and attachment mechanism. You can snap it off of baby’s dirty clothing and snap it onto a fresh outfit. Measurements are done in real-time, five times per second, and transmitted to our smartphone app. Alerts you if your baby stops breathing, rolls on his or her stomach or falls. Universal form factor. Any onesie or pajama works. Use it as your child grow! The best flexibility, features and most affordable price of any wearable baby monitor.
You need to take a shower, laundry, dinner, work from home, whatever it is you need a monitor to keep an eye on the baby, my favorite baby monitor is from Project Nursery. Project Nursery has a 5” HIGH DEFINITION BABY MONITOR SYSTEM WITH 1.5" MINI MONITOR. The 1.5”mini can be worn as a necklace or placed on a key ring, The 5” High-Definition LCD Parent Unit can also be placed on your nightstand or kitchen counter to check in on baby. Monitor your baby day and night using a safe and secure encrypted connection. Included are two convenient video displays. The world’s smallest 1.5” audio and video Mini Monitor is perfect for taking with you around the house to keep a constant watch on the little one. It features “Best-in-Class” battery life for extended use and is designed with a new, user-friendly interface for quick setup and ease-of-use. It’s every mother’s dream.
You’ll need a safe and reliable car seat. Here’s the thing I never liked the thought of moving my car seat, especially since I had it installed by Tot Squad. They’re the experts in installing car seats, they have certified technicians that will install your seat and answer any questions you might have. If you can’t get to Tot Squad then they can come to you and if you're in an area that doesn’t have a Tot Squad, call your local CHP office and see if they offer car seat installations.
My pick, this is what I use and trust, Diono radian rXT. Diono radian rXT is the only car seat you'll ever need. Lovingly engineered with a full steel frame, the Diono radian rXT all-in-one car seat provides unmatched safety for your child from birth to booster. Diono radian rXT only uses premium materials, it’s safety features like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam, and a reinforced adjustable head support keep your little one safe and sound. Comfortably seats rear-facing children from 5-45 lbs for maximum safety. Premium plush head and body support cushions included for newborns and infants, room to grow. Accommodates forward-facing children up to 80 lbs in a 5-point harness and converts to booster mode for kids 50-120 lbs. The reinforced adjustable head support provides additional side impact protection. And the piece de resistance, it folds flat for travel! Wear it as a backpack with their Carry Straps (sold separately) for hands-free transport.
Your little one will practically be living in onies and it’s going to be the cutest thing ever! Here’s a mom hack. When your little one has a blowout, and they will, you can roll the onesie down from the top down. The tabs on the corner of each shoulder will allow you to pull them down gently so yo may Macgyver your way out of a huge mess. The onesie that I that caught my eye is by Miracle Wear. Purchase the Miracle Wear 5-pack Bodysuits, they’re super-soft, high quality and specially designed for lots of snuggling. They’re good for morning, noon, or night; playtime, bedtime, or naptime. Always purchase one size bigger because our kiddos grow super quick. Miracle Wear onesies are also the best price of any other 100% cotton bodysuits on the market (that I know of).
The greatest carrier, Ergo Baby, I loved our carrier so much that I had two, one for the house and one underneath our stroller. My little one was ALWAYS in the carrier. I loved carrying him, I still would if I could but I think he’d give me the stink eye and slap me silly, lol. I had the ADAPT but they’ve come out with all position 360. All position 360 has four ergonomic wearing positions, including their first forward-facing carry option for you and baby to discover the world together in ultimate comfort. Now your baby will be a little small the first few months, make sure to purchase the Infant Insert. It’s safe, easy, and a comfortable way to ensure your new baby is ergonomically positioned in a natural M-shaped seating position from the start. Easy-to-use design makes loading your baby a cinch!
You’ll need one more item which is uber cool and when my little one out grew out of it the dog promptly started using it, 4Moms Mamaroo bouncer. The 4moms mamaRoo infant seat bounces up and down and sways from side to side, just like parents do when comforting their babies.
The mamaRoo features five unique motions and five-speed options. Soothe your baby with one of the four built-in sounds, or connect any MP3 device to the mamaRoo. The mamaRoo seat offers full recline to allow baby to lie back and relax or sit up and play. Now here’s something I just recently learned about their bouncers. The Mamaroo is used in over 300 hospitals. “The mamaRoo is calming because it provides an environment that is similar to still being in utero – babies feel contained, they’re moving, there’s a bit of sound – and we find that very soothing for our babies.”
Last item on the list and this is for you, your new diaper bag. My go to is the Ju-Ju-Be backpack diaper bag, it’s machine washable, and kid proof. These backpacks can take a beating and still look great. You’ll want a backpack diaper bag to keep your hands free. With many patterns to choose from, Ju-Ju-Be padded back panel is designed with a breathable mesh for added comfort. It’s ergonomically curved and has padded shoulder straps. Quick grab handle, has a cell phone pocket. Mommy pocket with diapers and wipes pocket on the front, 2 exterior insulated bottle pockets. Top storage pocket for your MP3 player, sunglasses or digital camera, , memory foam changing pad included in the back panel zipper compartment with an 11.5-inch opening, it is also suitable for tablets, small laptops, magazines, etc. Picture pocket to keep photos handy or business card holder. Teflon fabric protector helps repel stains. Agion treatment protects the liner by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. Gold Metal Hardware, light-colored linings so you can actually see what's inside your bag.
Congratulations on your pregnancy, remember to be kind to yourself, and most importantly don’t compare yourself to anyone. If you see a mom that you think has “it together” remind yourself that you're getting a glimpse of their lives, you’re catching a highlighted moment. Remember comparison is the thief of all joy, it’s inevitable that some level of comparison will occur especially on social media and Pinterest but don't let it consume you. Start each day with gratitude, choose to be present in your life every day, limit your social media usage, and remind yourself that you are enough just as you are, YOU ARE ENOUGH.