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 Love…Round Two

It was so much fun taking out all my baby stuff and introducing them to our new baby. Here are a few essential baby things that deserve a second shout out: 1. Fisher Price Open Top Take-Along Rainforest Swing — This is really a great product. It’s compact so doesn’t take up loads of space, and plays really pleasant music (and I would know — every time my 2-year-old passes it she turns it on).2. Munchkin Diaper Change Organizer — This we’ve used every day since Hila was born. For a disorganized, messy person, this diaper organizer really helps keep things neat and orderly. 3. Soothie Pacifiers — Once again I have a child who rejects all pacifiers. Fortunately, this time we didn’t have to wait until month 3 to discover the soothing effects of the Soothie pacifiers. She still needs some practice, but the Soothie is definitely her favorite non-boob pacifier. 4. Baby Wearable Blankets — We don’t have the Grobag in particular, but have a few others that keep baby cozy at night without the risk of loose blankets floating around the crib. 5. Kiddopotamus Snuzzler — We use this for added support and comfort in our Rainforest

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Fisher-Price Open Top Take-Along Rainforest Swing: The Real Deal

I’m not sure if I could be more pleased with the Fisher-Price Rainforest Open Top Take-Along Swing. And I’m not sure Hila could be either. It is smaller than it looked in the picture, but for apartment living, it is absolutely perfect. And while we haven’t taken it along very far, we did bring it into our room one morning when we wanted to sleep in but still have Hila entertained and nearby. It’s lightweight, has gender neutral colors, cute toys — a stuffed tucan and monkey hanging from a tree branch — and best of all, amazing music options. Menachem and I feel strongly that toys with music should be kept to a minimum. Kids shouldn’t constantly need to hear electronic, grating lullabies and parents certainly shouldn’t be subjected to them either. This rainforest swing not only has the option of swinging without music, but has music offerings that are extremely pleasant. The loudest setting is not too loud and the quiet setting is actually quiet. And the lullabies it plays have a bit of a rainforest theme and don’t bother me one little bit. What more could I ask for? Hila is in it now, sucking on her

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