5 Pretty awesome baby gifts!

So... I was reading another blog when I got this idea. I came up with 5 things that were great to have that broke out of the normal, bouncer, high chair, stroller type of list. Here goes!

 

1. First up! Pacimals.

Picture courtesy of www.pacimals.com

This thing was AMAZING. We got one from my dear friend Chelsea when I was due with Brooklyn. It is a stuffed animal that is attached to a NUK like pacifier (just like the one from the hospital).  I had never heard or seen one of these, and we sure got a TON of questions when our little headed, tiny baby had a stuffed animal hanging out of her mouth. It was so nice though, because it helped her keep her "sussy" in her mouth and when she lost it, it was easier for her to put it back in. It also helped her learn to hold her own bottle before she was 3 months old. Their a bit pricey, but they are definitely worth every penny!

 

You can find that here!

 

 

 

2. Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser

 

Picture courtesy of Target.com



I didn't know anything about these until my good friend Ryan registered for this when she was expecting her adorable girl. Essentially it is just like doggy poop bags, but it smells good. These are a LIFESAVER when you're little one takes a stinky, and you don't feel comfortable throwing it anywhere. These are also great for clothes that are soiled when you are out, you don't feel dirty throwing it back in to your diaper bag. Best part? These are CHEAP!!

 

You can find that here!

 

 

3. A diaper warmer

 

Picture courtesy of Target.com

Being in Arizona, I didn't think I'd get much use out of it... but man was I mistaken! It was SO nice to have, and I still use one! Mine is old school status, but it's definitely GREAT to have on those chilly winter mornings (ya know... the ones that are 70 degrees). They also have on the go ones as well... don't know how that works but it seems pretty cool! The full size ones start about $22 bucks here!

 

 

4. Boogie Wipes

 

Picture courtesy of Target.com

These are a MUST have during these cold winter months, or the teething months, or any other months! These are wipes with Saline, so they are super soft on those little (and BIG) noses. I have personally used them, and they are fabulous minus the fact they took my make up right off my nose. These ones are grape scented... so good you have to avoid the urge to eat it! You can find those here!

 

 

5. Johnson's Bedtime Bath

 

Picture courtesy of Target.com
 

This stuff works WONDERS. I wish I would have used it for my other two because they were all colicky, but I did use it for London, and it REALLY does help them relax. I think it helps mommy relax a little, too. Definitely a great gift! You can find that here!

 

 

There you go! If I can think of anything else, I'll add at a later date! There are SO many must haves out there for babies, but I think these were my SAVING grace!

 



16 Random tips and tricks I've found!

16 random tips... aimed at new moms!

(not that I would know!)

• When people say "rest when you can"... seriously do it! When people offer to help, put them to work doing laundry or dishes, so you can rest.

• New born pictures are ABSOLUTELY adorable, but make sure you are asking for help to get them done! Don't push yourself too hard!

• Medella is THE best pump there is out there... do NOT Settle for less!

www.medela.com

• As far as milk storage bags go... I recommend Lansinoh or Gerber. They are the only two I have found that do not leak when defrosting.

www.lansinoh.com

• Best way to freeze milk is to lay it flat, stacked one on top of another. It saves room for your veggies and frozen meat and defrosts way quicker!

• I know the docs say that using lotion or mother's cream doesn't work against stretch marks, but I'm a FIRM believer that it does! My favorite brand is from Sprouts.

• Unless you plan on adding to your laundry pile, do not invest in the cloth leak pads. I suggest Lansinoh again, and I frown on the Johnson ones... just for leakage purposes!

www.lansinoh.com

• A nursing cover works SO much better than a blanket, if worn right. Definitely a great baby present!

• Everyone suffers from some form of post-partum. It might be brought on by lack of sleep, but it's NORMAL to feel the blues. I had it bad with my second, and worse with my third and FINALLY called the doc for some help. Glad I did and it was so easy!

•  KEGAL, KEGAL, KEGAL ladies! I believe it will help you in your delivery! I did about 100 every day while I was pregnant with all three, and I think it helped me rebound back!

• The first three months of breast feeding are hard... believe me! Learn about when your baby is going through growth spurts, so you know ahead of time. They go through a HUGE one at 3 months, which I believe is why a lot of moms quit around that time. Think... how many stopped after 3 months out of frustration? Not many!

• Take as many pictures as you can. Even if they aren't blow-up-and-put-on-your-wall worthy. Every little one helps keep those memories! 

• Do NOT buy a nursing bra when you are in that first engorgement stage. I did this, and those nice round (but painful) Double Ds didn't stay for long!

• Whatever you do, make sure YOU are taking care of YOU. You can't be strong and happy for you're baby if you're not strong and happy for yourself!

• When it comes to toddler bed time... don't hesitate to buy that "big girl bed" and throw a pair of cheapy side rails on it. It saves you a couple hundred, unless you find a cute one used. I'd suggest against spending over 50 bucks for one, especially since you can find a "big girl/boy bed" for not much more than that!

• My last... law... to... abide...by... WAIT SIX WEEKS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO "PRACTICE" CREATING ANOTHER LITTLE ONE... chances are good you WILL! Oh, and breast feeding is NOT a good form of birth control ;)! Heed this warning or you may end up with...



THIS!





Disclaimer: these are all my personal suggestions, not to be confused with doctor's orders! 

Any mother's out there want to add??