Top 5 things I couldn't live without in the first year
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If you are pregnant and anything like me, you are probably going through dozens and dozens of books and web pages trying to find the best things to get for your bundle of joy when he or she arrives. I mean, now a days it is so easy to find lots and lots of information, but that actually complicates things more. You see, what works for you doesn't necessarily mean its going to work for me and vice versa.
After going through every single web page I could find about maternity and narrowing down my must-have's list, I still ended up almost 2 years later with boxes of unused or almost new items, and a few gems that I was glad to have bought when I did.
Here are 5 of my fav items. This ones I will probably use until my youngest child outgrows them.
After going through every single web page I could find about maternity and narrowing down my must-have's list, I still ended up almost 2 years later with boxes of unused or almost new items, and a few gems that I was glad to have bought when I did.
Here are 5 of my fav items. This ones I will probably use until my youngest child outgrows them.
1. A Baby Sling or Carrier
I'm a huge fan of the baby wearing movement! Not only it provides bonding and comfort for both the mom and the baby, but let me tell you something: my sling was a LIFE SAVER! How else was I supposed to function around the house?
My sling provided comfort when my son needed it the most, you know, those days when babies cry inconsolable for hours and you feel so drained that you can barely take care of yourself. It was like magic! I would just put him on the carrier and all of a sudden the world was a brighter place!!! And let me tell you from personal experience, the feeling of having your baby like that is unbelievable!!! Not to mention the feeling of finally being able to use your arms, Oh! and clean dishes were a treat too!
I personally used the Boba Wrap for about 7-10 months and then transitioned to the Ergo Baby 360 for our outings because he was much more entertained when he was facing forward.
My sling provided comfort when my son needed it the most, you know, those days when babies cry inconsolable for hours and you feel so drained that you can barely take care of yourself. It was like magic! I would just put him on the carrier and all of a sudden the world was a brighter place!!! And let me tell you from personal experience, the feeling of having your baby like that is unbelievable!!! Not to mention the feeling of finally being able to use your arms, Oh! and clean dishes were a treat too!
I personally used the Boba Wrap for about 7-10 months and then transitioned to the Ergo Baby 360 for our outings because he was much more entertained when he was facing forward.
2. A Swing or a Bouncer
So this for me was a no brainer. I knew I might need some place to put the baby while you know... I did something besides holding my child, like maybe go to the restroom or take a quick shower. And it specially came in handy when my son turned out to be a reflux baby. He had to be propped up when he was lying down and my swing provided the perfect place for that. Plus it had a mobile and music which kept him entertained when, if I have to be completely honest, I slept for an extra 20 mins. Judge me all you want, the first year is exhausting!
Experts advice not to overuse this type of things. Make sure your child is getting sufficient tummy time and the proper stimulation for his/her age.
Experts advice not to overuse this type of things. Make sure your child is getting sufficient tummy time and the proper stimulation for his/her age.
3. A Breast Pump
Ok, so I knew I wanted to breastfeed, but the whole thing freaked me out. I think we've managed to complicate one of the most natural things in the world. Still I went ahead and got my breast pump. And boy I was glad! My son was tongue-tied and after 6 months of going weekly to a lactation consultant, he never latched. But that's a story for another day...
Buying a breast pump can be complicated. The first thing I think I would've loved to know before is that most insurances actually cover the cost of a breast pump per pregnancy.
Also, and this took me a while to figure out: Not every breast pump works for everybody. So if your nipples are too big or too small or just different, your best bet would be to get a breast pump with interchangeable breastshields. After going through 2 misserable months with my first breast pump, I switched to a Medela, which worked very well for me.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not because it is the most technological pump means it's the best fit for you.
I actually was able to get the most milk and most comfortably out of my manual breast pump, but that was not always an option as I was pumping almost exclusively. But for moms who exclusively breastfeed and who need a pump just for release or just a few times a week, I think a manual pump is your best choice.
Make sure you find out if your hospital provides you with a manual pump. My hospital did for me and I swear I loved mine.
Buying a breast pump can be complicated. The first thing I think I would've loved to know before is that most insurances actually cover the cost of a breast pump per pregnancy.
Also, and this took me a while to figure out: Not every breast pump works for everybody. So if your nipples are too big or too small or just different, your best bet would be to get a breast pump with interchangeable breastshields. After going through 2 misserable months with my first breast pump, I switched to a Medela, which worked very well for me.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not because it is the most technological pump means it's the best fit for you.
I actually was able to get the most milk and most comfortably out of my manual breast pump, but that was not always an option as I was pumping almost exclusively. But for moms who exclusively breastfeed and who need a pump just for release or just a few times a week, I think a manual pump is your best choice.
Make sure you find out if your hospital provides you with a manual pump. My hospital did for me and I swear I loved mine.
4. Two words: WHITE NOISE
It worked!! it got my son to nap and later on to sleep through the night!
I have a good napper, and I blame it all on my white noise. It really calmed him down when he didn't want to go to bed and it canceled all the noise that was coming from the rest of the house.
So, one of the theories behind this is that the white noise in some levels resembles what the baby hears when he or she is in the womb. The truth is that babies are born being used to noise, and a lot of it! the womb is not a quite place by any means (so don't be afraid to run the vacuum cleaner while your little one sleeps soundly) and white noise makes them feel right at home. (I found this really cool website explaining all about white noise for babies if you wish to deepen in the subject)
There are some very good options in the market for a sound machine, but honestly, I found several apps and Youtube videos that did the exact same thing and most were free.
Bottom line, it works! so next time you have a crying infant that refuses to go to sleep, remember this and get your tablet or your phone.
I have a good napper, and I blame it all on my white noise. It really calmed him down when he didn't want to go to bed and it canceled all the noise that was coming from the rest of the house.
So, one of the theories behind this is that the white noise in some levels resembles what the baby hears when he or she is in the womb. The truth is that babies are born being used to noise, and a lot of it! the womb is not a quite place by any means (so don't be afraid to run the vacuum cleaner while your little one sleeps soundly) and white noise makes them feel right at home. (I found this really cool website explaining all about white noise for babies if you wish to deepen in the subject)
There are some very good options in the market for a sound machine, but honestly, I found several apps and Youtube videos that did the exact same thing and most were free.
Bottom line, it works! so next time you have a crying infant that refuses to go to sleep, remember this and get your tablet or your phone.
5. A Baby Gym
Basic, basic, basic! My son spent countless hours practicing many of his new abilities on this mat.
I love a baby gym because not only will it provide a safe and entertaining place for tummy time, but also lots of stimulation for when he was laying on his back.
One of the recommendations that I got from more experienced moms, was that I should look for a baby gym that has a mat with many engaging features as well. Trust me, I don't know many infants who like tummy time, at least at first, so you would want to keep it as interesting as possible.
I love a baby gym because not only will it provide a safe and entertaining place for tummy time, but also lots of stimulation for when he was laying on his back.
One of the recommendations that I got from more experienced moms, was that I should look for a baby gym that has a mat with many engaging features as well. Trust me, I don't know many infants who like tummy time, at least at first, so you would want to keep it as interesting as possible.
These are just a few of the things that I would buy over and over again if I had to. But every child is different and every mom's needs as well, so keep an open mind and as I said before, don't go out and buy everything at once. Get to know your child and see how your life slowly adapts to this huge change.
I would love to hear the things that worked for you, please comment bellow :)
I would love to hear the things that worked for you, please comment bellow :)