6+ Month Maizey Musts

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. 

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!