must haves.

a friend asked me for a list of things i would recommend for a new baby.  i was typing up a list for her and then thought this might be easier.  because i love seeing what other people recommend...and hopefully someone will appreciate this post ;)

okay.  i am a big fan of pampers diapers.  if i had a credit card (i don't.  i mean, clint does.  but we don't use it for groceries.  he's a saver.  he's the bomb-diggity.  i am NOT.  anyway...) i would buy pampers forever. but i don't.  so i use pampers for a few months.  because they are so soft.  but i also love luvs diapers.  yes, i do.  they are just as soft as pampers.  honestly.  they are.

wipes: huggies.  all the way.  they are thick.  really, really thick.  i like the natural care ones.

for diaper rash.  desitin with the purple top.  when it says, "overnight relief" it means it.  baby boudreaux is good too.  but it's a little more pricey.  

lotions.  the only lotion that doesn't break max out is aveeno.  i love the baby one with the light blue top. it's a very light lotion.  it doesn't smell like baby lotion (johnsons) which i miss...but it's not worth the rash.  the aveeno baby with a dark blue lid is great too.  for pratt.  and i used it on my pregnant belly.  because it's better for rashes and really dry skin.  but it's not greasy.   oh, and i love the aveeno bath wash too.  i asked pratt just the other night what he thought heaven smelled like.  we both agreed that it probably smells like the aveeno wash and shampoo.  seriously.  it's that good.

okay.  pratt had HORRIBLE cradle cap.  he had it until he was about 6 or 7 months old.  a friend told me about apricot oil.  you can put it on the scalp and then ever-so-lightly comb the scales off.  it's weird.  and only makes sense if you've seen cradle cap.  it's like dry skin.  idk. anyway, i found it at target one day.  but i've never seen it again.  order it.  it's worth it.  you can put a capful in the bath or massage it on their legs and arms and torso.  it has the yummiest smell ever.  burt's bees apricot oil.  actually, i like their bubble bath too.  wonderful smell.

books.  anyone who reads this blog knows that i LOVE me some dr. weissbluth.  'tis true.  i do.  this book changed my life with pratt.  and the second book changed my life with max.  i promise that pratt is a good sleeper because he's been on a sleep schedule since he was 4 months old.  he will literally put himself to sleep sometimes.  he will tell you he needs a nap.  so get this book.  it doesn't tell you what to do.  it just tells you what typically happens at certain ages with kids regarding sleep.  if you get it, and you don't like it, i'll actually refund your money.  that's how much i know you will love it.  the second book is only needed if you have a colicy baby.  otherwise, no need.

my mom bought me several of these muslin swaddling blankets.  i love them.  they are perfect in every single way.  www.swaddledesigns.com  i have that exact one.  blue and brown.  i love it.  so does max.

now...to get max to sleep...i use this.  

because it is the best thing ever invented.  i read where it was invented by a father....who had a sleepless child.  it seriously looks like a straightjacket.  but i don't care.  i really don't.  and there are lots of knock offs.  i recommend the one called "miracle blanket".  

i love these too for sleeping...they can be found at www.adenandanais.com  they have LOTS of great stuff on there.  this is a "sleeping bag" and keeps the baby's feet warm.  without having to put a loose blanket near him/her.

nap nanny.  for so many reasons.  

elevation, elevation, elevation.  it's all about that.  when a baby has a cold, you're supposed to elevate the bed.  mattress.  it's almost impossible.  this makes it possible.  my mom bought it and i don't know what i would do without it.  

okay.  stroller.  let me go ahead and say that this is ridiculously expensive.  but.  i think it's worth it.  

it's from uppa baby.  it's the uppa baby vista stroller.  my grandparents bought it for me.  because i couldn't have afforded it.  but they love me and max...and well, idk.  it comes with a bassinet and a big seat.  and you can attach your carseat to it.  it's by far the best stroller ever.  it's easy to push.  extremely lightweight.  the pushbar gets shorter or taller.  it's just the best.  it should be.  it costs and arm and a leg.  www.uppababy.com

monitor.  i like the video kind.  so i can see and know they are okay.  it has volume...but let me say this.  when you are sleeping, turn the volume down!!!  because max makes lots of noises when he's sleeping...and they wake me up.  all of them.  i sleep better if i can't hear every single noise.  when he needs me, i wake up.  immediately.  but i totally recommend the volume being down when trying to sleep. mine is by summer.  

swing.  okay.  i think everyone needs a swing.  but, i don't think you have to have a fancy one.  i may be wrong here.  you may hear different things from different people.  but if i were doing it all over again, i'd get a swing that i could take with me if i needed to.  a small one.  low to the ground.  i like to take the swing in different rooms.  and having a big one makes this almost impossible.  it's heavy and bulky and won't always fit through the door.  

same thing with a pack-n-play.  i don't see the need in a fancy one. with a mobile on top.  or anything like that.  just a simple one.  no frills.  see. this one has way too much stuff.

this is all you NEED.  and that mobile isn't necessary.  but it comes with it.  

and yes, sure.  the black and white is better looking.  and probably will match your decor better...but come on.  is it worth the extra money?  not for me.  and not for my registry.  i felt bad asking people to spend that much on stuff.  but do what makes you happy ;)

if you plan on nursing.  get a good bra.  get several good ones.  one of my favorites was this one.  the medela womens sleep nursing bra.  no hooks or clips.  really soft and always fit.  no matter how much things um...changed.  

okay.  these pants.  gap pure body foldover pants.  get them right now.  i think they are on sale.  for something like 12 dollars.  get 5 pair.  they will take you through an entire pregnancy.  you will want to wear them every day, all day.

and last, but certainly not least.  if you have to take iron, you're REALLY gonna need this.  it saved my life.  and my b.hole.  you will be constipated from all the iron.  yucky but true. 

there are a few other things.  like a highchair.  i'm still trying to find one i like.  i've been told by several people that the ones that attach to the table are good.  i'll let you know when i find one i really like.  

hope this helps.  these are just a few things i love.  and that make me a very happy momma :)