A Few Favorites...

I've seen this on a few other blogs, and thought I would throw my two cents in as a new mom. These are some of the things that I have found to be especially helpful during Baby A's first 6 weeks with us.

1. Swing

We actually have 2 swings, a big one that we keep in our bedroom upstairs, and a smaller one that stays on the main floor. While I like having the big one upstairs for at night (and am thankful that our friends let us borrow it considering Baby A is still sleeping there most of the time), I absolutely love the small one. It is so nice to be able to pick it up and move it wherever I am. I put in the bathroom when I take a shower so I can get to Baby A if she starts crying because I'm taking too long. Or I put it in the kitchen when I'm cleaning up or making dinner. I love it, and so does Baby A.

2. Boppy Pillow

I also use my Boppy pillow constantly. I use it when I'm nursing all the time, but I also use it to prop Baby A up when we're playing on the floor, and for tummy time. My mom said she used to use Boppy pillows to help kids sit up when they weren't totally stable yet (Baby A isn't quite there yet). When Baby A was born I only had one cover. I quickly learned that one cover is not enough. It is a very good idea to have multiple covers in case of any baby accidents.

3. Swaddler

While I was pregnant, I read The Happiest Baby on the Block. Reading what Dr. Karp said, and talking to friends with young kids, I thought Baby A would be swaddled up all the time. She had other ideas. She doesn't particularly like to be swaddled, and is a pretty content baby, so the only time we really swaddle her is for bed (unless Uncle Brett is here- he untied her every chance he got). We got a few of the Halo Sleep Sacks that we tried a few nights, but didn't have a lot of luck. My favorite is the Kiddopotamus swaddler. It works so well, and Baby A looks so cute as just a head sticking out.

4. Baby Carriers

Little Baby A very much likes to be held. Some days I have things that really need to get done, like homework for the grad school class I'm trying to finish up, and Baby A very much wants to be held. That's why when E got home from work last night I had Baby A strapped in the Baby Bjorn and I was typing on the computer. And why when he got back from the Twins game later that night she was in the sling (kind of like this). When I go to my mom & baby class, I strap Baby A in for the long walk to the classroom, and then keep her there as long as she's content. I just started using these more, but I know I will be getting more and more use out of them all the time. I think the Baby Bjorn will be especially helpful on our travels later this month. I'm also considering a Moby wrap, but that may have to wait for baby #2.

Of course there are many other things that I use and really like having, but those are some of my favorites. I hope it's helpful!