My Baby Musts

There are some baby items that I just can't do without. A couple of you have asked...so here we go...Enjoy! 

-The Itzbeen-

I have such a hard time remembering how long it has been since I last nursed my babe. With my boys this didn't matter, because I nursed on demand, meaning they nursed around the clock, like every hour. When Grace was born I knew I needed more of a schedule with her being baby #3 and the boys being so young; so, I began to try and nurse every 3 hours (of course within reason, if Grace was smacking her tiny lips, I always obliged). The problem was I could never remember when I had last nursed. Then a friend introduced me to the itzbeen and since its arrival in its brown box from amazon, it has not left my side/baby bag/bed. It is with me at all times. I can't tend to baby without it. The itzbeen is as essential to my day to day life as my phone and car keys are. And yes, I loose it just as often. (Not shocking to those who know me.) We call it the "timer" and the kids are constantly being asked to get me my timer or find my timer.

-Da Binky-

My kiddos, minus Grace, were (boys)/ are (Hope) binky lovers. Right now we have about 20 of these BINKs in our house in designated places, 5 in the baby bag, 2 in the car seat, 5 in the cosleeper or around my bed, and however many in the swing--you get the idea. We are dedicated to keeping this company in business.

-Swaddlers-

I have swaddled all 4 babies. I find that 1. they like it and 2. it prolongs their night time and mid afternoon sleep. In the past 6 years I have acquired many swaddle blankets for baby. I use them all and I'm pretty impartial to a particular one. When my babes come home for the hospital they have all been so small that I just use blankets to swaddle and I love the hospital blankets for this. As they grow, they graduate to swaddle blankets. And then to being wrapped in 2 swaddlers.

-Aden + Anais Blankets-

I fell in love with these blankets at first sight. A mom friend carried one around at all times with her new baby boy. I knew I had to get them. They are the most soft, versitale blanket I have ever had. A must get, worth the $34 and I don't even spend that much on a pair of jeans for myself! (yes, I shop at Marshalls)

-Mini Co-Sleeper-

My mother in law bought me this mini co-sleeper 6 years ago for baby Isaiah. I have used it with all 4 babes. My favorite thing about it is that it butts up right next to the bed and I can just reach over and grab baby to nurse in the middle of the night. It's a must for me.

-Oodles and oodles of baby wipes-

I know, not very tree huggerish, but I really don't know what did I do before I had bags and bags of  baby wipes around my house. Not only do they clean my babies rears, I use them to clean everything! For the past two years I have been very into the unscented Cosco brand.

Back pack, back pack
These Vera Bradley back packs are so practicable. The perfect fit for baby. I can fit diaper, wipes, wallet, nursing cover and burp cloth in it. Now when my babes are 6 months and younger I do carry their bigger bag (my mom bought me a beautiful one for Christmas :), but once I am done totting around everything possible that a newborn could need, I switch to this smaller, more practical bag. I love that I can just throw them in the washer machine.

-Chuck pads from the hospital-

From my baby vacations (haha) at the hospital I have accumulated 6 of the hospitals chuck pads. I love these things. At all times I have one on my side of the bed. I don't have to worry about baby throwing up on my bed, milk leaking through, or poo ruining our dear temporpediac mattress. And they are so easy to clean and feel just like a sheet.

Hope chillin on one. 

-Baby Bjorn and Slings-
I am a sucker for buying any and every baby carrier. But the two that I can't live without are my baby Bjorn's and the good ol' fashion sling. Enough said.

The sling, holding baby Grace, not sure why she isn't in it. 

Holding baby Isaac in the sling that he lived in his first year of life.

Matt sporting baby bjorn with baby Grace.

-Stroller Frame-

This stroller frame is a new hot item for me with baby Hope. A friend let me borrow hers and I was hooked immediately. It is so light and easy to use and the car seat just plugs right in. The bottom compartment is great too and very accessible!

-Tracy Anderson Post Pregnancy Workout-

Tracy Anderson has been my tv guru/workout coach, since baby #2. If you saw me right now, you would probably think: wow, it's really not working for you, Kristin. But it does work, I promise. It is just that I have only done it 2 times (counting today) since I have had Hope. Yes, baby #4 is kicking my butt and making it nearly impossible to get a workout in....but she is worth it and I am sure I could make time, if only I would put my mind to it. Maybe next month... or the next....

I also love this dvd from Tracy. 

-This and this and this also help me to adjust to new baby-

What are your baby musts, please do tell!!