There are a lot of baby products out there. A LOT. I thought I knew this, but when I went to make my baby registry I realized that there were A LOT A LOT of baby products. How are you suppose to choose what automatic shaker thingy is going to put your baby to sleep or what bottle they are going to take? The truth is you can’t, you’re going to win some and lose some. And the things you win with? You’re going to want to hug and kiss that inanimate object and pay big bucks to have it in your possession forever.
Here are four items that I would shed big crocodile tears without. Buy them. Love them. Thank me later.
Solly Baby wrap is a comfortable hands-free way to soothe baby
In the beginning of motherhood, it was hard for me to put my little one down. One because if she was upset I wanted to soothe her. And two because who wants to put their squishy snuggle bug down?! At times I wished that my Rock n’ Play could soothe her as much as I could, but the truth is, human contact, with mama specifically, is a great way to create a comfortable soothing environment for your little one. Baby wearing is gives them everything they need – tightly wrapped without a feeling of falling or flailing, close enough you can hear mom’s heart beat, and movement just like they felt in the womb. Also, for someone that loves being productive – and someone that gets extreme hanger from a lack of breakfast – baby wearing in the early weeks allows me to feel more like me. I can make a cup of coffee, eat breakfast, and not stress myself out with a screaming baby in a Rock n’ Play in the next room.
I am a huge fan of baby wearing in general, so why did I choose Solly Baby wrap over other popular brands? I was introduced to the brand via a podcast where I hear the founder Elle Rowley talk about her birth stories and how the idea for Solly Baby came to be. I adored her in this podcast and resonated a lot with her feelings on birth and the fears and triumphs that come with being a working mom. Once I dug into the product I found out that Solly Baby has unbelievable soft and breathable fabric – with Hayes being born in June and a mama that comes from a long line of sweaters (gross, but seriously I sweat a lot and p.s. my husband Jeff does not. Thanks, dear I feel pretty.), I needed something that would let the air flow and not leave me in a puddle of sweat. Another great thing about Solly is that they have shortened the wrap so there isn’t so much extra fabric. When Hayes was a newborn I only tied the wrap around once and the extra fabric only went down to the back of my knees. I never once thought I needed more fabric.
Solly Baby wraps are sold online in original and xl sizes for $65. They come in adorable seasonal patterns and staple solids. My first wrap was a white and gray stripe.
Keekaroo changer takes the stress out of the mess
Forget the price, YOU NEED THIS!
I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I feel SHOUTY CAPS serious about this changing pad. Bet you never thought you’d hear someone so excited about something you lay your kiddo on to change their poopy diaper, especially when that something sells for $150ish dollars on Amazon, but here I am.
Changing pads rectangular slightly cushy pads covered in fabric with a u-shaped top to let your little one rest in while you change them. You might of registered for a changing pad and a few additional fabric covers for your baby shower. The two key differences between the design of the Keekaroo and a traditional changing pad is shape and material. Instead of being rectangular with a u-shaped dip, the Keekaroo is peanut shaped and has a raised edge around the perimeter of the changing pad. And instead of being cushy with a fabric cover, the Keekaroo is soft and silicone.
Why the heck does this matter?
Poop and pee clean up. It’s as simple as that. I love this changing pad because when my little one has a blow out or pees while I’m changing her, all I have to do is take a disinfecting wipe and clean that peanut shaped puppy off. Whereas the traditional player has the remove the cover, wash the cover, and put another cover on. When my little girl has was born this had already happened 4 times before she turned one month old.
WORTH IT (yes, shouty caps are back again).
Buy the Keekaroo changer on Amazon!
Rock n’ Play
I was told by many a mama that this was an item I had to have. I won’t lie, upon investigation I was a little disappointed that this have to have didn’t come in a nice neutral pattern
The first few nights at home we planned on using a bassinet that was attached to the top of our Pack n’ Play for our little lady to sleep in, then later on when we stopped watching her chest move up and down while she was sleeping to confirm she was breathing, we would put her in the crib in the nursery. When I put her in that bassinet (that was slightly inclined) I felt like she was swallowed up. I couldn’t find her little body in that sea of bassinet. So, I’m sure against doctor recommendations, our little lady slept snug as a bug in her Rock n’ Play for the first month (and counting)…
Not only did she sleep like a champ at night in this fabulous rocking bed, she also napped during the day in it, and laid in it in the bathroom while I showered and snuggled in when all the water mama drank to finally made nature call. We have been moving this little contraption from the living room to the bathroom, bedroom and beyond since the day we came home with our little bundle. It’s a keeper whether you plan on the nugget sleeping in it, napping, or just hanging!
I’m sure this list of items will grow as we move from the bittiest of baby infant stages to crawling, walking, and potty training baby. Stay tuned for more products we’d pay a premium for!