Every Mom has a different idea of what is necessity and what they could have lived without. I have researched all of these products and the many places you can purchase them. The link to each site will take you to the place I have found them to be the least expensive/ offer the best sales/ free shipping/ etc. Granted none of these are really necessities, but looking back they are things that if I have to buy everything all over again, these would be my absolute MUST HAVES FOR BABY GEAR.
1. Baby Jogger City Micro Jogging Stroller: When we first purchased our carseat, we like most first time parents were drawn to the travel system (stroller and carseat combo). Don't get me wrong I loved our Maxi Cosi Travel System, but over time that stroller takes up soooooo much space in your trunk. My husband also really wanted a jogging stroller. I came across this bad boy in an online sale and got a KILLER DEAL on it. Seriously $99.00 sale, Regularly $220.00. It has been one of our greatest baby investments. It literally folds up to half the size of traditional strollers, it's durable,
really folds and unfolds with one hand, and you can purchase the carseat adapter to make it compatible with ANY brand of carseat.
2. Aiden and Anais swaddling blankets: These are simply the best blankets, hands down. There needs to be nothing more said about them. Except, they are a soft, breathable but still warm, muslin fabric with ADORABLE prints on them. You can pretty much find these at almost any baby store. I purchased most of mine from Target. They come in a 4 pack for anywhere from $29.00 to $39.00 depending on the print you choose. They can also be found at
Nordstrom,
Babies R' Us,
BuyBuyBaby, and tons of online retailers. Get some, you will be so glad you did.
3. Layette Gowns: These are pretty generic but I have discovered they are actually quite difficult to find since having our little munchkin. I was lucky and found most of mine at Target before they stopped carrying them in store. I also found few at
Walmart, and
Carters. These are a total must for Newborns. They are warm, make those middle of the night diaper changes a breeze and wrapped in a swaddle make the perfect go to outfit for those tiny little, difficult to dress bodies.
4: Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor: The last thing you want to think about when having a new baby is SIDS, but really how can you not worry. I was desperate to keep her as safe as possible and this monitor gave me the peace of mind I needed. Not only does it track their sounds like a typical monitor, but is also has a sensor that you place under their bassinet or crib mattress. This tracks their movements and breathing patterns. If no movement (chest rising and falling with each breath) is detected after 15 seconds, it beeps. If it then goes to 30 seconds, then it begins to alarm.
5. Maxi Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Carseat: Words cannot express my love for this carseat. In fact if you go
here, you can read my fabulous 5 star review I left. We purchased this when Maggie was about 3 months old. Right about the time that babies become a pain, literally, to haul around in their infant carriers. I researched, and researched some more and finally decided on yet another Maxi Cosi. I was not disappointed. This seat is SO comfortable. There is no exaggeration when I say she would be asleep within 5 minutes of being put in it. It has a Neoprene/Memory Foam like padding through out the entire car seat. Extremely cushioned head supports and body supports and can hold from 8-70lbs. You can also purchase it with "Tiny Fit" which can then take it down to 4lbs. These carseats can also be found
here.
6. Fisher Price My Little Lamb Infant Seat: This was an after thought item for us. After carrying our Mamaroo all around the house for the first 3 weeks after Maggie was born, we decided that for quick things like the shower, we just needed something small. Our Friends offered us to try their F.P. vibrating, musical infant chair. It was perfect. She loved it and it only weighs about 5lbs. We will definitely be purchasing our own one of these when #2 comes along.
7. Blooming Bath: The tale of the baby bath goes something like this. I would research online, find something I liked, go buy it, stare at it for a week and decide I hated it. So I would return it. Repeat this about 3 times before finally stumbling upon this little gem. Not only would I use this to lay Maggie on to give her her sponge baths while waiting for her cord to fall off. But I then used it in the kitchen sink, then laid it in the tub, then placed it in a laundry basket when she became mobile and now we just use it as a fun cushion to sit on. I will definitely be purchasing another one of these for the next baby.
8. Petunia Pickle Bottom Sachay Satchel: I spent about 2 months carrying around one of those duffle of a diaper bags when I said enough is enough. I'm buying a Petunia. My Husband didn't say a word. After 10 months, Kidney Stones, C-Section and Gallstones with Gallbladder removal, I figured I deserved it and all it's cuteness to carry around. One Year Later and it is still in perfect condition. I have even seen used ones on Ebay for insane deals and they look brand spankin new.
9. Maxi Cosi Mico Carseat: From the very beginning I wanted all of our big ticket, reusable baby items to be pretty neutral and I was having the hardest time deciding on a carseat. Literally I bounced back and forth between probably fifteen different brands and styles. Finally I found Maxi Cosi. As I started reading reviews, chatting with other friends who used them, and really looked at the materials, I decided this was the one. Similar to the Cosi Pria, the Mico also has the same Neoprene/ Memory Foam Material for padding. It also has a head support that is supposed to mimic the curvature of a mothers hands wrapped around baby's head. It was the comfort of this carseat that made me look at the Pria for a Convertible option.
10. 4Moms Mamaroo: The best purchase of all. The Mamaroo. You have probably all seen this and like me thought it was some futuristic space ship for your baby, but it's better. I was all set to buy a different swing...when the Mr. and I were walking through a baby store and he saw this. Not even knowing what exactly it was, he simply stated "we have to get it". Not once in the last seven months did he have an opinion on anything I bought for this girl and now he had the nerve to completely throw off my decision. So I went and refigured my baby purchases budget and made room for this guy. Not a huge difference in price but enough to have to push a purchase back till the next payday. Boy was this worth it though. With it's 5 different motions and different speeds and multiple reclining positions, our Maggie loved it from day one. Until she was about 3 months old, it was the only place she would nap as well and that right there was worth gold to me. I will be anxious to try the new
"Rockaroo" with the next baby.
Check Back for My "Must Haves: Feeding", and "Must Haves: Toys". Have a Fabulous Sunday and Memorial Day Weekend.
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