Seeing as I only have one child, I definitely do not consider myself an expert on anything related to babies. Nor am I familiar with a lot of the baby products on the market. Being a new mom is hard these days ... there are ten millions products for your infant, all endorsed as "must-haves."
And I guess there are indeed some "must-haves." Like a crib. Or a boppy pillow. Or diapers.
But here are some of the more obscure things that we have loved, and that have worked for Phoenix (in no particular order).
Itzbeen Baby Care Timer
I remember seeing this at Babies R' Us while registering, and thought it would be kind of cool to have. After Phoenix had been home for merely a week, Josh and I realized we couldn't ever remember what time we had last fed Phoenix (new parent sleep-deprivation was to blame). That is why this little gadget is so perfect ... you just push a button when you change a diaper or feed the baby, and it starts a timer. That way, when you wake up in the middle of the night, you can check to see how long it's been since the baby ate/pooped/whatevered. You can even have it "alarm"after a certain amount of time, which was great for us, since we would have to wake Phoenix up to eat. And it even helps you remember which side you last breastfed on. Loved it!
Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets
Cute little muslin swaddle blankets that are perfect for ... everything. Laying on the floor for tummy time, wrapping up a nap-thrasher, using as a light blanket, etc.
Cloud B Sleep Sheep
This sweet little stuffed animal creates gentle background noise, with 4 different sounds to choose from. Phoenix went to sleep listening to waves for the first several months at home -- not only did it help lull her to sleep, but it became part of the routine that would signal it was bedtime. This was especially great for her because she was used to all the NICU noise, so total silence was almost unsettling to her.
Tommee Tippee Bottles and Microwave Sterilizer
We have LOVED these bottles. To be honest, we haven't really tried anything else, so I can't claim these are necessarily better than any other bottles on the market. I initially choose them because they are supposed to make switching between bottle and breast easier. But we love them because: (1) the wide mouth makes cleaning easier, and adding formula much less messy (2) they have held up incredibly well after 8 months of constant use (3) we could use them with lids for breast milk storage while I was pumping, and (4) the shape is easy for us -- and now Phoenix -- to hold. I am a HUGE fan of the microwave sterilizer as well. When Phoenix first came home, it was really important that her bottles were sterilized, and this product made it SO easy. We still use it, even though it is not as necessary, just to make sure the bottles stay really clean.
Tommee Tippee Milk Feeding Bibs
Whoever thought of these is BRILLIANT! Baby necks rolls are notorious for collecting all kinds of gross things, especially if they are messy eaters. These bibs keep milk/formula from getting in those hard-to-reach places with an enlarged, absorbent collar. No more neck rashes!
innobaby Packin' SMART
A thoughtful friend gave me this wonderful product at my baby shower, and I LOVE it! I have used it primarily as a formula dispenser, but I am sure it will hold Cheerios and other little snacks in the near future. I pre-measure a serving of dry formula into each compartment, snap it all together, and keep it in the diaper bag for easing on-the-go eating. It locks tightly together, so I don't have to worry about a giant mess in my bag. The best part? Each inner compartment has a funnel lid, so it's not messy to get formula into a bottle.
Itzy Ritzy Peek-a-Boo Pod
It will never cease to blow my mind how babies break down social norms. Would a stranger walk up and start stroking my hand? No. But Phoenix's hand? Yes. This awesome (and cute) carseat cover keeps strangers at bay, and keeps it dark and quiet if Phoenix is sleeping. I pretty much want to own everything that Itzy Ritzy makes.
Fisher-Price Rock n' Play Sleeper
Best. Thing. Ever. Phoenix was in our room for the first several months, and we never owned a bassinet. She slept and hung out in this awesome rocker, which was so easy to move from room to room. The incline was awesome for her reflux, and the inside cover is machine washable (a must, in my book). She still likes this thing ... we keep in our bathroom now, and she will just hang out while I take a shower and get ready in the morning. I HIGHLY recommend this for moms-to-be ... it's the perfect little bed for the pre-crib days.
Planet Wise Wet Bag
I mostly use wet bags for cloth diapering on-the-go, but I would still recommend owning one or two of these glorious inventions. You put wet stuff in it (ie. nasty clothes, used bibs, swimsuits, etc) and it keeps the rest of your diaper bag clean and dry. Then you just throw it in the wash. No plastic bag waste!
Charlie's Soap
No need for baby soap if you use this stuff for all your washing (like we do). Non-toxic, environmentally friendly, economical, biodegradable, and doesn't leave residue on your clothes (like traditional detergent). And it is also great for cloth diapering!
Other products we have and endorse:
Favorite Toys:
Side note -- I am not an Amazomibe. I only included the Amazon links because I could find all the product links in one place.
Whew.
What are your favorite baby products? Why?
This sweet little stuffed animal creates gentle background noise, with 4 different sounds to choose from. Phoenix went to sleep listening to waves for the first several months at home -- not only did it help lull her to sleep, but it became part of the routine that would signal it was bedtime. This was especially great for her because she was used to all the NICU noise, so total silence was almost unsettling to her. 
It will never cease to blow my mind how babies break down social norms. Would a stranger walk up and start stroking my hand? No. But Phoenix's hand? Yes. This awesome (and cute) carseat cover keeps strangers at bay, and keeps it dark and quiet if Phoenix is sleeping. I pretty much want to own everything that Itzy Ritzy makes.
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