Jim and Evie's Adventures!

Baby Items We Especially Love | January 10, 2012

So over the past 3 months, I’ve developed strong opinions about some baby items and have made some observations about lots of other items.  Since we have so many friends having babies, I thought I would share what we especially like, as I looked for these kind of suggestions when I was pregnant.  Bear in mind that we were/are on a grad-student’s budget, so everything is in the Target price range rather than the fancier stuff.  Also bear in mind that all babies are different.  The pictures are not exactly what we have, for the most part, as I’m too lazy to search for specific colors.

Products We Love So Far:

*Sleep Bags

We love these.  Finn still sleeps in them more than any other type of pajamas, though he’s almost too big for them.  We have the Carter brand ones (like the one pictured).  These work for us because Finn likes to have something snug around him when he’s sleeping, but he’s way too fidgety for a blanket tucked around him and tucked under the mattress.  He’s also too fidgety and wiggly for swaddling, and swaddler gowns don’t work for him, either.  He got one from the hospital and promptly wiggled out of it.

*onesies in general.  We go through so many of these, as we layer them under anything that has snaps, buttons, or zippers to protect Finn’s sensitive skin.  Stock up!

* Whoozit

We got this toy from some friends, and Finn loves it!

*My Brest Friend

I had a Boppy, but I didn’t like it that much.  The lactation consultant that I went to, and the consultants and nurses at the hospital, recommended My Brest Friend instead.  My mom got me one, and I love it.  I still use it with Finn.  It snaps on, so it won’t wiggle off, and the area for the baby to lie on is much wider, which helps when you have a big baby.

*Graco Travel Lite Crib with Bassinet

This works great for our small apartment spaces, and it’s super easy to take down when traveling.  Finn is starting to get too long for the bassinet now, so if you’re looking for something that will last for years, go with a full-size pack’n'play.  I think the smaller size helped Finn sleep, though, since it was cozier. We also use pillow cases instead of sheets for the bassinet; they fit perfectly and they’re cheaper!

*Play Gym–ours was a hand-me-down, so no picture, but Finn LOVES his and has since we brought him home from the hospital.

* Bouncy chair and swing

We love both of ours.  Finn is getting too long for the bouncy seat, but he fits well in his swing (both by Bright Stars).  These have both been sanity-savers.

*Avent Soothies

The only type of paci that Finn will use.

*Medela Sanitizing Bags

Great for sanitizing pacis, bottles, and pump parts.  Much easier than boiling.

Nursing products that I recommend: Medela disposable bra pads (but not the washable ones–they bunch), NUK washable bra pads, lanolin, Medela nursing bras (look for sales), soothing gel pads

I can’t really think of anything that we really didn’t like, beside the Boppy.  The receiving blankets that come in the packs at the store are way too small; they only work for bitty babies.  We use ours for burp clothes.  Get bigger receiving blankets, or better yet, have people make them for you, like we did!  You’ll go through lots of blankets.

Feel free to leave comments with your suggestions!