How we survived/survive

As many mommy's know there are only a FEW items that are desperately needed to have smooth days and smooth nights. But like myself and most new moms you think you need everything. So I guess I can give Adrienne and Ashley some wisdom when they start their little family. :-)

Newborn Stage:

SWADDLES

Most say you need swaddles...okay those are like $14 each...have I used the ones I got from my showers....NO! What worked?

RECEIVING BLANKETS

Normal and receiving blankets. Talk about multi purpose. So essentially you can get 4 receiving blankets for $14 that come in the cutest prints.

SWING

Must have a SWING! It's how we survived. If you have a big baby...your arms will get sooo tired of swinging them back and forth. Definitely worth EVERY penny. The type you get isn't that big of a deal. I would just read reviews or pick out the one that goes with your decor, bc it's going to be in your living room where you spend the most time.

BOPPY PILLOW

Literally whenever someone came over to visit Aiden those 1st two months, he was on the couch sleeping in his boppy. The TRUTH! :-) After feedings he would just curl up in the hole and felt safe like being in the womb. He would get mad if we took him and laid him in bed/pack n play. Also, remember TWO covers! Gotta have a backup, bc you never know if its going to get spit up on.

Young months Stage:

PACI 1 PACI 2 PACI 3 CLIP 1 CLIP 2

This I can't say exactly what to use bc every baby is different, but we have found the kind Aiden can hold on to stay in the mouth longer. Always have a backup because Aiden's original clip broke, so backups are a must plus you never know when that paci is going to hit the floor :-)

JUMPEROO

It is our lifesaver now. Since the swing is retired, this becomes our go to when we have things to do around the house and wont worry about Aiden rolling into/getting into something he shouldn't. I picked this over an activity center bc it's multi purpose. Plus most activity centers have a weight limit and cannot raise as the baby gets taller.

CHEW TOYS

I know that sounds like a dog thing, but it is enough entertainment to let him enjoy being on the blanket all by himself. We are still investigating other teething toys, but this one is BY FAR his favorite. The noise, how soft it is, etc.

MELODY MAKER 1 MELODY MAKER 2

This helped us when Aiden was in his infant seat. As soon as you would pull the charm and make the music go he would stop cry and laugh and giggle! He was just so amazed with it. Now since he is in a big boy seat those charms are now on the side of the bed, and you can now hear him playing in there with them when its either bedtime or naptime. They help him fall asleep.

HOPE THIS HELPS SOME!!!!