Mom to Mom Recommendations

[Bumblee Bee Photography, linked below]

Nothing prepares you for the title of being a mother but there are a few things available that make the day to day encounters a little easier and more enjoyable! Here are some of my recommendations that I’ve used with Audrey and would definitely hold on to or repurchase for future babies:

For baby-

Angelcare Bath Tub Support- Audrey loves bath time and we love this little tub. It’s lightweight, has a little loop so you can hang it on the back of your bathroom door, dries quickly, easy to clean, and it has little holes so you fill up the whole bathtub and set this in it which I appreciated because I get in the bathtub with Audrey a lot! https://www.target.com/p/angelcare-baby-bath-support-pink/-/A-14654229?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9022361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgOepk_3m1wIVlR2BCh0f1AIoEAQYASABEgLWa_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Fisher-Price Rock N Play- When I registered things for my baby shower I left this off because I thought it was in between a bouncer and swing and I’d rather have the other two. Wrong. This was given to us by a friend and we have used it way more than the bouncer and swing! Audrey still fits in this and takes naps in it sometimes and she has outgrown the other things. It folds up so it doesn’t take up much space, rocks and plays music to soothe, electric operated not battery, she sits in it in the bathroom if I’m in the shower, and its perfect for travel if you are staying somewhere without a crib or a big enough bed for the 3 of us. https://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-newborn-rock-n-play-sleeper-roseate-fashion/-/A-16343644?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9022361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1pWc9vvm1wIVgj2BCh069AV4EAQYByABEgJmr_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wub a Nub- This is the only pacifier Audrey has ever taken. The little stuffed animal attached is so cute and the perfect size for little hands, and I don’t know if it’s the extra weight or what but it really does stay in her mouth better. She also loves to chew on it with teething! To clean I’ll just pop in the washer with her other clothes and air dry. https://www.target.com/p/wubbanub-174-elephant-pacifier-gray/-/A-50806426?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby_Priority+Shopping&adgroup=Baby_Priority%20TCINs&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9022361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm6y5pv3m1wIVixuBCh3KZAZ9EAQYAyABEgIKbPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator- It’s gross, I know. But nothing works as great! It’s weird the first time but the benefit of your baby’s nose being clear outweighs the cons and you don’t even think about it the more you do it. We have been having winter colds the past few days and this clears up her nose so she can breathe and nurse and not swallowing all that mucus. There’s a little filter inside you change so you don’t breathe in any boogers, promise J https://www.target.com/p/fridababy-nosefrida-174-nasal-aspirator/-/A-11355332?sid=1539S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9022361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2O7K6P3m1wIVgiOBCh3auwDyEAQYASABEgLsmfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wipe Warmer- I had my doubts, I’ll admit. But who wants a freezing cold wet wipe on your butt in the middle of the night?! I received this as a gift at my baby shower and I definitely would use for babies in the future also. It’s easy to use and fill, has a little nightlight, and I even use a warm wipe on my face every now and then. https://m.toysrus.com/product?productId=4111772&source=CAPLA_DF:4111772:BRUS&cagpspn=plab_0B33F023&camp=PLAPPCG-_-PID0B33F023:BRUS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh6Ttkf_m1wIVgxuBCh2i0gowEAQYAyABEgKOcPD_BwE

ABC foam playmat- We have tile flooring so it’s too hard and cold to set Audrey down, but this mat covers a lot of space and it’s perfect for her to sit and roll and play on, and hopefully eventually crawl! https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spark-Create-Imagine-ABC-Foam-Playmat/144511168?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=1418&adid=22222222228042076918&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=98906729537&wl4=pla-243097557137&wl5=9022361&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=144511168&wl13=1418&veh=sem

Glider and yoga ball- Audrey just wants to be moving all the time, walking or bouncing, whatever. The best and quickest way to get her to sleep is bouncing on a yoga ball, it’s a little hard on the knees though! We invested in a glider and I think it’s a staple for moms. My sister had this one and I liked it so much I ordered the same one. It did start to squeak a little at the nails in the wood but I rubbed a little cooking oil on it and it hasn’t squeaked since. I’ll rock and read books to Audrey or hold her while I drink morning coffee or watching tv or just to get in the bedtime mindset. I also love the warm toned wood and neutral cushions, feels like a little piece of (affordable!) pottery barn in our home. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Storkcraft-Bowback-Glider-and-Ottoman-Cherry-Finish-and-Beige-Cushions/4433175?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222228001150740&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40341043592&wl4=pla-56939251607&wl5=9022361&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=4433175&wl13=&veh=sem

Changing Pad- Something used all day every day. I just don’t like the idea of changing babies on the floor, it’s hard and can be a little dirty for babies sensitive skin. Plus Audrey likes to test my reflexes and pee when I’m changing her sometimes! This one is waterproof and easy to wipe clean if there’s any messes. It has a little strap too if your baby is being extra squirmy. I also like how its contoured up at the sides. This is also my favorite slip cover, not necessary to buy but it’s so pretty! If she goes #2 I just slide the cover up bc it’s a soft material and will stain. They do make waterproof covers as well. We also take this with us if we travel or spending the day at someone else’s house, otherwise it’s on the kitchen table so you will save your back from bending and getting up and down. https://www.target.com/p/summer-infant-174-contour-changing-pad-white/-/A-10532801?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9022361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk7TN2oPn1wIVwbrACh1wPwJMEAQYASABEgJVX_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.target.com/p/plush-changing-pad-cover-floral-cloud-island-153-gold/-/A-51911786?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9022361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9t7ek4Tn1wIVWCOBCh3d4QlNEAQYAiABEgL39vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wildbird Ring Sling- I finally invested in one and its perfect, i use it daily! I purchased the color 'Galah' and its such a pretty girly pink. I love how sturdy the linen fabric is and easy to put on, the moby wrap was always hot and difficult to wrap! But the Wildbird sling i just slide over my head and it looks way more flattering and Audrey loves it, it holds up to 35 pounds! I definitely believe in the benefits of babywearing and hold my baby close as often as i can!

For Mom-

Boppy Pillow- If you are breastfeeding this is a necessity!!! It will save your arms! Plus it’s a good way to help prop your baby up so if she falls back there’s a pillow to catch her. https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/product/boppy-reg-luxe-pillow-with-reversible-slipcover-in-giraffe/1060007049?skuId=60007049&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_bedding_online&product_id=60007049&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o6&creative=224097645815&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgadid=558366083&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=h-a4d5befaa1d4ea91550d237ed5b0a290_t-1512069571&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx_29hILn1wIV1DuBCh274wgyEAQYBiABEgIxMfD_BwE

Nursing Bras- Another thing to make breastfeeding a little easier! I linked my two favorites, one looks like a normal bra and the other looks like a sports bra. Both are super comfortable and easy to use with the snap. I prefer the sports bra one though because it’s so soft and I love the pink shade! I’ll continue using it after Audrey is done nursing too. Be sure to buy nursing pads as well!! https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-modal-wireless-bra-gilligan-o-malley-153/-/A-50682862#lnk=sametab&preselect=50668150

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-yoga-bra-gilligan-o-malley-153/-/A-52125147#lnk=sametab&preselect=52123530

Planner- To keep track of everything going on, when you’re pregnant with all the OBGYN appointments and again after baby is born to write down little things that happened that day to look back and remember. I’ve used the Vera Bradley Agenda Books for years; I love the hard cover and spiral, it matches my diaper bag!

https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/12-Month-Large-Agenda/Snow-Lotus/23543-23543I66?Ntt=VB-PDP-ACCESSORIES-DESK-AND-STATIONERY-PDP-VB

Vera Bradley Vera Tote (used as diaper bag)- I bought this last year at a black Friday sale and I absolutely love everything about it. It’s the perfect size, has plenty of pockets, light on your shoulders, and I love this print called Bohemian Blooms. I also have a matching lanyard, wallet, and crossbody purse to match in this print because I’m high maintenance lol hint hint Henry I’d love more items in this print for Christmas!!! I definitely prefer the tote shape over the traditional diaper bag shape. https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Vera/Bohemian-Blooms/15461-15461675?Ntt=VB-PDP-SEARCH--PDP-VB

Mom Fuel Travel Mug- I just bought this at Hobby Lobby, how cute?! A mom has to have coffee even if its decaf. This travel mug is BPA free and can hold hot or cold liquids, dishwasher and microwave safe. https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decorative-Accessories/Cups-Mugs/Mom-Fuel-Travel-Mug/p/80827761

Invisibobble Traceless Hair Ring- pretty self-explanatory, I prefer these over regular elastics because they don’t leave a crinkle in your hair! I never leave the house without. And if it stretches too much a little heat from a blow dryer will shrink it back up again. http://www.ulta.com/traceless-hair-ring-original?productId=xlsImpprod17141027#

Photographer- I am obsessed with preserving memories and taking lots of pictures, as I’m sure you can tell. When we were in Ohio we had our pictures done by Hannah with Bumblee Bee Photography and y’all I can’t recommend her enough! They turned out beautiful and is something we will cherish forever, she is so talented with the hints of rustic and glowing lighting. Check her out if you’re in Ohio, we will be asking her to take more pictures for us in the future! She took the beautiful photo at the top of this post, thanks again Hannah J https://www.facebook.com/bumblebeebyhannah/

Bareminerals Complexion rescue- My secret weapon! I love this stuff, I have 4 different shades. Its lightweight and provides a healthy glow with a light to medium coverage to make you look more awake and ready for the day. It’s also very moisturizing and has a thicker consistency which I like a lot. I apply it with a beauty blender and sometimes I’ll layer on the bareminerals original loose powder on top for more lasting power/coverage. I really love bareminerals because I trust their products to touch audreys sensitive skin, it doesn’t irritate or break out either of us. I also wore this in the hospital to feel more like myself when Audrey was born via c section and we had a 5 day long stay. I haven’t been keeping up with my fake tan since its winter so I’m currently in the shade 5.5 bamboo. https://www.bareminerals.com/

Alex and Ani Special Delivery Bangle- This has been discontinued but you can still find it on ebay so I included it! I bought the pink one when I was pregnant; it’s just cute and festive to wear especially at your baby shower. I love Alex and Ani bangles! Hopefully they come out with something similar soon, I heard they discontinued to redesign. https://www.alexandani.com/

#motherhood