My favorite things
15 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in products
So I just had a baby about 2 1/2 weeks ago (birth story to come– it’s a doozy!) I’m trying to adjust to life with an active toddler and an inconsistent newborn. As such, I’m starting to realize that there are a few things that are helping me get through my days without tearing my (newly short) hair out.
Nick Jr: My toddler is watching an obscene amount of television. Once things settle down we’ll get back into the routine of getting out more, but until then, Moose and Zee (and Dora and The Fresh Beat Band) keep him entertained while I’m trying to feed his sister every 2-3 hours. At least he’s learning Spanish and some dance moves!
Babywearing: Lily only sleeps if 1) she is swaddled; 2) she is in the bed with us (I know, I know!); or 3) she is on someone’s chest. I don’t think I would get anything done without 2 very important products. The Gypsy Mama Wrap comes in gorgeous designs, and allows me to carry Lily around while doing dishes, hanging/folding laundry, and chasing Ty. My Maya Wrap stays in the car, and allows me to wear Lily around while running errands around town. That way I can avoid hauling the stroller out, or precariously balancing her car seat on the store carts (that just scares the crap out of me!)
Swaddling blankets: I have used the Swaddle Me blankets, but find that Lily tends to overheat a little in them. So I ordered some muslin blankets from Figure 8 Maternity. They have free shipping, and also offer loyalty credit. Muslin blankes are lightweight, and help regulate the baby’s body temperature. They are also HUGE, so the swaddling can be a little tricky, but you can also use them as blankets, nursing covers, burp cloths, stroller covers, etc. And babies LOVE being swaddled!
Crayons: Another great distraction tool for Ty. He loves to color, so the combination of these large crayons plus his art table (purchased from Craigslist) is heaven for me. Now I just need to break him of the habit of coloring on the windows and back door…
Thirsties Duo Wrap Covers: I got most of Lily’s newborn cloth diapers off of Craigslist, but bought 3 of these diaper covers from local San Antonio shop Go Baby Go! Lily has had a couple of nasty diapers that escaped the diaper…but not the diaper cover! The leg gussets help to contain the poop. They are adjustable, and last from 6-18 lbs (for size 1). The size 2 lasts from 19-40 lbs. I use these covers over prefolds and fitted diapers.
Many more items to come as the weeks progress!
