Reddit mentions: The best baby care products

My baby is almost 5 months.

Toys: she loves all mobiles/activity gym hanging toys. She actually is starting to enjoy some other toys that she manipulates with her hands but only when she is sitting up, which she can't do alone yet. So in her carseat/stroller, sitting between my legs, propped up in back with a pile of blanket, or most of all in her high chair. Her high chair makes her so much more interested in using her hands to explore things (I do see that it's a better position, the tray holds it up and she can't always do that herself so she can move ti around).

We have the ANTILOP high chair from Ikea which was only $20 and is awesome! Another $6 for the PYTTIG high chair support pillow which is comfy, easy to clean, and helps her be in the right position to use the tray. Her favorite baby toy to hold is the Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether Grasping Activity Toy. She got a bunch of different baby toys at Christmas and loves this. It is one of the few wooden toys she can mange to hold and manipulate yet. She likes to chew it too. She can also manage to grab Oball products and hold the lighter Oballs. She likes the rattle ball. She also just really likes to chew on cloth, this includes cloth and crinkle cloth books.

I read books to her. Yes, some board books but those are super short and pretty boring. I learned you can get up to 50 books at a time from our local library! So just a pile of kids of books and I read her a few. I like to do this facing a mirror so I can watch her face and read to her with her in my lap.

She loves walks int he stroller and being baby worn in her Boba baby carrier when she gets fussy in the stroller. I can also use the Boba to carry her while doing something else or to get her to fall asleep during the day not on my lap. (Yeah, I need to figure this out.) Outside is always a treat to her and going even boring places like the grocery store makes her alert and somewhat excited.

Curious to see what other people post.

Diapers and wipes are always good -- newborn or preemie size probably. That said, some diapers just don't fit great on some kids, and some kids will have more sensitivity to certain wipes, so it's hard to say exactly which type/brand to get. "Water wipes" (https://www.amazon.com/WaterWipes-Sensitive-Wipes-Count-Packs/dp/B008KJEYLO) are a really good sensitive wipe. I wouldn't necessarily send her too many/any bigger diapers yet. They'll just take up room and might be a brand that doesn't work great. A box or two of the next size up is enough for now.

A good diaper cream will probably also be needed. I'd recommend something somewhat "natural" like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P16ZXK/, again to help reduce sensitivity hopefully. I would avoid petroleum jelly based ones.

Some type of burp cloths. However diaper cloths (I can't remember if that's what they are called) work great. I can't speak for this brand but something like this.. https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers/dp/B007VBYVWE. They are usually like a light linen/muslin, and usually fairly large square, and plain. They're easy to clean and big enough to fold over if part gets dirty, etc, and multi-use.


I would also avoid too many clothes. Some onesies with zippers is probably all that's really needed. Maybe also a nice soft hat as well, and some muslin swaddle wraps. Additionally, a warm, soft blanket or something to cover them when they go out. They're not supposed to wear anything bulky between the child and the carseat harness (ofc, they'll need a carseat if they don't already have one -- most hospitals won't release babies without one though, especially from the nicu).

Pacifiers are good too. Kids will probably find a certain kind they prefer, but I think this is basically what hospitals almost always use https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SCF190-01-Soothie-0-3mth/dp/B0045I6IAO.



They may also be recommended a vitamin like poly-vi-sol, or possibly other things, but this is hard to buy without being able to talk to her to find out exactly what is prescribed.

Similarly, bottles, nipples, and/or breastfeeding equipment, but this is hard to buy without knowing what she and the kid prefer. However, hand sanitizer for after diaper changes, and a nice bottle brush (https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Bottle-Brush-Blue/dp/B000N0SNHY/ or https://www.amazon.com/Sponge-Bottle-Brush-Pack-Blue/dp/B07DQQFP63/) are great to have.

Some type of food/meal delivery would be awesome. Possibly even a local housecleaning or laundry service too, depending on how independent she is.

And ultimately, money can help, as well as your phone number or contact info and an openness for contact and support.

There might be more that I can't think of. At this stage it's probably as important to get things to help her directly as for the baby. She may also have some medical needs depending on how the delivery went, and all that. Feel free to pm me too with any more questions etc.

Three raves this week. Usually with the warmer weather, my dry skin tends to retain its moisture better. Not this spring! Decided to try some new moisturizers and I've been so happy with them. I also ordered a new sunscreen as a celebration for finishing my first year of grad school.

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Rave: Cosrx Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream. Love! I've been eyeing this for a while now and I'm so happy with this purchase. The cream is more like a balm but sinks in to my skin and is so calming. There is a fragrance but to be honest, I've really enjoyed it as nearly everything else in my routine is fragrance- free.

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Rave: Cerave Baby Moisturizing Cream. I've never been a huge fan of Cerave in the tub but I was dedicated to finishing the tub before buying something else. That said, I absolutely love this cream. Its heavier so I only use it at night but its so soothing and moisturizing. It also is overall a more elegant moisturizer than cerave in the tub. Will definitely repurchase.

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Rave: Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen. I've heard some iffy reviews about supergoop but this sounded too good to be true: soothing, mineral-based, no white cast, etc. I've been so impressed with this sunscreen- goes on great with no greasy residue which is a huge plus for a mineral sunscreen. It's also very cosmetically elegant and sits well under my makeup. I wouldn't use this for a full day in the sun but its great for an every day sunscreen.

So is the 6 month old starting to crawl yet or showing an interest? Some of my son's former favorites:


learn and play zoo This one was great because it was the only way for him to do tummy time

Manhattan toy company sensory thing It was just great for him to learn grasping and made a rattle. Wonderful in the car

Mortimer the moose Just a simple toy that makes noises (bell in one hoof, squeeker in the body, etc.

play tower May be a little advanced but he will just love watching it and start to understand where to put the balls once he get s a bit older

play cube This one he could sit and play with for a while. It's light so he can pick it up and move it

my personal favorite-spinning tower toy This is a favorite for all ages. A little young at 6 months but he will probably watch it in amazement. My son is now 14 months and understands the concepts well, but before he just loved watching the disks spin. It's been a toy given at many a 1st birthday parties


I hope that gives you a decent start. Good luck!

:( That does sound hectic. My registry is kinda all over the place because I've already bought a ton of stuff, but just some suggestions of some things (FTM so no idea really if these are good or not, some were recommendations from friends, some were recommendations from various online resources).

• car seat, extra base if you have more than one car, and stroller
  
• baby carrier - I got the ergobaby 360 with infant insert but the Lillebaby 360 is also super popular.
  
• swaddles - aden & anais seem to be hugely popular.
  
• bathing supplies - washcloths, bathtub
  
• first aid kit supplies - NoseFrida, nail clipper, thermometer
  
• feeding - bottles, sterilizer (some people told me I had to have it, some said it was totally unnecessary), bottle cleaner brush, drying rack (seems like everyone else loves the Boon grass, but I don't have the counter space!) You can get a pump through your insurance if you plan to breastfeed, I ordered mine through Aeroflow. I ultimately chose the Spectra S2 over the Medela PISA because it's a closed system, which apparently means less chances of bacteria getting into the system and thus easier cleaning.
  
• burp clothes - I was told to just get a ton of cloth diapers to use as burp clothes, and to have them everywhere.
  
• diaper pail - I have two friends who say this is good enough, so I went with it. They also said to use doggie poop bags to contain the smelly diapers.
  
• humidifier
  
• Boppy for nursing
  
• Backpack style diaper bag
  
• baby may need a more convenient place to be set down other than the crib, something you can have near you in the kitchen, shower, whatever. Popular options are the rock n play, Boppy lounger, or a pack 'n play. I plan on getting the Chicco FastAsleep pack 'n play because the crib/dresser/changing station is on our 2nd floor, so I figured this could double as a changing station/napper on the first floor.
  
  Lucie's List is probably the best resource I found online.

We had all of our accessories in there. So cannulas, suction stuff, oxygen tubing extensions, tank supplies, pulse ox supplies, the cord wraps and then we also put like clean pacifiers (she never used them) and bottle stuff in there too, and then obviously all her gtube stuff but I'm going go link some things that will help you.

The tanks are super dry and kind of hard on their nose and can cause a lot of crusty nose build up.

These 2 will be your best friend:

https://www.pharmapacks.com/products.php?product=Simply-Saline-Nasal-Mist-Baby-1.5-oz&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-onjBRDSARIsAEZXcKYnCv1RRe4QKlCTZWgWewyuB9cEXpB2UuM8xljkvPBVxkEBnFnh1AEaAvePEALw_wcB

This type of can works better than the old school squirt ones. Just make sure it isnt anything but saline in it. It pushes into the nostril better and moistens everything without flooding their nose.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01962MDHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Rs7yCbX14AHJ7

This suction works SO WELL like better than our hospital grade suction machine.


Also side note... if you dont already have one i would grab a cool mist humidifier for her room and the one more for wherever she will hang out the most.

The tanks also offer a little bit more pressure so dont be afraid to experiment with her tank just a tiny bit. When lily was feeling great she was on 50ccs with her tank but still needed 1l on her concentrator. And then we could do bed time routine with no oxygen.

Also the more tubing Extension you add the more you will probably have to turn up the tank.

Ok, if you're breastfeeding, you kind of are a human pacifier. This feeling passes eventually, but that is totally normal! Since your little one is only a month old, it might not be too late to introduce the bottle (if you want/need to pump) if you haven't already. My daughter accepted both breast and bottle (Dr. Browns, and Munchkin), and that was a big help.

Concerning Waking to Feed: As far as waking to feed, my philosophy was always "Never wake a sleeping baby!". The exception for this was if she turned herself to where I thought her breathing was obstructed. If Baby is hungry, they will wake themselves up. However, if your pediatrician feels your little one isn't gaining enough weight or getting sufficient nutrition from baby-led only feedings, then that's where you might consider scheduling some feedings. One of the things I'm thinking is whether or not your doctor is from an older generation. It used to be the recommendation for moms to put their kids on a feeding schedule--especially when formula was the most recommended form of infant diet. Since then, research has shown that a schedule isn't necessarily better for kids, and for some it can be detrimental (at least from what I've read).

Concerning Pacifier: I've never heard of a pacifier giving a baby gas, and pacifiers don't affect teeth until the kid has enough to affect. Usually about a year or older, which is when you'd have similar issues with thumb-sucking, too. When she took pacifiers, my daughter liked the Soothie and MAM brands. Then she started refusing the pacifiers to the point where she'd throw it across the room and suck her thumb instead. The MAM brand is praised for being the choice of orthodontists, while the Soothie brand is used/given at most hospitals. My girl was in the NICU for a little bit and we used those, so I think that's part of why she liked them, they were just familiar. In the end, it comes down to what Baby likes--some are more picky than others.

Concerning Waking after de-latch: Hooooooo boy. This is common. Welcome to the trenches, Mama. The solution that worked for me was I would break the seal (sometimes slow, sometimes fast), and pop a pacifier in right away. Usually she fussed a little, so I held the pacifier in and snuggled her close so she could tell I was still there with her. Then she usually fell back asleep after holding that position for a bit. Transitioning her into the crib was a whole other set of skills, though....

This is what has worked for me and my daughter. I have a son on the way, and it would be I need different stuff and strategies for him simply because he is a different person. You and your child are different people, so there might be things that work better for you.The most important thing is that you survive, and that your baby knows you love them--and it sounds like you're doing a great job at both of those already! Best of luck!

Edit: spelling

• Spa Baby tub - My baby LOVES this. We could only start using it at around 4 weeks (and she's a pretty strong/big baby so you might have to wait if you have a smaller baby) but it's soooo worth it. No matter what fussing, I just plop her in it and she takes right to it. There's enough support that I don't need to be holding her all the time and she's free to move, and it's awesome for exercise/development as she learns to splash and use her legs to push herself up and down in the water. Honestly can't recommend this one enough.
  
  Playmat - Little girl loves her playmat. Ours has a light that hangs in the centre and flashes different colours, she can't take her eyes off of it.
  
  Avent Soothie pacifier - She took to these best, has had no nipple confusion and it's a lifesaver if your baby loves to comfort suck like she does.
  
  Also, I got a tonnnnnne of baby washcloths and I use them as wipes (theres a million websites with recipes for wipes solution, super easy) since she has a sensitive bum.

Your little one sounds a lot like what we are going through with one of our twins. She has very bad gas problems and I was at the breaking point where I would try anything to soothe her. After talking to my pediatrican (who is very old school), this is what we are doing below for her gas and both babies reflux (and projectile vomiting). I won't say it solved her gas completely, but it did help her sleep if you want to try it.

• Mommies Bliss Gripe Water, in every bottle we make.
  http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Bliss-Liquid-4-ounce-bottle/dp/B0014G1I6E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1414025807&sr=8-5&keywords=mommies+bliss
  
  
• Once per night, around 6 pm, we give her half a packet of kids culturelle in her bottle.
  http://www.amazon.com/Amerifit-Culturelle-Probiotics-Kids-Count/dp/B001Y8EOHW/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1414025874&sr=8-1&keywords=kids+culturelle
  
  
• After 8pm, we have been (on our pediatrician's recommendation) putting rice cereal (1 tsp per 2 oz) in their bottles. She said it is safe, and they even do it for babies in the NICU. She said the particulate helps keep the liquid heavy so it doesn't spit up as much. Less spit up = less acid in their throat causing pain. Our twins are 4 weeks old. It also has the side effect of helping them sleep a little longer.
  
  
• The gassy twin farts a lot, and cries every time she does. I've found putting a pea-sized amount of the Maximum Strength Desitin on a baby wipe, and then dabbing it right on her anus.. helps. Because when she farts it doesn't chafe her that way.
  http://www.amazon.com/Desitin-Maximum-Strength-Paste-4-Ounce/dp/B003O32P8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414026573&sr=8-1&keywords=desitin
  
  And good for you for getting medication. You are a responsible parent that loves your child. There are some people who wrongly believe PPD is something the power of positive thinking can fix. They are wrong. It's a biophysical condition. I hope you find the solutions to her gassiness that you seek, or at least it gets a little better. Good luck.

I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice, everything here can be found on google.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends palivizumab monoclonal antibody for high-risk infants and children with RSV - I don't know your risks, but worth knowing about it. Position here.

Gentle clapping over the chest (front and back) with cupped hands (like this) will help mobilize secretions in the chest.

If there's a bunch of junk in the nose, an aspirator like this can help. Also, a sinus rinse like this in conjunction with suction may help.

Upright as much as possible. warm humid air will help moisten the secretions in the chest, which will help them clear out.

If coughing continues for an extended period, then cold dry air (like driving around with the windows cracked open) will help reduce the inflammation in the airways. Sometimes popsicles will help too, as they indirectly cool all the air being breathed in, and what kid doesn't love popsicles, especially when they don't feel good.

Good luck.

Source: respiratory therapist for ~10 years.

This list is awesome! I was not nearly that organized for my registry! Just a few comments from the other side (my baby is 3 months currently).


Baby nails are sharp and scary, some friends bought us this Electric Nail File and it is absolutely amazing, not painful for baby at all and much more efficient than the little files.

This butt spatula thing has been great for when we apply diaper cream! Saves us from getting it on our hands.

For me personally, I found the Boppy rather ineffective for nursing at first while we were trying to figure out nursing. Baby would kind of slide down between the Boppy and my stomach. Now at 3 months old, the Boppy is super useful for propping baby and sometimes as a nursing pillow if I decide to use one. My first few weeks of nursing I'd use the Brest Friend Nursing Pillow it was great when Baby really needed a little extra support for getting into the best position for nursing.

Breastfeeding was very painful for me the first few weeks. Our LO ended up having a bad latch due to tongue and lip ties we had to get lasered (anterior tongue tie had been clipped by Pediatrician in the hospital, she still had a posterior tie that was diagnosed later by a lactation consultant - just something to keep in mind), by the time we had the procedure done the damage was done to my nipples. These nipple shields are one of the things that really helped my nipples heal in between feedings to keep my bra/clothes off of them. I hope you don't have to use them, but something you may want to make a note of in case you have a similar experience. If you do end up having nipple pain, ask your OB (or Google how to make it yourself) for a script for "Newman's Nipple Cream", that stuff helped save our breastfeeding relationship!


Good luck, looks like you're off to a great start!

YAYS:

Chux pads, hands down, were the best purchase we made. Those saved us so much laundry and so many diapers. The link is hit or miss - one box we got was great and quilted, the second box was not quilted and they fall apart more easily. Which really sucks because we're not going through several a day anymore, so it has time to really fall apart before it gets soiled. Even the shitty ones are incredibly helpful.

A Haakaa breast milk catcher. Best money I've ever spent. I stopped using it every day at 11 months PP. 11 months of daily use.

An electronic nail file. I cut too close once, and decided I don't ever want to do that again. It's quiet, it has a little light on it, two speeds, and a bunch of different nail heads.

Stacking cups. Don't know why we even have other toys. Did you know you can throw them and chase after them and then throw them again, mom? You can put them inside each other! You can put them in the toy basket and then take them out and then put them back in again! You can knock them down when mom & dad foolishly stack them up! You can clack them together! You can bang them against EVERYTHING!!

This inflatable tub. It has a little shoehorn for the crotch so you can use it before baby can totally sit up by themselves. We're still using it because my child is dead set on committing suicide in the bathtub.

Sleeved bibs. Or as we like to call them, eatin' ponchos. We got some "art smock" cheaper ones to alternate with, but the Bumkins one is 👌👌👌 so much better. The art smocks are fabric-y on the body, so they stain.

A ring sling. No link because I actually borrowed from my local babywearing community. But I checked out a ring sling back to back to back. My chonker outgrew the Moby wrap I had (which was super hot and a PITA to get on and off) by 3 months when I finally discovered ring slings. Ring slings are like the cool, breezy older sister.

A yoga ball. We spent hours bouncing our child.

NAYS:

This Graco Swing. Well, any swing, but this is the one we had. Of the several swings at daycare, my baby tolerated one kind...for a few minutes. Obviously this is a my baby thing.

A walker. We got one used from a garage sale before we realized they're not really recommended for babies anymore.

Any chew-toy specific type teether.

Hi, Ricki! My name is Leigh.

I too love Disney!! I have Mulan, Lion King, Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Oliver and Company, Dumbo, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs and hella more! I never got a chance to get them on DVD do I kept a small tube TV with a built in VCR just so I can watch them haha!

Yay college! Are you going to dorm it up? Suite, single, community, apartment style? I had a suite my freshman year. One of my suite mates was an alcoholic and she would be drunk crying/puking at 4 in the morning (what seemed to be on exam days). Don't be like me and on reddit the entire time... go out and make friends, also if you are in a dorm make friends in different dorms.

Good luck with college! Thanks for the contest.

Edit: forgot to put my item... to explain my item, I love certain things, that's why I'm having a baby haha!

Ah, if you stay home you may not need to, but if the insurance company provides you a pump for free, why not? Plus, if you need to take a trip without the kiddo (it happens!) or you get a plugged duct while baby is sleeping (it happens!) you may want the pump to help out.

We did a bassinet for the first, err... 3 months, 4 months? Eventually though they'll get too big for even a bigger bassinet. I think ours outgrew hers at around 6 months. The pack and plays are okay, but oh boy are they low to the floor (being... on the floor and all...) Maybe look at the convertible bed-crib things? 2 things in one go!

And yeah, wait for Target baby stuff sales. Worst case is you get a gift card that you then spend on diapers.

Oh a few items you didn't know you wanted (but you probably want!)

1. Butt paste wand. Trust me. Get this. https://www.amazon.com/BabyBum-Diaper-Cream-Brush-Blue/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1538604479&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+butt+wand. Diaper cream is a great thing, but it gets stuck EVERYWHERE.
   
2. Baby changing caddy. https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_atf_aps_sr_pg1_1?ie=UTF8&adId=A04588481Q6AWCSY7ABYX&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDexbaby-Changing-Station-Toddler-Organizer%2Fdp%2FB00512VMVI%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1538604532%26sr%3D8-1-spons%26keywords%3Dchanging%2Bstation%2Bcaddy%26psc%3D1&qualifier=1538604532&id=4049971636655450&widgetName=sp_atf. Can you live without it? Yes. But is it nice when you're changing a kiddo at 2am and need everything in one place? Yep.
   
3. Nose Frida. Seems gross, but oh man is it more effective than the bulbs in a lot of cases. https://www.amazon.com/Nasal-Aspirator-NoseFrida-Snotsucker-Fridababy/dp/B00171WXII/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1538604617&sr=8-4&keywords=nose+frida. When the baby gets its first cold, you'll need at least this, a bulb, maybe a Dyson with an attachment, an industrial vacuum tube... Maybe my kid was just a snot factory...
   
   That's about it. Maybe 1000 swaddles...

Came here to say this! Seriously, Nosefrida is awesome. Looks weird, but it's legit. It totally saved my sanity and helped baby breathe better almost immediately. Reviews
I would also talk to the pediatrician just to be safe. Congratulations and good luck!

I was/am in the exact same boat - first kid, limited funds, starting from scratch, going through reviews and prices drove me insane. It took me probably three months to get my registry together, and, even then, I am still switching things up, lol.

lucieslist.com was invaluable while picking everything out. I highly recommend you check it out.

What we have bought ourselves that fit our tight budget:

Graco Comfy Cruiser Travel System. We had already decided to go with that car seat, given that it seems to be the top-rated budget option, and the stroller ended up being a much-needed bonus. We go on walks a lot, so it works for us. If you don't need the stroller, the seat itself is, I think, only ~$100.

The Pack N Play, which I've heard from literally everyone and their mother is almost a necessity.

Because we don't have an IKEA near us to get our hands on a swanky $99 crib, we bought this DaVinci crib. We still only ended up paying $100 for it, as we found it on sale, however, we would have paid the $200 for it, given that the reviews are good, and, when compared to some other cribs that cost $400 and up, the price isn't bad at all.

As for the rest of the registry, we have on there a Moby wrap (affordable baby wearing, yay!), nail clippers, outlet plugs, nursing pads, a wipes case, a baby tub, baby wash, assorted crib sheets, waterproof crib sheets, Pack N Play mattress, and sheets to go with, crib mattress (we actually bought this one when we found it on sale for $20, and it's just fine), receiving blankets, dirty diaper bags (because we aren't getting a diaper pail, just a small can with a seal-able lid), changing pad, and a cover to go with, pacifiers, Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow, a bottle brush, bottle warmer, thermometer, booger sucker, camera to monitor the baby, and a few other assorted things that I couldn't really find a definitive "best in class" for, so pick at your own discretion: diaper bag, swaddles (although I've read good things about the Summer Infant brand), bottles (we're going with Phillips Avent), a bouncer (we got this one), and a swing.

I agonized over this stuff for what felt like forever, lol, so I hope it helps you and saves you some hair-pulling. It's all so overwhelming!

I also have a bunch of stuff on my registry that is inexpensive ($10-$25) for friends and if my coworkers decide to do a shower here which they have done for other new moms in the past. Here are some of the things I have on mine
Sleeping gowns so you don't have to unsnap the onesie for midnight changes

A baby tub

Tub Thermometer

Baby thermometer

Nose Frieda which others have mentioned

preferred bath/care products

Cloth diaps which make fantastic burp cloths/cleanup

Nursing pillow also good for tummy time


Plus some other odds and ends. People will also buy stuff that they like, so you'll probably get stuff that was not on your list and that is ok. You can also request to have a "diapers n wipes" shower which a friend did since she was on her 4th child, and she probably got 2 months worth of diapers and wipes out of it if not more. Also, make sure you get multiple covers for your changing pad, it'll be nice to have more than 1 when it needs washing! Congratulations!

Nosefrida - gross but works much better than a bulb syringe. When your baby can't breathe well because of a clogged nostril, saline spray + Nosefrida is awesome.


Kimono style clothes - newborns have no neck strength and their floppy heads make it hard to dress them in regular clothes that pull over their head. Kimono style is amazing. You just lay it on the ground, lay baby on top of it, and then button it up. Once I figured this out, I had my baby in nothing else.

Get some sort of swing, stroller + carseat connector (convenient), a wearable baby carrier (nice to help you get things done when baby doesn't want to be put down, and helpful in places like the supermarket), and pack n play

It is hard to know what each individual baby will like at different phases, but having a variety at your disposal is very helpful.

This is one of the first things my daughter liked

https://www.target.com/p/skip-hop-silver-lining-cloud-teether/-/A-75556852

She also liked this one early on https://www.amazon.com/HEVEA-643162-Panda-Teether/dp/B00EORBYO6

As time went by, she wound up liking munchkin frozen gel ones (used with a pacifier leash) https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Teether-Toy-Ring-Pack/dp/B016D833EM

And the comotomo one with the “fingers” https://www.amazon.com/Comotomo-Silicone-Baby-Teether-Orange/dp/B00913DY3W

We had baby banana for a first toothbrush and it doubled as a well loved teether https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Banana-Training-Toothbrush-Teether/dp/B002QYW8LW

Eta - also soft books, especially the ones with dangly silicone shapes for teething were huge in those early months. Have plenty!

• Ferberizing works - It's really rough at first, but once it kicks in you will be so glad you did it.
  
• Get a dishwasher basket if you have a dishwasher. Walmart has them. You can wash binkies in that thing too.
  
• Always have desitin and aquaphor on hand. Aquaphor works great on minor rashes, desitin for the more serious. I really recommend having a set for home and a set that stays in the diaper bag.
  
• You are going to wake up at 3 AM and have to get out of bed to feed your child. It is frustrating and it is awful, but it is a fact of parenting. I would work out an arrangement with your SO to take turns for maximum sleep time. If you are breast feeding, make him get up and bring the baby to you. Share in the pain and neither of you will feel like they are doing all the work.
  
• Whatever your stance on breastfeeding, hear out the lactation consultant that will be offered free to you by your hospital
  
• Look in your area for first time parent classes. They give you some AMAZING information and the classes are usually really cheap - and a great boding experience for a couple.
  
• If you are not a patient person, you will need to learn patience. Kids test the limitations of our patience, and when you are sleep deprived, it is so easy to get overwhelmed or angry.
  
• Talk to your SO and manage their expectations on house chores. They are going to have to step it up. You should be sleeping when the baby is sleeping, instead of up and making sure your place is spotless. It's not a vacation. Taking care of an infant is work.
  
• Let your SO have time alone with the baby. They need to bond one on one, and you are going to need to get out of that house once in a while. Also, do not feel bad about leaving your baby with your SO or the grandparents. This separation was very difficult for my ex. The baby will be fine.
  
• Don't let pride get in the way of accepting help. If a relative offers to cook or clean, let them. Any little bit of help will make your life that much easier, and you need that in an environment where stress is going to be high and sleep is going to be low.
  
  EDIT: Thought of one more.
  
  If you have a Costco or Sams Club, get a membership. Buy your diapers and wipes in bulk. You'll easily pay for your membership in savings.

Have you heard of the wonder weeks app/book? It’s a couple dollars to buy the app, but it talks about all the different developmental stages the baby goes through until about 2 years old and different activities to do with them to help them develop those skills. I don’t know how much faith I put into the aspect of leaps and fussy phases it talks about, but I find the app super helpful when discussing the developmental phases.

Edit to add: at 13 weeks my son loved his mahatten winkle toy. It really helped with his ability to grab things. https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Winkel-Sensory-Teether/dp/B000BNCA4K

Just go now:

Sleeper - Agree with OP, this thing is fantastic. Daughter never slept in her "real" crib until nearly 9 months old. Really pissed that they added the auto-rocker and now I'm tempted to spend $90 to replace our perfectly good one.

Swing - Get one that plugs-in. Also, the one that rocks like a ship (4mom?) and is like $300 - wife's cousin bought one because expensive = best and kid was getting sea sick.

Nosefrida or Baby Comfy Nose - this may save your sanity and the life of you, your spouse, or your child because otherwise sleepless nights are in your future.

Boppy - amazingly useful.

Extra car seat base

Don't bother:

• Baby wipe warmer
  
• Bumbo
  
• Diaper Genie - they barely work and you get a compressed plastic log of unholy smell instead of a plastic bag that you can get rid of after one diaper if warranted.
  
  Kid Dependent:
  
  Bottles - we got lucky on our first try and she did great with the Tommy bottles. Don't buy a ton or at least don't open them all and be unable to exchange.
  
  Formula - not judging and sometimes its necessary or just a simple convenience. But some kids prefer one brand over another and/or will react differently to different brands. Also, Costco = Gerber; Target = Similac and WalMart/Sam's = Enfamil.
  
  Pacifier - some love them, some hate them. Most love, but ours hated the straight kind and was insisting on the flat ones within a few months.
  
  Humidifier - get a real one that uses heat and be smart enough to put it far enough away from the kid so they don't get burned. Ultrasonic doesn't do shit for stuffy noses or coughs.
  
  Good Idea, but can wait:
  
  Video monitor - We went with a normal Foscam and put the tinyCam app on our phones for a few bucks.
  
  Small food processor - as said elsewhere, don't get the baby one; or just get the cheaper Bella one from Kohl's. Making baby food isn't that hard and it's a ton cheaper. If you've got a Nutribullet or similar, you're also good to go.

I smashed my face last year when I fell down a mountain. Thanks to the following, my face is back to the exact same with the exception of a teeny scar. Mederma, a tad expensive due to SPF but worth it cuz it was my goddamn face, triple antibiotic ointment linked here but cheaper when purchased as a generic, and Cocoa butter with vitamin E, also available in Walmart/Target places for half the price as listed here. Basically what you're looking for is lotions with vitamin E. I've had luck looking in the "ethnic" hair/lotion/body products section, and there's a whole variety of oils and lotions and rubs. Personally, my favorite is this one and it's usually $2 in store. Bio Oil can be a bit expensive, but a great and comparable product is Africa's Best Moroccan oil, or generic Baby Oil. Again, most of these products are available at Walmart/Target for a fraction of the price. They're all fairly pricey online because of the weight/shipping prices, despite it being shipped via Prime.

Pregnancy: Liked Old Navy Maternity I loved wearing foldover waist things like capri pants, skirts, and pants. Though for work I was able to keep wearing my pre-pregnancy pants as my fat redistributed and they are elastic waist anyway. And the Old Navy Maternity tank tops are amazing, I still wear them after giving birth. I also wore Poise pads to catch my pee leaks, they worked great.

Did not like Ginger gum, that shit's gross.

Postpartum: Liked Kotex pads. The squirt bottle they gave me at the hospital. Colace.

Did not like Always pads (fucking cheese grater). Those witch hazel pads didn't do much for me, neither did the numbing cream.

Baby Like Pampers Baby Dry diapers, Fisher Price Rock and Play, Nosefrida snotsucker, Fisher Price plug in swing, Chicco Keyfit 30, Chicco NextFit, Harmony Odyssey stroller, Infantino pouch feeding products, Vtech baby monitor, Cuisinart food processor, lightweight car seat toys, Ubbi diaper pail, IKEA high chair (I probably have more, but these are some of the things I love on a daily basis or have saved my sanity).

Did not like Swaddle blankets (specifically swaddling), moby wrap, boppy pillow, Graco battery operated swing, huggies diapers, and MAM bottles.

Bonus Mom Supplies Pump wipes (my pump room at work has no sink and these are perfect to use after pumping), leisure bra (I cut holes where my nipples are and I can double pump hands-free, so helpful!), and JuJuBe diaper bag (it's small and cute and I know where everything is now!)

I did just spend almost $250, but snagged a ton of "really want to have this, but not at this price" items using camelcamelcamel.com and the honey chrome extension, with Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Kohls opened to cross reference the prices.

A couple notable purchases:

The Kiinde system is having some serious sales on Amazon, depending on what you want, these starter packs are more than half off.

For those of you who are (like me) terrified of finger nail cutting, this is more than half off: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B2C8DJD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is apparently awesome for catching milk in the shower or when breastfeeding with the other side: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NY6P97R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A friend of mine swears by this nursing gown for the hospital and when recovering (especially if you have a c-section). A couple sizes and colors are on serious sale: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0723GBFK7/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The tiny love gyms are on okay sale (but still better than the 15% off we get with the completion discount. It was around 18% of the "best price" on camelx3)

Lastly, these wireless/noise cancelling headphones will apparently be life savers, and the black ones are about half off: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MTZ8129/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Please keep in mind that my face was a tiny bit angry in the pictures from last night as I had just finished OCM. The morning pictures are from right after I woke up, before doing any of my morning routine. :)

My skin type: Pretty dry, acne-prone (obviously), prone to redness. I also have dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking) which creates a lot of scabs/scars.

PM Routine:

• Makeup/sunscreen removal with my concoction of ~3 parts Johnson's Aloe and Vit E Baby Oil + 1 part NOW Foods Sweet Almond Oil + Tea Tree Oil (There are ~15 drops total in my 3 oz bottle of oil concoction)
  
  
• Quick cleanse with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser to remove the makeup-infused oil
  
  
• Heavy-duty OCM for 5-10 minutes with my oil concoction (I really need to make up a better name for that haha)
  
  
• Thorough cleanse with Cerave Foaming
  
  
• Apply Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid (NOTE: This is actually listed as Clear Extra Strength Acne Exfoliant on the PC website, but it's called Anti-Redness on the product's page)
  
• Wait for the BHA to dry, then apply Silk Naturals 8% AHA Toner
  
• Immediately before turning off the lights to go to sleep (at LEAST 20 minutes after applying the AHA), apply Pond's Clarant B3 Dark Spot Correcting Cream
  
  
  And done!
  
  Seriously guys, I feel like a superhero with amazing healing powers! Thank you all so much for the advice and guidance. <3

Yay for your results! My son was born at 34 weeks, 4.5 pounds. It seems super small for people who aren't used to preemies, but as a NICU nurse, I can tell you those little ones are very feisty. Try not to worry too much about your cousin's baby :D

I'm not sure there's really any "cool" baby stuff, but here are some of my favorite random items:

• Nosefrida. Seriously, just buy this. You need it.
  
• Vick's rectal thermometer. Helpful for parents who aren't used to taking rectal temps. As you can see, you physically can't stick this in too far, so it seems less daunting. My only complaint is that it reads so quickly that occasionally it would read lower than I knew his temperature was. I would just repeat it and get the real result the second time around.
  
• Safety 1st nail clippers. Has a light and everything so you can see what you're doing. My friend would actually make me cut her daughter's nails with my clippers when she came to visit, lol.
  
  I also think everyone should have some sort of baby carrying device. If you get something with buckles (like an Ergo), make sure the seat of the carrier is wide enough to support your baby from knee to knee. Think an Ergo, not a Baby Bjorn.
  
  Hmm, that's all for now. I'll try to think of something cool ;)

None of this is magic but it all helps a little.

Boogie Mist Sterile Saline Nasal Spray for Baby and Kids Sensitive Noses Clear Congestion, Fresh Scent, 3.1 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EWPQZ30/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QRV3Bb7WR0VXB

VICKS BABY RUB 50 GM, 1.76 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PRVLF6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xUV3BbG46AA3W

JOHNSON'S Soothing Vapor Bath 15 oz ( Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057RKQ1E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CVV3BbDTA7EN6

Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker by Fridababy – Baby Shower Gift and Registry essential https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00171WXII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7VV3BbYBQBA1Q

Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier Small Humidifier for Bedrooms, Baby, Kids Rooms, Auto-Shut Off, 0.5 Gallon Tank for 20 Hours of Moisturized Air, Use with Vicks VapoPads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MOI5QUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oYV3BbGVZEZXH

I have a 6 month old right now... We have a ton of toys but here are a few examples of the only stuff he plays with right now.

blocks

Monkey teether

Rings

Rattle

He loves anything that crinkles, we have a crinkle book that came with his baby gym, that he doesn't like being under.... But he loves that book.

This can also wait too, but I highly recommend one of these, we started putting him in this thing at 4 months with a box under him so he could reach, he loves this thing and could bounce in it for hours.

Don't know that I'll be adding anything new, but here's what helps with our son (almost 6 months):

Swaddling

This sound machine, specifically the ocean waves sound. The projection also helps sometimes.

Singing his lullaby Goodnight, Demon Slayer

These pacifiers

Holding him up in a burping position and walking around.

Rubbing his belly in a clockwise or downward motion.

Hope it helps and good luck!

My LO didn't get back to his birth weight until nearly a month. He gained 2 oz in 2 days so the ped thought he was fine, but mother's intuition made me bring him in for a weight check two weeks later. He'd only gained another 3 oz. I was not about to let that happen again so I bought a scale for my piece of mind. He's gaining great at 5 mo. now so I only use it when I'm curious what he weighs - maybe every other week. I don't obsess over it, but I'm glad I have it.

I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009MFUZE/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I haven't checked it's accuracy to the scale at the doctor's office, but it does the job.

There is no rush to buy toys as others have said. Tummy time should begin at birth and you could try to get toys that will hold LO’s attention in that position before they learn to reach for things:

• B&W books like this one
  
• A mirror that can be propped vertically at infant eye level
  
• A tummytime pillow in the same shape as Boppy but smaller, goes under newborn armpits
  
  Next up would be a playard (the Kick n Play Piano one was super popular in our Bumper group) to hang things overhead that they’ll eventually bat at or kick. The Manhattan Toys with lots of strings or loops are great first toys to grasp. You might also like some plastic chain links, which can be toys/teethers on their own at first and graduate to tools for tethering toys in the stroller/car seat.

Reddit is definitely a great resource. However, make sure she knows about babycenter.com. That is a great resource for new parents (mom & dad). Having a brand new baby at home can be a very stressful time. However, between all the screaming you and your wife will have some of the most precious and memorable experiences of your lives. Treasure those moments and the stressful times will feel worth the effort. Definitely pick up the Nose Frieda. It definitely helps having the right tool for the job. Also, pickup a copy of Be Prepared. It's a great (and funny) book for new dads.

For AM moisturizers, Hada Labo Moist as a toner with Sebamed Clear Face Gel (or other gel moisturizer! I personally really like Benton Aloe + Propolis Soothing Gel) is usually recommended for oily, acne prone skin.

For water-resistant sunscreen:

• Thinksport SPF50 - Limited ingredients list, fragrance free, physical filters, decent price.
  
• Elta MD Sport SPF 50 - Rave reviews, fragrance free, combined filters, somewhat expensive.
  
• Cotz Sensitive SPF 40 - Oil free, fragrance free, physical filters, mid-range.
  
• Alba Botanica Sensitive SPF 30 - Drugstore fave, physical filters, dirt cheap.
  
  Try to purchase from somewhere with a great return policy - trial and error are part of skincare, and sunscreens even more so.

We tried the baby bathtub but he kept slipping down in it so a few times I just sat in our tub with a thin swaddle blanket on my lap to prevent him from slipping and bathed him while I held him. He really enjoyed it but I wanted an easier solution since it was tricky getting out without my husband there who would hold our son as i climbed out and dried off.

Now we use this foam flower in our kitchen sink and our son loves it! He doesn't slip and just relaxes. I think the foam also traps more of the heat and keeps him warm.

Blooming Bath - Baby Bath (Canary Yellow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S1T4Q0/

Congrats! AND Happy early birthday!

I ain't birthed no babies

Imagining my son with this makes me feel super happy!

Happy Birfday

Book idea 1

Book idea 2

Book idea 3

Book idea 4

I know a lot of parents swear by butt paste, but I didn't find it to be better than any of the other, cheaper creams. My kid's doctor recommended the purple Desitin cream. That stuff was amazing. According to the doctor the zinc oxide is the miracle ingredient. I believe him because this worked way better than any of the other creams I used when my kid was in diapers.

Yayyyyyyyy! How exciting!!!


this is just too freaking adorable :)

My daughter loved this when she was a baby

This is silly and fun!

You are going to want this for sure. Helps cover up diaper smell!

For the due date.... I'm going to say.... May 21 because that's my birthday! :D

You don't need a wipe warmer.

You don't need pee-pee-tee-pees.

You don't need baby shoes. Shoes are for people who walk.

You don't need 12 bottles. I recommend between 2 and 4 bottles. If you have more bottles you'll just end up having to wash more bottles. We do very little formula though so if you're going right for formula then I don't know.

​

PJs with zippers. Snaps are fine but take forever when he's crying.

Diaper Cream paddle. It seems silly and people who don't have them give us shit for using one of these but seriously. The cream goes on fast and even and you don't have goop on your finger that you have to wipe off before doing up the onesie. We're near the end of a tub of cream and I can barley get my finger down there but the paddle reaches easily.

A bath with a hammock. This one has been great. We used it next to the sink when he was a newborn. He laid in the water supported by the sling. Once he was a little bigger but not quite sitting up it adjusts to give a more upright position. Then you just get rid of the sling when he can sit up.

Nose Frida. Bulb aspirators don't work very well and are hard to clean and you're supposed to replace them incredibly frequently. The Nose Frida works better and is less disposable. He'll still hate it though.

Nail Grinder. You'll need clippers too but this nail grinder is great. If you use it regularly you can skip the clippers almost entirely. That's nice because clipping baby nails is terrifying. This has the added benefit of rounding the edges which makes those razors attached to the end of your baby's fingers a little less sharp.

​

I'm sure there's more for both lists. I'll edit if I think of them. You could also share your current registry and get comments based on that. I don't think that violates forum rules, but I haven't checked.

What we do is take the baby for a long medium-hot shower (which our baby absolutely loves), and let the snot loosen up a little, then we have one of these which we use to get out as many of the boogers as we can.

Usually, the combination of the relaxation of the shower, and the improvement in the congestion, will make the next attempt at sleep more successful.

As far as taking the baby in the shower, the parent who's giving the shower typically aims the shower as far down as it can, and sits Indian style just at the edge of the water (so that only one leg is really getting any of the spray) and puts the baby in our lap Indian-style in the direction that his feet are on the water side. Then we'll put a rag over the baby's torso, and keep the water on that rag warm by occasionally dripping water with a sponge. So, it's really the steam of the shower that's helps with the congestion, and the noise/warmth that helps the child settle down.

The other comments of consumable things like wipes, rags, etc are great ideas. Gift cards to places like Target are great too, you always need more something with a newborn. A couple other little things I found really helpful when my son was young:

Baby timer to remind you for the next feeding, nap, diaper, whatever: http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Nanny-Itzbeen-Personal-Timer/dp/B0012BS2O2/

Nose Frida (yes gross, yes very useful): http://www.amazon.com/FridaBaby-Aspirator-Additional-Hygiene-Filters/dp/B00RP0GHBO

We got this one a couple months in when we were worried about our daughter gaining weight: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009MFUZE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kLj1Db2MSJ3F1

It worked great, and I’m happy to have it again for my new LO coming in January! Don’t use it obsessively, but weighing them every few days or week can really ease your mind about your baby gaining enough weight (or tip you off as to potential weight gain problems!).

Today my hair came out really fabulous. I used hair curlers overnight for the first time and it was amazing. I feel really beautiful today.

I'd like this to give to my new nephew! He is due in July. :)

I... don't know if there's any difference other than the shape of the bottle, but this is the exact one I order lol same name and same coloring on the bottle but different bottle type?

Edit: And now that I'm at home and linking is easier, these are the exact moisturizers I used:

Dr. Lin Skincare Daily Hydrating Gel

Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel

I got this for my daughter after our very first daddy-daughter errand day. (She was good - didn't cry and just chilled in the Baby Bjorn while I went shopping, so this was a "reward" - read: it was an excuse for me to buy her a toy.)

She was 2 months old then, 4 months old now... It's consistently been her favorite toy. It has a soft rattle, is easy for her to grip, and apparently tastes pretty good as well.

I should answer the question myself, so here it is, as detailed as I can.

I shave once a week because I believe my skin would not recover otherwise, but lately I've been wondering if it might not be actually hurting and if I would not benefit from not letting the hair grow too long.

As for my protocol, there was a post a while ago on Reddit where a stripper explained how she shaved down there. I took her method, and adapted it, plus my own little things :

1. I shave under the shower. I find the steam helps.
   
2. Wash and exfoliate face with water as hot as I can. I use Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Face Scrub
   
3. Apply baby oil to face. I use Johnson's Baby Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
   
4. Shave using a single pass in the direction of hair growth. I use Gillette Fusion Proglide Power Men's Razor and Aveeno® Skin Relief Shave Gel. The single pass doesn't get me a clean shave, but I can live with it.
   
5. Wash with cold water
   
6. Apply Dove Men+Care Hydrate + Post Shave Balm
   
   Finally, I try to apply Nivea Soft Refreshingly Moisturizing Creme every day.
   
   Even with all this, I usually look like this on the first 24h after shaving.

Yes, yes, yes to the Nose Frida Snot Sucker. I had such issues with my kids and congestion and those bulb syringes never worked. But a warning, it does a good job and feels weird. Don't be surprised if your kid does NOT like it but their easy breathing is your reward.


This is what worked for us:

• Using Nose Frida along with saline drops
  
  
• Elevate head of bassinet/crib slightly (fold up a baby blanket or place a book under the mattress)
  
• Use a cool mist humidifier

I highly recommend just buying a scale. Weigh all your feedings (it only takes a few seconds) and then you’ll know how much he is getting in a day. I like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Health-meter-Toddler-Scale-Growth/dp/B0009MFUZE

Feedings can vary a LOT so I don’t find a single weighted feeding to say very much. With mine, if she isn’t very hungry she may only eat 2.5 oz, but her personal best is 9.5 oz (after a 12 hr sleep!).

I had problems early on with baby not being able to transfer milk effectively. We slowly transferred back from exclusive pumping to breast as she was able, and the scale was the only way I was able to feel confident that she was getting enough, especially since she was definitely not getting enough on the breast before.

Once we had been 100% on breast for two weeks with no pumping or supplementing and her daily intake was staying high I dropped the weighted feedings and we just do once a day now.

I have very acne prone skin with a sensitivity to fatty alcohols, CeraVe products clogged me up almost immediately.

I really like SebaMed Clear Face Care Gel, its a bit pricey (~$16) but a tube lasts me about 2 months. Its a clear, thick gel, similar texture to hair gel, and it absorbs super quickly without leaving an oily residue. It feels very lightweight and my face doesn't grease slick up like it did with Cerave PM in SoCal's heat.

CosDNA Stats: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_a370176384.html

Where I buy it: http://www.amazon.com/Sebamed-Clear-Face-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00TO9AG4I/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1459225263&sr=1-2&keywords=sebamed+clear+face+care+gel

I thought this may help my fellow new parenters out there. If you're anything like me, you scoured the internet checking off every "must-have" baby items list before your LO was born, but I still ended up having Amazon deliver things about every other day for the first couple months.

As a disclaimer, I'm not saying these are MUST HAVE items. I just went through my Amazon purchases and I'm writing down some things that I purchased in those 3 AM wee hour Amazon shopping sprees.

Here's a compilation of everything that I felt I missed in my preparation for my baby girl:

• An electric nail file. I was terrified to cut her nails myself. This is a safe and easy alternative.
  
• A Swaddle UP. This allows her hands to be by her face, which she preferred her first month or two.
  
• Friedababy MediFrida. My baby had a rough go of reflux and was diagnosed with Ranitidine pretty quickly. This helped us give her doses with no fuss!
  
  
• Comfy shorts for me. I was unprepared for my post C-Section body and clothing options.
  
  
• Gripe Water / Colic Drops. My reflux baby had some rouuuuugh nights. These helped? Maybe? Witching hour SUCKS.
  
• A bigger swaddle that ZIPS. Screw trying to unvelcro my child out of her swaddle quietly at 2 AM.
  
• A mirror to help with tummy time. She still hates tummy time. But she does like looking at herself for a while. So I count that as a win.
  
• MORE. BOOKS. you don't have enough. I promise. After the 15th time of reading "The Rainbow Fish" you'll appreciate a change of pace. I personally recommend, "The Wonky Donkey."
  
• Trial and error pacis. Your kid will have a preference and you'll just have to figure out which. Once you figure it out, buy extras.
  
  
• Bibs / ABSORBENT Burp Cloths. Again... You don't have enough. And the little tiny rags that Gerber tries to sell at Target will not do the trick. Get some THICK in your burp cloth regimen.
  
  ---
  
  I hope this helps! Let me know if there's anything you would add to the list.

Same thing happened here. 1 week into daycare got a cold, which then turned into an ear infection.

Anyway, we got the Nosefrida which is 100% better then a bulb syringe (and 100% more disgusting, but it pulls out so much more snot). Just put some saline drops in before to loosen everything up.

Also, as per a recommendation of a friend, we rubbed Vicks BabyRub on her feet before bed, put some socks on, and the coughing definitely decreased at night. We asked our ped. before we did, and though she never heard of doing it, she didn't see a problem with it. Just make sure it is the Vicks BABYRUB, it is safe for 3 months+ in age.

Hi! We ran off of advice given to us and some lists online. (Lucie's list is really good.) What is unique to where you live? When are you due?

For example, I'm due Nov 7 and in Colorado. So we registered for warmer baby beanies as well as cold weather clothes like long sleeve footies and such. I also made sure to register for car window shades because the sun in Colorado is no joke. I added in a set of wetbags because I've heard they're insanely useful. There's also a rocking chair because my mom had one with me and my sister and swears by it.

We didn't register for any of the health kit things because they have a lot of stuff we've been told not to use (nail clippers) and other stuff we know we won't use (the bulb nose clearers are great I'm sure but the nurse at the infant class told us to just get the Nose Frida. We just put in a baby thermometer you can use under the baby's arm, nail files, comb and brush kit, and Boudreaux's Butt Paste because my mom was adamant we don't need to bother with anything else. I know we'll need to get baby Tylenol but I didn't bother to register for it. (Maybe I'll go ahead and add that now...) OH! Also teething stuff but you already got that. If I mentioned something you already have sorry, I got a bit carried away.

Anyway. It might help to go to Buy Buy Baby or Target or some place to register in person, just put everything cute on the list. You can shorten the list later but this will give you a broad scope if you're worried you're forgetting something.

My son is 7 months old, I stay at home with him and heres what we like: Books, These stacking cups , this annoying cube , this tactile ball , we've had this one for longer but he still loves to chew on it and shake it around , he also likes to chew on and cuddle with any fabric so maybe more muslin swaddle blankets (if you don't already have enough!), plus they can double as burp cloths! Also, when it get closer you could ask for seasonal clothes in the right size (my son has been in 9 month outfits since 5 months so you might want to wait to be sure of sizing).

I recommend this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BNCA4K/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

My 4 month old loves it because she doesn't have the dexterity to put something in her mouth directly yet (except her hands.. She LOVES to shove those in there). This one is great because she can just pull it towards her and something chewy will land in her mouth.

Add to your wish list a Nosefrida nasal aspirator, aka a snot snucker.

American stores only sell ball aspirators which do a poor job, aren't transparent so you can't see how poor a job they're doing, and are difficult to properly clean.

In virtually every other developed nation, parents use some variation of an aspirator like the Nosefrida (in one country they actually use an aspirator that hooks up to a vacuum hose!). It looks disgusting, but every parent I've given one to thanks me a year or two later and tells me they're still using it. IMHO, it's the best baby shower gift, and you never have to worry that someone else will give the same gift.

And skip any battery-powered nasal aspirators. They're less effective and exist only because manufacturers/distributors are convinced Americans will never accept a real snot sucker.

How it works: insert the aspirator into the opening of the baby's nostril. The aspirator (which is really just a big tube with a tapered tip) is attached to a long thinner tube and a filter. Suck on the other end of the tube, literally sucking the snot out of your sick baby's nose. Apply as much or as little force as is needed.

It's oodles better than multiple repeated, half-effective attempts using a ball aspirator. Both products make your baby cry, but one actually frees up the baby's breathing, and quickly at that.

I really like the name Patrick, but I'm also biased because it's my brother's name haha

If they made an adult sized version of this, I'd wear it.

This is a super generic idea, but I think using chalkboard type labels on off white cardstock for food or something would be a really minimalistic and unique way of presenting things.

Thanks for the contest!

If your skin hasn't responded to antibiotics, it's possible you're dealing with Malassezia Folliculitis (fungal "acne"). This guide https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure/ helped me clear my skin in about two months after spending five years dealing with pimples that wouldn't respond to typical acne treatments.

Of course, YMMV, but my current routine is nothing in the AM, PM shower using Head and Shoulders on hair/body (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXLFQGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), Pantene on hair (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTNOJ2Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and sulfur soap on my face (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CST4AS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Right after shower, I slap on some aloe vera gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRAFRQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) followed by MSM gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O379PC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and then Cerave Baby Cream (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WH31P7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1). Twice a week I put Nizoral (https://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-Ketoconazole-Dandruff/dp/B00AINMFAC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=nizoral&qid=1566134798&s=gateway&sr=8-3) on my face and let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then wash it off. I've run this full routine by a licensed dermatologist who told me the sulfur and Nizoral would do the heavy lifting to keep the Malassezia at bay, and as far as I can tell those two items are the keystones of this routine. Everything else I use because the sulfur and Nizoral can be very drying. All of those products I pulled from that skincare blog, so I would read through it and see if the skin condition addressed there matches what you're experiencing.

Good luck. This is the routine that made my skin do a complete 180 in February after I saw no improvement from derm prescribed antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.

It gets easier, but there are regressions which will catch you off guard. Sleep will get better then get worse. It's the cycle as they grow and become more aware of their world and their senses. Behavior will get seemingly better and then get worse. But if you add another child to the mix the ENTIRE dynamic changes!

One thought directly related to the cold... Are you using a Nose Frida?

Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker with 20 Extra Hygiene Filters by Frida Baby https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RP0GHBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2Xq4Db0MCS76P

If you're not using the Nose Frida to keep nightime coughs and stuffy noses at bay, then you're doing it wrong!! I have 3 kids, of which #1 did not have the Nose Frida used on her. She had bad nights when she was sick... Would get bad post nasal drip which would cause coughing spats and sleepless nights. #2 and #3 have had the Nose Frida used on them and (knock on wood), we have not had a fully sleepless night due to sickness.

My wife and I are in the throes of parenthood right now. 10F, 4M, 2M. It's insanity at our house. But we do our best, support each other and try our best to cling to the good moments and try and let the bad/annoying/frustrating stuff go (but that's not easy!).

So it gets better, no doubt. Just have to try your best and hold on for the ride as there are many aspects of them growing up you'll never really be able to change or control.

A NoseFrida or similar nasal aspirator would be good to help clear congestion. We use the HydraSense brand aspirator with a baby saline spray and it's SO effective. Once you get over the ick factor you realize it's a great thing. The HydraSense has a little disposable paper filter on it that prevents any material from being sucked into your mouth.

They sell electric snot suckers (on Amazon or at your local pharmacy) for about $35-45. Our LO gets super congested and I’ve sometimes had to go several rounds of saline plus the electric snot sucker to clear him out enough to nurse comfortably, but once I do, he’s so much happier. The nose frida didn’t work well for me (same for the bulbs), but the electric one works great!

Edit: we have this one, and it works well.

Yay! Congratulations!

I actually haven't bought any clothes for my little one yet, but I'm definitely going to be buying this because it's adorable.

Oh my gosh this is perfect! My sister is having a little baby boy in October and I'm so excited to finally become an aunt! My sister is 13 years older than me so I'll be the cool 16 year old auntie :D I'm planning on purchasing this shark robe for him! Thank you for the awesome contest :)

I had success with the Comotomo silicone teether. It's easy to hold and my LO was able to chew on the angled fingers without having to hold the teether just right, which was a struggle with other teethers. Worked the first time I put it in LO's hand!! I was so happy and relieved that LO could finally chew on something and that it was easy to maneuver no matter how it was held.

He loves any of the Lamaze stuffed animals since they have bright colors and different textures. We have the monkey, cat, turtle and firefly (favorite is the firefly). He also loves this thing because he can grab it easily and stick it in his mouth.

At that age, the best toys seemed to be the ones he could get his fingers into to help him grip them. The Oball rattle was his favorite, and he liked the Comotomo teether too.

It's only recommended that babies use jumpers for max 15 minutes a day, so I wouldn't buy something that I could only use for that short amount of time. My baby is 5 months old and in the last month I bought the foam puzzle mat pieces that I can arrange on the floor and let her roll around. I propped up a cheap door mirror sideways on the wall so she can look at herself while rolling on the mat, and she loves to stare at herself and laugh. I also have a few different small toys for her. The favorite for the past few weeks has been this one: https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Sensory-Teether-Activity/dp/B000BNCA4K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497457560&sr=8-1&keywords=winkel+toy

Honestly, I thought Sophie the giraffe was over-rated, but I caved and bought it anyway. I was right. My son has absolutely no interest in it at all. His favorite teether has always been this - http://amzn.com/B00913DY3W - which is a lot easier for tiny baby hands to grasp. It was the first thing that he could hold.

Both of my kids started playing with a baby gym at 6 weeks - they loved it. Of course, they'd only play for a few minutes before getting tired at first.

I have loved the toys on this list for my infants, though we never had a tool toy http://mamaot.com/2012/07/09/15-toys-for-babys-first-year/

I also really recommend the winkel - http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Sensory-Teether-Activity/dp/B000BNCA4K - it was the first toy both of my kids picked up. We also have a variety of rattles and stacking cups.

Hahaha it's a specific one that Philips makes. They're toted as the ones that hospitals hand out so they must be the best, right? Nah.

I figured the 27 ounces was coming from some sort of calculation based on weight or age. My point is that because he's not spitting up as much, he might be keeping more down, even if the total volume you're giving him is less.

You can also try offering the bottle if he seems fussy. If he's not hungry, he probably won't eat much, if at all.

As far as increasing - if he's handling 2 oz at a time, try 2.5 or 2.25. You can premake formula, so have some on hand and if he finishes a bottle and is keeping it down, offer a little bit more, in 1/4 or 1/2 oz increments. See what his current threshold is. And expect that it will change based on what's currently in his stomach and other variables you might not know.

Reflux meds can help - my daughter was on prilosec. Although that was a nightmare to get into her once she was off the feeding tube. You'd need your pediatrician to prescribe it though. A feeding log showing how much you're giving him and how much he's throwing up (try dumping a pre-measured amount of formula onto a towel or something so you have an idea of what, for instance, an oz looks like).

The other thing we did was add a thickener to her formula. I can't remember the exact brand we used, but you might ask your pediatrician about that also. That really helped.

Try to remember that if he was breastfed, you wouldn't be able to monitor how much he was eating. And treat the formula feeding the same instead of obsessing about the amount he's eating. With breastfed babies, you check that they're producing enough wet diapers and gaining weight. Short term (daily), if he has enough wet diapers for his age (4-5 really wet), he's not dehydrated. Longer term (weekly), weigh him.

You haven't mentioned if he's lost weight or fallen in the percentiles. Since you are concerned with his intake amount, weigh him regularly (at the pediatrician's or on a scale at home that measures to half an oz) to make sure he's not losing weight.

You mention wanting someone to watch you feed him. Honestly, it doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong except getting stressed. And that's not wrong, just not helpful. Many babies have reflux and throw up a lot and still gain weight just fine.

BTW, this is the scale we used to weigh our reflux baby. Don't compare to the pediatrician's scale - just take one weight as soon as you have the scale, then one a week later, etc. It's the change that's important. http://www.amazon.com/Health-meter-Toddler-Scale-Growth/dp/B0009MFUZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453574636&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+scale

After combining the advice from my Dermatologist, this community, and Simple Skincare Science, starting on Monday this is going to be my anti-fungal acne kick 'em in the ass regimen! Let me know your thoughts, I hope to be able to post before and afters in a month or so :)

AM:
Fluconazole (prescription oral anti-fungal for 2-4 weeks)
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Creamy Facial Cleanser
Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream  (contains urea)
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40

PM:
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Creamy Facial Cleanser
De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment (1-2 x weekly for 2-4 weeks, for 10-15 mins at a time)
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Creamy Facial Cleanser again
CeraVe Baby Cream

Looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TO9AG4I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SMtVBbQ5ND033

I’m on mobile so that’s the best I could find. Always beware from buying from amazon 3rd party sellers.

As a 4x parent, I am no expert, but more of a skilled advisor.

A "nose frida" is helpful for when a child gets congested and wont let you use "the bulb" on their nose. https://www.amazon.com/NoseFrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII?th=1

Bumbos are nice for when they are a few months old - plop them in that bad boy and it helps them if they are tired of laying on their back: https://www.amazon.com/Bumbo-B10056-Floor-Seat-Blue/dp/B0092NNQ98/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1484947425&sr=1-1&keywords=bumbo

Blankets & burp cloths galore - you can never have enough!

If you are a worrier, a SIDS monitor is helpful, but they are spendy: (and currently out of stock, but its a starting point!) https://www.amazon.com/Owlet-Baby-Monitor-Current-Version/dp/B013PY7FJQ

Maybe add some "days off work" to your list?

Also don't forget things for YOU - make sure you have food, clothes, nursing bras, nursing pads (to stop leakage), lanolin (to stop cracking) tissues, and netflix/hulus to last you a couple weeks (it will fly by and you wont' feel like dragging the kids to the store for just one or two things).

Otherwise--I say don't worry too much about it. As long as the kids have food to eat and diapers to poop in, you don't NEED a whole lot else (want is different!). Good luck!

Not exactly mouth to nose, but this device is specifically for sucking snot out of babies' noses. Super popular too.

Quality thick blankets for laying on, a pack and play in the living area as a safe space away from pets, sibling.

I only used the bouncy seat in the bathroom so she was safe and cozy but within eyesight.

The only toys she liked under 6mo were chewy toys, silicone or other flexible rubber toys. Comptomo teether

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNCA4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OOaEDbJK6RZHF

At a pharmacy you can get either a baby medicine dropper or med syringe like this, would be easier to use than a scale. Any small syringe, like an insulin syringe, marked in 1ml increments would work fine. By the way keep in mind 1ml = 1cc, so if it's calibrated in cc's that'll work fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Calibrated-Medicine-Syringe-Adapter%E2%94%82Liquid-Dispenser/dp/B000VCF6FG/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_121_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZNN53JBTDFRZASERV4KY

Pretty much all you can do is continue everything in your power to make her comfortable. Suction out her nose as much as possible to make it easier for her to breathe, and make sure her throat / mouth don't get dried out because she'll be doing a lot of mouth breathing.

My son has had pretty much non-stop upper respiratory infections since he was 3 months old. We do :

• Humidifier
  
• Vicks on his feet under his socks (dunno why, but this seems to help on occasion)
  
• We use a nosefrida coupled with saline drops to suction out his nose (Put the saline in her nose and let it sit for a couple of seconds to loosen up the snot, then use the nosefrida to get all that nastiness out)
  
• When he gets really bad, our guest bathroom is tiny, so we get him in there, turn the shower on hot, close the door, turn off the fan, and let the steam go to work. This really helps a lot: there have been times where we've done this and the poor little guy has had snot all the way from his nose to his diaper.
  
  
  I'm sorry your LO is sick! I hope she gets to feeling better soon!!

Ideally you don’t want baby in the car seat for more than 2 hours at a time without taking a break.

For toys... get some new toys to introduce on the drive. Some ideas off the top of my head from that age are things that shake a make noise (you can put some dry rice in a sealed container and it makes a cheap shaker), touchy feely books like jellycat books like this or this, large silicone straws, multi textured balls, winkle toy

This is the one I got, it looks like there are a few different versions, but they all do the same thing and it's specifically made for putting diaper cream on baby butts. No idea if that makes the material special, but here's hoping it works well enough!

Cheer up buttercup! September babies are the best! (biased as I am one).

Here's something to add to your baby WL. I think it's hilarious and upsetting, but it's apparently really great and I probably won't understand it until I have kids and want to suck their noses?

There is actually a device that is effectively that. Let me find a link.

So there's this thing that looks like a baster: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L4MJEC8/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And then there's this thing where you use your own suction: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00171WXII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1551152724&sr=1-1

I've used both on my kiddo. The second works surprisingly well

We introduced a couple toys and the play gym at that age. I attached extra toys to the play gym to keep things interesting. You will be surprised how fast the grasping happens!

Tummy time is something we did not do (LO had terrible reflux) that I wish we had. If you prop a mirror in front of baby they will probably like it a lot.

Ive been looking at this one (haven't bought yet) but it's supposed to be good for babies that like to chew their fingers! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00913DY3W/ref=pd_aw_sim_75_of_14?ie=UTF8&dpID=41DMLkW5OwL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_SL500_SR100%2C100_&psc=1&refRID=VHEADS269C6JHT76HJJ3

Was it a snotsucker or did he just do it skin to skin? Either way, that's true love right there.

This one is pretty great.

You don't need a fancy syringe. I've gotten pregnant at least twice (third time was an ambiguous CP type thing but probably three times) using at-home insemination. We used a medicine doser, a needle-less syringe you can pick up at CVS for like $5. Like this. Yep, worked fine. However, I would not say it's an alternative to IUI or IVF. IUI and IVF serve different needs. It depends on the issues you're having.

This thing is fantastic for getting junk out of the little ones nose, should they ever get the snots.. Works way better than the normal suction ball thing and is way cleaner. That and diapers

NoseFrida

The grandest pacifier in existence!

I am totally getting this for my son!

Thanks for the contest!

My baby loved (and still loves at 5mo.) the Skwish. He can hold it super easily. He liked the Oball too but he would get frustrated with it a lot because he can't get it into his mouth, where the Skwish is easy to jam on in there.

I have this applicator and it is amazing! Reusable and super soft. Thanks for the tip too! We had a similar problem with my 2 year old when she ate too many blueberries 😬
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_d1Y5AbSNFYCVW

A Sqwish! is great because the baby can grasp it very easily. I have a 20 month old and I'm getting one for my 1 month old niece.

Baby Shark Robe

Hit me with anything from my WL if I win, and thanks for the contest!

Use a Nosefrida

It's awesome, and I highly recommend it.

cowboy mustache pacifier, or for fancier occasions the genleman mustache pacifier. i know you said shes a girl, but a baby with a mustache is hilariously awesome regardless of gender

We have this rattle and she loves it. Easy to grab, chewable, and was a staple for most babies when I worked in childcare

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNCA4K/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_2GF-AbXTDT74J

Pssst. I'll just leave this here ;)

ETA: There's more styles if you just type in "mustache pacifier" into amazon's search ;) There's even a cowboy style one! XD

Ha! Here's my favorite dad review. It's about the nose frida snot sucker, and it's glorious.

I've thrown everything on there that I know we will need/want. This way, whatever is left, we can still get a discount on. I have both pricey and not so pricey items. And I too am registered with Amazon. Here are a few of the cheaper items I have on my list if you want to check them out:
Skip Hop Spout Cover- Whale
http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Spout-Cover-Whale/dp/B001WAJVZM/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=IEFRQ3CRIV55S

Baby Banana training toothbrush
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Banana-Bendable-Training-Toothbrush/dp/B002QYW8LW/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I1ZE4J4J0X6H4

Munchkin Backseat Organizer
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-23205-Backseat-Organizer-Black/dp/B003XMWFBE/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I15ELS3VA7EZ3I

Sasy Baby Disposable Diaper Baggies
http://www.amazon.com/Sassy-Disposable-Counts-Diaper-Sacks/dp/B0007V644S/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=IDCAXJI26J3PE

Nosefrida
http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=IT3PQ5INDNNZ6

Lamaze Freddie the Firefly
http://www.amazon.com/Lamaze-Play-Freddie-Firefly-Along/dp/B000I2Q0F4/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I3NP50TP9VSYY6

Green sprouts 10 Pack Waterproof Absorbent Terry Bibs (someone on here told me these rocked so added them lol)
http://www.amazon.com/green-sprouts-Waterproof-Absorbent-Terry/dp/B000CP2X9O/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I4VY0VDI592SI


Hope this helps! :)

I love these too! I use the little finger glove (finger cots) to put stuff on but I’ve been seeing those spatula looking things. Have you tried those?

[amazon calls them brushes](BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nWC0Ab9E12Q5B) But they look like spatulas to me.

Baby Nail File Electric Nail Trimmer Manicure Set with Nail Clippers, Toes Fingernails Care Trim Polish Grooming Kit Safe for Infant Toddler Kids or Women, LED Light and 10 Grinding Heads (White/Teal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B2C8DJD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_v8XUDb4WR3ZXN

I've heard this thingy is really good for baby congestion.


The other thing we do for Adalyn's congestion is take Vicks babyrub and put it on her chest and the bottom of her feet, then put socks on. I don't know why the feet thing works but it did for us. Hope she feels better soon :(

Have a couple of friends with kids. I always get a butt spatula for applying diaper cream (https://www.amazon.com/BabyBum-Diaper-Cream-Brush-Blue/dp/B00LYQ53JW) and Boudreaux's Natural Butt Paste.

Have been told they make life so much easier!

I keep mine in the fridge and use a oral medicine syringe draw cap to dose. I can't imagine taking it with me all the time, especially with a dropper lid. Perhaps a solid cap and another means of dosing might be a good idea. Sorry you're finding no joy.

The Blooming Bath flower that serves as a padding/hammock for a sink might be good for you. I haven't used it but have seen some Bumpers say good things about it. I saw it in the store and it was bigger than what I thought but is still smaller than a tub to store.

Blooming Bath - Baby Bath (Canary Yellow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S1T4Q0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2aMNyb5R8KTBT

CeraVe baby cream is the best! Our whole family uses it for dry skin, excema, etc. It's unscented and has ceramides which is important for the moisture barrier in your skin. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WH31P7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_I11IAbJ7QAV8Y

http://www.amazon.com/NoseFrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII

This sounds gross, but it's the best baby tool out there. I give it to everyone now.

We have this teether, the little nubs are baby-finger-sized, my daughter likes to get two of them in her mouth at once, lol.

I agree with the advice to go to a doctor. Do you have a Nose Frida? The Frida works way better than the bulb aspirators.

http://www.amazon.com/Comotomo-Silicone-Baby-Teether-Orange/dp/B00913DY3W

We like this one. Super easy to grasp.

pacifiers $3.24 (priority: highest)

scoobydoo movie $7.20 (priority highest)

Boppy slipcover $9.99 (priority: highest)

Book wl: Kisses from Hell $4.00

Total $24.43

They actually can breed mold.
http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/149964/treating_babys_stuffy_nose_how

I never used one on my baby. I used this instead, which works like a charm.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00171WXII?pc_redir=1396834194&robot_redir=1

Skwish! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GI0S4E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_EUg7xbDX1XW62

Also soft things with nubs and tags are loved

Baby Bum Brush, Original Diaper Rash Cream Applicator, Soft Flexible Silicone, Unique Gift, [Blue] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rSkLDb8YV4Q3T

Makes it quick and easy, no finger painting the bum and bits. Just swoop, swoop, done.

My son loved the Manhattan Skwish toy:

http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Classic-Grasping-Activity/dp/B000GI0S4E/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I get everyone these:


Butt spatula!
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_iD9ZBbPJMV91Y

Waterproof pads:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B009UPUJIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_vE9ZBb944DKWV

And an Amazon gift card.

nosefredia for when baby has a stuffy nose and then the windi for when baby has gas. Now I know that both products seem.... gross but trust me they work.

We were using Soothie brand, which has a round tip. Someone told me that the flatter style or the "dental" style stay in the mouth better, so we bought some Mam ones to use at night. It helped.

1. There are a lot of old (and old-style) frame saws that used rope to create counter-tension to a blade on the other side of the stretcher. You could set up something like that.
   
2. Follow this link to learn about tensegrity, AKA the reason this baby toy can exist.

Well, I have no experience with children, but we have things like this and this to remove snot from baby nose, so I imagine that if you don't have access to one of those you do what you gotta do.

You need a [nasal aspirator](https://www.amazon.com/OCCObaby-Baby-Nasal-Aspirator-Hygienic/dp/B01962MDHA/ref=asc_df_B01962MDHA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241981738705&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14285908144919555983&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003362&hvtargid=pla-397176861005&psc=1)

My wife and I affectionately called ours the Horker-Snorker.

A nose frida. I know it sounds weird, but it's a better tool than the bulb that most people use for nasal auction.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RP0GHBO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1504956535&sr=8-3&keywords=nose+frida&dpPl=1&dpID=41GiWFhmDwL&ref=plSrch

Like... I know its sometimes necessary to free the nose, but... These exist you know.

https://www.amazon.com/Nasal-Aspirator-NoseFrida-Snotsucker-Fridababy/dp/B00171WXII/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523909756&sr=8-3&keywords=baby+snot+sucker

Have any of you tried the sink "bloom" things? are these any good?

(like this: https://www.amazon.com/Blooming-Bath-Baby-Canary-Yellow/dp/B007S1T4Q0 )

(twins coming in a few months; terrified)

The owl is pretty cute - source http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Aspen-Begin-Terry-Months/dp/B004071ZOY

Great box! Only things missing are pacifier clips, ear plugs and Nose Frida

BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYQ53JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hNm9yb9Y30330

We have one too! Highly recommend

My brother in law grabbed the tube of Desitin instead of toothpaste not too long ago. He had that taste in his mouth for days. I also laughed for about the same period of time.

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Avent-Soothie-Pacifier-Months/dp/B0045I6IAY?th=1

The phillips avent?

That's the top google result for 'blue pacifier with hole in the middle'.

Also you can just boil the one you dropped in the garbage and it should be fine to give to him.

Snot sucker
This is such a better idea.

Ah found it. This one. Thank you!

Yes actually

https://www.amazon.com/Cleansers-Nose-Bidet-Washer-Cleaning/dp/B01F75A04I

https://www.amazon.com/NoseFrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII

Amazon has a checklist feature that really helped me build my registry as a FTM. There's also a "Good, Better, Best" checklist that has honest, unbiased reviews of products in each category to highlight the "covers all of the bases, minimal bells and whistles, low cost" to the "all of the crazy shit you will never need but costs a million dollars!"

Here are a couple of things that I selected based on those lists and reviews here:

Breastfeeding pillow

Booger sucker

Wipe warmer (I also picked out a stand for it to protect the dresser I'll be using as a changing station)

Washable organic nipple pads... to answer your question they absorb leaking milk so your shirts don't look like they're crying all the time. disposables exist, too, but I figure why spend more money throwing them away when you can just toss them in the wash. This pack had enough pairs that it's not like you'll run out in between laundry loads, especially with baby making messes!


Motherlove Nipple Cream becaude apparently your nipples will become the Sahara.

The bulbs can be tricky and it is possible to injure your kid if used improperly. The nosefrida really is much better.
http://www.amazon.com/NoseFrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII

Spray bottles are awesome, but I would suggest getting a syringe that works with children's medicine. I got mine by asking a pharmacist for one. Depending on your bottle size, you can just measure out the exact amount of StarSan to squirt in reservoir.

Baby Bum Brush

Laugh all you want, but it has revolutionized the diaper game.

This is the one I ended up buying, but there a quite a few others that are similar. My kids still don't like it but it gets the job done really well.

We used ours in our shower for a bit when our bathtub was being repaired. We didn’t have much of an issue- just dump it slowly. I also read your update about your 6 month old not sitting up confidently yet. Have you looked into something like this? It would give some additional support either in a laundry basket, the ikea tub, or in a large sink (if you have one).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007S1T4Q0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521835433&sr=8-3&keywords=blooming+bath&dpPl=1&dpID=41Dmf%2BBmJ8L&ref=plSrch

So here's the one that we have - it's digital and can be used until the baby's a toddler (you just take the tray away and it becomes a normal scale that your bub can step on!) ;)

I don't have a ton of toys, but my baby loves this thing: https://smile.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Sensory-Teether-Activity/dp/B000BNCA4K/

He also really digs his exersaucer/jumperoo (similar to this, but you can pick one up at a yard sale for like $15 or less: https://smile.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-K6070-Rainforest-Jumperoo/dp/B000LXQVA4/), which has different toys all around the rim and allows him to jump up and down endlessly. He hated his swing, is meh on the bouncer seat, but has a ball in this.

Get the Nose Frida. Those little nose cleaning bulbs do crap all. This was much more effective.

FridaBaby Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator for those that want the link.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009MFUZE/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

Oball rattle

Manhatten Toy - Winkle

https://www.amazon.com/Ezy-Dose-Calibrated-Medicine-Syringe/dp/B000VCF6FG?th=1

And only for [$15] (http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII)

She should get a NoseFrida. Believe it or not, that is the most hygienic way.

Apparently, she hasn't seen this before.

I'll just stick with this

And that's about the same price as the Hippy Mombie version!

Nose Frida

snot sucker

http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII

Second this. Best thing since sliced bread.

Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker by Frida Baby https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00171WXII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NcTRDbZ4RYMXY

The Nosefrida

Get the Nosefrida. Blows the doors off of the ball-type nasal aspirator.

Get aNosefrida! My son who's 11.5 weeks gets congested because he spits up a lot. That thing works awesomely!

Nosefrida Snotsucker I just can't. I have tried.

Cure then prevent.

I guess Girl!

I got one of these for my friend It's so cute!


3rd thing: I'm about to be an aunt again too!

I believe this is it. The hospital sent us home with a couple.

Here you go, buddy.

If you wear that shirt you are going to need one of these.

Amazon Link

The Gentleman Mustache Pacifier - Cowboy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHO6SH8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

[Link for the lazy](The Gentleman Mustache Pacifier - Cowboy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHO6SH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1IGmzbQ2BXTZP)

Layla

Uncle Rambo.

Definitely this pacifier.