25/04/2017
LESLIE'S LIST of Baby Must Haves
If you know me, you probably realize that I'm pretty minimalistic when it comes to baby gear. There are several reasons for this like the fact that we have moved often and we generally don't have lots of space or storage in Japan. My main reason though, is that babies just don't need much STUFF and they grow so fast that they don't use what they do have for very long. So, besides the essentials (clothes, diapers, car seat etc), here is my list of life changing baby items that I love and would be sad to be without:
-A GOOD quality baby carrier (ergo, boba, tula, lillebaby, etc.). I know the price tag can be hard to swallow but when considered that I wore my "baby" to the age of 4 very regularly and am now using it for the new one, it was/is 1000% worth every penny to help carry your little ones and still have your hands free.
- A baby bath sponge. It's literally a big sponge that comes in different shapes like turtles and ladybugs and lays in your regular tub. I think regular baby baths are dumb. They take up way too much space and are a pain to fill and use without making a mess. I poke a hole in the foam, tie string through, wring it out, and hang between uses. Super lightweight, easy to store, and you can't beat the $7 price tag.
-Some form of bassinet or Co-sleeper. My kiddos nurse very frequently until they wean and that means I need them close so that I can sleep too. I have no problem with regular co-sleeping when done safely, it's just not for me. I move around a lot and don't sleep as well with a baby in my bed. I want them close enough to touch but in their own space.
And here's a small list of things I think are a complete waste of money:
-baby bath tubs
- Nix the changing table and keep changing baskets with diapers, wipes, etc in the main area you are in during the day and next to your bed for night times. Let's face it, do you really think you will walk upstairs to their nursery every time they need changed? The first month they need as many as 20 changes in a 24 hr period!! Just to give you an idea if this is your first or it's been a while and you have forgotten.
-wipe warmers
-baby towels. I just use ours which are softer and more absorbent anyway. HOWEVER, I DO use baby washcloths. The size is much better for their tiny bodies.
-tons of baby toys. They are so interested in the world around them or even their own fingers that they don't need a lot of extra stimuli.
I'm sure I have more but I am finally able to lay my sweet sleeping baby down and my brain is moving on to other "to do's." I would LOVE to hear what your must have items are, even if it's a wipe warmer ;)
