Sunday, September 20, 2009

A Few of My Favorite Things

I thought I would make a list of what I consider the "baby essentials", or at least those things that I would not want to do without. Let me know if I missed anything (we all know my brain is a little fuzzy!).

1. The Snugglewrap snugglewrapbabycarriers.com
Absolutely, hands down, the best newborn baby carrier. As a devout fan of carrying ones babe, I have tried just about every kind of soft carrier. This one is a wrap style, similar in some ways to the Moby, but much better; more stretchy, and fabric only where you need it, so much less bulky. This (especially combined with number two) is a colic life saver!

2. Large excersize ball
Not just for labor anymore! Seriously, though, I've spent a good deal of time in labor on one of these, but even more time postpartum. Now that Galen is following in his brother's colicky footsteps, I find myself on the ball once again (though, thankfully, not nearly as often). Strap baby in a Snugglewrap, get your bounce on, and say "nightnight"!

3. Nosefrida nosefrida.com
The snotsucker. Seriously. It really, really works. If you've ever tried to breastfeed a baby with a cold at 3:00 in the morning, you know what I'm so excited about.

4. Wool
I LOVE wool for babies, for just about everything. Diaper covers. Clothes. Hats. Changing pads. Wool is almost miraculous, it doesn't stink even when it gets peed on (making it most amazing as a diaper cover), and if you treat it well it stays sooo nice. It is soft. It is temperature regulating, meaning it's warm when it's cold out, and cool when it's warm (assuming it isn't thick). And it rarely needs to be washed! Bonus! My very favorites are Batik Bums custom made woolens, made by a california mama and sold at batikbum.com. For washing, I like Eucalan no rinse wash, eucalan.com. It is much easier than people think!

5. Jojoba oil and a soft toothbrush
Got cradle cap? Slather it up with jojoba oil, let it soak in, and scrape it off with the toothbrush (don't brush your teeth with it afterwards. Ew.). This works really well, especially if you nip it in the bud before it gets too gnarly. The best thing about the jojoba oil is that it doesn't have a smell, so you still get to bask in the luscious new baby scent!

6. Exergen Thermometer exergen.com
Take your baby's temperature quickly and accurately by just sweeping the scanner across their forehead. Supposedly as accurate as a rectal reading, but much more comfortable (for everyone).