1. Chicco Stroller System. I have one from 10 years ago, so it is not as sleek as what is on the market now, but I LOVE it. I used the bassinet tons and still use the 'wheels' and car seat all the time. My dream for the next one is to get a car seat base. SOOO convenient.
2. Carseat blanket Mine was from Germany, so it was a little different, but this is the closest I found, because it has the HOOD. My hood had elastic up top, so he was able to use it for quite a while. My bottom part was sewed, but this blanket would last even longer than mine did.
3. Rain/Wind covers I had one of these for the car seat, bassinet and now I have one for his stroller. I feel much less guilty dragging him around with this. He is never cold and it protects him from the elements.
4. Mobile We borrowed a Tiny Love Mobile from my SIL. It was one of the first toys that Mateo could focus on. He could easily watch it for an hour. It was a life saver. Unfortunately we had to take it off the playpen, because he kept grabbing it. We still have this one on the end of his crib and it is a good distraction when mommy is trying to get ready.
5. Monitor Now I call it a baby phone, because in Dutch it is a babyfone. We have only recently begun using it, but it is great. I can work/rest more at ease. Before Mateo slept more soundly, but now he wakes up much easier with footsteps, squeaky doors, so this way I don't have to check on him. We tried a different monitor, but it the frequency was messed up. We are very happy with this one.
6. Bomber Hat Mateo's auntie bought him this wonderful hat at Old Navy. Not only is it ADORABLE, but so practical. I MUST have one for later. It is not stretchy, so it is not always adjusting or falling in his eyes. It is fuzzy lined, so warm AND it covers the ears. PLUS it has velcro instead of ties. Much easier to deal with.
7. Baby Sleeping Bags I thought these were so funny when I first saw them. Great idea! The idea is that you don't have to worry about your baby being cold or suffocating under blankets. You can see they sell many varieties. Some 'grow' with the kid, some are thin, others have detachable sleeves. I know it makes it look like my baby boy is wearing a dress, but who cares?
8. Nursing Cover Yes, I know it looks like an apron and I admit that I don't use mine as much as I used to, but in the beginning it was great when trying to figure out how to stay covered, balance the baby, adjust your shirt. I still always use it at church (or when I'm in an unfamiliar setting) to save myself from a potential embarrasing situation.
9. Tights Go ahead, laugh. Yes, my SON wears tights. I know that is hilarious to some, but in cold countries it is normal. Why should only little girls be warm? Especially when the little guys move all over and their pants creep up. Those poor, bare, cold legs. I also have major issues finding which socks fit and stay on, so tights are just so much better for now.
10. Playmat AKA Babysitter I had no idea how much I would love this thing. I put Mateo maybe when he was 2 months on it and got no reaction. But the change was amazing when we got back in November. He LOVED it and plays on it every day still. We have al lkinds of things hanging from it, but now he is noticing the mirrow and figuring out how to make music. I'm so glad we received it and did not have to pay that price!
11. Bounce chair We have used this since the first week. I love the handles. I can drag the baby around to where I am, feed him in it and sometimes he gets to sit ON the table with us at meals.
12. Everything Pillow I nearly forgot to add this! I used my 'sausage' to sleep when I was pregnant, for nursing, to prop the baby up for photos, for sleeping when he was congested and now as a block on the side of the bed so he won't roll off.
13. Backpack Diaper Bag I have such a simple one, but I love it. It was probably meant for a toddler or something, but after trying to juggle my bag, the baby and who knows what else, I discovered this bag buried under a pile of "stuff I probably won't use." It is so much easier (and better for your back I'm sure!) to have a backpack instead of a normal diaper bag, but I do have a few of those for when I change my mind or need more space.
14. Electric Pump If you are going to be pumping alot I would say that this is probably worth the money. I was scared to try pumping because people told me it hurt. I never had any pain! This pump cost me $0. Cool, huh? And it was brand new! It works great and I had all the bottles that attach for free from someone I worked for. At the 2nd hand store I found a few boxes with lots of spare parts including the handy storage bags.
15. Body suits I wish all baby shirts were made with snaps. I get crazy always seeing Mateo's onsies peaking out. I LOVE the few that I have like this. I'm hoping to find more 2nd hand.
Today I maybe have gone overboard, but those green stickers with "3-for-2" just called too loudly! Since I have become an auntie, I have become aware of the prices of toys and which are 'good' (aka: cool) toys. A favorite of mine is a Baby Born (a doll). I know they run around 50 euros. Today I saw one on sale for 20 (which already got me excited), but when I saw it was buy 3 sale-priced toys for the price of 2, I HAD to buy it. I don't know for who, but I bought it, plus some Playmobile (again I don't know for who, but it NEVER goes on sale).
How cute is that? It has Noah's ark! (maybe if it's a boy, he'll get this :P)
