Hi Everyone! Grace here. Its been over a year since Jackson was born and I honestly haven’t written too many baby updates and obviously no maternity updates because its just really busy over here LOL. However, lately I have gotten a few requests asking for some go to products. I am going to try to simplify everything for you all and just list the most used or favorite items that worked for us. Everyone and baby is different so something might work or might not for you all, but with Mason I feel like I had everything under the sun and it wasn’t until Jackson came along that I realized how little you really need.
Maternity-
- I didn’t but much maternity clothing however I did invest in a good pair of jeans, I just saw Levis now makes some! I probably wore this pair the most ( I liked over the belly).
- this dress is a must (it works great for after also) , This midi also grew with me!
- . lululemon align leggings (get your regular size they will work after too)
- zella leggings- ON SALE
- Target has so much cute maternity right now. I lived in this MAMA sweatshirt
- Occasion dresses look at ASOS. Macys has the cutest overalls. I found a lot at free people and anthropologie or just sized up. That made it easy to wear everything postpartum.
- Favorite white tee– add cardigans
Newborn-
- dock a tot was a must for both boys. I would carry it to the shower so i could see them! LOL
- Zipper onsies with feet are a must. These gowns are even better! Trust me in the middle of the night its hard to see the snaps and no one wants to be bothered. I spent so much time finding cute outfits for Mason, which was fun, but he ended up in a onsie almost always! cute and affordable option here!
- I didn’t put the boys in carriers a lot, but when I did I used this one . I loved the material. A lot of people love this solly baby wrap too
- Never enough burp clothes (super absorbent don’t go for the cute ones)
- Swaddle
- Lollipop monitor is what we have for both boys. I had a different one at first that broke twice but we haven’t had any issues with this one.
- This carseat– researched a lot but this one is super light and safe
- Strollers we have – BOB double Jogger I honestly couldn’t live without. Uppa baby stroller system, Phil & Teds is amazing for the airport with two kids and it was great for Disney.
- Use this crib for both boys. Jackson has it now. As much as I wanted cute bumpers I didn’t get them because of safety issues .
- This breathable mattress
- Dr. Brown bottles – helped with reflux
- Diaper bag favorites – I always use backpacks . Fawn Design I have pink. This 3-1 bag is my favorite for travel because it has so much space. Amazon has so many affordable options now! I use this honest backpack a lot because it has an insulated pocket for snacks and drinks.
- Formula cooler bag (incase you go anywhere especially down south)
- Medela pump
- Loved this seat/bouncer for both. Would bring to beach!
- Baby enstein jumper – My mom had this one and they loved it. (Didn’t like whichever one I had!)
Post Partum
- Belly Bandit I had this one– more affordable option here.
- These leggings helped suck everything in or just wear the align leggings or spanx
- Nursing tanks – 3 pack for $30!!
- nursing bras – I actually preferred these sports bras or this one from walmart its so comfy!
- These tanks were so easy to nurse in! I got medium
- New sneakers! Such motivation to get out and walk. I swear
- Nightgown / robe / slippers
- I loved these thermals if I felt like “dressing up” which rarely happened!!
- Nursing pads/ storage bags
- Boppy to help with nursing
Things we didn’t use or buy
- We actually never got a wipes warmer
- or a Bottle cleaner ( I figured it was just another thing to take up counter space)
- Bassinet or attachment with pack and play
- Baby shoes and hats ( I have way too many)
- Diaper pail
- Crib comforter set and bumpers
- Bumbo
- mamaroo- Had it and both boys didn’t like it.
Questions
- How to get over being stuck inside the first week. – Honestly I think the first baby was more of a shock at how much you are stuck inside for me . With both Mason and Jackson I was lucky to be in warmer weather and walk everywhere!! Also I made time to get out at night or in between feedings even to go get a coffee or the supermarket. It was super hard for me with Mason because my husband was always gone. Accept any help anyone will give you LOL!!
- Cute going home outfit for a Valentines Day baby? This one or this one!
- Sleep Schedule? We read this book and started sleep training with Mason really late (8 months) Jackson woke up a lot but never cried and was happy to go back in his crib. He still wakes up at 5 or 6 and then goes back to bed for an hour or so LOL!! A lot of people swear by this book
- Favorite maternity hospital pajamas? This pair or this pair under $30! Be sure to bring slippers too!
- Best items to travel with a 7 month old for beach trip? sunscreen, beach hat, we used to put everything in a laundry basket it was easy to carry , I would sometimes bring this jumper . Also a beach bag and wet dry bag for wet suit. We had a pop up tent but the boys would never sit still long enough to be in it. If your baby would nap there it would be great!
- Maternity wedding guest dress? I loved asos, and pinkblush
- Some registry items? Make sure to add high chair, stroller, burpclothes, bibs, wipes, diapers, boppy pillow, sound machine, pacifiers, mobile for crib, crib, matress, bottles, bottle drying rack. bottle brush, changing pad for table, diaper bin, nose cleaner , first aid kit, baby bath
