After about a year being a new mom, I've learned a few things, well, actually many things! One being that I barely needed all the stuff I put on my baby registry.
So now that my house is filled with things I don't use, I wanted to share my top 10 life hack products that made my life easier as a first time mom!
1. Dock-a-Tot
CLICK HERE TO TAKE YOU TO THE PRODUCT
This is the most expensive thing, but I list this first for a reason... it is worth it!! The Dock A Tot comes in two sizes, Deluxe for 0-8 months old and the Grand for 9-36 months. I know it's hard to justify spending the money, but look at some of my reasons below for needing it!
Reasons I love it!
A. Sleep Transitions!
It can go from my bed, to a co-sleeper, to their crib, to a big kid bed, and traveling! That's the biggest thing. I've used it in hotels, on family bedroom floors, airplanes, anywhere! And she feels right at home in her bed!!
B. Traveling!
We travel a lot! We've visited family all over the state, stayed the night in many hotel rooms, taken airplane flights, and had sleepovers at friend's houses. I'm never worried that Georgia will have trouble feeling like she's in a strange place because as long as she's in her Dock A Tot bed, she feels comforted. And I'm comforted knowing that she feels at home.
Here we are, all loaded up in the truck with the Dog and the Dock-a-Tot!
Georgia sleeping on the plane in her Dock-a-Tot!
C. Safe!
New Mom's are always very worried about suffocation while sleeping. You do hear horror stories, so we want to make sure our babies are safe while they sleep so that WE CAN SLEEP!! The Dock A Tot has done lots os safety research (which again, is why it's so expensive)and the fabric is breathable so your baby can snuggle and you don't have to worry.
D. Cute & Stylish!
Of course, we want to have style too! Dock A Tot has come up with so many styles and colors that it makes it hard to choose.
Georgia practicing her tummy time in a Hotel Room on our first family vacation away!
E. Tummy time and play!
The Dock A Tot doesn't have to be just for sleeping. You can bring it to the living room or the couch for tummy time, cuddle time, or play time.
2. Lobster Seat by phil&teds:
We have a peninsula type island in our kitchen that made this really easy, but you can clamp it to tables or any ledge that you feel is safe and secure. She seems to like this more than her high chair because she's up a little higher and more at our level while we are cooking. She feels like she's part of the party!
I LOVE my ikea high chair! I have seen it on Amazon here and there but if you live close to an Ikea and don’t have to pay for shipping, that’s your best bet! But it's simple, super easy to clean, and you can travel with it. Just take the legs off and you're good to go!
4. Car Window Shade Socks
GENIUS ALERT!! I have received so much feedback on these! Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Sisters, Curious people, everyone has asked me about these! They cover the WHOLE window AND you can roll the window down while still having shade for your baby. Freaking Genius!
5. Water Wipes
Regular wipes have some sort of chemical or smell to them and I always hesitate using the same wipes on Georgia's behind as I do on her face and sometimes you need a face wipe!! Also, she gets pretty bad diaper rashes with the regular wipes, so the pure water wipes help her heal! Yes, you can go put water on a washcloth and use that, but these are so convenient!!!!
Click the picture to buy these!
6. Monkey Mat
I first got this for traveling in airports...(you can read my Babies On A Plane article here), but it has come in handy in so many other ways. It zips down to about a 4" by 4" square so you can throw it in your purse or diaper bag. We've used it for food truck picnic times or play time at the library. If it's easy, I like keeping it sanitary! They can make a mess on it too and you just wrap it up and stick it in the washing machine.
Click the picture to buy this!
7. Squeeze Food Pouches
Every mom knows about food pouches, but I love them so much that they deserve a shout out. Right?
Click the picture to buy these online!
7.5. SipN Food Pouch Topper
Sometimes Georgia hurts her mouth on the pouch tops, so someone developed this great little twist on top that makes it smoother for them to suck out the food.
Click the picture to buy this online!
8. Carry Baby
This little hip seat helps so much and so many people were asking me where I got it that I wrote an entire blog post solely explaining how awesome it is. The gist is you can carry your baby (they love being held, right?) without making your arms or side suffer.
Babies Are Heavy!
If you would like to see more about The Carry Baby, click here or the image to read my blog!
Click the picture to see this on Amazon
9. ZoLi Bot Sippy Straw Cup
I really need to write a review on sippy straw cups, but long story short, this was the best one for us! It does not leak!!
Click the picture to buy! Many colors!
10. Summer Infant Shopping Cart Cover
As you can see, Georgia likes to lounge in this sideways! It fits any and all carts! And for tiny babies, it has a cushy insert to hold them in the seated position! Super smart! It also has loops so you can hook some toys to it. I stick my keys and phone in the see through pouch and everything is at hands reach.
Click either picture to take you to Amazon!
(BECAUSE, LETS BE REAL. EFFECTIVE GIFTS FOR BABY, ARE GIFTS FOR MOMMY)
It's time for Christmas shopping and I love recommending products that I personally love and use. Whether you know a mom who loves gifts that will make their lives easier or you know some babies that need awesome toys that are fun and educational, this is the best list for you!