This week's advice comes courtesy of Alison G. at My Little Happy Place. Alison is the mother of two darling little girls, Avery and Isla -- and the designer of both of their darling nurseries. I'm particularly loving Alison's advice on what I don't need as a major goal of mine is to not overcrowd my house with unnecessary baby items!
* * *
I'd like to think I have something to offer a new mom, as I've been one twice - as recently as six months ago. However, the Mommy-to-Be and New Mommy experience is so personal and unique, it's difficult to encapsulate with anecdotes and product reviews, as there will be as many moms out there who agree as who disagree with my words of advice. For what it's worth, here's a couple of my Golden Nuggets on new babyhood....
{Avery's Nursery}
I'm forever amazed at the sheer volume of baby and nursery products. It's hard to know what is essential, but I've found three items (and my husband concurs) that we use day-in, day-out, from the moment we come home from the hospital:
1) the Boppy Pillow - the pillow that forms 'round Mom or Dad during feedings, provides support for baby during pre-sitting stages, etc has been my #1 go-to item.
2) Sheet Saver - Let's face it, babies have a lot of blow-outs! This quilted and waterproof tie-on pad covers crib sheets, so when baby's mess goes beyond the diaper, you're not changing the entire crib in the middle of the night. I bought several. Babies R Us has a decent selection.
3) Bouncer Chair - I can't get over the array of bouncer chairs on the market - some look like they might send your baby into orbit! We've always had fairly basic models, but they've done the job of calming and entertaining our kiddos beautifully.
{Isla's Nursery}
You could devote an entire post to what you need not spend money on in terms of baby gear, but my vote goes to Diaper Genies (or similar diaper pails), and free-standing high chairs. In my book, you don't really need a so-called "contained" HAZMAT container for diapers - just take them outside to the trash - easy peasy.
Although there are some very designerly high chairs out there, I still think the versions that snap onto a chair you already own is a better use of space.
Although there are some very designerly high chairs out there, I still think the versions that snap onto a chair you already own is a better use of space.
{Isla's Nursery}
Other advice/preparations....I'd say go ahead and take those labor and birth preparation classes. They will at least provide you with the basic information of what to expect when baby decides to make his/her appearance. If you plan to breastfeed, I highly recommend making friends with a Lactation Consultant, or, as my new-mommy cousin calls hers, a Boobie Whisperer.
Congratulations again, Averill and Dave!
Congratulations again, Averill and Dave!
