5 Items I Could NOT Live Without

Dear Diary,

I’ve spent A LOT of money this past year as a first time mom.   I flushed some dollars down the drain on things Baby C never used or on items that never lived up to their rave reviews.  But I did purchase and receive some stuff that I can’t live without.  Here are five things I go ga ga over.

Fisher Price Cradle Swing

I would like to personally thank Fisher Price for producing the swing that saved my sanity.  Like her mommy, my daughter is a night owl.  And unlike most other infants, my daughter was not a napper.  Even when she rubs her eyes, kicks, screams and cries, she doesn’t go down for the count.  But if I put her in the swing, she was out like a light.  At first, I felt guilty.  I asked myself, am I a bad mother? Will the swaying make her dizzy?  Will she never be able to fall asleep on her own?  But then I friend told me I was a good mom for using the swing, because I made sure my daughter was well rested and healthy.

Designer Diaper Bag

Your diaper bag will become your purse.  In addition to diapers, wipes and infant outfits, I stuff my bag with my makeup, wallet, cell phone and water bottles.  When I became I first time mom, I didn’t want to lose my style when I lost my freedom.  And I didn’t want to carry something with cartoon characters embroidered in the fabric.  So, my mom bought me the best bag ever!  And it’s not a Coach purse pretending to be a diaper bag.  It actually came with a matching changing pad, lots of pockets and places to hold your bottles on the outside.

Trumpette Socks

I lost count of the number of compliments I received when Baby C sported trumpette socks in public.  The socks “look like” shoes but are much more comfortable and much more affordable. Some have ruffles.  Some have ribbons. Others are adorned with flowers.  No matter what style, the socks are a perfect pair.

Blankie

If you can’t comfort your baby in times of need (or when she needs a nap), a blankie will.  Blankies, also known as lovies or beegas in the Hopson household (think my nephew couldn’t pronounce blankie as a toddler), wipe away tears, stop screams and  shut eyes.  Thanks to Ella the Elephant (pictured below), Baby C is able to finally sleep through the night!  Make sure you buy more than one.  I keep a spare at Grammy’s house.

Baby (Fast) Food

These portable pouches are quick and easy meals for babies on the go.   Sometimes, there isn’t a sanitary spot to stop and feed Baby C, so these squeezable meals hit the spot.  We’ve tried Plum, Earth Organics and Gerber Grabbers so far when we’re shopping, traveling or sightseeing.  Some mix in cereal with fruits or vegetables or come in a yogurt smoothie flavor. You can serve it to your little one as is by using the pouch as a bottle or you can purchase a snap on spoon.