Moby Wrap – it’s a MUST for hands-free baby wearing. Got mine on eBay and I loved using it. Top of my list.

Hooter-Hiders/ Bebe Au Lait/Nursing covers are a life saver for when you have visitors or are visiting others. Cute ones one etsy.

Bottles – I managed perfectly fine with 2 sets (8 bottles) of 5 oz. Medela bottles. They fit the breast pump and that’s what I needed. I also had a set of breast milk storage bottles…and you can fit a nipple on them. That’s how I chose – so they worked with the breast pump.

When she got bigger and needed more, I used the “Green to Grow” brand. Look for BPA-free plastic. I never tried the ones with the liners, but softer plastic usually leaches into liquids. Now she uses straw sippy cups and loves them (at 16 months).

I used a Diaper Genie in the beginning, but don’t anymore. Now I just throw it in the trash.

Seventh Generation diapers rock…even better than Huggies, Pampers, etc. I think…plus they’re better for the environment. I also love my BumGenius and Monkey Snuggles (on etsy – ask me if you want the address) cloth diapers. Easy peasy to use…and you’re not always buying diapers.

Warm air humidifiers really do help when they have a cold.

Boppy’s do help. Especially when they’re teeny tiny. Then they can use it to help them sit up when they’re getting stronger. Now I use it as a pillow for me in the recliner when I am up with her at night (she’s sick right now).

Get a bouncer/vibrating chair…a small one. They love the ‘heartbeat’ sound. I brought it to every room with me…bathroom (to get a shower in), kitchen (to clean or cook). Harper has a swing but she really didn’t use it THAT much…but it’s nice to have around.

We have one big stroller (bigger tires, can hold lots of stuff!) and one little one…easier to pack up on short walks on flat surfaces.

Harper slept in her bassinet next to my side of the bed until she was maybe 6 or 7 months (can’t remember). Great to have, especially when they’re newborns so they’re close by and you don’t have to keep getting up. I don’t know if the rocking one is necessary, but that’s just because mine didn’t rock.

I didn’t use gowns, but I liked the one piece pj’s instead of onesies and pants when I could. Onesies are nice, though, when they’re little. Now I’d rather have separate shirts and pants.

Alright…that’s all I can think of for now. I’m so happy for you!!

xo, L.

2. I’m a sucker for glass bottles. They are much easier to clean and if you are worried about them breaking get one with a silicone sleeve. For the first 6 months or so you have to hold the bottle for them anyways.

3. Nope. Most people say they are more hassle than they are worth. And I highly recommend you checking into cloth diapers… at least for at home. They’ve changed a lot over the years… check out my favorites, the Fuzzibunz!

4. I prefer PJs with feet and onsies… we never used a gown.

5. My BOPPY. Get one and take it to the hospital… your arms will thank you whether you plan on breastfeeding or not!!! Swaddlers are also a must. Our baby wouldn’t sleep without one. And tons of burpcloths and blankets. I thought we had too many… I was wrong.

6. We bought a wooden rocking cradle from JcPenney. Our son was able to sleep in it for 7 months because it was longer than bassinets (we only moved him to his crib because he is pulling up now). It took up less space in our room. I could rock him when I wanted to, or I could lock it in place. Plus, I could see him through the slats from a laying down position (invaluable when I was a nervous mom recovering from a Csection… sitting up to check on him was no fun).

7. We didnt think we would need a humidifier but bought one when our son got his first cold… it really does help.

8. We didn’t need a monitor for a long time because he was sleeping in our room. Since we just moved him to his room we went ahead and bought a video monitor. They are much cheaper on Ebay FYI (We got a brand new Summer Infant monitor for half the price). I am really enjoying the video feature… I can check on him when he is making noise without making him wake up more. I think an audio monitor would just make me worry about every sound…

okay I have a few things to add.

#2 bottles: if you were to ever listen to me this would be my advice. Liners period. Use bottle liners instead of the hard plastic bottles. Trust me even though those liners are $4 a box. (which holds 50 liners) they are cleaner, easier to use, less air to baby, and you can always risen and re-use.

And I know this sounds stupid but use a slow flow nipple. It doesnt really matter what color or brand, but do make sure its slow flow and not a “mini” one.

#6 Bassinet is a no. Big waste of money. They “live” in there only a few months (maybe 3 months knowing the genes that you are fighting) a playpen will be used over and over and it has a “bassinet” type feature.

#7 You need one that both cold and warm mist. But no no no vicks vabor rub when baby is sick. So dont buy the Vicks humidifer . . . .

gotta go bella is screaming and mali is well mali . . .

love you

Tori

2. Flannel sheets are good for swaddling, and you can cut them up to make baby washclothes too. (Many babies are sensitive to wipes, wet baby washclothes are a good alternative)

3. A Boppy pillow is very helpful. Big box stores offer the best price (BJ’s, Costco, etc)

4. Most experts advise babies should not sleep with blankets — sleep sacks are excellent to keep baby warm.

5. Don’t get a drop down crib — they are currently being recalled & manufacturers are phasing them out of production due to safety issues. Get a crib with an adjustable level matress — and you won’t need a bassinett.