Specific Must-Haves For Baby + Mom

There’s one thing you’ll notice when you’re pregnant is how quickly people want to chime in and tell you what you need. But if you’re a first time mom, you’ll quickly realize the many choices one has for these items. So, I’ve created a list that will help you get items that you need – the exact items, a few of course – don’t want to make this overly long. I won’t list things like onsies because, we all have our own unique style and an idea of how we want our little ones to look. All these are specific must-haves for baby and Mom. They have worked for me and hope they will for you.

GEAR

Stroller ⇒ No one tells you that there is such a thing as a Travel System, this includes the stroller and car seat! This is the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System, Sandstone As for a car seat cover Nursing Cover, Car Seat Canopy, Shopping Cart, High Chair, Stroller and Car Seat Cover for Boys and Girls – Best Stretchy Infinity Scarf and Shawl – Multi Use Breastfeeding Cover Up – Arrow Pattern living in Florida Dream Baby Stroller Fan, White/Blue – 2 Pack makes these a must.

Swing/Sleeper ⇒ This Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, Luminosity is a life saver in times when you need a few minutes to shower!

 

Crib + Playpen ⇒ I have a small space to work with, so this Dream On Me Full Size 2 in 1 Folding Stationary Side Crib, White is perfect for that and this Infant Nuna Sena(TM) Aire Travel Crib, Size One Size – Grey playpen can be set up without having a second person to help, because it can be done one handed in seconds. And if you need extra padding for the portable crib and/or playpen LA Baby Waterproof Portable/Mini Crib Mattress, 2″ – Made in USA with Easy to Clean, Hypo-Allergenic, Anti-Microbial & Non-Toxic Cover, 24 x 38 – Made in USA is fantastic.

Diaper Bag ⇒ This  Skip Hop Forma Travel Carry All Diaper Backpack with Insulated Bag, One Size, Jet Black is so spacious – especially when packing for more than one baby.

BATH TIME

Bath ⇒ This  Angelcare Bath Support, Aqua bath tub is not only easy on the eyes and it can also be hung to dry or this  Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge  if you opt for a bath sponge. I use the Baby Buddy’s Natural Baby Bath Sponge 4-5” Ultra Soft Premium Sea Wool Sponge Soft on Baby’s Tender Skin, Biodegradable, Hypoallergenic, Absorbent Natural Sea Sponge sponge over the bath cloths only because they dry quicker

Spout Cover ⇒ This Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover Universal Fit, Blue does the job!

 Towel ⇒  Have loved these Puj Hug Hands Free Hooded Infant Towel, White for a while now.

Shampoo + Body Wash ⇒  I have been using Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash, Rich Moisture 20 oz and Baby Dove Lotion, Rich Moisture 20 oz for close to a year now and it’s fantastic!

Bath Brush to Prevent Cradle Cap ⇒ This Bean b Clean Cradle Cap Scalp Massaging Brush or Baby Bath Silicone Brush by Fridababy | DermaFrida The SkinSoother Baby Essential for Dry Skin, Cradle Cap and Eczema (2 Pack) will not only work if your baby starts to develop cradle cap but it’ll help to prevent it – use it during bath time. The Frida is just a newer version of the Bean B and both will work.

FEEDING BABY

Pacifier ⇒ This Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier, Orthodontic, 12 Months and above pacifier and this pacifier clip  Leather Suede Braided Pacifier Clips By Zelda Matilda. Handmade, Expertly Crafted, Highest Quality, Beautiful! For Boys and Girls

Nursing Pillow ⇒ This Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner, Sketch Slate Gray serves multiple purposes as baby continues to grow. And this light will come in handy when nursing Born Free Nighty Night Nursing Light, Neutral in the middle of the night. A must!

Teether ⇒ The handles on this Sophie La Girafe – So Pure Teether Giraffe makes it easier for baby to hold.

Formula Dispenser ⇒ I’ve been using  Philips AVENT Powder Formula Dispenser and Snack Cup, Pink and when you stop the formula feeding, you can use it as a snack cup.

Sippy Cup ⇒Toddler Zoli ‘Bot Xl’ Sippy Cup, Size One Size – Pink I. Love. These. The flexi straw feature is amazing! It can also be found on these Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Flexi Straw Trainer Cup, Orange, 7 Ounce The difference is that the Munchkin cup is more affordable but the concept remains the same.

Bottle Drying Rack ⇒ You can get this  Great Essential Boon Grass Countertop Drying RackGreen or this Boon PATCH Countertop Drying Rack which I use in the kids bathroom to hold their toothbrushes and toothpaste. Also, accessory works great to hang the pacifiers or bottle nipples Boon Twig Grass and Lawn Accessory White

Bibs ⇒ aden by aden + anais Little Bib Life’s A Hoot, 3-Pack Such a beautiful design on these. And these  aden + anais burpy bib 2 pack, paper tales burp cloths.

MISCELLANEOUS

Receiving + Swaddling Blankets ⇒ I like these  aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Plus, Sweet in Pink or aden by aden + anais Disney Baby swaddles, mickey and have found that the one’s that say “muslin” don’t shrink and get softer after each wash. As for a thicker blanket, these  aden by aden + anais Stroller Blanket, Dove stroller blankets are great. I also use these  Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets (set Of 3) – Cabana Stripe, Yellow, Orange, Pink and they’re just as good as the Aden + Anais!

Nose Aspirator ⇒ Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator with 20 Extra Hygiene Filters and the extra filters Nosefrida Hygiene Filters

Ear Thermometer ⇒Braun Digital Ear Thermometer Suitable for Baby, Infants, Toddlers, and Adults, ThermoScan5 IRT6500 and the lens filters Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer Lens Filters (20 Pack)

Hamper ⇒ This Household Essentials 148 Hanging Cotton Canvas Laundry Hamper Bag | White is great when space is limited. I hang it on a hook behind the door or in the closet.

Nursing Pads ⇒ These Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads, 36 count are the absolute best I’ve tried. As for milk storage bags Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags With Convenient Pour Spout and Patented Double Zipper Seal, Ideal for Storing and Freezing Breastmilk, 100 Count, BPA and BPS Free

Baby Book ⇒ This World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Soft Book  

 DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN PREPARING FOR BABY

Hospital Gown ⇒ I absolutely love my hospital gown. There’s something to be said about feeling comfortable and beautiful in what you’re wearing at the hospital. I’ve worn it at my deliveries and at my other surgeries – just remember to size up to be feel more comfortable. Gownies – Labor & Delivery Maternity Hospital Gown, Nicole S/M pre pregnancy 0-10

Have a great weekend!

Xo-Ana

Amazon – Shop. Connect. Enjoy. All from Earth’s Biggest Selection.

 

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Food For Thought – Parkland, Fl + Syringomyelia

While I am not here to debate, I did want to share my thoughts and feelings on Tuesday’s tragedy. I had what I thought was an important appointment scheduled on Valentine’s Day but later realized something else would be of greater importance. I had my 12th week follow up appointment following my November 7th Syringomyelia surgery. As we made our way to the hospital, listening to the news on the radio the report came in on what was just transpiring in Parkland, Florida. It was all just developing and any further detailed information other than location wasn’t being said. While we waited to be seen, nurses outside my room began to talk saying there were confirmed casualties, my heart sank. When we arrived home, we were immediately updated on the horror that was happening right in our home state, a shooting in a high school. Since then my heart continues to ache and my prayers have been with these students and parents. These parents that have lost their babies on this tragic day and the unimaginable pain that they are feeling. I also woke up not wanting to send my 3 older kids to school. I thought it was too soon to have our children return to school when such horror is still so fresh on our minds. I’ve spent the day between watching cartoons my little ones enjoy and going back for updates of what is going on in Parkland, Florida. It’s been a day of sadness, frustration and disappointment. And because I don’t want to go to a place of hate or anger, I chose to spend the day in prayer – constant prayer. It’s worrisome and frightening knowing this is the world my kids are growing up in. A world in which on February 15th every parent felt a heart wrenching fear as they took their kids to school, a fear that shouldn’t correlate with school. A lot is being said about mental illness. I believe that many think of mental illness as taboo. I live with Chiari and Syringomyelia, symptoms that include daily pain – life altering pain and discomfort. An illness that doctors have said, has no cure and surgery is but a relief. All this, all of it, takes a back seat when I take care of my son whom in 2011 was diagnosed with speech delay and later in 2016 with Autism and ADHD. This is real, mental illness is real and more needs to be said and done for our children. It’s not taboo and it’s a conversation worth having if it’ll change the social custom of our society. It’s OK to have Chiari, Syringomyelia, depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, postpartum depression, baby blues, Autism, ADHD and the list goes on and on. Also, we need to stop being silent and feeling ashamed of mental illness. My consolation in times of struggles and triumphs is the reminder that I am not alone and that the Lord is my Shepard – Psalm 23: 1-6.

Xo – Ana

Tips On Thrifting

If there’s one thing you should know about me, is that, I. Love. Thrifting. I am frugal, not to be confused with being cheap. So, I consequently have developed a good eye for finding good quality things. Which by the way you can also thrift online, heard of Thred Up? And I don’t go just because my tribe has grown to where it’s at. I go because I love the hunt and the thrill of a good find. So, here are a few things to keep in mind on your next trip to the thrift store and if you have never gone – you must!

⇒ Charge your phone and eat.

⇒ Be sure you have cleared out space in your car, for large items.

⇒ Wear comfortable shoes and take a hands free bag/purse, this will make browsing easier.

⇒ Know your people’s sizes! I have the sizes saved in my phone, especially the kids, they are constantly outgrowing their clothes.

⇒ If you’re in search of a table or desk don’t be hesitant to go to a thrift store before going to a department store. And if you are in the hunt for a furniture piece measure the space at home and take the measuring tape to the store with you.

⇒ Start in the furniture section. If you like something, let the store associate know right away. They’ll bring it to the back of the register area and reserve it for you.     

 ** DO NOT buy anything such as throw pillows or mattress’, can you say bedbugs?!

In search of a console table, I picked up this Pier 1 Imports beauty, regular price $229.95. Goodwill price $30.00

⇒ Carry or load everything in your shopping cart, even “maybe items” and don’t put it back unless you’re absolutely sure you don’t want it.

⇒ There’s no need to touch every single clothing item on the racks, just keep an eye out for good fabrics, such as denim/chambray, cotton, silk, linen, etc.

⇒ Inspect/check items thoroughly.

⇒ Know good quality brands as well, here are a few of my personal favorites.

• If you’re pregnant,  Liz Lange Maternity from Target, A Pea In The Pod, Gap Maternity or Old Navy Maternity.
• For women, Old Navy, Gap, Joe Fresh from Nordstrom, BP. from Nordstrom, Lush from Nordstrom, A New Day from Target or Merona from Target.
• For men, True Religion, Gap, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Banana Republic, Dockers or Kenneth Cole Reaction.
• And for kids, Gap, Baby Gap, Hanna Andersson, Old Navy or Cat and Jack from Target.

⇒ Search off season too, say start looking at Winter sweaters for the family in the Summer. Just remember to size up.

⇒ Thrift stores like Goodwill have a color system, this specific color is assigned each week and will have a percentage off. So, what may have cost you $3, if it’s within the color assigned for the week, may only cost you say $1.50!

⇒ I come from a smoke-free environment and appreciate smoke-free environment items. So, if it has a cigarette smell, don’t buy it!

⇒ If you like accessories, take a look at their jewelry case, you may be pleasantly surprise of what you may find.

⇒ Every thrift store is different, yes they technically carry the same things however I’ve found that the area will influence the donations the store receives. I have three stores I generally tend to visit the most and have found that “A” will be best to shop for my husband, “B” for the kids and “C” for furniture.

⇒ Lastly when I arrive home, I like to remove all tags and put in to wash ASAP.

And like all things, have fun!

-Ana