as an almost new mom, there’s nothing like discovering things on your own.  i savor and appreciate the advice so many moms have given me, but figuring out your own way through situations and issues are quite fun for me.  some ways might be over the top, some things might be unnecessary, some actions might be unneeded but it’s definitely about the experience and learning through all of it!  to each their own journey.

registering for baby products was quite daunting and overwhelming!  hc and i were so overwhelmed when we first started out!  oy!  we just stared at stuff, it was all so unfamiliar and awkward {seriously overwhelming}!  after a short period of time at the stores, we went home to collect our thoughts and get familiar with all the products via the internet.  hc did a lot of the research with the help of this book: baby bargains {it really helped!}.  through this all, it’s finally becoming familiar!

here are some of my favorite things.

sophie the giraffe from pottery barn kids // this little giraffe came highly recommended from everyone!  honestly, though, you can’t miss it…it’s sold everywhere!

could pillow from land of nod // just the cutest pillow ever…and it went perfectly with my bebe room’s decor.

skiphop changing station from buybuybaby // for when there is no changing station and it houses a baby’s diaper change essentials.

avent classic natural bottles from buybuybaby // i registered for the 4oz. and 9 oz. sizes, the avent storage bottles, and the avent double breast pump.

lansinoh cream from buybuybaby // for those who will be breastfeeding, this will soothe, heal, and protect!

minnetonka booties from land of nod // so cute, need i say more?!

nosefrida from buybuybaby // we took some baby classes at prentice hospital and they highly recommended this product.  it’s a miracle worker for a bebe’s stuffy nose.

boudreaux’s butt paste from buybuybaby // how can you not buy this with a name like butt paste?!

sleep sheep from pottery barn kids // soothing noises {like she is still in the belly} to help her fall asleep.

the stokke tripp trap highchair // an awesome high chair that transitions through from infant stage to childhood!  you will be using it for years!

exergen temporal scanner from target // what the doc’s use.

johan the raccoon from land of nod //  he’s just adorbs, the little bandit.

carter’s sleeper gowns from buybuybaby // i was told sleepers are the best, especially during the first weeks/months because it’s so easy to change the baby’s diaper in your zombie state.

aden and anais swaddling blankets from land of nod // love these!  so soft, cuddly and multi-purpose!

aden and anais bibs from buybuybaby // these are so cute!  you’ll need a lot of bibs {at least 10-15} if you are using them for feeding.

baby bjorn bib from buybuybaby //  when the baby starts eating solids…this bib is a must!  you just rinse it off and voila!  done.  reusable.  easy.

carter’s teething bibs from buybuybaby // make sure you buy plastic backed bibs for when she just drools and drools and drools!

britax b-safe infant carseat from buybuybaby // this carseat came with rave reviews on safety!  all you really need the first year is an infant carseat.  we registered for the convertible carseat as well but realized that we didn’t need it because it’ll be a year before we would use it.  by that time, we would rather buy one that was most up to date with current safety features!

boon’s collapsable tub from buybuybaby // it converts from an infant tub {it’s deeper} to when the baby gets bigger {the more shallow conversion} and it’s simple and easy to store!  perfect for us city dwellers {it just hangs up on the wall in our closet}!

aden and anais swaddle wrap from buybuybaby // soft, pretty, cuddly…and the bebe will love it!  she’ll feel snug as a bug like she’s still in the womb!

there is so much more i can recommend and love!  a big thanks to the mommy friends of mine out there that have helped me, guided me, and were the guinea pigs so i can select the best and coolest products!  i am a huge fan of aesthetics {not gonna lie, it has to look good, be functional, and practical…hc and i believe in modern simplicity} and try to stay away from anything too crazy ‘kid’ looking.  it’s just how we roll.

for first timers out there, have fun with it…try not to get overwhelmed {although it’s easier said than done!} and despite all the recommending, suggestions, and opinions – truly go for what you love and like!

xoxo