This Time Around

I like to think of myself as a minimalist when it comes to baby gear. I think it has something to do with living in NYC with my first two children in a 700sq ft apartment. There just wasn't room for much "gear". This time around, I have picked up, inherited or have been gifted a few ingenious products (most of which weren't even around when I had my first two) that I never want to live without again.

1. SwaddleMe wrap - Got this little invention as a gift from one of the coolest/funniest women I know. Not only is mine the organic version, it was lovingly hand-embellished with a cowboy. I know you are probably saying - "Can't you just swaddle with a receiving blanket?" Yes I can, but this blanket stays swaddled unlike any other and it isn't bulky or too warm (important for a so cal baby in house without central air). At first glance I thought it was a little gimmicky, but after the first three months, it has proven it's worth.

2. Nursing Cover - I'm not the flashy type, but I am also not the woman who likes to cloister herself in a smelly bathroom or "mom's room" to nurse. Blankets draped over the shoulder have worked in the past when I have wanted to nurse discreetly in public, but now that I am the proud owner of a nursing cover, I will NEVER go back. I feel like the cover has given me the confidence to nurse anywhere and everywhere (I guess nursing my third baby should give me more confidence too).

3. Born Free Bottles - This whole BPA-free bottle thing is new since my last baby. I needed new bottles this time around, so I read this report and chose these ones. I really like the wide necked bottles like Avent and the air vent feature like Dr. Brown's (both of which I have used in the past and are on the list of worst BPA leaching offenders). And I actually really enjoy the amber colored BPA-free plastic.

4. Johnny's Socks by Trumpette - Baby shoes are so first child. These socks are the coolest thing I rescued out of the bags full of neighbor friend's hand-me-downs.

5. Lily Padz - These breast "pads" are pretty amazing. I can wear them underneath a sports tank or swimsuit without any lines showing. Don't know how they would work for someone who leaks a lot, but for me, they've been perfect for mountain biking excursions away from baby.

6. Toyota Sienna 8 passenger minivan - Well, this wasn't gifted or "picked up" recently. And I'm not saying you have to go out and buy a new minivan, but I cannot ignore the huge part my van has played in keeping my sanity now that I am a mother of three. Automatic doors rule and the "front and center" seat (the middle seat in the middle row) is amazing. It independently moves way forward so I can actually reach the baby from the driver's seat without doing contortions and risking the life of everyone in the car.

Still using this time around: Baby Bjorn Carrier
Not being used this time around: Boppy
Another thing I would like to try out this time around: Bumbo Baby Seat