Baby Gear Essentials (so far)

We're only 6 weeks in but I've already discovered a number of baby items (and momma items) that we can't live without. Most of these are items I received as gifts or suggestions from moms-in-the-know and all of them are fantasticly helpful, so I thought I'd pass on the information. In no particular order:

Baby Essentials:
Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets: Lilly lives in these...literally! Its SO hot in Florida that most days we don't even bother dressing Lilly in actual clothes. Instead we keep her in her diaper and wrap her loosely in one of these blankets. Plus we use them to swaddle Lilly for bed each night. They are really large compared to other blankets and so lightweight...made of muslin...they're unlike any other blankets we've received. We have five of these blankets already and we go through them so quickly I'm seriously considering buying a few more. If you're having a baby (especially in warmer months) or know someone having a baby these blankets are a must-have.

Summer Infant Ultimate Crib Sheet: We received two of these from my sister-in-law and I thank her every single time Lilly spits up when she's in her crib. These sheets are completely flat and attach to the crib via a series of snaps, so you don't have to fumble with the mattress at all. You can keep your "decorative" crib sheet on the mattress and just lay this one on top of the mattress. Its also got a waterproof back, so if your baby spits up or has a leaky diaper it won't leak through to the mattress. This is such a handy item for quick changes. At this point, Lilly only sleeps in her crib for daytime naps and we already have to change the sheet out a couple of times a week. I'm certain that once we transition her to the crib for night sleeping and we end up having to change the sheet in the middle of the night someday I'm really going to be thankful for these.

Mei Tai Wrap Carrier: I got turned on to these types of wrap carriers after following The Maiden Metallurgist. She has several styles of baby carriers but the Mei Tai ones always looked so comfortable that I immediately knew I wanted one. Sadly, if you buy one of these from a major brand they often run upwards of $100...way out of my price range. So I did some poking around on Etsy and found a seller that makes custom Mei Tais in all sorts of great fabrics for just $30. I love, love, love my carrier. I can tuck Lilly into the carrier and she snuggles in and usually falls right to sleep. I can get housework done and its my preferred choice for taking her to the grocery store (even if I wander away from my cart, she's still safely with me and shielded from strangers and germs). Its really easy on my back too (and super cute).

Best Bottom Cloth Diapers: Yeah, if you've read this blog before you probably know I've had a mild obsession with cloth diapering. I'm happy to report that we love the diapers we chose. They are easy to change, easy to wash every other day, they dry quickly in the sun on our back deck and they look absolutely adorable on Lilly. They also seem to have cured Lilly of diaper rash. Even better, we're not shelling out $20 to $30 a week for disposables. I did a ton of research before choosing this particular diaper and I truly think all the research paid off. Even JiT loves the diapers and doesn't mind the extra steps to clean them at all. And did I mention how cute they are?

Momma must-haves:

One piece, strapless rompers: This probably strikes you as an odd suggestion and it

obviously only applies if your baby is born in the summer months, but I absolutely LIVE in these. As a breastfeeding mom, it seems like I'm constantly pulling out a boob and its just so much easier to do in something strapless (clearly, I'm not leaving the house much these days). Also, I don't have much time to worry about putting together an outfit. Somehow, the continuity of a romper makes me feel instantly more polished and fashionable. If I'm able to throw on some ballet flats and earrings, all the better.

Strawberries, Kashi Bars and Emerald Nuts: When you're breastfeeding you're always, always hungry but rarely have more than one hand available to dedicate to feeding yourself. On top of that, you need to be eating nutritious foods. Anything that can provide me with a serving of fruit, whole grains or protein without turning on the stove or using a knife is a win-win in my book (p.s. Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds may be the greatest food ever invented)

Short, Easy Haircut: I can count on one hand the number of times I managed to blow dry my hair since Lillian arrived. There is a reason that almost all moms I know suddenly cut their hair post-baby. They get sick of wearing a ponytail. Its a big change but I am so, so, so happy to ditch the ponytail holder in favor of a cut that looks sort of decent straight out of the shower. Rebecca 2.0: The Mom Edition has arrived.