Our "lifesavers" in no particular order
Our first necessity was the swaddleme (bottom left) I used these every night until Georgia was able to roll back-to-belly. They kept her cozy and secure, are reminiscent of that tight feeling babies have in the womb, and kept her from startling herself awake. We had a really good run of great sleep and these things get a lot of credit!
Steven Tyler PJs, Steven Tyler PJs
25 bonus points to anyone who gets that movie reference.
Next, the Fisher Price Rock & Play (top right) I cannot adequately express with words how much we loved this cradle like contraption. Georgia slept so well in it and it kept her at an incline which is recommended for babies with reflux, and it is super portable. I had heard quite a few other mom's singing it's praises and it really lived up to the hype. If you have a baby at your house, you need one of these things! G hung out in it while I showered, cooked, put on make up, and so many other things. There was some type of recall or something, but it was to the effect of if the Rock & Play gets wet and isn't properly dried, it will mold. But so will bottles, shower curtains, rubber duckies, etc. So don't let it get moldy and you're good.
All hail the Rock & Play!
One last sleep aid I swear by, a white noise machine. (not pictured) I think I have become just as dependent on the noise machine as Georgia has. It is very soothing and was something I used to establish a familiar sleep setting for Georgia. Hear white noise: get relaxed and sleepy. You can see a little battery operated one in the bottom of the picture above, but we were also gifted one that plugs into the wall and we enjoy it every night!
Done with all our sleep products and on to the booger products. Georgia was a winter baby, and we had some congestion from time to time. Babies can't blow their nose. So I took the momma duty of keeping her nasal passages clear very seriously. Little Noses saline drops were my first line defense. (top left) They soften those boogers so they can be sneezed or sucked out. I used them about 1 minute prior to using the love of my life.....
Drum roll please...THE NOSE FRIDA SNOT SUCKER. (top center) Stop reading right now and order one from amazon. I'm not kidding, your new mommmy sanity depends on it. This is the grossest thing you will ever love. And not to answer the million dollar question: Does snot go in your mouth? Hell no. Not even close. Pretty much impossible. This sucker kicks any other nasal aspirator's butt. Goodbye bulb suction, hello Nose Frida. It doesn't even go into the babe's nostril, just up against the opening, you control the amount of suction with your mouth and it is the most effective booger remover/snot clearer on planet Earth. YOU NEED ONE! If you are still skeptical read the amazon reviews of a million other moms singing the Nose Frida praises. Don't tell my husband, but I'm having an emotional affair with my snot sucker.
Johnson & Johnson Vapor bath. (bottom right) Another winter baby must have. Smells like a form of baby safe Vick's. Soothing for a little congested bambina. Not much else to say but that it is really handy to have!And last but not least, Lasinoh Soothies Gel Pads. (bottom center) Sweet, sweet nipple salvation! I can't tell you how many people I have recommended these things to. They are so perfect for nipple discomfort that new onset breastfeeding brings. Get a few sets, keep some in the fridge. Eureka! I would have never imagined I would want something to come straight out of the refrigerator and onto my nipples, but they were my best friends.
That's all folks, stayed tuned for our 6 month favorites!
Peace. Love. Nose Frida. Why haven't you ordered one yet??
