Thinking back on it now, I realize that I was concerned about some very funny things when I was preparing for Lil Tea Cup’s arrival. However I did seem to have a pretty good grasp over what we needed to get out and about – thanks to all those bloggers out there! All of these things listed on this guide have been used over and over again in her first year and a bit of life, and I am so glad that we had each and every one of them.
I had a different carrier in the beginning that had straps and buckles. About half way through the first year I discovered this carrier and never went back! SO much easier to adjust and Lil’ Tea Cup seems to be so much more comfortable in it. At 30 lbs I can still carry her in this carrier no problem.
I think this one is pretty self explanatory but it has been a life safer when caught in the rain.
3. Comfy Baby – Travel System Stroller Insect And Bug Net
Again self explanatory but a great idea for evening summer walks when the mosquitoes are out and about.
4. JJ Cole JAVG Car Seat Cover
Have you seen all the photos online about not putting a blanket under a baby in a car seat? Well this cover goes on top and keeps your little one warm and toasty without being unsafe.
5. Britax E9LJ61A Marathon 65-G3 Convertible Car Seat
Lil’ Tea Cup loves her big girl car seat. I think it is honestly just much more comfortable for her to sit up and she loves to look out the window. Britax car seats test very highly on safety ratings as well, which is the most important thing to me!
6. The First Years Jet Stroller, City Chic
Some places are not stroller friendly… scratch that MANY places are not stroller friendly. The umbrella stroller helps keep your sanity in those places. I wouldn’t say it was a necessity but it is great to have in a pinch, especially when traveling.
7. Itzy Ritzy PB8026 Peek-A-Boo Pod
I love Itzy Ritzy. I really should be a spokesperson for them! The peek a boo pod was a life saver to keep my sleeping baby asleep in those early days. It is also wonderful for keeping strangers from touching (and waking) your sleeping baby.
8. Quinny 001484CNCB Freestyle 4 Travel System
There are pluses and minuses to a travel system. The big concern for most is that the car seat is only an infant one and will only be used for a short amount of time. We used our infant car seat for just over four months {hello big baby} but I am so glad that we had it. It allowed us to safely buckle her in before heading out to the car and easily transport her if sleeping. I love the stroller for its big “can roll over anything” wheels and the fact that it has many different configurations. Warning – it is heavy, quite heavy actually – but I love that there is nothing flimsy about it.
blogger / pomegranate / 3491 posts
It is so interesting how seasons affect these sorts of lists. With a May baby, I rarely used many of these things cuz it was so darned hot!
blogger / nectarine / 2010 posts
The bug net is such a great idea. We had one for the pnp but the only time I used it was on the stroller on the 4th of July. M went to bed so early by the time bug season rolled around that we skipped over needing one for walks. I found the infant seat cover pretty useless because I always forgot it! I used an aden & anais blanket instead, which I always seemed to have.