I've been a mom for 6 months so I've officially entered the expert zone. I'm only half kidding.
I know there are a lot of preggos out there. One of my best friends from my college days is pregnant with her first.
I was a first time, expecting mom only a few short months ago without any idea of what I really needed to take care of this precious little being inside me.
I was clueless.
So, I'm here to help each and every one of you with the things you may be considering but don't think you really need. I'm here to tell you, you do!
I'm giving you what worked for us, in our situation.
First thing you need is a swing. I know you're thinking that it will only be used for a few months and you're right. However, it will help you keep your sanity.
I didn't have one when we brought baby home from the hospital but after a month, I knew that I wouldn't survive without one (we had a seat that would vibrate but every time I turned it on, she'd start screaming). When you're making calls to your husband that go something like "YOU NEED TO GET HOME NOW! DROP EVERYTHING AND RUN! I NEED TO SHOWER....I NEED TO PUT MAKEUP ON....SHE WON'T LET ME PUT HER DOWN!", you know you need one.
In all seriousness, if you ever want to do anything outside of holding your baby, you will get them something that will entertain or put them to sleep like this.
The one we have allows you to set a time up to one hour. Ours runs on batteries but is energy efficient (had if for 6 months, haven't changed the batteries yet and we used it all the time - at least 2-3 hour each day). You may consider one that plugs in if you don't want to pay for batteries. You'll want one that cradles and sways. Trust me on this.
You need a stroller.
Of course, most everyone gets a travel system. However, I think you need more than one. Before you roll your eyes, let me explain. I have two strollers: one that matches the car seat (Graco Stylus) and a jogging stroller (Baby Trend Expedition).
The jogging stroller is perfect for running (obviously), walks and "off-roading", and putting baby immediately to sleep but not for things such as shopping - the basket in the bottom is not spacey enough, well for my needs anyway.
The stroller that matches the car seat is perfect for shopping or anything that involves rolling on a smooth surface and for baby to take naps (the seat lays down better on the Graco than the jogging stroller). The basket underneath will hold your purse and quite a few shopping bags.
However, if you only are buying one stroller, I would highly recommend a jogging one...the wheels are real and not plastic and you can pretty much use it everywhere. Plus, if your husband isn't home and you need to go for a run, there is nothing holding you back!
I ended up buying my jogging stroller from Craigslist. It was practically brand new.
A diaper bag that clips on to the back of your stroller. It won't knock you in the legs while you're walking and you'll have a lot more space in your basket for shopping bags. I also recommend getting two different sizes and gettting one where dad wouldn't be embarrassed carrying it around. I have this one and I absolutely love it.
We initially registered for a video monitor as a joke, just to see if anyone would buy it off our registry. Well someone did and that someone was my mom! Holy cow this will keep you sane. If you're like me and would go rushing into baby's room at any little sound, you need this. It sits on my night stand and any sound she makes, I can quickly roll over and take a look at what she's doing.
The ability to watch your baby's chest rise and fall without getting out of bed is beyond words. You're already tired, why make things harder on yourself by getting out of bed to make sure you're baby is okay.
Another thing I love about it, is that we go to bed later than Quinn does, so if I need to check on her, all I have to do is walk into my bedroom to see. I don't have to be quiet sneaking up to her crib to make sure she's okay.
There is also an on/off switch for the video portion so that you can use it as a normal monitor as well.
Summer Infant Day and Night Video Monitor
We have used our Boppy pillow for so many things. Conventionally it's supposed to be a pillow used for feeding, more specifically breast feeding. I didn't breast feed but we got so much use out of it. This pillow allows you to channel surf, play on the Internet and/or Facebook stalk while doing double duty feeding your babe. Plus, you can throw the baby in this for naps, tummy time or to prop baby up so she has a better view of the television. The pillow is also good for head support in such places as an airplane or if your ever in an accident as well as a comfortable footrest. I highly recommend this pillow for every mom and dad. I think my husband used it more than I did.
These bottles are the best. Actually, I don't know if they really are because we've never used any other type of bottle. However, we've never had a problem with gas or upset stomach from using these. I've heard other mom's say that their baby was less fussy ever time they used these bottles. The wide bottles are great for newborns...they spill less.
Things you don't need, will be a complete waste of money and if you ever receive, should promptly take back to the store:
Bottle warmer
Wipe warmer
Bottle rack (get a drying mat and use your dishwasher and a sterilizer)
A useless husband
Also, if I have to offer you one piece of advice for after labor it would be to take a stool softener. You have a lot going on down there, the last thing you need is more pain. It won't make you go but it will make it easier for when you actually have to go. Yes, I went there. You can thank me later.
Aaaaaaaannnddd on that poop note, I gotta go.
Later!
**I am in no way getting compensated for this. This is mere opinion. However, if your company would like me to review your product, send it my way!**
