sure there are a lot of lists out there. and I totally know how it is when you're compiling your baby shower registry. it's so easy to go nuts. there's stuff (and crap) for every situtation imaginable. but if you're like me, you'll splurge on the stuff you really want and think you need, and just say "no" to all the other clutter. and frankly, it's even better than doing your wedding registry, cuz this time, your hubby has no interest (or very little interest) in chiming in.
so, just fyi, here's My Top 8 "must have's"...and not in any particular order:
- Bella Bands - stretchy band that you wear over your regular, pre-pregnancy pants. they hold up your pants, even when the zipper is completely open! and somehow, it's strong enough to conceal the bulky, open zipper...even when you're wearing jeans. thanks to these, I didnt need to rock maternity pants until around the 5 month!
- Peanut Shell baby sling - fabulously cute baby slings in stylish fabric prints. there are different ways you can carry your baby in this sling as your baby grows. I got lots of compliments on my sling...from random strangers too!
- Braun Ear Thermometer - lots of books and web sites I've read say that the most accurate temperature measurement is done rectally for babies. I don't know about you, but I just can't bring myself to put a thermometer up the butt on my lil one. I figured that it might not be 100% accurate, but an ear digital thermometer will give me a decent indication before I call the doc. so this is the one I use and like. stick it in the baby's ear. push button. beep. you're done.
- Skip Hop Pronto - as much as I love, love, LOVE my diaper bag (v.stylish, messanger-style by OiOi), when you're out and about with your baby in the stroller, you really just need to bring a few essentials on your trek: a diaper changing pad, diapers, wipes, and sanitizing gel. that's what's so great about The Pronto. it's a changing pad with compartments for the other diapering essentials that folds up neat and compact. it fits conveniently even in the smallest of the under-stroller baskets. (leave the cute diaper bag in the trunk of the car.)
- Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags - a quick and very convenient way to sterilize stuff, like the baby bottle nipples, pacifiers, etc. without the time and hassle of boiling everything in water. it appeals to the lazy side of me, the one that wants to do the right thing (i.e. sterilize stuff) but just can't seem to find the time or energy to do so. just put the stuff you want to clean in the bag, add water and blast it in your microwave for a minute or so, and you're done!
- NoJo Secure-Me Seat - this is a portable, fabric seat that can be used in the front baby seat of a shopping cart, or with a high chair (like when you go to a restaurant, where more often than not, the belts are missing or not working.) it's been very convenient...we keep it handy in the trunk of our car.
- Peg Perego stroller - this brand offers a selection of styles in different price ranges. all of them have a contemporary, sleek frame construction that is relatively lightweight, yet durable. (all the attributes that I covet in the Bugaboo, without the outrageous price tag!) my personal choice was the Pliko P3 Stoller, which my baby seems to love. she loves going on a walk, and she's comfty while safely strapped in. this model has a few reclining positions, which is perfect for when my baby wants to take a snooze.
- Lamp Dimmer - I honestly don't know what I would've done without this lamp dimmer. It's great because it's kind of like an electric extension cord that you plug any lamp into. except, this cord has a dimmer switch. So essentially, with this lamp dimmer you can turn any standard lamp and make it dim-able. fantastic! it's perfect for those middle-of-the-night times when the baby wakes up and you need to change diapers, etc. you can easily adjust how dim or bright you want the light to be. (I'd also recommend having a basic night light in your baby's nursery, though when it's the dead of night, they don't create enough light to change diapers. well, at least not for such a sleepy head like me!)
So there you have it. My Top 8. Check out these items and see for yourself.... I hope this helps someone out there!
