7 Must-Haves for First Babies

A first time mama-to-be recently asked me for a list of must-haves. Here’s what I’ve come up with. 1. Stroller — I’ve been so many years out of the loop now, that I have no idea what’s out there. For starting out, especially if you don’t have a car and plan on taking cabs, I highly recommend getting a Snap ‘N Go (see here for a comparison of different carseat carrier models). That option will last you about a year. If you want to have a non-carseat options, then you sorta can’t go wrong, though, with a Baby Jogger City Mini. If you plan on having another kid in the next two years, then I highly recommend getting one of the Phil & Ted strollers — then, when #2 comes along, you can just buy the P&T doubles add-on kit (not that we’ve already pushing for #2 or anything…). 2. Swaddles — I recommend getting at least two of these. I prefer the Kiddopotamus Swaddle over the Summer Infant one. Ergo Carrier Beco Butterfly II Carrier 3. Baby carrier(s) — I recommend getting one cozy, stretchy wrap (like this one) and one soft structured one. I’m really happy with the Beco Butterfly, but I think I’d

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Baby Things I Want: Cloud B Sound Machine/Sleep Aids

I once wrote about the Cloud B Ladybug Constellation Light (which I never got), and now I see that that is just one of many soothing Cloud B sleep aids. Hila sleeps just fine now (well, not lately, but in general), but she certainly didn’t start out that way. I’m hoping No. 2 will sleep eagerly and successfully from day 1, but I know that’s highly unlikely. (Don’t all mothers-to-be assume that their baby will be the angel baby who sleeps through the night at three weeks?) I want one of these. They look cuddly and I like that the sounds and/or vibrations can be set to go off for up to 45 minutes. Cloud B Sleep Sheep — I’ve seen this in stores and it really is cuddly. This one plays four soothing sounds — mother’s heartbeat (weird, but supposedly effective), whale songs, ocean surf, and spring showers. This one plays for 23 minutes before shutting off. It also comes with a velcro strap so you can secure it to the crib.Alternatively you can get the Cloud B Giraffe. This one has a 23-minute and 45-minute option and plays the following four sounds: safari groove, safari trail, Victoria falls,

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