During those wonderful yet extremely uncomfortable nine months of feeling like you swallowed a basketball, you are bombarded with the latest and greatest news on thousands of baby products. Products you did not even know existed. Fisher Price catalogs and Baby's R Us advertisements pile up on the coffee table, pages marked with bent corners and post-it flags sticking out in all directions. Ah, and then the baby registry. We march down the aisles armed with our scanners and choose multiples of this or that in every color. Other things we stare at open-mouthed and wonder if we really need it. Do we choose the regular model or the super duper model?
The truth never really reveals itself until months after the baby's arrival. It turns out we thought we needed tons of things that were completely unnecessary, and we did not think that we needed things that we now cannot live without.
Oh, the things I thought were so cute or would be so handy. Some of these things used once and tossed aside, others still in the packaging. I chuckle at some of the things I thought I could not live without. It makes me realize that some time ago, when I was a baby, when my parents were babies and especially when their parents were babies, none of these innovative products and high tech gadgets even existed. And we are all fine, right? If the world could survive without electricity at one time, we can survive without a $200 walker that has 25 functions. Now that I am a pro (this drips with humor and sarcasm) with a four month old, I will give you my insight and opinions on what the most important baby accessories and gear are. Here are my top ten, in no certain order:
1. Boppy pillow-This was and still is one the things I use constantly throughout the day. It is totally multi-functional. It is especially wonderful for breastfeeding, as it fits around your waist and the baby can rest on top to feed. It really saves your arms and is very comfortable for you and baby. You can prop your baby up in it while playing and talking to him, or bottle feeding him. You can prop him up on his tummy on it for tummy time, or you can lay on it when your so tired you just need to drop.
2. Nuk pacifier-This is the first and only pacifier my baby would take. It is shaped differently than the other brands, and whether he preferred it because it was the first one he got used to, I am not sure. Not all babies take pacifiers. It really was a lifesaver to me, however, as it calmed him and seemed to bring him comfort most times he was fussy or tired.
3. Carters Diaper Bag-I love this diaper bag. I actually have two that match. A large one and a small one. I use both, depending on where I am going and how long I will be there. Both of them have tons of pockets and zippers which are wonderful for packing all of the little things you will need.
4. Fisher Price Rainforest Swing-My little one still loves his swing to this day. He has taken many naps while swinging back and forth to the mesmerizing music, with the little mobile of animals hanging overhead. It is simply impossible to hold your baby all of the time, and the swing is a perfect place to put him down so you can cook, clean, or just get some rest.
5. Fisher Price Rainforest Bouncy seat-This is equally as useful to us as the swing. It has a vibrating option, which my baby loves. He seems very comforted by this, sometimes when all else fails to soothe him. It also has a detachable arch with lights, music and hanging toys. This is the perfect solution to being able to take a shower. Place your baby in the bouncy seat to play and peek-a-boo out of the shower curtain every few minutes to coo at him, and you will feel like you conquered an almost impossible task!
6. Graco Pack n Play-This is great because it is so multi-functional. The mattress can be raised up high as a bassinet, which is great for those first weeks home when you want him to be in your room right by your bed. Much easier than dragging the whole crib in there. When the baby is old enough to pull up you can lower the mattress to the bottom, creating a playpen that you can fold up easily and take along.
7. Car Seat/Stroller Combo-This is wonderful because when you have a sleeping infant in the car, the last thing you want to do is have to undo the seatbelts and get him out of his car seat, waking him up and having him screaming the whole way through the grocery store. With this device, simply take out the whole car seat and pop it into the stroller.
8.The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper-I loved this for those nights or early mornings where you have gotten up to feed or comfort your baby for the fifth time, are running on fumes and are just completely drained. This allows your baby to safely sleep in your bed with you. You can lay right next to him, hold his hand or rub his belly, and fall asleep together side by side with no worries of rolling over or suffocation.
9. Sony First Call Baby Monitor-A good baby monitor comes in handy all of the time, no matter if you have the receiver in your room so you can listen to him sleeping in his room, or if he is taking a nap and you need to be outside tending the garden. This monitor allows you to hear every little movement, every little breath. It is amazing.
10. Munchkin Baby Sling-This sling can be used for newborns up to 9 months or so. You just carry your baby in different positions according to age. It is very helpful when your baby just needs to be held but you have things you need to do, like tidy up the house, or do some work on the computer. It keeps your hands free and your baby is still comfortably snuggled up to you.
These are the things that have helped me make it through the first few months with ease and comfort. Each item is probably offered in many different brands/models, etc., but I just listed the ones that I am familiar with. You can only be so prepared, but with a bit of research and planning, you may be able to have the "true essentials" at home waiting when you and your little one arrive home from the hospital.