STM+ Recommend Your Stuff

[MrsEmuTavi]

Coming off of the shopping thread, what are the top items you got for LO and loved?

[starsandshamrocks123]

I don't know if you're looking for cute or practical but I get these for every baby shower. Could not survive the first few months without these


www.target.com/p/medela-5ct-quick-clean-micro-steam-sterilizing-bags/-/A-10953413?sid=1281S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=&adgroup=&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=1018305&gclid=CK3mipP5j9ACFYxkhgod310Agw&gclsrc=aw.ds

[sdlaura]

One item that I hear amazing things about but wasn't as popular when I had my first two is the Rock N Play. I already have a hand me down one at my house that a friend gave me for visiting family to use, and I definitely plan to use it this time around.

We used the bouncy seat a ton. Just a simple one:

www.target.com/p/fisher-price-deluxe-bouncer-my-little-snugapuppy/-/A-14588566?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=&adgroup=&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9031285&gclid=CLDGx_X5j9ACFW0R0wodpJoPJQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I loved the Chicco KeyFit Caddy (same as a snap n go). So easy to use with the carseat.

I'm also a huge BOB stroller fan. I have both a single and double and use them all the time still with my 4-year-old and almost 3-year-old.

I tried the moby wrap the first time but could never get into it. I used the k'tan the second time and used it up until baby was about 12-14 lbs. and at that point it started to hurt my back a bit. But it is so cozy for the first couple months when baby wants to feel like they're still in the womb.

Also, the Happiest Baby on the Block book/video.

[MrsEmuTavi]

My #1 recommendation is a rocker recliner. I got one for 400$ and it has been awesome. Great for those nights when baby has croup and won't sleep anywhere but on you.
My SIL handed down a Moby wrap. It was a PITA to wrap BUT it allowed me to get things done when DS was little.
A swing was great to have. We didn't use it often BUT it was a good way to make dinner/fold laundry/have "sexy time" with H.
My 31 "diaper bag". It's huge and can fit everything and then some.

[sdlaura]

MrsEmuTavi ITA on the rocker recliner. We have this one, in a different color, with an ottoman. I highly recommend the "corduroy" fabric - it is SO soft. I still use it every night to read stories to my son.

www.toysrus.com/buy/babies/best-chairs-lily-upholstered-glider-ivory-4166-21887b-46329416

[MrsEmuTavi]

sdlaura, I have my ups and downs about choosing leather. It's easy to clean but not as comfortable. This is the one we have. Apparently it was cheaper than I thought.
www.mybobs.com/living-room-furniture/recliners/jerry-boy-ii

[lindsay]

Ring sling - I borrowed one from a friend when DD was 6 months or so, and I wish I had one in the newborn days. I had a moby which was too much work.

A diaper bag that's a backpack

Velcro Swaddles and then the zippadeezip when they can roll over and/or break out of it

Gripe water (I think that's what it's called)

Saline drops (makes clearing out their noses so much easier)

Aden and anais Swaddles/blankets

If you plan on BFing or pumping - mother love nipple cream, hot/cold gel packs (specifically for your boobs), pumping Cami, car adapter for your pump, extra pump parts, sanitizing wipes for your pump parts, milk storage bags

Rocker recliner for sure

[lindsay]

Nice stroller with food storage and also an umbrella stroller

[sdlaura]

MrsEmuTavi I think leather has the huge advantage of being something you could use elsewhere in the house when you're done with it in the nursery, right? My rocker would look really weird in the living room!

[sdlaura]

lindsay, isn't it funny how much stuff you need for pumping? I loathe pumping with a passion!

[trebletrouble13]

+1 for a bouncer or RNP. We had a bouncer like sdlaura posted and it was enough for us. I have friends who said "I thought I might send (child) to college still sleeping in their RNP."
+1 BOB stroller if you like getting outdoors. I got a cheap jogger first, but finally got a used BOB and it is amazing. I plan to get a double BOB before June Bug gets here.
I loved my Moby and Boba wraps. I got the hang of them easily, but I know they are not for everyone.
I loved our swing. It kept DS happy when I had to do things around the house and he even took a few naps in it.
+1 Velcro swaddles. So much easier MOTN. I used swaddling blankets as nursing covers and to swaddle if needed on the go.

[MrsEmuTavi]

Nov 4, 2016 16:19:38 GMT -5 sdlaura said:

lindsay, isn't it funny how much stuff you need for pumping? I loathe pumping with a passion!

This reminds me, if you are going to pump make sure that you get extra pump bottles. They will come in handy when your week gets crazy and you don't have time to wash yours.

Also +1 for saline spray. It was our saving grace anytime DS was congested.

[pinecone21]

I got a changing table pad that fit on top of the dresser. So much better than having to get rid of a stand-alone changing table when DD got too big for it.

I had a ring sling, but I used it more as DD got older. I wasn't comfortable putting a little bitty baby in there, plus it made me sweat in those first few months. I'm looking for something better this time for the first few months.

[MrsEmuTavi]

pinecone21 & lindsay, what brand of ring sling do you use/recommend?

[violetrose]

Hmm where to start! I LOVE baby wearing and own every kind of baby carrier out there. My favorites were the solly baby wrap and the Tula (which I still use on a daily basis). I have a sakura bloom ring sling which I also love but DS never cared too much for it. I will try to get this baby to like it!

What I've learned is that babies really don't need much. I never had a bassinet. DD slept in a rock and play until about 4-5 months and DS slept in a pack and play until around 3-4 months. Both weren't really expensive and had multiple purposes for them. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a basinet but that's just my opinion.

As far as swings and other baby items go, I recommend waiting to see what your baby likes. DD loved the swing but DS didn't care for it at all. I would get an infant car seat and stroller combo- that just makes life so much easier! I have a britax b agile system that I have loved so much and will still use for baby #3.

Velcro swaddles are amazing.

Other stuff like bottles and bumping parts are all kind of dependent on what you chose to do. If you have specific questions on those items I could go into all of that as well.

[wineoclock]

As far as baby wearing goes... I feel I must mention the buckle carriers for my fellow fluffy friends. I couldn't wear my Ergo out and about because the buckle gave me a very unflattering roll of fat around the buckle. I ended up using my moby during the earlier months and ring sling on my hip afterwards. This time around I'm getting a mei tai to avoid the muffin top accentuation.

I heard horror stories about getting kids out of the Rock and play so we avoided it like the plague. We used a co sleeper in the beginning then transitioned straight to the crib. Easy breezy.

[MrsEmuTavi]

Nov 5, 2016 6:55:28 GMT -5 wineoclock said:

As far as baby wearing goes... I feel I must mention the buckle carriers for my fellow fluffy friends. I couldn't wear my Ergo out and about because the buckle gave me a very unflattering roll of fat around the buckle. I ended up using my moby during the earlier months and ring sling on my hip afterwards. This time around I'm getting a mei tai to avoid the muffin top accentuation.

I heard horror stories about getting kids out of the Rock and play so we avoided it like the plague. We used a co sleeper in the beginning then transitioned straight to the crib. Easy breezy.

Which cosleeper did you use?

[wineoclock]

MrsEmuTavi I had a hand me down Arms Reach co sleeper. It's survived a friends two kids, my nephew, and my son so far. I'm hoping we can get one more use out of it for this baby.

[lindsay]

MrsEmuTavi I need to do research on a good RS. I'm not sure! The one I borrowed was a maya, and it was alright but the I didn't love the thickness of the fabric since I know there are softer, lightweight ones out there

[cheezee]

Dr Browns bottles are a PITA to clean and too many parts. I definitely won't be using them again. That's all I have for now.

[lotsoflotts]

The NoseFrida got a lot of use early on - it got the snot out so much more effectively than the bulb thing!
Earth mama angel baby nipple butter works like magic.
The Aden + Anais swaddle cloths were really nice for the summertime since they were lightweight.
I loooooove my Ergo, used it all the time! It's probably not the best choice for the newborn stage since the infant insert can get pretty toasty, but after a few months it was the key to getting anything done in the house while DS was napping.

[lotsoflotts]

And this is totally TMI and not baby related per se, but I am fairly confident that I managed to avoid hemorrhoids during third trimester due to a combination of colace + squatty potty (and a little luck!). It feels kinda ridiculous to use a stool to help you go, but it really does help!

[pinecone21]

Nov 5, 2016 5:37:26 GMT -5 MrsEmuTavi said:

pinecone21 & lindsay, what brand of ring sling do you use/recommend?

I have a Maya wrap. I got it on Amazon. I like that it has a padded shoulder and a pocket for my keys/her pacifier. If you plan on flying at all with your baby, the sling is a life saver. It was so much easier getting on and off the plane with her in the sling and my hands free to carry other stuff.

[agm04]

I'll update with links when I'm not mobile. My top must haves:

- my Brest friend nursing pillow. A million times better than the boppy IMO. we used it multiple times every day until DD was over a year old.

- leachco podster. So nice for moving from room to room for baby to hang out in. We actually have 2. DD slept in this often (supervised).

- ktan. So easy to use.

- puppy pads. We used them on all the changing pads/tables, in the diaper bag, etc. there are enough surprise bodily fluids in those early days that I'd have been doing laundry 24/7 without these!

- pack n play with diaper changing station and bassinet. We kept this downstairs for changing and napping forever (DD's room and our room are upstairs).

We have an older arms reach cosleeper. I'm not crazy about it. It's nice that it converts to a play pen, but it was too short for our bed and the extension legs didn't fit it right. The sheets don't fit right either. I'm looking for something else this time.

[dsp2013]

I'm obsessed with my Uppababy Vista. It was expensive, but had been worth every penny. It's a beast and gets used every day by us or the nanny. The basket holds so much! It's a life saver while living in the city.

We also loved our Levana Oma+. DD outgrew her bassinet earlier than anticipated and I was nervous moving her to the crib. We bought this because it alarms if it doesn't feel movement over a set time period. It gave my first time mama brain comfort.

The Dohm white noise machine is also worth every penny. City living is loud, and this has helped tremendously.

[MrsEmuTavi]

This will sound weird but hear me out. On Amazon they have a fold out memory foam mattress. It's by Lucid and they come in 3" or 4" thickness.
I found this perfect for so many moments. When H was sick so DS and I took refuge in the nursery I slept on this. When C decided he hated the PnP but loved his crib, I slept on this until he hit a year (because SIDS and I'm really cautious). DS had a bad round of croup when he was 9-ish months old and sleeping next to me on this mattress was the ONLY thing that worked for us for 2 nights. H would never be a good cosleeper with a baby so this was an awesome alternative.

[maggie6424]

Sleep gowns. Cannot say enough about how easy they make nighttime changes.
Velcro swaddles. Always size up.
If you're ff, a formula pro baby brezza is a must.

[honda13]

White noise is a life saver!

Velcro swaddles

A+A swaddles or the similar fabric. Great for a summer baby.

Baby wearing device of your liking

Nose Frida

[sdlaura]

honda13, yes to white noise! We still use it for both kids and they never get woken up by each other or outside noises. We use a white noise app when we travel too, and everyone sleeps better. I also became addicted and now sleep with multiple forms of white noise (fan and humidifier) and it really helps me sleep well!

[honda13]

Nov 7, 2016 11:56:11 GMT -5 sdlaura said:

honda13 , yes to white noise! We still use it for both kids and they never get woken up by each other or outside noises. We use a white noise app when we travel too, and everyone sleeps better. I also became addicted and now sleep with multiple forms of white noise (fan and humidifier) and it really helps me sleep well!

Yes!  MH and I are so use to the sound over the monitor now WE can't sleep without it.