I had saved several of my favorite things from Toddler Pencil’s newborn years, but of course there are always more things to buy. I found a few of these new items to be really useful for Baby Pencil!
1) Luclear Baby Washcloths – I love these super soft, fluffy wash cloths for wiping bottoms, washing the face, and throwing over the shoulder as a burp cloth. I actually have dozens of burp cloths but Baby Pencil spits up a lot so these thick cloths are the best things!
2) Aden and Anais Dream Blanket – I love this blanket so much, I want one for myself! The material of the blanket is so versatile and you can use it for both hot and cold days. The interesting thing about this blanket is that it’s kind of heavy even though the blanket itself feels weightless, so sometimes I fold it and use it almost like a weight blanket over Baby Pencil’s bottom half. I feel that it keeps her calm to have the weight of the blanket over her since weighted blanket in general help keep people calm.
3) Swaddle Up – My nanny was the one that introduced me to these adorable Swaddle Up swaddles. I mostly used the velcro or Aden & Anais cloths to swaddle, but sometimes I felt like Baby Pencil would like her arms up or to the side. These cute little swaddles are very thin and soft, perfect for summer. I let her use these every now and then to give her arms a break from being strapped to her sides.
4) Cell Phone Ring – This might seem unrelated to any baby products… but it was the best thing to keep my phone upright during those late night feedings and pumps! I would prop up my iPhone, turn the brightness down and watch my shows in the dark. I would also prop it up while washing pump parts and it really made my life a little bit more enjoyable!
5) Aveeno Baby Lotion Eczema – Baby Pencil actually doesn’t have eczema, but this lotion is my favorite for Toddler Pencil and myself! It goes on smoothly and moisturizes really well. I always prefer unscented lotions so this one is my favorite!
6) Dr. DUDU Breastmilk Storage Bags – Since I live with my sister who is also pumping, I wanted to get different breastmilk storage bags to make sure we didn’t mix ours up. She had been using the Lansinoh bags but they often had holes once they were defrosted. My friend gave me her leftover Dr. DUDU bags and I actually really like them! They’re very thick and seem like good quality. They only store up to 5 oz but I’ve been able to add a little more than 5!
7) Medela Pumping Bra – I’ve had my share of pumping bras, but I like this one the best! It’s soft and thin, which was perfect for me because I was usually sweating while I’m pumping. Good for you mamas who are having summer babies! The other pumping bras I had were usually very thick and heavily padded. This one just seemed easier to zip up and felt more comfortable.
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It’s great to stumble upon other new items – what are some other things you loved using during the first 3 months post-partum?
pear / 1881 posts
I agree with the Love to Dream swaddles! They were a lifesaver for us and you can buy a version where the arms zip off. They are great for when baby is getting closer to rolling and you can use them to transition out of the swaddle.
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
That cell phone ring holder thing is a great idea for a stocking stuffer.
I totally agree breast milk storage bags were so helpful. BFing shook my confidence and pumping helped me feel better knowing exactly how much the baby was getting each feed.
blogger / apricot / 335 posts
@NorthStar: Oh whaaaat… what are those swaddles called? I just looked at Amazon and can’t see any where the arms zip off!
@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Yes, great stocking stuffer! And so cheap too, I think I got like 4 for like $7? And I agree about how helpful it is to know how much the baby is eating! I exclusively pumped for baby #1 and it was great for peace of mind!
pear / 1881 posts
@Mrs. Pencil: here you go! When we bought a medium, we bought a 50/50 since he was close to rolling. We seriously loved this thing! lol Cannot recommend it enough. Plus, bonus points for making them look like a flying squirrel!! haha
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Dream-Swaddle-Medium-13-18-5/dp/B0081GIZ52/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1510611322&sr=8-1&keywords=love+to+dream+swaddle+up+50+50&dpID=41bxCtVXL1L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
blogger / apricot / 335 posts
@NorthStar: hahaha omg I’m dying… flying squirrel!! That is so true, I always giggled at what they looked like sleeping like that. Thank you for the rec! I will def use the zip off kind soon!
pear / 1881 posts
@Mrs. Pencil: hahahaha! the best part about the swaddle is how they look in it.
DS even kept his arms up like that for awhile after he was out of it. Was completely adorable