Baby Items I've Loved

First off, thanks to all who commented and helped me so much on my last post. Things are getting better. Some nights are still really hard, but others are good. I think I'm gradually getting used to running on less sleep. I ordered the Baby Wise book after so many recommendations. I'm excited to start reading it as soon as it comes!

So, I've been wanting to write a post about the baby items (large and small) that have been essential since Curtis has come. I know before having him I was always wondering what I'd actually need/use/want right away. Here it goes:

1. Bassinet: I've loved having a bassinet by my bed. I'm not sure if I'll have one for every baby, as it does wake me up more often, but for a first baby, it is so much more comforting knowing he's right next to me in case anything goes wrong. Curtis likes to gag a lot, and it really scared me for the first week. I doubt I would have slept at all if he were in the other room.

2. Bouncer: I would get this over a swing. It's portable and light-weight. We put Curtis in it every day at some point. We use a swing too (it was a gift), but not every day, and it's harder because it's too big to move around the house. If we had a small portable swing I might use it more than a bouncer, but we didn't have the money to buy one, and the bouncers are much less expensive. 

3. Glider: I really struggled with nursing in the hospital. Now I know it's because it was pretty much impossible to be in the right position in the hospital bed. I couldn't sit all the way upright either because of swelling (and having to sit on an ice-pack as hard as a brick). When I got home I tried nursing in bed; no luck. I've found that having a designated "nursing station" has helped me so much. Oh, and I'd die without the comfy arm rests. I haven't needed a nursing pillow because the arm rests work great to support my arm and his head. 

4. Changing Table: This is essential in my opinion. I know a lot of moms will change their babies around the house, but in our small apartment it's so much easier just to have everything in one place. I've loved our changing table. 

5. Travel System: Thank you to all those who suggested we get a travel system. I've used it nearly every day since day 4. It's nice to be able to get out of the house easily. I like that when he's sleeping I can just move the car seat in and out instead of moving him. 

6. Burp Cloths (cloth diapers): Curtis doesn't really spit up much, but I've used these a lot! We have 12 and we wash 1/2 of them every other day. I like the cloth diapers because they are larger than normal burp cloths, and a lot more absorbent. 

7. Thermal Blankets: We have 4 of them. At least 1 or 2 are in the washer every other day. They stretch and help him stay swaddled. I recommend the Gerber brand. We got some from Walmart (Parents' Choice?) that are really scratchy. The Gerber ones are much softer and larger. 

8. Diapers and Wipes(obviously): We didn't stock up on diapers, and I'm glad we didn't. It's hard to know how many of what size you'll need. It's good to have a few in each size, but I've liked just going to the store and getting the size we really need, and knowing we'll use them all. 

9. Swaddle Me Blanket: Since Curtis is now able to get out of a swaddled blanket, this has saved us. He still manages to poke both hands out, but he stays swaddled and sleeps much better. 

10. Onesies and Socks: This is what Curtis wears every day. It's too hot for more.
11. Puj Tub: One of the greatest purchases. It was a little hard at first when Curtis was so small, but it's getting easier to use. I love, love, love, how easy it is to store (we hang it on the washer to dry), and its' so easy to get ready. Bath-time is great! The only complaint I have is that it's hard to wash his bottom because he's in a sitting position in the tub (again it gets better as he gets bigger). 

FOR MOM...

1. Diaper Bag: Get one you really love. You have to look at it every day. I love ours, and it fits everything I need (for now at least). 

2. Lansinoh Nursing Cream and Nursing Pads: This cream is amazing. It has worked so well for me and pretty much instantly stops any burning or sensitivity after nursing. The pads were a must have for leaking.

3. Nursing Bra: Don't wait a week to get one like I did. A good nursing bra will save your life. Also, I like having one for day and one for night. That way you can switch off. I like having a soft one for night and padded for day.  

4. Nursing Nightgown/Pj's: My aunt sent me a nursing nightgown and robe from Motherhood right after Curtis was born. I can't even express how much better late-night feedings were. Find sleepwear that is meant for nursing. You won't regret it. 

All-in-all I'm really happy with the purchases that we made in preparation for Curtis to come. There's not really anything that we really haven't used or needed (which makes me glad that we didn't go out and waste any money on something unnecessary). Thank you to everyone who helped us make our decisions. We are very pleased and we think little Curtis is pleased too!