Infant musts as determined by M&M

Now that one of my high school besties is readying herself for Baby Numero Uno, I wanted to take some time to document the Spurgeon list of infant musts - the products we have found most useful in the first six months (or products we never associated with baby, yet use heaps).

1.)The Happiest Baby on the Block book: When attempting to settle a newborn Maziey, we found the tips invaluable. It's written in a semi-cheesey tone, but you don't really give a rip when the result is a formerly-screaming sleeper. 2.) The Miracle Blanket: Goes hand-in-hand with the aforementioned book. Basically, a baby straight-jacket. Sadly, Maizey just outgrew hers - at five months - and hasn't slept soundly since. Though a little complicated to put on, truly a miracle once you figure out how to use it. 3.) Boon Grass Drying Rack: This didn't come in handy until I went back to work and Maizey was taking 4-6 bottles/day. I was using our regular drying rack but everything fell over and stayed damp. We tried a couple of different drying racks but liked this best. It's attractive and compact, but can hold an incredible amount of stuff if you use it correctly. 4.) Coconut oil: Our go-to diaper "cream." We learned early on that Maizey has a very sensitive bottom. And we also learned that most popular diaper rash solutions are incompatible with cloth diapers (cds). Bummer! We tried 2 creams suggested by our cloth diaper store but neither worked very well. I was just about to give up on cd-ing, but in a last-ditch effort, spent a couple hours reading cloth diapering blogs. Lo and behold, coconut oil is cd-safe, cheap, nice-smelling and a great solution for a variety if skin issues. Yippee! (And now Maizey's bottom smells like a pina colada!)  5.) Vinyl tablecloth: This goes hand-in-hand with the coconut oil and Maizey's bum. One of the best things for diaper rash is air. And one of the best ways to protect your carpet while airing a sore bottom - a vinyl tablecloth covered by a towel. We use this nearly every-day to give Miss M some naked time. 6.) Summer Infant Touch-Screen Video Monitor: When I considered registering for this I was worried about overkill. It's expensive and really, I wondered, how necessary. But, now that we have it - I can't imagine not. It saves me countless (most-likely sleep-disrupting) trips up to Maizey's room every day. And a friend pointed out that it's great for toddlers too. (Sidenote - right now I can see that Maizey is lying with her face smashed against the crib slats. Lovely.)  7.) Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra: Makes one of the most unpleasant things about breast-feeding bearable. In my opinion, a must-have for pumping mamas. The photos are worth a thousand of my words. 8.) Baby Comfy Nose - the Snoover (snot-hoover) + Simply Saline Nasal Mist: A parent-powered snot sucker. Similar to the Nose Frida (also a good choice). Paired with Simply Saline Baby Nasal Mist, a truly disgusting, wonderfully effective tool. Get over the gross factor and you'll never go back to the bulb. 9.) Baby carrier: We have 'em all... 9a.) The Baby Bjorn (good for little babies - a Dad favorite for mowing) 9b.) a Moby wrap (fab for newborns - but too complicated for Dad unless Mom does the wrapping) 9c.) a Maya wrap (hippy-dippy fabulous but what I use the most around the house now), an Ergo baby carrier (just starting to get really into this but difficult for Dad's broad shoulders - so only I use it) and a Kelty Kids frame carrier (haven't used it yet). My advice is to borrow as many as you can, try them out and maybe invest in one. And shop used! 10.) Trumpette socks: They look like shoes. Are super adorable. And, don't fall off. ALL other baby socks fall off. Those ones from Gerber? Don't bother. Just go for the good stuff. 11.) Monte Grano Glider: I love my nursery chair. Why? Because I could unabashedly put it in any room in my house. It's crazy comfortable, compact and attractive. 12.) Target Gilligan & OMalley nursing tanks: First, let me say that nursing tanks of any type are amazing. Or, at least they were for me. I was self-conscious enough nursing in public, let alone having my flabby belly exposed. My first nursing tank was purchased before I had Maizey. An uber-expensive "Glamour Mom" model. But on my first post-baby Target outing, I discovered a much less pocket-book-busting version. They are long enough to be fashionable, come in multiple prints and colors and are a staple of my wardrobe. 13.) MacLaren Vida Bouncer: Though pricey, we're really happy with this bouncer. It's an attractive alternative to the other bouncers out there and the large base and seat ensures she'll be able to use it for a lengthier period of time. I admit, it might have been nice to have two, since this was too big for the first 2 months and doesn't have the handy "vibrate" option. So maybe not a must, but definitely gets two thumbs up. 14.) Baby Jogger City Select Stroller: Easy to fold. Attractive. Smooth ride. Converts to a double. Love it. 15.) Ikea drawer organizers: Perfect for all those diapering items and itty-bitty items of clothing. Like Trumpette socks.  16.) Zippered Sleepers: As Will would say, "Snaps suck." A favorite brand is Children's Place. They're cheap, offer cute prints and are very trim. No sumo babies when donning these puppies. A pricier but softer option? Hatley sleepers.


Phew! That's all folks... Stay tuned for 9 month musts!