My Favorite Things

Occasionally I get asked for recommendations on baby products and gear. Having survived seven whole months of being a Mommy I think I know what is required for the job. There are always the mandatory objects (crib, onesies, monitor, stroller, swings, pack-n-play, etc.) so this list is full of other things, my favorite things.

1. The yoga ball - this item is number one for a reason. It's THE key to sanity and sleep with a newborn. Babies love the fluid, rhythmic motion...it's just like being back at home in the womb. Forget pacing around and swinging baby until you are dizzy. Just sit on the ball (with baby in your arms) and lightly bounce. You, and the little bambino, will be headed to the land of peace and quiet in no time. Just be warned, your back will ache for a while at first, but just sit up straight and eventually your muscles will figure out what you're doing. And, be sure to get one that is big enough to actually sit/bounce on. Your legs should be at a 90 degree angle when seated. Those little midget balls won't do you any good...unless you are a midget.

2. Swaddle blankets - run of the mill receiving blankets won't cut it, they are way too small and way too slick. You need ones that are at least 47"x47". They should also be soft, but with a bit of tooth so you've got a better chance at keeping the wiggle worm wrapped up. The Dwell ones from Target are our favorites. Aden & Anis make a good version too.

3. Books with chapters - when baby is still tiny she's not going to care about pictures and rhymes so find something to read with a good story that you can enjoy too. Books with a nice flow help soothe baby and reading is a great way to establish a bedtime routine. We love the E.B. White books - Charlotte's Web and The Trumpet of the Swan.

4. Cetaphil and Aquaphor - they are the miracle moisturizers and are completely hypoallergenic. We use Cetaphil after every bath, head to toe, and then apply as needed. Aquaphor is perfect for the really dry skin, chapped mouths/noses from drool/snot, and any other body part that needs something more than lotion. And, because it's not petroleum based, it's very mild and yet very powerful.

5. Bulb syringes/saline drops (always together) - get a couple of these, no...get three of four and put one in each room of the house and one in the diaper bag too. Babies have lots of snot and this is your only defense. Squirt (scream), suck (scream) and repeat.

6. Baby Tylenol and gas drops - these are about the only pharmaceutical assistance you'll get for the first year and they can be lifesavers. Don't waste your money on the name brands, the generics are less than half the price and work just as well.

7. Seventh Generation products - these are my favorite "green" household products. They are some of the safest on the market, clean great and are readily available. From laundry detergent to shower cleaner, we use them all. Not only will you be doing your part for the planet, but you'll be keeping baby, and your entire family, safe.

8. Boppy - okay, so this is on all the lists but it's that important. You'll use it for everything. From feeding (nursing and bottle feeding) to general baby containment. It's also a huge help when baby is learning to sit. Get at least two extra covers, they come in very handy.

9. Snap-n-go stroller frame - no matter which "full sized" stroller you pick on be sure to get this little gem too. It fits just about any infant car seat and is extremely handy for the first three to four months when baby is still very tiny and Mom is still recovering. It weighs nothing and is super compact, very inexpensive too. Great for quick trips, meals out, you get the idea.

10. Ring-a-links (aka: rinks) these are the most inexpensive and yet most entertaining toy we've found. Just hook these things to anything and they are hours of fun. And, they grow with baby...first they were interesting and pretty to stare at and then to reach for. Now, they are great teethers and they make fun sounds when you wing them at the floor/dog/parental unit.