Must haves.... (0-6 months)

6 months, 6 days old

Now that the 6 month mark of being parents has passed, I wanted to put together a little must have post of the things that we couldn't live without for Barrett's first half year of life. It probably goes without saying, but every baby is different so something that worked for one baby is likely to not work for another. With that said, here is my must have list in ranking order.

4 stars (do not walk, run to the stores to purchase!)
Graco Snugride 35 carseat: I chose this car seat after referencing Baby Bargains (best book ever!) and reading reviews that it was an all-around good car seat. Safety ratings were great and it wasn't the cheapest out there but it wasn't the most expensive either (most expensive does not = the best). When registering, we choose the 35, not because it could hold a child up to 35 lbs, but because I liked that fabric the best. I had planned on getting the 30 but realistically the 22 is plenty. Barrett is 15+ pounds and there is no way he's staying in his seat past 25 lbs (which I knew going into it but the designs were so much better with the 35!). If fabric is not a big deal to you, get the cheaper 22 or 30 version.



Graco Luvin Hug Plug-in Infant Swing: This thing was a lifesaver from birth to about Month 4. He napped so freaking good in it. It wasn't just that he would sleep in it, but he would sleep for longer stretches in it. I picked this particular swing for 2 reasons: Most importantly that it could plug in. This one also ran on battery but we always have it plugged in so the battery was just a bonus. The second reason was that I liked the look and design. It comes with two different sets of head rests which we removed as Barrett got bigger. It also has a tray table which we never attached because it was just one other thing in our way. I've heard great things about the Fisher Price Snug-a-bunny swing as well.



Sophie the Giraffe teether: The infamous Sophie. Best.teether.ever. We never leave home without her. The little man has played with her every day for 2 months now and I don't see it ending for a while. Well worth the $20.



Cloud B Sleep Sheep sound machine: Another gift from the gods. I read quite a few reviews recommending this so we registered for it. I'm pretty sure Bubs has never slept a single night without it. We use the regular sized Sleep Sheep but I probably should have invested in the Travel one as well since we are gone most weekends. It hangs on the outside of his crib and Barrett drifts off to sleep to the sounds of a heart beat. On a related note: we always have a fan running for sound, in addition. Total life saver on keeping the kid asleep!



Pampers Swaddlers with wetness indicator: I had no idea these even existed until shortly before Mister was born. When they are dry the streak is yellow, when wet the streak is blue. This doesn't seem like that big of a deal but when you change a diaper 12 times a day, it is LOADS easier to pull over the onsie to see if the line has changed blue. Unfortunately, this little invention ends once the diapers are in Size 3. We're almost to that point and I know I will miss that feature. In terms of actual diapers, we were gifted a few kinds and far and away, Pampers was the best. Joe and I both hated Huggies (so much so that I just threw out half a pack) but I've heard that as boys grow, Huggies has a better shape so we may change our minds. Who knows? Originally, I was going to get cloth diapers but I procrastinated and procrastinated and then I went on bedrest and I never ordered them. I did the research and everything and had decided on Bumgenius. I laugh at myself now, because there is no way I would have found time to clean cloth diapers along with everything else. I wish we could have gone that route but it just wasn't in the cards.



Medela Freestyle hands free double electric pump: There were a few reasons why I got this pump as opposed to the cheaper Pump in Style version. The first was the hands free feature. The chance to hook it up and still go about my business seemed to be worth the extra money. At first, I utilized this feature. However, after a bit, I went the lazy route and just held the thing. It took 5 minutes to get everything hooked in as opposed to 1 minute if I just held it. I also never felt like it was secure enough when using the hands free feature so I would end up holding it half the time anyway. The second feature was a longer battery life. I was able to pump 4-6 times a day and could charge it on Sunday and have it last all week. This was great, however, it would have been fine had I had to charge it daily. While I loved (!) the pump itself and I certainly got my money's worth, I would likely go for the $100 savings and pick the Pump in Style if I were purchasing again. I'm still ranking it a must have because the Medela brand itself was so fantastic.



Gillian O'Malley nursing tanks: This technically isn't for Barrett but another must have item for any nursing mom are nursing tanks. I got mine from Target. Now that we are weaned, I still wear one a few days a week. I lived in these things and they make feeding in public that much easier.


3 stars (worth every penny)
BOB revolution stroller: I knew way before B came about that I wanted to get a BOB stroller. They are the best out there in my opinion (well unless you want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a Bumbleride). I babysat quite often growing up and all the walks I went on with kids was with a Graco stroller. Those things suck! The travel systems especially are a big waste of money to me. It's like you are pushing 100 extra pounds and the wheels are junk. I wanted an easy to maneuver and lightweight stroller...ideally something with 3 wheels. Size wasn't a huge factor because both Joe and I have decent trunks but I did want something that was easy to fold. BOB fits that. The ride is so smooth. I can weave in and out clothes racks in the mall with ease. I can hold B's carrier with one hand and get the stroller and unfold it with the other hand. Another bonus? It holds a child up to 70lbs. Coming in shortly behind the BOB was the City Mini which is a bit smaller and had a smaller basket on the bottom. If we were planning on having Baby #2 quickly (and thus moving to a double stroller quickly), I may have gotten the City Mini, but we plan to wait quite a while for #2. This is likely Joe's very favorite baby thing we have.



Graco Pack N Play Playard with Newborn Napper: This is another item that even after 6 months, we've gotten more than our money's worth. The first 3 months, B slept in the newborn napper right next to our bed. Since moving him to his crib, it is permanently set up in my old bedroom at my parents for the weekends we stay with them...which is a few weekends a month. He will be sleeping here for a few years I would imagine. For anyone who travels semi-regularly, this item is mandatory.



Summer Infant video monitor: This purchase was actually the very first one I made for the baby. I was probably only 10 weeks along but found a 50% off deal on one of the many daily deal websites I visit. After a quick reading of all good reviews, I ordered it. And I LOVE it. Video monitors may seem excessive to some but it is so convenient. His bedroom is on the opposite side of the house from our room so it's nice to be able to see him if we want. This particular monitor rotates 360deg and zooms. It is really clear even when it's pitch black in the room. The only "con" of the monitor is the battery life. I have to charge it every night but that's fine as I keep the plug in by my nightstand and it charges all night while we sleep.



Dr. Browns bottles: I actually hesitate recommending this because, like I said above, every baby is different and not all babies will like the same bottles. Before starting back at work, I used Medela bottles as they were the bottles that came with my Medela pump. They were fine but B spit up a TON with them. Since he only got the occasional bottle, it was no big deal but after starting at daycare, it became apparent that we needed to find different bottles. Dr. Browns are specifically for spitty babies. The vent system decreases the amount of air the baby breathes in which is very important for gassy babies like Barrett. Unfortunately, the vent system includes 308 parts which is a pain to clean but whatever. While these have worked great for us, I'd recommend waiting until the baby is here before getting a large stock of bottles. You can buy singles and try out which kinds work best for you. You just don't know what your baby is going to prefer.



Newborn sleepers: Sleepers are footed pajamas. These are a must in that newborn stage. While I wouldn't register for this kind of stuff (You will get loads of clothes from others), I would make sure that you have at least 10 of these before the baby comes. Plan on the baby spending all of its time those first 2 weeks+ in only these. I know I wanted him to wear cute outfits but they were not at all practical. Those first few weeks, the baby will likely scream while you change him/her. Sleepers make diaper changes and disrobing very easy. Zippers are a bonus as they are quick. Plan on going through 3 a day. Sidenote: you don't want to go too crazy on newborn clothes. Big babies may not spend any time in newborn sizes. Confusing, huh? Stock up but don't buy too many. Easy, right? Also, I love the Carters brand.



A big dresser: Our dresser has 8 big drawers and that thing is full. Blankets, burp clothes, diapers, wipes, socks, bibs, shoes, towels, extra sheets and changing pad covers, hats, pants. It is much better to have more storage than not enough. We also decided to get a regular dresser instead of a changing table so that we could use it as he grew older.



2 stars (good stuff)
Aden & Anais blankets: These are great. Very lightweight and the perfect blankets for swaddling. Since they are so thin, they are also great to pack in the diaper bag and they come in great patterns. The mister was not a fan of swaddling so we didn't use them as much as I thought but still great multi-use blankets.



Cotton bibs and Bumpkins bibs: Before birth, I didn't think we would need much of these. Oh goodness, was I wrong. I've mentioned that Barrett spits up alot, haven't I? We go through quite a few a day. We bought a big pack of cotton ones and I really should go get another pack so that we have plenty between home and daycare. Again, another item that depends on what kind of kid you have. If I had to do again, I would have gotten plain solid bibs. I'm a weirdo who has to have the bib at least "go" with the outfit and having solid bibs would make that easier for me. Bumpkins bibs are what we use now that he has started solids. These are plastic, waterproof and wipe-able. Mandatory with messy food. Cotton bibs would be a nightmare to clean.



Fisher Price My Little Lamb bouncer: The new model of this bouncer is the Snug-a-bunny. We used this bouncer quite a bit. He slept in it on occasion when he was teeny but also just hung out in it and looked around. The vibrate feature was fantastic. I used this the most in the morning while on maternity leave when I would shower. Barrett would take his morning nap in it on the floor in the bathroom. I could peacefully shower because the sound of the water soothed him. I would buy this for only this if I had to. It also folds flat which made it easy to travel. It came to Pontiac with us a few times and also on a few trips to my office when B spent the day with me because he was sick.

JJ Cole Car Seat cover: I was very concerned about having an October baby and a teeny guy during the cold winter months. This cover made it very easy to keep him warm while we were outside. The cover is elastic and you simply cover it over the top of the seat. There are zippers that can unzip to put the baby in the seat and then you zip it up. No need to take the cover on and off to get the baby in it and it can stay on 24/7. There is a flap that folds over when you are walking outside to block the baby from the elements. It was so simple to use. We kept it on his seat from December to early March.

But let's say you have a March baby who is moved to a convertible seat by the time winter hits, then this is not for you. Anyone who has a late summer, fall or winter baby, I would highly recommend using this with your infant carrier.



Teething toys: Other than Sophie, the main toys that Bubs plays with are teethers. He loves his crinkle book, car seat hanging toys, rattles, and anything cloth-like. We have an entire basket full of these and we rotate them every few days. You can never have enough.



Baby carriers (Bjorn, Mei Tei, Petuna Picklebottom sling): I have these three and they have all been used at various times. The sling is great for the newborn stage. He loved being cuddled up. The Mei Tei was used most around 2-3 months. He could be upright and sit chest to chest with me. We spent many a day on my maternity leave with him in this while I walked in circles around our house so that he would sleep. Once he gained good head control, B preferred to face out and look at everything. The Bjorn has been great for that. Based on comfort for myself, the Mei Tei is the best.



1 star (Eh, add it to the registry but not necessary.)
Boppy: I thought I would use this quite often and really I didn't. I did use it to breastfeed at first but eventually, it just got in the way. When B was teeny, I would lay him in it, rather than the bouncer, to change things up but I wouldn't have missed it had we not had it. I find that I've used it a bit more lately to help B sit up by himself, however. Mostly, I don't think this is necessary but fine to have. You'll get some use out of it.



Bumbo seat: Barrett is not a big fan of his bumbo seat. He will tolerate it for less than 5 minutes at a time. I try to keep it in the rotation semi-regularly so that he can practice sitting but otherwise it would rarely get used.



Swaddlers: Again, the kiddo did not like to be swaddled. He tolerated it for a small stretch of time so we hardly used our swaddlers. When we did swaddle, we used the Summer Infant SwaddleMe and I really liked it. Easy to use and quick to assemble which was key with our screaming child. I've read many raves on the Miracle Blanket and the Woombie, as well. It all just depends on your child and for us, they were not useful.



Don't waste your money
Bedding sets: I didn't get one of these and I still don't miss it. Have you seen how expensive those things are? Not worth it when you have to change the sheets frequently due to spit up or diaper leaks. Also, I knew that I didn't want to use a crib bumper because of the risk of SIDs and blankets are also not recommended. I certainly didn't need a diaper stacker and random wall hangings that match my "theme." That left the crib skirt and the sheet. I preferred to purchase those separately (we never did get a skirt though). Much more cost effective so I could put that money towards bigger purchases.

Itzbeen timer: I was gifted this and I never even put the batteries in. For me, I'm a list maker. So pencil and paper was much better during those first few weeks when we had to record every pee and poop. Using this was just one more thing that I didn't need to deal with.



Add in a digital & video camera and Baby Bargains, and I think that about covers it! Fellow moms, any additions or opinions?