If everything goes according to plan I will have another child at some point in time. With this in consideration I’ve made a mental check-list of things that I would do differently. Isn’t it great that we often have opportunities to be better the second time around? As someone who likes her world to be orderly and calm it bothered me that I was all over the place after I gave birth to my son. Some of that can be attributed to the pressure of experiencing motherhood for the first time but in other ways I was ill-prepared. So let me take away some of the guesswork and advise you on how to be a pro.
This is not a new concern of mine and you can find my post on baby clothes here. The main principle that both articles emphasize is that part of being ready means that you don’t skimp on the necessities. I was too careful and always felt that I could manage without. You know what the reality of it is? That person advising you to focus on the basics is not the one nursing at all hours of the night. So put in the time to do the research with mommy blogs and others who offer valuable insight into not making it harder on yourself. Please, the next time around I will ask for the epidural shortly after changing into my dressing gown and know that everything will not go smoothly, but it’s my reaction to these situations that matters. So here’s some baby gear that I could not live without and other products that are the first on my shopping list when the occasion calls for it. I’ve categorized them as now and then, and though it’s far from comprehensive, it is a start:
NOW
1. Sleep Sheep
Because infants hear your heartbeat and swooshing of blood while in the womb, they are not particularly fond of silence. This little lamb will provide soothing background noise for the first few months and many years to come. My son is two and half and still falls asleep to the sound of rain each night.
2. Robeez
Made of genuine leather and a team of talented artists, these little slippers will help keep socks on when they’re young and keep their toes warm once they’re more mobile. Because they stretch as their feet grow, you will be able to use a pair for even longer than you intended.
3. Baby Bjorn
My son has always liked human touch and is a snuggle monster still. So he loved to be right next to us when we were out and about. The reality is that I’ll be caring for our child mostly on my own next time so I will also think of getting a body wrap for when our next child is very young. Bjorns should be used only when they reach the specified weight.
4. Bogs
These boots are comfortable, waterproof and durable. Toddlers will love the shorter ones for their first winter and the taller boots are great for the boys. Their lovely designs are also winners in my book.
Their pieces are well-constructed and certain items, like bookshelves can be in your child’s room right up till university. If their tastes change you can also transfer them to the guest room and not be too worried about it.
THEN
1. Aden & Anais
These breathable swaddlers made of 100% cotton will not overheat your newborn. Though they are on the pricier side they literally are first on my shopping list for when the time comes. About two sets should do it. They’re excellent for wrapping your child when they’re transitioning to sleeping on their own.
2. Bouncer
They love to lounge and this gives you a chance to fold some laundry or just chill out.
3. Bassinet
I would get one both for my stroller and for placing in our room for the first few weeks. I believe that Health Canada recommends that newborns stay by their parents’ bed for the first six weeks.
This allows you to not have to carry a purse when you’re out and about. There are pockets for your cellphone, credit cards and coffee.
My next nursery is going to have a theme and a Pottery Barn sheet set. We love our current Peter Rabbit collection sheet and pillow sham and will complete it with the quilt and bumpers.
You truly need a comfortable seat in the nursery. Whether you choose to nurse or bottle-feed it’s important to have a chair that you can hold the baby in. Buy one that you wouldn’t mind using in another room.
I would not have a separate change table but instead have a change-table item to place on top of a dresser. That way you can remove that item when it is no longer necessary.
So there you go. And remember no matter what, enjoy this time and know that you are so very loved.
Things I like. 