Pregnancy

You’re pregnant!  For some this is exciting, for some this is scary- there is a lot going on in your body!  No matter how you experience it, a baby is getting bigger by the day.

Prenatals- I took New Chapter Perfect Prenatal, would highly recommend

Tummy Lotion- Burts Bees Mama Bee, stretch marks are thing, I applied this to my stomach once a day, and did not get them!  Comes in a lotion and an oil.B

Belly Armor Blanket– My friend told me about the blanket which is said to provide a shield for your womb from EMFs, or radiation from devices such as cell phones, laptops, ipads, etc.  I used it over my tummy any time I was using a device.

Tummy Support- Bella Band, this thing was an absolute lifesaver!!  When describing it to my friend, she asked if it was like a sports bra for your stomach, and that is exactly how I would describe it

 

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Travel- Compression Socks.  If you are traveling on an airplane, no matter what the distance, you will definitely want to wear these to avoid swelling in your legs.

Books- I asked my OBGYN for recommended books, and the ACOG Your Pregnancy and Childbirth was the rec.  A good handbook and point of reference, but nothing I did not necessarily already know or had heard.  A friend recommended Expecting Better, and I thought it was a good quick read with good and real information.

Beauty Products- Be careful what you read on the internet!  Ban this, ban that.  Below are the products that I use pregnant or not pregnant, all are paraben FREE

Shampoo- Acure

Conditioner- Acure

Bodywash- Dr Bronners, Almond is my favorite!Burts Bees

Facewash- Dove Soap and Burts Bees Royal Jelly

Lotion- Burts Bees, I like Cocoa and Cupuacu Butter

Pregnancy

 

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Baby Shower

If you have a baby shower, again, the list of potential items is daunting.  SO MANY CHOICES!!  However, this is a really good time, and way, to get necessary items in advance.  Here are the absolute essentials to incorporate into your list.

Graco Pack n Play– a MUST.  For one, unless the nursery is next door to your bedroom, your baby will likely be sleeping in your room for the first 3-4 months.  Night feedings.  We did not even use the actual crib until our baby was about 3 months, and then only for naptime, until we moved him in there at night.  This thing is critical for the baby to sleep in your room, and you will use it for travel until the baby is out of a crib, so almost 2 years.

Car Seat- I got the Britax B-Safe 35, and it was great.

Stroller- So. Many. Choices.  I was recommended the BOB Rambler Jogging Stroller, and I like it.  You will also need the adapter bar, to connect the rear facing car seat to the stroller.  If you plan on doing any lengthy walks or runs with your baby, then this is a good one to get, especially on trails.  note:  It is bulky, meaning not great for travel, loading/ unloading, so I ended up getting a separate stroller for travel and the car, see Travel section.

Shusher– while I dismissed this as unnecessary, it actually is so necessary.  When putting your baby to sleep at nap time, or at night, or the middle of night, this thing was priceless

Dock A Tot– when I saw the price tag I thought it was RIDICULOUS to spend this much money on whatever this was.  Worth. Every. Penny.  This allows the baby to sleep anywhere!  Especially if you have a C-section, it is amazing to be able to feed your baby, then lay them down right next to you to nap.

Rock n Play- This item is no longer made, and I had always thought if I were to do it again, I would instead get the Bouncer because of the vibrating feature.  In the first couple of months, this is critical in helping your baby fall asleep, especially in the middle of the night, this is an absolute lifesaver.

Nursing Pillow– if you are going to nurse, this is a MUST.  It is great that you can also use it for propping up your baby several months later, before they learn to sit up, so you can get about six months of use out of this

Bottles- I used Dr Browns.  I did nurse, so I didn’t actually use these that much, but if you plan to have a babysitter, you are going to need bottles.  Also recommend the Dr Browns Bottle Brush for cleaning.

Crib- All I wanted was a plain white crib, and apparently there are hundreds of plain white cribs!  I got the Babyletto Modo, and I love it.  You will also need a mattress and crib sheets- I liked Burts Bees Baby.  I got the mattress from a brick and mortar.

Changing Pad– You will be changing diapers for a couple years, so this is a great addition to the nursery!  I like this one because it has a strap.

Diapers and Wipes- Good to have some Newborn diapers and wipes on hand in advance of your baby’s arrival.  We use Pampers Pure diapers, because they are paraben free and unscented.  WaterWipes for wipes, and I like to buy these in bulk.

Burp Cloths– We were give an excessive amount of burp cloths.  5 is a good number to have on hand, if you do not want to do every day laundry.