My baby must-haves

Finley is 6 months! I cannot believe it. It has been an absolute whirlwind!

So this isn’t necessary a baby checklist…yes you need a car seat, stroller, first-aid kit, diapers, wipes, etc., but these are some products in addition to the necessities that made my life easier. I have used all the products linked and highly recommend them. Happy Friday!

Homes toys/stations:

• Swing and Floor Seat
  • We keep a swing and a seat on main level and top floor of our house. Having one upstairs for showers, makeup, laundry has been so helpful.
• Baby wearing…if you want to get ANYTHING done – I have a Ring Sling Baby Carrier and a Ergobaby Baby Carrier
• These are Finley’s favorite toys:
  • Toothbrush and Teether
  • Teether Ring
  • Activity and Teething Fox Toy
  • Baby Paper Crinkly Baby Toy

Breastfeeding/Pumping:

I made it to my breastfeeding goal of 6 months and still going. I do have to supplement about 4-8 oz. a day with formula but I’m still super happy with my supply compared to Hartley. As a working mother, pumping has become my way of life. I pump all the time it feels like, but getting a schedule and having some essentials make this task so much easier.

• Nursing Pillow
• I used a Spectra pump this time and really liked it – changing out the white valves every 2 months also helped tremendously with keeping a good suction
• Hands Free Pumping Bra
• Glass Storage Jars
  • Like my bottles, I hated the plastic storage options (the bottles get junky and the bags tip, I had a bag break so with a long commute they just weren’t working) – these glass mason jars are just amazing and they fit perfectly into my carrier to and from work
• Mama supplements (see my lactation brownie recipe)
  • Brewer’s Yeast
  • Flaxseed
  • Wheat germ
  • Milkmaid Tea

Feeding:

• Glass Bottles
  • I swear by glass bottles. Yes, there are many different manufacturers but these are my absolute favorite. They come with vented nipples so there aren’t a lot of parts. They never have a smell or get that old used plastic look. If you are worried with transporting them, I have this protective sleeve that gives some assurance of breaking.
• Natural (clean ingredient) bottle soap and bottle brush
• Breast Milk Ice Pack
  • This fits the glass bottles great for trips or outdoor workouts

Teething/First Aid:

• Amber Teething Necklace
• Teething biscuits are a life saver!
• Frozen green beans…Finley has been loving this on her teeth and teaching her fine motor skills. Once thawed just watch carefully so they don’t gum off too much

Workout Essentials:

Getting a workout outside with my girls was/is a sanity lifesaver. So enjoyable to get something done with them that helps me feel good about myself. A lot of times I’ll do my walk/jog then do a weighted circuit while I let Hartley play at the playground, which is a double win!

• BOB Jogging Stroller (I found a almost brand new double BOB off craigslist, and it was totally with the splurge)
• Battery Operated Clip on Fan (USB Rechargeable)
• Breastfeeding Scarf/Baby Car Seat Cover (this one is cheap and is a good sun protector)
• Weights
• Mat

Bath/Sleep:

So we are still working on getting Miss. Finley into sleeping longer through the night. She gets hangry through the night. After our 6 month visit we are a little more confident in starting to wean her off constant night attention. Our new bedtime routine is warm bath, baby massage with coconut oil and lavender essential oil, read a book, and then feed her. She normally falls asleep after all this but if not we are still putting her to bed and letting her self-soothe (which I hate…who wants to self-soothe LOL).

• Organic Coconut Oil
• Lavender Essential Oil
• SleepSack
• Muslin Swaddle Baby Blanket
• Sleep Sheep
• Video Baby Monitor
• This bath set is my favorite gift to give new parents, the smell is so delightful!

I hope that some of these products help you prepare or help with life with an infant. It is a process mama (and dada) but with the right tools it can make life easier!