06 Nov 2012 5 Comments
Top 20 Must Have Baby Items (from a natural “crunchy” Mama)
People who know me know that I research everything to the “umf” degree before making a decision. I love reading product reviews, ratings and forums about what is out there. My idea of a fun time is “hanging out” at baby stores and getting into lengthy discussions (many times, debates) with the people who work there. Several of my pregnant friends have asked me what are the best things to register for and so I have decided to make a list of my favorite baby items 
Baby Bjourn Bouncer -It is lightweight and folds flat for traveling or storing. It doesn’t need batteries and it doesn’t swing, sway, rock, vibrate or play music which I have found to be a good thing. I notice that babies start to depend on those things when they spend a lot of time in a bouncer/swing that does that. It has three positions that they can play, rest or sleep. This bouncer uses the babies natural movement to create a slight rocking movement and it has the greatest weight capacity of any other bouncer I looked into (up to 29 pounds). My son was in it until he was 18 months old, but I know people that used it until their child was two years old.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Metro Bag-This breast pump is amazing! I love that you can take the pump out of the bag. This all in one bag has everything you will need.
Ergobaby-I have tried many carriers and by far this is the best one. Since I have back issues it was really important that I find a carrier that puts the weight of the baby on my hips (vs. my neck/upper back). With the Ergo, you can put the child in 3 different positions-front, hip and back and the weight limit is 45 pounds (you can also buy a newborn insert). It has a wonderful head support hood, which is also great in the sun or when you don’t want people to breath or touch them. I would highly recommend NOT TO BUY the famous BabyBjourn carrier. Many people complain of back pain when it comes to the BabyBjourn, but there are developmental issues with carrying your baby facing out, which many people do with the BabyBjourn. This website can explain this issue in more depth-Forward facing out in a baby carrier-what you should know.
Hands Free Pumping Bra-Enough said! I’m writing this post with both hands, thanks to this wonderful invention
Nautrsutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier, Rounded: Made from 100% natural rubber tree. It is one continuos piece so there is no chance for bacteria to hide and grow in cracks.
Born Free Glass Bottles: This was the only bottle my children wouldn’t choke on and glass is best when it comes to sterilizing.
Aden and Anais Swaddle Blanket : I use these blankets for everything, not just swaddling. They are made out of Muslin,so they are breathable. I use it as a sun/wind shade, blanket, swaddle, impromptu hooder hider, play mat (on the go) etc. Read or watch on DVD Happiest Baby on the Block to fully understand why it is so important to swaddle and to learn how to do it properly
Miracle (swaddle) Blanket: The only pre-done swaddle that my kids couldn’t get out of. Every other pre-done swaddle was a complete waste of money.I love this swaddle and it has an extra flap so their arms stay at their side (which is important). This blanket allows their legs to bend or straighten.
Milkies Milk Saver: I over-produced milk BIG TIME for the 1st 6 weeks post pardum so evertime I would nurse I would put this silicone milk saver on the other breast to collect milk that leaked out. By the end of each day I collected 3-5oz. and froze it…all without pumping!
Johnson’s disposable nursing pads: I am all about reusable cloth when it comes to nursing pads, but I am still on my search for the perfect reusable pad because I leak right through 100% cotton ones (I’m going to try wool-I hear they are more absorbent). I tried many disposable pads but these cheap ones are the best (go figure!). They are the most absorbant and they are stiff so they look better under tight clothing and they don’t bunch up like the other ones I tried.
California Baby Shampoo and Bodywash-Super Sensitive: All natural, no chemical or artificial fragrance. It is the only thing I use for my toddler and newborn.
JJCole Urban Bundleme (CarSeat) : Best invention ever if you live in cold climates. It allows your child to stay warm and cozy without loading tons of blankets on them.
Medela Pump and Save Breast milk Storage Bags: These attach easily to your pump so you can put it straight into the freezer when you are done.
Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub: Folds flat and stores away nicely. Dries quickly and has 2 settings for infant and toddlers.
Stay Dry Bath Apron and Towel: This towel is attached around your neck so it allows you to stay dry and keep your baby safe because both hands can remain on him/her
Continental Quilting Quilter Waterproof Multi-Use Pad: I have one of these in a few rooms of the house so that I can change a diaper wherever I am and not have to run upstairs to the changing table. It is also a good thing to have if you want your baby to “air out”. I also keep one in the car, I can’t tell you how many times I have had to use my driver’s seat as a changing table.
BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light 2: It’s light, compact and easy to take wherever you go. It is also “dummy-proof”, which most pack and plays aren’t.
Renee and Jeremy “Its a Big World“: Best CD ever, gets my kids calm and alseep like magic! Plus, the songs are soothing and catchy.
Vulli Sophie la Girafe Teether: Made from 100% natural rubber and food paint. Phthalates and BPA free. Everyone has it for a reason-best teether toy on the market!
Coconut oil: USE FOR EVERYTHING! It is the best for relieving diaper rash, cradle cap, dry skin, scratches, eczema etc. Don’t waste your money on buying creams, lotions etc.
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Nov 06, 2012 @ 06:10:17
Daniella,
Now I know why we were roomies!! I agree with almost everything you wrote and use well over 70% of the items on your list!!! Great list!
Nov 07, 2012 @ 17:55:55
Was curious to hear more about how you use coconut oil for babies as well is in different recipes, if you have any tips on making the best use of the oil, especially since it’s a pretty expensive item in my pantry, it would be great to hear some info about it based on your experiences using it.
Nov 11, 2012 @ 02:05:20
I use plain ‘ol coconut oil (out of the jar) as diaper rash cream, body lotion and to relieve cradle cap. I also use it on chapped noses and lips for my kids and myself. Coconut naturally kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. I use to love California baby lotion and their calendula cream but I saw the same (if not better) results from coconut oil and it is much much cheaper!
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