As a first time mom, it's very hard to know what you'll need and what is extraneous or not very useful. I've found some useful products through internet search when I thought "hey wouldn't it be so much easier if I had XYZ?". Products like the Munchkin formula dispenser have been wonderful and will fortunately be useful for some time as it can also be a snack dispenser when baby is older (cheerios anyone?). Other products, like the Kiddopotamus baby swaddler, would have been wonderful if I had known about it when my son was younger. I am providing a list of products here that would have been useful, or will be useful for a short time, here. I'm also including products that are useful if your child has to go to daycare. I don't like to buy things that aren't used much or if the same job could be done by something I already own, but some items really are very useful even if for a short time.
Kiddopotamus baby swaddler--if you've ever tried to swaddle an active baby who wants to fling his arms about and does not want them inside a blanket, you'll understand why this product would be very useful for a new baby. With a "harness" that fits around baby's trunk and has adjustable velcro straps, baby can not undo the swaddle by pushing his arms out. The lower portion is a detachable pouch for diaper changes without removing the upper part. I would have loved this product when Caleb was first born. I am certain he would have slept better. Plus, it's made from organic cotton.
Personalized pacifiers from MyPacifier.com--extremely useful if your child attends daycare or any other place with several children who have pacifiers. With your child's name directly on the paci, you (and daycare workers) will always know it's his paci. The price is quite reasonable at $15 for 3 pacifiers. They have several different styles and many colors. The lettering does not come off even when washed in the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle (45 min steam sterilization).
Bottle and sippy cup labels--there are a few different types of labels out there, silicone bands or stick-ons. The silicone bands have to be taken off for washing and are not typically printed in enough contrast to read from a few feet away. The bandette labels are not even printed but you write on with a sharpie, which comes off after a couple of washes. They are, however, moveable to different bottles or cups. The stick on labels remain in place through many dishwashings, do not fade, but can not be taken off and used again. I like the Applied Labels used along with the color tape from them. Ours have been through lots of dishwashing cycles and have not peeled off or faded at all. Since you'll only need to label a couple of sets of bottles, the pack of 24 is more than enough.
Grocery cart covers with pillows--Once my son started sitting up with support, I realized how much easier grocery shopping would be if he could sit up in the cart and have support. I found a grocery cart cover that has removable pillows, a great way to let baby see what's going on and still be supported and comfy, the Prop R Shopper. I thought I wouldn't need a cover, would just use a blanket, but quickly found out that blankets slip and slide with a wiggly baby. Stacking the diaper bag on one side and blankets on the other just makes life difficult. This product can be used for a long time and the pillows can be removed if more room is needed. Plus, it's very reasonably priced at ~$35.
Exersaucer--a friend suggested the Exersaucer to me before baby was born and another friend purchased it for us. This has been a wonderful gift! At 4.5 months, baby is sitting up supported and wants to be active. He LOVES bouncing in his exesaucer and making the music play. After 15 minutes of play, he's ready for a nap! The great thing about this toy is how it changes into a play station for older children. It can be used for a long period of time and is very entertaining. Be sure to get the one with music and lights that are activated by touching and/or bouncing.
rocking chair--most people realize they'll need a rocking chair. However, no one needs to spend $500 (or more!) on an overpriced, uncomfortable rocking chair from a big baby supply store. The things to look for in a rocking chair are comfort and support. Be sure there is lumbar support, good arm support (preferably high so you can rest an arm while holding baby), and some extra width for pillow props (especially if breast feeding). Finding one that reclines is even better as there will be nights when baby won't sleep unless you're holding him so you might just need to recline and doze yourself (be sure baby is secure and can not fall out of your arms!). A rocking stool for your feet is helpful. I already had a chair made similarly to these and this one and it has worked really well. The pockets on the side are great for holding a book, TV remote (up all night, you will need something to do while holding baby), or even a baby blanket. Now if only I could find a rocking chair that doubles as a resistance trainer!
Be sure to check my other posts on Baby Product Reviews, Diaper bags and what to put into a diaper bag, and Why doesn't anyone tell you how hard it is to be a new mom?, which discusses issues no one told me before I had a baby, like just how much you will swell.
No comments:
Post a Comment