Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Mommy Tips: Washable Crayons!

Junebug is starting to draw on EVERYTHING with crayons! I'd like to scream at the top of my lungs everytime it happens but I realize she's just a baby and I don't want to stifle her inner Picasso if there is one... ya never know. Thank God my friend Myla clued me into the fact that Crayola manufactures washable crayons. Who knew?! I'm still going to try and get Junebug to stay on the paper BUT if she messes up atleast I don't have to suffer.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Mommy Tips: FIRST YEAR MUST-HAVES!























When Junebug turned a year old I started taking stock of all the "things" she had and realized that there were a handful of items that she has used EVERY SINGLE DAY since she left the hospital. I thought I'd share this list in case new Mommies are wondering what are the "must-haves". There are many more things that are needed to get a baby from birth to one BUT i couldn't have lived a single day without the following:

1. Dresser
Invest in a great dresser that serves as a changing table so that when the baby is out of diapers it's still a great piece of furniture. I also prefer this to the rinky, shaky changing tables that are out there.

2. Luna Lullaby breast feeding pillow
Even after I was done nursing, this pillow has been so handy. We now use it every night when Junebug drinks her nighttime bottle and when I was nursing it was invaluable. It's so soft and so comfy.

3. Prince Lionheart wipes warmer
Don't let anyone tell you that a wipes warmer is unnecessary. It's the best! Fill it up with little cotton pads and water and it's a great chemical free way to clean your baby's bottom. Junebug has never suffered from diaper rash and I think this is why. You can also fill it with regular baby wipes from the store or be eco-friendly and use small pieces of cloth.

4. Glider
I love the glider from Serena and Lily but I've also tried the one from Crate & Barrel which is great.

5. Aden and Anais muslin blankets
These are the best swaddle blankets on the market and they are very useful even after swaddling doesn't apply. I don't go anywhere without grabbing one of these blankets. I've used them as a picnic blanket, to shelter from sun, etc.

6. CD player
Music is so important for a baby's brain development. Invest in a nice little CD player and share the joy of music with your baby from the day they are born. Make sure the one you buy has a repeat function. In Junebug's case she sleeps with music on all night which she loves.

7. Orbit Stroller
With so many strollers on the market, I can vouch for the orbit, hands down. We LOVE it.

8. Classical Music
Junebug has not gone one day without listening to classical music. Classical Lullabies is a great disc. She sleeps to it and naps to it.

9. Baby sheep pillow
Junebug has a little pillow shaped like a sheep that sits on her changing pad. I think she has grown very fond of him as she's felt his soft little body under her head everytime we change her diaper.

10. Burp cloths from the Pump Station
I LOVE these burp cloths from the Pump Station. They remind me of the diapers I remember from when I was a kid. These cloths are all purpose and are so yummy.