After 7 years of trying to have a baby, we are finally parents. Being in our mid-30's we've had plenty of time to anticipate life with a child. On the flip side, we're also deep in our careers and activities. We tend to take a business approach when it comes to buying "stuff" for our daughter: Research, price check, and more research!
Over the last 3 months, there are certain products that are MUST HAVES. These are the ones that have made life easier and that we fully recommend. I won't waste your time with the losers...
The first section is for the first three months. Disoveries for 3 months and up are listed in a separate section.
Baby Must Haves
THE FIRST 3 MONTHS
Some of these products have older age applicability...so skim the titles...
- A Very Easy to Use Sling
- You've seen them in magazines or when you're out and about, but this sling is SUPER EASY. While we're big believers in crib sleep, this Sling was a life-saver a number of times. Your baby will be in a "utero" type position, which she'll love. It's also great for when you need to be out and about.
Because this sling is ONE piece, there are no strings, ties and other fasteners. Just load the baby and your done...While we have the baby bjorn, so far she's just not too into it. - Video Baby Monitor
- It's worth it!
We were given a model made for Radio Shack. I was dubious as to the need. A sound monitor seemed adequate. BUT, we're hooked. We even purchased an extra monitor so we don't have to transport the screen throughout the house. BUT, we also use the sound monitor too, as our video monitor tends to be rather "staticy".
WHY do you need to watch? Well, if you're like us and believe in a sleep schedule, you'll want to know when your baby truly falls asleep and wakes. We were blessed with a non-cryer, so this is very helpful. - Easy Entertainment--The Gymini
- This is a basic, so don't forget it. Not only are gyminis light weight--for easy transport, but they offer some good baby hand-eye cordination activity. Our baby really didn't get into it until around 2 months.
- Bouncer Chairs
- While I've included the link for Baby Bjorn--they make an adjustable seat that easily folds for transport. While this seat does not have flashy lights, music and other techno add-ons, it's great for more mellow time. The toy comes off and our daughter really likes it. Also this past month (Octobe 2006) the Wall Street Journal ranked the more expensive bouncers and gave this one the top spot!
The other chair we have is LeapFrog's Activity Chair. If you have a two-level home, GET TWO CHAIRS!!! It's worth it and we really like having two different types of chairs.
If you are only going to buy ONE chair, I'd go with the Bjorn. it will grow with your child; it travels better; and I'm really not sure that the blinking and flashing lights are all that great for babys! -- Esp. when I just read that a study linked TV viewing before age 2 and autism...hmmm. - Easy to use Swaddle
- At the hospital the nursing staff is likely to "swaddle" your newborn--using a blanket and a few quick folds to create a nice and tight burrito effect.
Forget that and simply buy the SwaddleMe. It's way easier--with velcro for the closures. Simply put baby in and wrap. You can do arms in or out and as tight as you like.
BEWARE: they shrink! Avoid the dryer and buy multiples. - This chair is like no other
- The BUMBO Seat is totally cool. My sister-in-law told me about it and after reading about how it help babies develop "trunk" control and is recommended my a number of doctors, therapists etc., we ordered one. You have to check out the website to really get the idea.
Unlike bouncer chairs, the BUMBO allows your baby to fully support themselves. NOTE THE RECENT RECALL. But hey, just don't put it on top of a table. Keep it on the floor and there won't be a problem! DUH. - Super Soft Baby Clothes
- After searching for some hip onesies, I stumbles across this company based in Seattle. The cotton is so soft and stays soft. What a difference -- versus the onesies we purchased from American Apparel and others. You'll love the look AND feel.
Bad news is that right now much of the stock is sold out... - Quilted Mattress Pad For Crib
- Don't skimp on this necessity. We all appreciate a high quality mattress and soft spot to sleep. Since there is not a whole lot of choice for the crib mattresses, make sure you buy a nice soft pad--just like you have on your own bed.
We had our daughter out of the bassinet and in her crib within the first month...mainly her choice. She slept better in the crib and NO wonder! That flimsy bassinet pad is hardly a match to the higher quality crib experience.
We purchased ours at Pottery Barn Kids, but likely most stores sell these. - Waterproof Pads
- Now that you have the quilted mattress pad and soft crib sheet, don't forget a waterproof mattress pad which you will insert between the two. Why? When you baby spits up or has a diaper leak, you can quickly change the pad and sheet and not have to fuss with the mattress pad--which is a major pain--especially if your crib is positioned against a wall.
Target and other stores sell these pads in varying sizes. They wash and dry easily and have multiple uses. - A Cutesie Fix
- I've never been one for frills or traditionally "cute" baby things, but if you need a fix, check out Bunnies by the Bay.
I was given a bib and "lovey" as a shower gift and they are so amazingly soft--much softer than anything else we received like it. The site also sells clothes, gift items and a few things for big people.
Pick these TWO Book ONLY for Sleep Strategies
Get these ASAP. You can always add more books later.
It's easy to overload on books and the result is confusion. I picked two books after hours of research and recommendations by friends with fabulous babies. The Baby Whisperer Book is so well-organized and easy to follow, but I find the schedule and some of the concepts like "tanking up" and the "dream feed" somewhat unrealistic.
Dr. Weissbluth's book is more forgiving and less militant. His basic principle is that a baby should never be up for more than 2 hours. Babies (under four months) should only be "up" for 1 to 2 hours before a nap occurs. He also provides strategies for soothings, naps and sleep pattern for older babies. The downside is that his book is rather unorganized.
BUT take the two together and you have well-rounded advice on sleep. **Baby Whisperer also offers advice on food, potty training and more. It makes sense.
Dr. Weissbluth's book is more forgiving and less militant. His basic principle is that a baby should never be up for more than 2 hours. Babies (under four months) should only be "up" for 1 to 2 hours before a nap occurs. He also provides strategies for soothings, naps and sleep pattern for older babies. The downside is that his book is rather unorganized.
BUT take the two together and you have well-rounded advice on sleep. **Baby Whisperer also offers advice on food, potty training and more. It makes sense.
The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems: Sleeping, Feeding, and Behavior--Beyond the Basics from Infancy Through Toddlerhood
Amazon Price: $12.54 (as of 07/11/2009) 
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 07/11/2009)
Great Gift for ANYONE who Travels and Cares about Healthy Living
It's a NEW Release -- September 2006
This book recommends the best fitness-focused hotels across the country and also provides nearby health clubs, lap pools and running routes. If you travel and try to stay in shape, it's a MUST.
The Athletic-minded Traveler: Where to Work Out and Stay When Fitness Is a Priority, 2nd Ed.
Amazon Price: $18.57 (as of 07/11/2009)
Three Months and Up
Here's our inspiration at ONE Year
As we discover great products, we'll make sure to add them. Since right now (Oct 2006) we're just past the 3 month mark, this section is very much a work in progress. High Chair
It's great and looks good.
We're at 11 months and still love this chair.
- Svan High Chair
- After quite a bit of online sleuthing, we chose the Svan.
Here's the skinny on why we selected this one:
1. No slouching allowed
2. Adjustable heights so can pull up to table for family meals
3. Converts to toddler/kid chair
4. Easy to clean
5. Looks decent
The plastic tray can easily be detached for serious cleaning. The cushion cover is washable. The height of the chair is friendly. It just works really well.
Bugaboo Stroller
It's worth the cost
We have the chameleon and love it. My only wish would be for more storage, but aside from that, the durabaility, easy fold down and just plain comfort are good reasons to buy. My husband likes it too.
- Where to Buy for Free Shipping
- We linked to Tiny Ride because typically you can get free shipping.
Best Kid CD EVER!
We have over two dozen and these two are CLEAR favorites.
If you click through to CD Baby you can hear a sampling of the music. I can't say enough about both Josh Levine and Billy Jonas. It's fun and smart and so above the Wiggles and the like.
- Hear a sample at CD Baby
- You can buy the CD here as well as listen to a sample of the music.
- Billy Jonas Music for Kids
- Another total winner. Creative, cool, and clever. The CD we have is What Kind of Cat are You. It's a winner. My husband also loves it.
by healthguru
In addition to being a new mom, I am on the editorial staff of athletic-minded traveler (www.athleticmindedtraveler.com), the largest healthy tra...
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