dr. bronner's castile soap (in place of baby wash/shampoo)

I had no idea when I had Aidan that conventional baby washes contain harmful chemicals, are unnatural, and that there were so many good natural alternatives instead. Once I found this out, I knew I wanted to use something gentle and natural, but didn't want to spend a fortune. I fell in love with castile soap -- the dr. bronner's almond scent smells delicious, the bars vs. the liquids lather better, and I feel good using something good for his skin and free of bad stuff. A bar of soap lasts a long time, and I use it on his hair and body both, and his skin is beautiful! :) I have read that it isn't tear free and should not get in eyes, so after reading a suggestion on a blog, I follow it: I first wipe his face with just warm water, no soap, on a wash cloth, then lather soap on it for his head and the rest of his body, and then lay him back to rinse his hair with a cup, so not to get it in his eyes.
I love it so much I started using it for myself as well! And castile soaps actually have a lot of uses, other than just bathing. https://www.oregonsoapcompany.com/blog/155

Castile soap can be found at many stores and healthfood stores! And amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dr.+bronner's+castile+soap&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adr.+bronner's+castile+soap

Dr. Bronner's website: http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/LS.htm

Castile soaps get a great rating on EWG (for those new to this website, it rates things for safety, lowest rating being best). :)  http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=dr.+bronner%27s+castile+soap&h=Search

my brestfriend pillow

- my favorite nursing pillow, it has gotten LOTS of use and is still in perfect condition
- easy to clean; just remove cover and throw in washer & dryer
- love how firm yet comfy it is, perfect for positioning baby and helping with proper latch

babies r us, buy buy baby, amazon etc
http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Pillow-Sunburst/dp/B000HZEQSU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363216769&sr=8-2&keywords=brestfriend+nursing+pillow

britax marathon 70-G3 convertible carseat

So we did use an infant carrier car seat for our first one, because you can't beat the convenience of being able to click the baby's car seat in and out of the base without waking them! But once they grow out of that one, its onto the next overwhelming search: the convertible car seat. Now, this one can be used from newborn (5 lbs+) up to 70 lbs, so it will last a long time. We LOVE this one!! Its great quality, looks even nicer in person, is known for its safety, has great reviews, and even the harness, its all designed so well! Before we got this, I heard that Britax's are big and bulky (I honestly don't think this one is), and that they're pricey. After much research, I found that really ANY convertible car seat will cost you around $150+, so this isn't that much more, and again, can't beat the quality and sleekness. There is a lever on the front (you can see) to recline it easily which is a great feature. Onyx is the design pictured, and is the one we have.

amazon, albeebaby, and diapers.com seem to have the best prices for this seat. The lowest I've seen for it is $204 or $211. Keep an eye out and if you see it get that low, snatch it! :)

http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Marathon-70-G3-Convertible-Seat/dp/B00834D5SO/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1363164444&sr=1-1&keywords=britax+marathon+70

http://www.albeebaby.com/britax-marathon-70-g3-convertible-car-seat-onyx.html

http://www.diapers.com/p/britax-marathon-70-g3-onyx-429434

fisher price ez clean highchair

I spent probably too much time researching high chairs. My main problems I'd run into, was that they were either too pricey, or too big/bulky. So after much looking around (in stores and online) and reading reviews, this is the one I settled on. Now, for me personally, I was set on getting a freestanding high chair. I didn't want to "tie up" one of our four dining chairs with one of the kinds that just sits on the seat. This high chair is definitely one of the smallest/most compact I've seen, and it IS SO easy to clean, i love it!! the fabric just wipes clean, and also can be thrown in the washer & dryer. The trays wipe clean easily too and don't stain. I like that there is a second tray so in case I haven't cleaned the first one, I have another underneath that is clean, or if LO is throwing food off the top tray, I can snatch it off. :) The top tray can go in the dishwasher as well. The highchair has height adjustments and can recline as well. It has a 5 point harness, or you can just use bottom 3 points if you want. We love the 'coco sorbet' design, and it is much more muted/pastel than it looks above. I ordered mine from amazon, for maybe $80 at the time. :) Babies r us carries it (at least the one near us) so I could see it in person which was nice.

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Luv-Clean-High-Chair/dp/B0042D69YM/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1363163803&sr=1-1&keywords=fisher+price+ez+clean+high+chair

graco bumper jumper (for doorway)

From the time Aidan was getting close to be old enough for these doorway jumpers, I thought about getting one, so many times, but we had so much gear already, and I was worried he's jump like spastic and hit into the doorframe, and we didn't have any wide doorways so I thought it just wouldn't work well. Wrong. I found one in perfect condition at a thrift shop for $2.50 and figured it was worth a shot! By this point he was 9 months old, so I thought he may be too old for it, but he was in it a couple times, he started liking it, and it has been SO helpful! Wished I'd started him in one earlier on! He loves it, its a nice activity, and at this age (12 mos), it keeps him contained, and as long as I have music on, he'll jump around while I take a shower and get ready, and he's much more content in it than other stuff. I can put snacks or toys on it too, with the tray and toy clips! I love that it is one piece of gear that is compact! It can easily fit anywhere, and is great for car travel! I highly recommend getting one.


http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Bumper-Jumper-Little-Jungle/dp/B000WJLKQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363163302&sr=8-1&keywords=graco+doorway+jumper

bumkins superbib (for eaters :)

Once you have a kid who is eating solids, and/or table food, cloth bibs will not do! Having a plastic-like/water resistant bib that is easy to wash, is perfect. We really like these kind. I love that its thin enough it dries fast and its easy to hand wash, and can also be thrown in the washer! :) The pocket does catch a fair amount. Now that Aidan's messier, I'm interested to try their sleeved bib as well! We got this one through amazon, but I've seen them at babies r us as well.

http://www.bumkins.com/superbib.html

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bumkins+superbib&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abumkins+superbib

lansinoh breastmilk storage bags

I've tried lots of breastmilk storage bags. There were several brands I didn't like. I love these the best, plain and simple. They zip closed easily and securely, hold a lot, nice quality. To store them in the freezer, I'd initially lay the bag flat so it could freeze evenly/flatly, and then move to one of many baskets I bought at the dollar tree (can't beat $1 ea!), to organize them in order. Always date them and write how many ounces because once frozen its hard to tell how much is in there.

You can easily find these at target, babies r us, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastmilk-Storage-Bags-Count/dp/B006XISCNA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363162693&sr=8-2&keywords=lansinoh+breastmilk+storage+bags

bravado nursing bra - a mama must!

Yes I know, this isn't FOR baby, but honestly, for nursing mamas, it is a MUST! I never thought I'd be so willing to spend $50 on a nursing bra, but after SO many crappy bras, I figured I'd give this a try, and wow, never turning back! The comfort, support, and lift, from this bra (which is wireless, which is not only more comfortable but better so you can avoid plugged ducts etc), is amazing! And they come in S, M, L, etc, so its way easier trying on, not having to try on 28 different bras to get a width and cup that will fit. These are stretchy and air dry super fast too, so if you need to wash & wear it in a hurry, it's great for that. Check your local hospital, at their family & baby boutique -- they may carry these and can size you and let you try some on. You can also buy them online (for the first time, go get sized, and try them on; it is a WAY better experience than motherhood maternity; trust me, this will change your life! :)
The bra I have, and pictured, is called "body silk" seamless softcup. (Oh yes, so it has cups you insert and can also take out; and these bras also come with a little kit to turn them into a regular bra once done nursing kids - how neat!!)

Online you can visit http://www.bravadodesigns.com/
Or get Bravado bras for a bit cheaper (and I think free shipping) on this site: http://www.breakoutbras.com/product/Bravado-Body-Silk/Nursing-Bras

p.s. The only other bras I do still like, just for sleep or around the house, are

Target's Gilligan & O'Malley nursing sleep bra (less support, comfortable, good for around the house, cute)
http://www.target.com/p/gilligan-o-malley-women-s-comfort-nursing-bra-assorted-colors-patterns/-/A-14001070#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=nursing+bra

Motherhood Maternity wrap nursing sleep bra (the most comfortable bra, cotton, easy pull sides down for nursing, super minimal support, great for sleep and around the house, or sore nipples in beginning stage)
http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=975400361&MasterCategory_Id=MC29

aden + anais security blanket

- cute, soft and breathable
- great 'easy to take along' size
- my son loves 'em!
- its awesome they come in two's - one for kid, one in wash, or one upstairs/one downstairs or in car

aden + anais: http://www.adenandanais.com/shop/Issie.aspx

angelcare monitor

-when we were choosing a monitor, i did a ton of research. we didn't want to spend a lot of money, but didn't want a cheapy one, and didn't necessarily need a video monitor. we also didn't care to have the sensor pad that the usual angelcare monitor comes with. this is a monitor that met all of our needs! we love it!
-very clear, no static, no complaints at all
-reviews on it are fantastic (which is very rare to find for monitors)
-sleek design, small enough that they're easy to pack for travel, or even move from room to room
-love that it shows the temperature in the room, on the parent's receiver
-love the nightlight on the monitor that goes in baby's room; its the perfect amount of light to go check on the baby or nighttime feedings
-there is a mute button that has a safety feature where it un-mutes after a few minutes, kinda neat
-very affordable and especially for how nice it is!

amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Baby-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B003FGWA8G/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1339044090&sr=1-2

the BEST VIDEO monitor, if that's the route you're going, is I've heard, the summer infant monitor:
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Touch-Digital-Monitor/dp/B004B762AK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1363167835&sr=8-3&keywords=summer+infant+video

carter's zip up pajamas

-our little guy was born in march, and it is still pretty cold in seattle in march, so these outfits were perfect!
-my hubby and i love the zip up pjs - makes it quick when you're changing diapers all day :)
-my favorite kind (and one pictured) is carter's brand, and they have a ton of different ones, cotton, and this terry cloth type, and fleece. i think the fleece ones are a bit too warm/sweaty.

baby boys carter's pjs: http://www.carters.com/carters/baby-boy-pajamas/carters-baby-boy-pajamas,default,sc.html
baby girls carter's pjs: http://www.carters.com/carters/baby-girl-pajamas/carters-baby-girl-pajamas,default,sc.html

snap n go stroller

-as far as i'm concerned, this is essential. there are many different kinds/brands so check those out!
-you pop the baby's infant carseat in, and off you go! don't have to wake a sleeping baby, and can easily toss your bags underneath, or attach your diaper bag on the sides of the handles
-compact and not big and awkward like some other strollers; folds up easily
-love the cup holders, and having storage space underneath
-i fit the oval shopping baskets at target over the handle of mine, for easy shopping
-babies can get heavy in their carseats pretty quick, this makes it easy instead of carrying them, putting your body out of whack
-many brands make these, make sure whatever model you get works with your particular brand of infant carseat. Chicco has their own called a keyfit caddy. link for that is also below.

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12353532

graco elite on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Graco-1793955-SnugRider-Elite/dp/B008OIPZW8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351828647&sr=8-2&keywords=graco+snap+n+go

chicco version on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JDOYF0/ref=asc_df_B005JDOYF02076487?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B005JDOYF0&hvpos=1o2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1052137942058048689&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=

fisher price rock n play sleeper

-i heard about these for the first time when i was pregnant with A. we decided to get one and it has been awesome!! i consider it a must have.

-holds baby at an incline; our little guy slept in this his first couple months - he still loves it!

-great for babies with reflux, or when they get colds/nasal congestion etc.

-easy to transport, folds up easily, great for travel/road trips, slides across carpet, rocks on hardwood/linoleum

-has a machine washable cover - easy on & off

-comes in variety of patterns

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12413334

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rock+n+play+sleeper

fisher price bouncey seat "turtle days"

-a bouncey seat is a must have, so handy
-this one has calm vibration that soothed A as a newborn
-one "D" battery has lasted us 4 months! (including nights we left the vibration on & didn't know :)
-turtles & frog toy bar are fun for baby to look at, smile & laugh at, and by month 3, A could pull the circle that plays the music & was delighted! :) toy bar is removeable
- cover is easy to get on & off for easy cleaning - machine washable

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3924267
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-T2517-Bouncer-Turtle-Days/dp/B002OOWAGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341959533&sr=8-1&keywords=turtle+days+bouncer

fisher price snugabunny swing

-worth the investment!
-has lots of great features - multiple speed settings, rocks side to side or front and back (facing both either left or right), music, white noise, birds at top circle a mirror which baby can look up at
- i love that it has a 5 point harness option - great for babies who try to maneuver out of things, and so they can't work their way too far over to the side
-plugs into the wall which for me is huge; many baby swings are battery only

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Cradle-Swing-Little-Snugabunny/dp/B0042D69WY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1338971305&sr=1-1
babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4360510

mustela foam shampoo

-does a great job healing cradle cap/baby dandruff
-foam makes it easy to get in & out
-since such a small amount is used each time, it'll last forever!
-smells good!
-some targets carry mustela products as well

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403861
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mustela-Foam-Shampoo-Newborns-5-07/dp/B00021AYF8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341959697&sr=8-3&keywords=mustela+shampoo

summer infant cushy cradle bathtub

-one of my very favorites!!
-as a nanny, i've tried out so many infant bathtubs, and this one is by far the best design i've found!
-its soft rubbery, so if baby moves his head around, its not knocking on hard plastic like many others
-they can't squirm down like in others, the only downside to that is that their feet are up on a little ledge; that would be the only con to this, that their feet aren't in as deep of water as the rest of them, so they could get cold, but its not a big enough con to keep me from highly recommending it! I just combat it by splashing a little water on his feet
-my little guy is 4 months old, 16 pounds, and still very easily fits in this and has room to grow!

babies r us:http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11909427&prodFindSrc=search
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Cradler-Newborn-Toddler/dp/B006VPC632/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338970699&sr=8-2

hooded thicker towels

-those thin baby towels just don't cut it
-these hooded, normal thickness towels are much better just to use from the get-go with babies
-i've seen at several places, different animals, different designs
-check on amazon, target, babies r us

towel pictured:
http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Zoo-Hooded-Towel/dp/B0070B9SXW
skip hop towels at babies r us:
http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=skip%20hop%20towel&origkw=skip+hop+towel&f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2255957&sr=1

costco (kirkland) diapers

- great absorbency 

-highly recommended from a pediatrician i met, who found that they worked great for kids who tended to get yeast infections; they're more breathable

-love the price/affordability, plus they send $5 off coupons on them periodically

-nice buying in bulk, not having to constantly run out and buy diapers

Check them out at your local costco!

http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?ec=BC-EC40382-Cat56098&pos=0&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=91348&eCat=BC|48022|56098|91348&lang=en-US

a&d ointment

-love how it protects skin, is a great barrier for bums etc, also noticed it quickly heals scratches A gives himself on face
-i like the smell!
-i buy the target version of this & it works great, and for a bit cheaper

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ointment-4-Ounce-Pack/dp/B004NYMQ88/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1338969189&sr=1-1

summer infant ultra plush changing pad cover

-this is such a super soft, quality changing pad cover, i love it & want to buy more!

-comes in several different colors (white, blue, tan, green, pink)

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Ultra-Plush-Change/dp/B0009JB3A8/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1338968805&sr=1-1

sleep sacks

-its like a wearable blanket, safe way to keep baby warm at night, and it can't be kicked off :)
-i think these are best for newborn til walking stage.
-many different brands make them (we have the halo brand & are very pleased), different designs, different types of material

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3245249&searchURL=false
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=sleep+sack

dream a little series (music)

-such sweet pretty lullaby music, i love it!
-itunes has it as well, that's where i bought it so i can play it on my ipod on our ihome in A's room

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Little-Series-Dream/dp/B000TSJTW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338878864&sr=8-1

boon grass drying rack

-blades of (plastic) grass "hold" onto the items as you gently press down
-looks fun & organic on the kitchen counter top
-can go in dishwasher which is a quick easy way to keep it sanitized and grime-free!
- it also comes in a bigger size as well, which would be great for families that go through a lot of bottles/dishes- the bigger one is called "lawn".

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4179885&prodFindSrc=search
target: http://www.target.com/p/boon-grass-countertop-drying-rack/-/A-12190250
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Grass-Countertop-Drying-Spring/dp/B0032G9E0G/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1339435362&sr=1-1

Lawn (bigger one):
target: http://www.target.com/p/boon-inc-lawn-drying-rack/-/A-13600340
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Countertop-Drying-Spring-Green/dp/B004OR1DTC/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1339435362&sr=1-2

carter's bibs (for first several months; spit up & drool)

-double layered & wide enough to keep spit up & drool from getting onto clothing
-lots of cute designs for boys and girls
-love how they latch closed on the side; much easier to get on & off

i saw a 3 pack of these type of bibs at macy's for $10.98 which is awesome, most of the 3 packs are $20 unless on sale. so definitely check Macy's, Carter's sales/outlets, and definitely carter's online - seems to have the cheapest prices!

carter's: http://www.carters.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Carters-Site/default/Search-Show?cgid=carters&q=teething%20bib&simplesearch=Go

aden + anais burp cloths ("burpy bibs")

-they are shaped perfectly and super absorbent
-available in a variety of patterns
- these are not cheap = register for them :)

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3973439
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/aden-anais-Muslin-Burpy-Jungle/dp/B002SW3CAS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339434604&sr=8-1
aden + anais: http://www.adenandanais.com/shop/burpybibs.aspx

baby saline nasal spray

-This is great for when baby is congested, helps clear their nasal passages and throat (post-nasal drip)
-It also helps clear the snot out so their nose isn't running constantly (gives you a break from wiping)
-simply saline brand stays sterile which is great, it means if you use it from time to time, that's ok
- i like to spray, not drip. seems more effective for baby.
-one adjustment i've made, is I now buy the "little noses" spray because the tip of it is rounded and gentler, for my squirming screaming 8 month old. ha. When he was little, it was no issue. Now... just trying to not stab his nose accidentally with the spray nozzle. :-/

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Saline-Sterile-Nasal-Mist/dp/B000RDLPHC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338964863&sr=8-1

gripe water

-for newborn/infants tummy troubles, fussiness, and hiccups, these can be a real sanity saver! 

-ingredients vary depending on brand, but its made from herbal things like ginger and fennel

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2499403

infant gas drops

-given before feedings, this can really help ease newborns & infants gas/tummy troubles
-can help ease baby's fussiness and give parents some sanity!
-i used target brand and it worked great!

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404507

avent breast shells aka "milk catchers"

-they catch milk that drips from opposite boob of one you're nursing on (wearing a bra is needed to hold it on)
-helps stock up your milk supply in fridge/freezer
-they also give new moms' sore nipples some relief

babies r us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403352&prodFindSrc=search