Baby Bests

Real talk: I thought I was pregnant for about five days last week. I’m always on schedule, and a day late for me usually means a baby in 40 weeks. I went through all the feels--nervous, a bit disappointed, excited, hopeful, nervous again. If you read this post, you know we aren’t planning for any more babies. But, like anything else that comes my way that is unexpected yet wonderful, I knew I would embrace pregnancy with all those great (and not-so-great) feelings it brings.

And while it’s a little sad to come to the realization that I won’t be cradling my own sweet newborn ever again, I’m also looking forward to new experiences and adventures with my girls as they grow. And, let’s be honest, I’m looking forward to a little more freedom in my future where I’m not semi-connected to a suckling babe.

For awhile now, I’ve been wanting to put on paper my favorite mom and baby items, before I leave this season and the memories fade with time. So, selfishly, this post is for me and all the future mamas to whom I will gift, but I hope this post brings some insight to you as well--whether for your own babes or those in your future.

:) Paige

NEWBORN MUSTS (0-4 months)

BEST BLANKIES.

We adore these blankets in our home. We first found them with Farrah, and I straight away ordered more when I was pregnant with Demi. They have served as loveys, capes, tents, you name it. We have had some of ours for over four years, and they are still the softest, cuddliest, most-reached-for blankets we own. They are so cozy right away, and they are and my favorite to have one in the car seat, one in the diaper bag, one in the crib, and always a few in the wash.

JOLLY SOLLY.

For the first few months, this is the only thing I carry my new babies in. I cannot rave about it enough. The fabric is soft yet stretchy. The learning curve to figure out how to wrap can take a little practice, but just watch a YouTube video...or ask me to come help you...I'll take any excuse to cuddle a tiny babe!

BUBBLY TUBBY.

I can be a little over-the-top about what I put on my baby’s skin, but I know I can trust this San Diego-made stuff to be pure and natural for my babies. I have used it for eczema, cradle cap, rashes, you name it! And, honestly, I love it for myself as well. If you had to choose one product, pick the All Over Ointment--it is the ultimate healing cream...for ANYTHING!

HONESTLY.

I have found nothing softer, thicker, or more absorbent than Honest Wipes. Period.

BABY FAVES (4-12 months)

CUTEST SLEEPERS.

I love that these adorable sleepers have optional hand and foot covers that fold up or down, and a double zipper (one at the top and one at the bottom!). Lightweight and super comfortable. Demi basically lived in these day and night. There are so many color and print options as well. I seriously want more of these right now.

Smaller sizes (and even more colors) available here.

Demi at 6 months old, wearing one of our favorite sleepers.

FP 4 LYFE.

Yes, they are pricey, but these moccasins the only shoes you will need for your crawler and early walker. I put these on my crawling baby to protect their toes outside. And I put these on my walking baby as she learns to adjust to new grounds. Baby cannot take them off, and the soft leather soles are the best for protecting their little feet while still allowing them to use their baby toes as they learn to balance.

MAGNETIC BLOCKS.

These colorful blocks have been a staple in our house since Farrah was born, and they are safe for baby to start playing with at a young age. All of the sets are interchangeable, and we absolutely love our small collection. Both kids still play with them daily.

FOR MOM

LIFE SAVERS.

If you are breastfeeding, you will need these at-the-ready. Stash them in your nursing basket in each room, your purse, diaper bag, car, nightstand...anywhere and everywhere. Trust me.

COZY ROBE.

Mama will basically be a nursing station, but we all still want to be comfortable and (somewhat) presentable. This soft, comfortable robe is great for lounging, and for putting on when guests stop by to drop off dinner. Lots of color options.

BEFORE YOU PUMP!

I wish I would have known about this with Farrah, but I took full advantage of it with Demi. When baby nurses on one side, you place it on the other breast to catch the let-down. Without ever hooking up to a pump, you can easily collect four ounces per feeding. It's a serious game-changer, and my absolute must-have for all new nursing mamas.

(Amazon affiliate links)

And I couldn't do a post without sharing a recent photo of my two favorite not-so-much babies.

October 31, 2019: Samarkand, Santa Barbara, California. Princess Sofia and her bunny, Clover.