Today I am linking up with some fun gals on Kid Tested, Mom Approved goodies! Vanessa at Sunflower State of Mind is hosting this today, and if you haven’t checked out her blog, you MUST! The funny thing is, Vanessa and I went to high school together, but were never really in the same group of friends. But once our girls due dates were about a month apart, we had a new connection 🙂 It’s been so fun getting to know her and her ADORABLE family through blog world, and I hope that one day when she is back in KC that we can get our gals together for some good Mexican food and catching up. OK, so I’m going to share some of my baby must haves from the past year with Nora.
1. Graco Pack N Play Silhouette Play Yard – Rittenhouse
You guys, this thing seriously saved our lives Nora’s first few months of life! I searched and searched for the perfect pack n play to have in our room while Nora bunked out with me and Eric and I found everything I was looking for in this one. Not only does it have the bassinet attachment, but it also has a built in (and removable) changing table. This was great for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes…you know, when your child poops every hour? But the BEST part about this gem, is that it has a built in vibrating tool that lays at the bottom of the bassinet. Whenever we would put Nora down with out it, she would usually wake right up. But with the 30 minute timer, she would gently be soothed to sleep. It. Was. A. Miracle. Not to mention, the print is adorable 🙂
2. Aden and Anais Swaddling Blankets
Not only do they come in the sweetest prints, but they keep your baby swaddled perfectly. Nora inherited her father’s sweat glands, and so she would get super hot at night with typical swaddlers or sleepers. This was a total game changer for us, and I almost always buy a set for friends who are expecting little ones. They have also been great to take on plane rides, while going on walks and snuggling when the poor babe has a fever. I LOVE these blankets!
3. Pampered Chef Paring Knives
OK, so this one might not seem like it should be on this list, but I LOVE these knives! When Nora fist started eating real food, it was always so hard to cut everything up small enough for her little mouth. But these knives make for perfect slicing of fruits and veggies, meat, even for pasta. They make preparing her food a breeze and for that I am so thankful!
4. A Junk Drawer
Yes, another unconventional baby gear item. For those of you who love being in the kitchen like I do, sometimes it’s super hard to get things done with a little one around. After putting all of our cabinet locks on, we left one drawer unlocked with all of Nora’s “dishes” and cups in it. She knows that this is her drawer to play in while Mommy cooks, and I often find her sitting in the drawer, hitting her bowls with a spatula. It does my heart good watching her sit in there and play, and let’s me get stuff done at the same time.
5. Baby Bjorn Active Carrier
Having a child who would nap for a MAX of 2 hours total at only 4 months old made it really hard for me to get things done around the house. I had done lots of research on which baby carrier to purchase and I’m so glad I went with this one! It’s super light weight and comfortable and Nora always loved being in it. It allowed me to finally get some housework done and kept her entertained at the same time. If your ever questioning getting a baby carrier, I would highly recommend this one!
6. Just Like Home 85-Piece Play Food Set
This has provided HOURS of entertainment for Nora! She started off just hitting the pieces together and throwing them around the house, but now she is starting to “feed” her babies food and puts food on her plates and gives it to me to eat. Her favorite foods to play with? The eggs 🙂 I think she just likes that they are round and she can throw them really far. Haha!
So those are my top picks for baby gear in our house. Can’t wait to see everyone else’s picks!
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Thanks for linking up! So fun that you know Vanessa in real life! And I totally need those knives…such a good idea!
Love the 'junk drawer' idea! I am totally going to do that when we move! That is such a great tip!
Love the 'junk drawer' idea! I am totally going to do that when we move! That is such a great tip!
Aw Lauren, you are the sweetest! I have SO enjoyed getting to know you better through your blog and I always look forward to reading about what's going on in your life–and of course seeing new Nora pics! Arden and I are totally down for Mexican and catching up in KC!!! 🙂
Arden got her dad's sweat glands too–JOY! The A&A blankets were life savers! And that food set is awesome. I love that Nora will serve you food…she just seems like such a sweetheart!
Thanks again for linking up–you're the best!