First update in almost three years! I figured this would be a good channel to share this type of information, plus maybe I'll be motivated to start doing more posts documenting our sweet little boy!
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I’ll be the first to
admit that I was obsessed with researching things while I was pregnant. I read
plenty of blogs, asked tons of questions to mommy friends, and read various
articles/books on different topics. I wanted to be prepared. Now, after going
through the experience (and currently having fun with a 5 month-old;), I’ve
found what works for me, and I decided to compile a list of favorites to share
with others who may be curious. Again, this is what has worked for me –
everyone is different! My hope is that this can be useful for friends embarking
on the baby journey. Xoxo, Katie
Yes, that says
“blardigan” – a cardigan that is soft as a baby’s blanket. I found out about
this via the Pinterest Told Me To blog, and I added it to my Christmas list after
reviewing the hundreds of positive reviews. A few even mentioned wearing it
while pregnant, in the hospital, caring for a newborn – I was sold. It was the
best decision. This thing is incredible – so so so soft and long enough that it
covers the booty. I loved it while pregnant, I wore it in the hospital after
having Connor, and I love wearing it now because I can wrap him up in it when
we’re snuggling. It is like wearing a luxurious blanket, one that you can wear
in public too! This is worth every penny.
Note: Schaefer (from
PinterestToldMeTo) just introduced what she is calling the “Baby
Blardigan,” and because of my
deep love for the original blardigan, I pulled the trigger on this guy. I
should have it soon and I’m sure it will be another staple. I think I’ll be
adding a blanket by the same brand (Barefoot Dreams) to my Christmas list this year.
I can’t remember where I
first read about this one, but I do remember not liking the look of it. It
looks a little weird and I didn’t understand how you could easily nurse while
wearing it. Well, once Connor came five weeks early, I knew I needed to
purchase a few nursing bras right away and ordered this on Amazon Prime right
after I got home from the hospital. It turns out it is awesome. It’s soft
enough to sleep in and easy enough to pull to the side to nurse. I ordered a
second one and both are in heavy rotation with various nursing tanks. If I'm wearing a more fitted shirt and/or want a little more support without a nursing tank, I go with this bra - pretty basic and does the job.
I had no idea how much I
would want to use nursing tanks. They are so much more convenient than a
nursing bra when it comes to nursing in public or in front of people (coverage
is key). I have a few from Target that work just fine, but none that I loved.
Ashley (a good friend who’s little boy is two months younger than Connor)
recommended these to me, and I’m so glad I ordered them! They look and feel
like regular tank tops and they’re long too, which is always nice in covering
the booty. H&M is also a fun spot to look for cool baby clothesJ
I also just read a raving
review over this nursing
bra…it’s a hefty price tag, but I think it may be worth it. Seriously, I
would choose wearing a nursing tank over a nursing bra any day.
I also tried a few different
nursing covers in the first few months because I was nursing Connor on our
flights to/from a family reunion in Wisconsin and Baltimore to visit family. I
tried just using an Aden and Anais swaddle and then my Lululemon Vinyasa scarf
(like a big infinity scarf). Neither was completely secure, and neither were
very breathable for baby. I ordered this from Amazon, and while it is not
pretty, it works very well. The wire in the top gives you a view down to baby
but it’s still has enough area to protect from other eyeballsJ It’s light and breathable, too.
I tried the Medela washable/reusable
pads and didn’t have a good experience. I wish I liked them because I know
they’re better for the environment (and cheaper in the long run), but they didn’t
dry quickly and just felt uncomfortable. Next I tried the Medela disposable
pads and they were fine. I had some Lansinoh disposable pads on hand and gave
them a try when I ran out of the Medela ones, and I definitely prefer these!
They don’t seem as bulky and wick away moisture like a rockstar.
I found out about this
at a pediatrician appointment when I was speaking to the doctor about bringing
Connor to my office on campus. He uses a white noise machine every night next
to his crib, and I wanted her advice on what she recommended for creating a
good sleep environment at work. She suggested this to help with his naps, and I
found it on Amazon pretty cheap (<$10!). I liked it so much that we ordered
another one for Craig’s mom to keep at her house when she watches him, and she’s
reported success as well. We also took it on a recent weekend trip and it was
perfect + it’s still running great after being on for 20+ hours (uses three AAA
batteries).
I won a sampling of
Mustela items on a blog, and I’m so happy I did. I am obsessed, and so is
Craig. We absolutely love Mustela. It smells like heaven and keeps Connor’s
baby skin clean and smooth.
This is random but I
wanted to throw it out there because it’s been so helpful to me. When running
into Target or the grocery store with baby, I don’t like hauling the diaper bag
with me. I was carrying the carseat with baby in it, my wallet, my phone, and
my keys. It was annoying (and I know Connor loved having these various items
tucked around him in the carseat;). Kate Spade used to have some cute cases
where you could store a couple of cards in the back. I couldn’t find any for
the iPhone 6, though, until I checked Amazon. This case is fantastic—it’s
cheap, it provides good protection for the phone, and it securely holds up to
three cards. Now I only have to bring baby, phone and keys when running
errands!
I thought this was
hilarious-looking and I registered for it based off of that and how reviewers
raved about it. Now I know – this thing is legit. While it seems gross to be
sucking out boogers, there is a filter so nothing will ever go in your mouth.
This is so effective, and it definitely helped when he was a tiny guy and we
felt awful when he couldn’t breathe out of his teeny tiny nostril.
Another Internet find, I
was sold on this based on the awards and recognitions listed on the site. It’s
definitely been a cool resource to have on hand that reminds you about your
baby’s growth. The Bump still pushes out info to us on a weekly basis that has
pertinent information on where your baby should be, but the Wonder Weeks app is
more focused on developmental stages. It tells you about the big cognitive
leaps baby should be making, along with different abilities, signs and ‘help’
for each leap.
These are my top
must-haves for pregnancy and baby – I hope you find it useful! I will try and
update if I think of any others.
xoxo
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