1.)
Phil &
Ted’s metoo portable high chair: Though not a perfect fit for all tables,
this was a lifesaver between 6-12 months, when Maizey was still somewhat
behaved in restaurants. 2.) Happy
Baby Food Organic Puffs: Maizey’s first finger food. They dissolve faster
than cherrios, quelling my choking fears, taste pretty good, and are organic.
3.) RaZ-Berry
Teether: Along with Infant Must Sophie, this little pacifier-looking thing
was fab while Maizey’s first teeth were emerging. 4.) Playtex
Lil’ Gripper Straw Cup: Another mother clued me in to the fact that kids
sometimes have a hard time learning to drink from a straw – and to nip the
problem in the bud by starting with a straw sippy cup. We did and love it. 5.) Keekaroo Height Right Kids Chair
(with infant insert and tray): Though we registered for the Stokke
Tripp Trapp high chair, the experts over at Elephant Ears urged us to purchase
the Keekaroo instead. It’s less expensive than the tripp trapp, the infant seat
is softer, and it has an optional tray. We love it. It’s attractive and will grow with
her. 6.) Egg
Shakers: Library Story Time clued us in to these wonders. Perfect for tiny
hands and sore gums, Maizey has been shaking these eggs since she was 6 months
old. 7.) Charley
Harper Nesting Blocks: A gift from now new-mom Jen, this beautiful set of ten
nesting blocks is a go-to toy. Maizey loves them, they look nice in the living
room and are compact. When stacked,
the blocks stand three feet high; but they are six inches square when nested. 8.) Organic Fruit and Veggie Pouches:
Though the photo is of the Peter Rabbit brand, any type of pouch will do. (For
us, typically whatever is available at Escanaba’s liquidators.) When Maizey was
first starting solids I’d squeeze them into a spoon and feed her. Now, I just
hand her the pouch and she feeds herself. They’re especially handy when she
refuses to eat fruits and veggies. I had all intentions of making her baby
food, and sometimes did, but these are great fall-backs. (And, I love using
them to sweeten/flavor my plain greek yogurt!) 9.) Mum-Mums: Though for budget purposes we now
fall back on Mr. Graham Cracker, Mum-Mums were a fabulous first food. Like
puffs, they dissolve quickly (no choking fears) and are super tidy – no crumbs
or face-remnants. Individually wrapped and not at all messy. (And, formerly
available at the liquidators.) 10.) Triple
Paste: Sadly, our noble attempt at
cloth diapering was thwarted by a sensitive bottom. Not only do Maizey’s lady
parts require the wicking action of disposable diapers, she needs the extra
protection of this fab (NOT cloth friendly) cream. It’s thick but doesn’t smell
or stain. And, it helps with the meanest of rashes. 11.) Moo:
Though Girlfriend has shelves of books this was the first she actually paid
attention to, attributable (IMO) to the clear photos, actions and cadence when
read. We’ve had to purchase a second book (there was an incident during a
non-supervised reading session), but luckily, it’s reasonably priced. In fact,
we now own quite a few Matthew Van Fleet books. (Thanks, Aunt Bonnie!) Coming
in a close second – BabyLit books. But,
maybe it’s just because I love the artwork… 12.) Room
darkening shades: A nap-time
life-saver. Though cellular blinds didn’t fit with my pre-baby decorating
scheme, once Maizey moved to her own room, I quickly learned of their
necessity. Love them. Baby won’t sleep in a light room? Get these. They work
and aren’t too ugly. 13.) Livie and Luca
shoes: Maizey’s first pair of big girl shoes. These are the vegan “kiku”
model but were only purchased because they were on sale. She has heaps of other
shoes, but these are still my go-to. They fit well, aren’t clunky and have a
very flexible rubber sole. And, are adorable. 14.) Giddy Giddy hair clips: Though I
swore I wouldn’t, around six months I started bristling when people referred to
“she” as “he.” These lovelies help tremendously. I purchased the first clip at
a Chicago boutique but have since placed multiple orders and convinced Grandma
Betty to make them. Much trimmer than alligator clips.
Other
loves that didn’t make the list? Mini-Boden, the
children’s line of North
Face gear, our Recaro
carseat, and of course, Mr.
Graham Cracker.
