Favorite Mommy/Baby Items

Like any new mom, I asked for and received LOTS of advice in those first few months.  After extensively researching and then trying several different products, here are some of my favorites:

NursEase Nursing Shawl
[I found mine through Walmart.com]
* It has elastic and is a complete circle so you never feel like it can slip (or be pulled!) off of you.
*It's large enough (I got a medium) to cover a kicking active little person and it is very discrete in public since the organic paisley print at first glance just looks like a shawl.
* The material is soft and washes beautifully in the washing machine.  It also has a pocket for your nursing pads, and it bundles up really small & wrinkle-free for diaper bag storage.


Re-usable nursing pads by Milk Diapers

* These pads are less bulky, softer, and more washable than any others I've tried.  They are also fairly inexpensive compared to disposables and much much more comfortable.
* I've rarely had problems with leakage (and I didn't get the ones with the leak guard layer).


Karma Sling
* These are bought to fit (I have a size small from Target.com), so there is no ring that slides or digs into you.
* You can use it with their feet inside and bunched up when they are little or straddling you when they are older.  It works with the baby facing inwards or outwards too.  I used this constantly (several hours a day) until James reached 15 lbs.  He still fits in it fine, but it's heavy on my one shoulder to carry him for too too long.  However, I keep it in the car for quick, (mostly) hands-free trips to the store, etc.  He'll sleep in it too.
* It's easily washable.
* This carrier also can be used (see pic) to help stabilize older toddlers as well (most slings cannot).


Ergo Carrier
* These are expensive, but well worth every penny.  I have James (almost 20 lbs.) in it for around 4 hours every day.  He naps in it, chews on the soft sides, and quiets down in it when almost nothing else works.
* This carrier may be used front, back, or side with the child facing your body, and even larger children (small toddlers) can be in it.
* The sport carrier (the one we have) adjusts big enough for my 6'3" husband and small enough for his 5'5" size 2 wife.
* It puts most of the weight on your hips and distributes it on your shoulders.  Carrying James was giving me a lot of back problems until I started using this.
* It also supports more of his legs and backside than many carriers do (better for his development).  They also have infant inserts for newborns so you really can use this for about 2 years for each kid.


Circo Onesies

* This brand seems to have more stretch in it than many others (so they're easier to pull over wriggling limbs!)
* So far they've held up great in the wash too and are soft and comfortable.  They also have lots of cute patterns.
* I've gotten these at Target.

Boppy Pillow
For some reason, when everyone else says something is great, I immediately become skeptical until I've tried it for myself.  The Boppy craze was definitely one of those instances.  $30 for a pillow?!  However, I'm a convert.
* I've always loved using this for nursing.  It gives James and I both more stability, and I don't stress my neck, upper back, and arms as much trying to hold him in the correct position.
* It also made a comfortable postpartum seat cushion for me.
* James went through a time period when he would only nap in my arms or in the Boppy (supervised of course).
* Also, I got one of the "posh" ones (teddy bears) and it has washed beautifully despite being fuzzy and white.  Yay!

Pre & post natal vitamins: Super Nutrition Prenatal Blend
* Easy on the stomach and has much higher amounts of vitamins than most other brands
* Also has herbs that are good for labor and lactation
* All the ingredients are naturally derived (not synthetic) and are therefore more easily absorbed by the body
* Can be found at Whole Foods

Others:
* Kirkland diapers (at Cosco) are great for the price (super cheap!); Huggies all natural are softest
* Huggies wipes stay wet and are nice and thick (probably not great on the all natural front though)
* Burt's Bees Shampoo & Wash (& lotion) [Smells good and is all natural--a baby's skin is very absorbent, especially at bath time; I wouldn't want any toxins to be sucked in when he's getting cleaned]
* Blankets: this and this are my two favs.; both look like new despite daily use and they're so soft!
* Nursing pump: Medela Swing (though you'd want a double pump if you have to pump for everything; I only pump about a bottle a day for work)
* Bras: day & night
* Swing (goes both directions, batteries are lasting fine, great mobile, hold a heavier infant)
* Stroller (perfect in every way IF you have a big trunk like I do)
* Graco Pack & Play--his little happy place at school
* Diaper bag--hands free!

What are your favorites?!?

[In the interest of full disclosure: I have not recevied any discounts or free items from any of these retailers.  However, I wouldn't object if they wanted to give me something. :) ]