Product Raves

I know it gets asked a lot....what can't you live without now that you have the baby and what don't you really need. Of course everyone is different but let me rave about some of the things Mike, Landon, and I love!

First, if you're BFing please, please, please don't go cheap on a pump. I got a hand me down from a good friend and it was ok but she didn't BF for a long time nor pump as much as I have been. I ran out about a week ago and got the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, its worth every penny ladies! Personally I also love the Medela pump and save bags for freezing milk. So far I have found the Medela disposable nursing pads to be the best as far as soft and most absorbent. Don't waste your time on the washable kind especially if you leak a lot.

We couldn't live without this Fisher Price Papasan Swing! Some nights I'm out on the couch sleeping while Landon sleeps in his swing because he refuses to sleep in his crib or bassinet. It also entertains him and he has spent 30 minute stretches just looking around and watching the mobile or the mirror.

I can't live without our movement monitor! Its probably the main reason I've been able to let Landon sleep in his room. I know he's safe and if he stops breathing this alarm will let me know. Mike and I had a hard time getting use to turning this alarm off when we would get Landon out of his crib and within 20 secs sure enough this alarm would sound. We've had 2 alarms when he was in the crib. It is common for newborns to stop breathing/hold their breath and then there brain recognizes and they start breathing again, I believe when the alarm sounded this startled Landon and he started breathing by the time we got to him. I highly recommend this, it puts my mind at ease.

Not only do we have a movement monitor but we have the Summer Infant Day & Night Video Monitor. I love being able to see if Landon is sleeping or awake in his crib without tip toeing into his room to check on him.

A great tip: Don't spend full price at BRU or anywhere else for any monitor. Check out ebay or craigslist even. I bought both these monitors for HALF the price on ebay. The movement monitor was used but the video monitor that was NIB (new in box)!


I also recommend having the FP Rainforest Crib Soother (this is Mike's favorite) or the Sound Sleeper. These are great for white noise.

The last item I can't live without the Boppy!! It makes nursing so much easier.

I also like our Graco Stoller. Its very lightweight and the carseat holds up to 32 lbs. Most are only 22 lbs. The other product that works well for us is Dr. Brown's bottles. They really do work! I found that out last night after I forgot to put the vent system in the bottle. Landon was spitting up left and right.

What you DON'T need...
1) bottle warmer (first year's sucks!)
2) bottle sterilizer (Boiling water is way easier)
3) comforter set (Buy seperates, its much cheaper, especially since you can't use the comforter. We chose not to use the bumpers later. Just buy the sheets, valances, decor, & a neutral bed skirt. Save the money!)

Don't need but NICE to have....
1) wipe warmer
2) sound soother

What I have too much of...
1) pacifiers (Landon loves the Soothies that the hospital gives you and you can buy them in store now)
2) hats
3) bibs
4) sheets (no more then 3)

What I bought more of once Landon arrived...
1) socks
2) ZIP UP footsies (don't buy the snap ones...they are a PITA in the middle of the night. I've found these at BRU made by Gerber (usually sold in a pack), Kohls & Target.

Hope this post will help first time expecting mothers! Of course there are other needed things but these are what have been the most useful. I'm sure as Landon gets older we'll find other things and I'll be sure to rave about them as well.