These days I am in full on baby planning mode. Since it has been six years since the last time I had an infant (Lord give me strength!), I have had to replace many key items. Bottles, bottle warmers, pack n’ plays, bassinets, etc.
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TOP TEN BABY ESSENTIALS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)
1) CAR SEAT(S): Obviously, one must have a car seat purchased and properly installed prior to leaving the hospital with your new bundle of joy. You will most likely purchase an infant, bucket type seat, which you will use from birth until your baby is about 5-7 months old (depending on your baby's size). You will then need a convertible type car seat that can face backwards (until at least one year old and/or 20 pounds) and then forwards.
2) STROLLER(S): Again, you probably won't get by with purchasing only one stroller. The strollers out on the market are limitless. You should choose a stroller based on your lifestyle and budget. I recommend a snap-n-go type stroller frame in which the infant seat easily fits right in. Once your baby outgrows the infant seat, this combo will be obsolete! You will then need another stroller whether it's a jogger, umbrella or hybrid-type model. I recommend taking them out of the store to push on the sidewalks, practice folding and unfolding and placing in and out of the trunk if applicable to see how cumbersome it might be. When you have a wriggling, crying baby the last thing you need is a 40 pound stroller to collapse and try to shove in your trunk.
3) A PLACE FOR BABY TO SLEEP: You need to think about your home set up before you make any purchases. Some prefer baby to sleep in a crib from the get-go in a separate room while others want their little ones as close to them as possible. Again, you have many choices between a crib, mini-crib, pack-n-play, bassinet, arms reach co-sleeper or your own bed!
4) A DIAPER BAG OR SOMETHING FOR YOU TO SCHLEP ALL THE NEW THINGS YOU MUST CARRY FOR AN OUTING WITH BABY: You can go crazy as well with diaper bags. I've been known to splurge in this area but one doesn't have to. Again, consider your lifestyle and budget. They make fabulous bags that your husband/partner won't be embarrassed to carry that don't break the bank. Others may choose to use a backpack or their own larger purse. It is helpful from the beginning to have a place with several separate compartments. You will be lugging a lot of stuff initially but as your little one grows along with your confidence, you'll be able to get by with bringing less.
...Okay...I will admit I was a major wimp about breastfeeding. After seeing one too many of my girlfriends in toe curling pain from the process I decided it wasn't for me. Multiple friends have harassed me. Even the ones that were in pain!!
Obviously my moment has passed. My daughter is turning 3 and I don't plan on starting the process now. Still I can't help but be overrun with talk of breastfeeding. Every one of my friends that have had kids in the last six months (and there are many) have opted to breastfeed. So what is the consensus of opinion on the world's best product... "My Breast Friend".
For years it has been a staple item for new mothers. It easily attaches around your waste and makes for a more comfortable experience while breastfeeding. Women have also indicated that they are able to achieve long feeding cycles. Let us not forget it is the #1 choice for lactation consultants. As with any "It" product, it has been featured on Oprah. Since its launch in 1994, My Breast Friend has helped over 1,000,000 customers. For more information go to LINK.
Ok, I have to tell y'all about the cutest online gift boutique: Ginger Snaps Baby. What's unique about this boutique is that its products are inspired by children of color, which is so great, because chic baby items made especially for brown babies are rare! No matter what the color of your bambino though, you are sure to find something precious at Ginger Snaps Baby. The owner, Michele Duger, was gracious enough to send me some samples of her products, and they.are.adorable! Really. I'm in love with the Bag ID tags personalized with my girls' names. They are just darling. And, I'm a sucker for stationery, so I was tickled pink to receive some personalized notecards in a pretty and stylish print. With matching, round, address labels. So cute!
So during your next Windows shopping trip, make sure to check out Ginger Snaps Baby! MamaLaw readers can get 20% off their purchase by entering the coupon code JUSTICE20 at checkout. And, for a limited time, you'll receive free address labels with the purchase of personal note cards.
Enjoy! 
Cross posted on http://mamalaw.blogspot.com/.
The debate regarding the true detriment of the industrial chemical BPA (Bisphenol A) used in bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups, appears to be a moot point. Mothers have spoken and industry leaders such as Avent, Dr. Browns, Nuby and Playtex have given in to the mounting pressure by parents and major suppliers like Babies R Us and Toys R Us.
As of today, almost all of the major players in the baby business have converted to a BPA FREE product assortment for consumers. This comes as welcome news to parents who had the fear of God thrust on them in recent months over the BPA debate. Again, the jury is still out as to the true negative effects of BPA products. But it seems the mere thought of tainted product had folks adopting a mantra of "Better safe then sorry".
Of course, when the story first broke many folks had to take out a loan (slight exaggeration) to purchase the few BPA Free products that were on store shelves. The bottle make Born Free definitely had a great run. Seriously...$20.00 for 2 Born Free bottles!!!
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