Mommy Must Haves: My Top 5 Mommy Must Haves

It’s day 2 of our “Mommy Must Have” series, and I’m here to share my Top 5!

Surely there’s a lot to consider and think about as you wait for the arrival of your little bundle of joy. ‘What type of diapers should I buy?’, ‘Will breastfeeding hurt?‘, ‘Am I really going to be awake every 2 hours?‘ are just a few of the questions that I had while I was pregnant with our first child. And to top it off, the question of ‘I need WHAT?!?‘ was a big one! You see, one thing that I never really thought about in the beginning of my pregnancy was the stuff. And boy oh boy, there’s a lot of stuff you need. Once it was nearing baby-registry time, my head was ready to spin out of control from what the magazines told me I needed vs what my family told me I needed vs what my friends told me I needed. I mean, seriously – what could a 8 pound baby really need?!

Turns out everyone was right… These little dumplings need A LOT of stuff! I would cover them all, but seeing as how there’s so many thingamajigs, doodads, stuff for your ta-tas and who-ha, I’ve narrowed it down to 5.

Here are 5 things you don’t want to go without:

5. Rock-N-Play

For some reason, babies love this easy to use, easy to store item. I never had one for our first child, but the second time around I had heard it was a must. Some people use it for a bassinet during the first few months of baby’s life, and it sure is a lifesaver while trying to cook some dinner while you want your wee one close by. I used it a lot while doing laundry, vacuuming, and playing with the 3 year old. It folds up and stores easily from room to room, which is a lifesaver when other always-on-the-go kids are involved.

4. A Swing

Seriously. Go buy a swing. Now. Run. Fast!
These things are a miracle item. They calm a fussy baby, swing them to sleep, have fun mobiles, fold up for storage, are easy to clean, have music, are safe… What more could you want? Just one tip of advice…don’t let your little baby get super used to sleeping in this oh-so-fabulous baby item — or you may end up facing my current dilemma – a 7 month old who will only nap in the swing. Mommy fail!

3. Ergo Baby Carrier

Looking for a hands free and safe option for carrying your precious peanut? This carrier allows newborns (using the correct insert) to be safe and snuggled close to you so you can do some of the day-to-day things us Moms must get done. Getting babies started early in a carrier will help get them used to the idea of this being carried (while at the park, grocery store, mall, etc) for months to come. What’s different about this carrier? It allows baby’s hips to be in a safer and more comfortable position. Some studies have said that regular carriers (with baby’s legs hanging down) put too much strain on baby’s hips, suggesting a ‘seated’ position like the one the Ergo Carrier offers.

2. Landolin Lotion/Ointment

Calling all moms who plan to breastfeed their babies!!!
This is a must have. Do yourself a favor and buy multiple tubes of this saving grace. Then stash some by your bed, in your diaper bag, in your car, next to a rocking chair, in the bathroom. Everywhere! This miracle ointment helps sore, dry nipples (hey, no one said this was the easiest time of your life, but it’s all worth it!). Apply after breastfeeding. And for those of you who develop cracked nipples? Use an easy to access, full of vitamins, healthy and healing resource…breast milk! Yep, you read that right! Release some of your breast milk, apply to your nipples, and let air dry. You’re welcome!

And last but not least…

1. COFFEE!!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah… ‘But you shouldn’t drink coffee if you’re breastfeeding’. I know, I know. But here’s the deal. If you’re body is used to coffee intake, you’ll be ok. I’m not saying to drink pots full of the heavenly stuff, but a (normal) size mug is fine. Even switch to half-cafe if you’d feel better about it. I’m a firm believer of “a coffee drinking mommy is a sane mommy”.

So now I ask you… What are your top 5 must haves? What have people suggested you not live without?