So let's just say, my post will be up, as soon as I can get it up. For now, I'm focusing on my new little love. Like the fact that she smiled at me for the first time yesterday. My heart melted into a million sappy pieces!
I've officially been a parent now for 34 days and in this short time I've figured out a few things that help my days go a bit smoother. I've included a list of the "MUST HAVE'S" for a rookie mom:
For bath time:
THE STAY DRY BATH APRON
This terrycloth apron is AMAZING and is a huge asset when bathing your little one. If the baby splashes water, your clothes don't get wet. When you're trying to get the baby out of the bath, it eliminates her from slipping out of your arms. After bath time is over, I scoop my baby up and wrap her in the apron to keep her warm and cozy while drying her off. The velcro around the neck and tie around the waist are super easy to release one-handed. It also comes with a terrycloth mitten for easy washing. I can't imagine using a regular towel after I have used this product.
For breastfeeding:
MY BREST FRIEND
Many women have suggested the "Boppy" pillow, but in my opinion, the Brest Friend is WAY better. It's a "shelf-like pillow" that you lay your baby on while feeding. It has a velcro strap that wraps around your back and keeps it in place. The machine washable cover is easy to zip off for washing (in case of milk leakage or spitting up). I can't imagine using a pillow or holding my baby up to my breast the whole time during feeding. This thing is a MUST HAVE.
For watching your little one:
THE SUMMER VIDEO MONITOR
Some parents think this is a little ridiculous, claiming the monitors without a camera are suffice. I couldn't disagree more. I have mine next to me as I write this! If she cries, I can look over and see if she's just being fussy, or if she really needs me. I use it all the time. The camera can be moved around very easily and is small and lightweight and the portable monitor is the size of a cell phone. It's especially great if you live in a two story house. If your baby is napping in her room, who wants to walk up a bunch of stairs to check on your baby every time you hear a cry? That alone is way worth the couple hundred bucks it costs.
For sleeping:
The best swaddler, in my opinion is the SWADDLE ME by Kiddopotamus
When I first went to register, my sister tried to convince me to get some. I said no because I didn't like the picture on the front of the packaging- Lol. It shows a baby in a straitjacket type swaddle with the baby's head popping out the top. It freaked me out. Once I was home and read all the fabulous reviews, I gave in and added it to my registry. I am so glad I did. I had no idea the significance of "swaddling" before I had a baby. I tried to wrap her like a tight burrito with tons of other types of blankets, but SWADDLE ME is the only one she can't wiggle out of.
To soothe:
THE SOOTHIE PACIFIER
This pacifier was the one they gave me in the hospital. She latched onto it right away. I came home and tried to use other pacifiers and she immediately spit them out. I went and got a few more SOOTHIE PACIFIERS and she loves them. I use it to calm her, in between feedings and it helps IMMENSELY. It's crazy how babies can tell the difference in a pacifier but trust me, they can.
To cover:
MUSLIN WRAPS are ideal for so many reasons. They are made of cozy, stretch cotton material and are super soft and airy. They're ultimately used to swaddle, but my daughter always wiggles out of it, no matter how tightly I wrap her. I do love them for wrapping her in while I'm rocking her and especially to cover her stroller when we're out and about. I also tuck it around her when she's in her car seat and I feel it gives her a sense of security and comfort.
To track feedings:
THE BABY TRACKER is a record book for your baby's daily routines of feeding, napping and changing. I've come to understand the difficulty of remembering all that happens in a day and this book has been my savior. Sure, you can jot this info down in your own notebook, but this type of organization is totally worth it to me. I can look back at days and analyze why she may have been fussy, etc.. There's space on each page for personal notes as well so I write down what I've eaten that day and monitor whether or not it affects her disposition.
To clean up:
I am a huge fan of BURP CLOTHS. I got a bunch for my shower and use them for everything. I have them all over my house- on my nightstand in case she spits up, I use them over the changing pad in case of leakage, I have a couple in my diaper bag in case of spills. They're great!
To make changing easier:
I also love ZIP UP ONESIES. My friend suggested these for nighttime and I couldn't agree more. At three in the morning the last thing I feel like doing is properly snapping twenty buttons back together after a changing. ZIP UP ONESIES are simple and quick.
To capture memories:
A VIDEO CAMCORDER-
Right before I gave birth I did much research and chose the CANON VIXIA HIGH DEF CAMCORDER and I couldn't be more pleased. It's small, lightweight and captures great video. It also takes still pictures. I have a small point and shoot that also takes video but the quality is decent at best. The investment of a decent camcorder is priceless in my opinion.
Please feel free to comment and add any other ideas you may have... I need all the help I can get!
And now I'll leave you with another teaser of my baby girl. She's a pretty good poser right? She better get used to it!
