Revolution of Love.com
New Mama "Must Have" List
by Bobbi
Maybe it’s just me or maybe other moms can relate, but the moment I found out I was pregnant with Bella, I was already making plans for the nursery and picking up little baby clothes on sale. I had to fight the urge to buy every new baby invention known to man. However, living in a small apartment at the time, trying to live on a budget (“trying” being the operative word) and my husband’s voice of reason wouldn’t allow it!
Now that I’ve gotten past the “first baby” syndrome and am awaiting our second child, I can look objectively at which items truly made my life easier and which items I won’t be using this time around. Here are a few of my favorites – although, I’ll be adding more as the baby gets closer!
UPDATE - Our little Andrew is now 6 months old and I've updated some of the products below.
Big Ticket Items
Baby Co-Sleeper (if you’re not into the “Family Bed” ) – When I was pregnant a friend of mind told me to get a king bed (we had a queen) and I knew I wouldn’t need it because I was not into the “family sleeping” and didn’t plan to let my baby sleep with me. However, I also didn’t want to have a crying baby in a crib by herself so I opted for a co-sleeper. It worked beautifully to have Bella sleep at my side but still in her own space. Although after a night feeding I’d often slip her out of the co-sleeper and hold her in my arms and just stare at her precious face. So you may ask, why bother with the co-sleeper? Just keep her in bed. If so, move to the next product. We recommend the “Arms Reach” Co-sleeper either in original size or the Mini-Size.
A King-Sized Bed (if you’re into the “Family Bed”) – Okay, my friend was right. I should have gotten a king. After Bella was too big for her co-sleeper, she graduated to her crib (kept in our room) and eventually to her toddler bed in her own room. However, to this day, she’ll wake up in the early morning and want to snuggle with us, especially on cold mornings. I certainly don’t mind the snuggling since all too soon, she’ll think she’s “too old” for it, but a king bed would have made it roomier, especially with another little one coming!
A Mama-Sized Rocking Chair – I was originally looking for one of those fancy slider chairs but when I saw the price and size of them I opted for a simple old-fashioned rocking chair that I now love. My mom (who gave me the chair as a gift) also bought padded cushions for the back and seat of the chair. It worked like a charm when breastfeeding and pumping. UPDATE: Make sure to also get a nursing stool for your feet. The one we use: Medela Nursing Stool
Breast Pump – Being premature, Bella had a really hard time nursing. To compensate I had to pump around the clock so she could still drink breastmilk. I had a small hand pump at first but I eventually needed the heavier-duty pump and it worked like a charm. This is also an excellent choice if you must go back to work or if you’d like the option of being able to use a bottle but not don’t want to use formula. The one we used: Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump UPDATE: I also had a problem breastfeeding Andrew so I use this pump continuously and it is still going strong.
Baby Swing - As I mention below (for the baby rocker), we didn’t have the money to buy an expensive baby swing and I didn’t think it was a necessity. However, some of our friends chipped in and bought us one when Andrew was born and I must admit that I love it! I haven’t tried other brands so I can’t compare it but if I had to think of negatives, this version is on the large side and although it folds in smaller, I wouldn’t consider it easily portable. We find it best to keep it in one spot – which is next to my computer desk. Also, the knobs are a little hard to control and I have to play with the switch a few times to get to the right music setting. However, I consider it a minor complaint and on the whole, Andrew loved this swing when he was two months and still does at six months. When he is wide awake but I need to get something done, I set the “happy” songs and he is quite content to swing and munch on a toy. When he is cranky or wants to sleep but is having a hard time settling, I place him in the swing and put on the lullaby songs or the rainforest sounds and he drifts right off. In fact, I am only able to update this page because he is sleeping in his swing as we speak! One last note, whatever brand you use, buy one that can use batteries AND has a regular plug for an outlet. The one we use: Fisher-Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing
Smaller-Ticket Items
A Baby-Sized Rocking Chair – We couldn’t afford to buy a motorized baby swing so we purchased a less expensive “rocking” baby chair that had this vibration thing on it. The vibration scared Bella and made the floor of the apartment shake like crazy so I took out the battery and used it as a simple rocking chair instead. When I needed to pump milk or work on the bills, I’d put Bella in the seat and rock her back and forth with my foot. When she was old enough to eat I used the same chair to feed her in. (It was made of wipeable material.) The one we use: Fisher-Price Infant-To-Toddler Rocker
Baby Monitor –I used my monitor all the time when Bella was a baby and even when she was in preschool I used it when I had to shower and leave her playing in her room. I prefer the models that have both “lights & sounds.” UPDATE: The one we used with Bella needed to be replaced when Andrew arrived. We bought some inexpensive ones but they did not work well. We returned them and finally tried this Fisher Price version. It was pricier but worth every penny. The reception is great and the normal "hissing" you hear on all monitors was next to none. You could also have both receivers on at the same time and place them in different rooms. I couldn't do that with the other models I tried. Were very pleased with this version. The one we use: Fisher-Price Private Connection Monitor with Dual Receivers
Boppy Pillow – A friend bought me this nursing pillow and I honestly didn’t think I’d use it much but I found it to be a great help. You place it in your lap and rest the baby on it as you are nursing. When the baby is older, you can use it as a play pillow for them to lay upon. Now you are able to buy the pillow separate and purchase different covers for it. That makes cleaning a lot easier! The one we used: Boppy Pillow
While Out and About
Shopping Cart Cover – I love these things! Every new mom should get one at her baby shower. When Bella was old enough to sit up in the shopping cart, I hated the thought of her putting her hands and mouth all over the dirty cart. These travel seats not only covers the sections babies love to chew, it also keeps her securely in her seat. I started using it when she was 8 or 9 months and years later I still didn’t leave the house without it! I need a new one for baby two and am considering the Eddie Bauer Shopping Cart Seat Cover or the Floppy Seat Shopping Cart Seat Cover but I haven’t decided yet!
Nursing Cover – There are many moms who can just sit down and nurse their baby anywhere without a care in the world but I always preferred to have a blanket covering me. The only things with a blanket is that it can still slip off or be pulled off by your little one. Recently I came across these “Mommy Covers” and loved the make and cool patterns. This time I’ll be ready with Bambino #2. The one we use: The Modest Mommy Nursing Covers
Disposable Diaper Sacks – These small, powder-smelling mini trash bags are perfect for wrapping up those smelly diapers when you are at a friends house or a public place. It holds in the odor and makes clean up a lot easier for those around you! We used: Disposable Diaper Sacks by Sassy
Favorite Prenatal Reading
When I was first pregnant, I went crazy with buying every pregnancy book I found interesting. Now the second time around, I have narrowed it down to these five as the most useful to me. Read the Amazon reviews and see which one suits you.
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know From America's Baby Experts
By William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN
The favorite of all my books.
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth The Birth Book
By William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN
Some of the material is repeated from the Pregnancy Book but goes into much more detail on the birth process.
What to Expect When You Are Expecting, Third Edition
By Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg and Sandee Hathaway
This book is tried and true, having been around for nearly twenty years. I’ll admit that after the first read I didn’t care much for the book but I have since grown to find it very useful. (However, I will say that the recommended diet is pretty hardcore-healthy. I like books that say I can at least occasionally give into my chocolate ice cream- cravings!)
Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Fifth Edition
By Glade B. Curtis, & Judith Schuler
Unlike the books that are chaptered by month, I enjoy having a bit of new material to read as each pregnancy week passes.
The Birth Partner, Second Edition
By Penny Simkin
I recently bought this book for Brian. We took a birthing class for Bella but that was a number of years so he is using this book as a refresher course. So far it seems to suit him fine.
Favorite Prenatal Workout DVD's
Leisa Hart’s Fit Mama – Prenatal Workout
This DVD contains a 20-minute salsa dance, a 20-minute yoga burn, a 6-minute segment of labor and delivery exercises, and an 8-minute prenatal stretch and relax. I originally bought this for the salsa dance and although I may have Latina blood in me, it took awhile for me to get myself coordinated to all the moves. However, after a few tries I got used to it and it is a nice chance of pace for your cardio.
Denise Austin: Fit & Firm Pregnancy
This DVD contains a 5-minute beginning breathing exercise, a 20-minute cardio workout (a favorite,) 20-minute 1st & 2nd trimester toning segment, and 20-minute 3rd trimester toning segment. If you were used to harder workouts before you were pregnant this may not be challenging enough for you. Personally, I found it just the right level – keeping my heart rate up but not overworking me.
Favorite Baby Care Reading
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) by William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN
I referenced this book countless times while Bella was growing up! Full of useful info and I am particularly fond of William and Martha Sears (parents of 8) and their
philosophy of attachment parenting.
When Your Bambino Is A Bit Older
Portable High Chair – When we were living in our small apartment, we could not afford nor fit a traditional big high chair in our home. When Bella was very young, we fed her in her baby rocking chair (as mentioned above.) When she was older, we bought a portable high chair that connected to a regular dining chair. We found it so convenient, even after moving to a bigger place, we never bought a “real” high chair to replace it. We also found it extremely convenient when traveling and visiting family. It folds compactly and you can just take it with you. The one we used: Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat
Table Toppers – When we went out to eat when Bella was older I always carried table toppers in my bag. They are plastic, disposable place mats that stick to the table. The picture or game on the cover keeps her busy while we’re waiting for our food and the cover makes dropped food and spills easier to deal with. Sample Product: Neat Solutions 20-count Dora the Explorer Table Topper Disposable Stick-in-Place Placemats