The Mama Stuff I Need

There are lots of questions you get asked when you have a baby: Does he sleep well?  Are you breastfeeding or formula feeding?  Don?t you just love being a mom?  What are your must have baby items?

Those all have easy answers, but not all of them warrant their own post.  The last one, however, I do think deserves a post.  If nothing else, I hope I can help someone who is searching google, desperate to learn what a real mom loved and needed, and not wanting to rely on a generic list.  So here goes?

Moby Wrap

Lifesaver.  Aaron is a great baby.  He?s super happy and easy to soothe.  He does have days when I absolutely cannot put him down no matter what.  He just NEEDS to be held.  This allows me to hold him close, which comforts him, but still get things done.  Plus, it doesn?t hurt my back the way some other carriers do!

Fisher Price Hoppy Days Bouncer

This bouncer doesn?t have a whole lot of bells and whistles, but Aaron is perfectly content in here, so I can do things.  He loves the little animals and smiles and talks the them, plus the vibration seems to soothe him.

Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe Gym

He?ll just play away forever on this thing!  There?s lights and music, lots of bright colors and textures, and fun animals to look at and play with.

Summer Infant Swaddleme

Swaddling Aaron really helps him sleep well.  Swaddling helps babies to feel more confined and organized.  He sleeps much better when swaddled than when he isn?t.  I don’t like the idea of using a blanket to swaddle him since it can come loose, but this keeps him nice and secure with velcro, cleans well and is cotton, so it won’t overheat him.

JJ Cole Car Seat Cover

I got this from the wonderful people over at CSN Baby.  When they offered me a $40 gift card I was totally overwhelmed on what I should get-something for the house?  Something for me?  Something for Aaron?  I realized that this car seat cover was a great choice.  I had a Bundleme for Aaron but I just didn?t love it.  I felt like when he was in it too long he would get too hot and sweat, which I didn?t like.  I?ve also read several articles that suggest that anything which interferes with straps on a car seat is unsafe.  This helps keep Aaron super warm, protects him from the elements and doesn?t interfere with the straps.

We also received the Sassy Baby Counting and Spelling Bath Appliques from CSN Baby, but have not used them yet?he?s still a little young for bath toys!

Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat

This is a safe car seat, I did a lot of research before choosing it.  Aaron is fairly comfortable in there (he falls asleep in the car, but wakes when he?s not moving in it), and never fights the straps or buckles.

Baby Trend Snap N Go

This is so much lighter and easier to use than the stroller that came with the car seat.  It folds up so easily, and fits nicely into the trunk of both cars (not that fitting it into the trunk of the Rav4 is a challenge).  It unfolds easily, and is easy to carry and generally use.

Learning Curve Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub with Sling

Seriously, I have no idea how I would bathe Aaron without this.  I loved the sling when he was teeny tiny (no more?so sad), and now he can sit up on the infant side.  He seems to absolutely love the bath (Thank G-D), and does great in this.  It?s sturdy no matter where I place it, drains and cleans up nicely and has a space for soap and other things!

Summer Infant Slim & Secure Handheld Color Video Monitor

I was really on the fence about getting a video monitor.  I also considered a motion sensitive monitor, but after reading many reviews decided against it, since I thought it would drive me crazy.  I love that I can see what Aaron’s doing.  Just because he’s making noise, doesn’t mean he’s upset.  With this, I can let him do his thing and fall asleep on his own, without having to check on him constantly!

Especially for Baby Pacifier Clip

While I wouldn?t let Aaron sleep with this attached to him, it?s nice for times he?s in his car seat or bouncy chair so his pacifier doesn?t get lost under him.  It?s also great for the car.  It?s easy to find the binky since it?s attached to him!

Isis Parenting

I’ve really enjoyed the 2 classes I’ve taken so far, and have already signed up for another.  I’ve met some great people, gotten some great products (because I can’t seem to step foot in there and not buy something) and learned a ton.  I highly encourage people to seek out a place like Isis in their local area.

There are of course many other things I couldn?t live without?diapers, wipes, blankets, burp cloths, my diaper bag, clothes and all of the other basics.  However, these are the bigger items that I?ve come to love.  Babies are a significant investment, you want to love the things you?re using everyday, right?

Are you a mom with a baby product you absolutely love?  What is it?

If you aren?t a mom, what product can?t you live without?