Favorite Baby Things 2012 | favorite baby items reviewed

I thought I'd take the time to write about some items that have been absolutely awesome during the first four (omg!) months of Makayla's life. Being a first time mom, I had no idea what to expect, had no idea what we needed vs. what we didn't need. I basically spent countless hours on baby forums on the internet and reading reviews on Amazon.com.

These are some of our favorite things!

1. Fisher Price Rock N Play - Review

This thing is amazing! We knew that we wanted M to be close to us at night for a few months before we transitioned her into her room. She slept in this starting the day we came home from the hospital. She had a lot of issues with spit up and hiccups during her first few weeks of life and I believe the incline on this helped. It is so easy to transport, we moved it from room to room and even took it on a few road trips. I've heard horror stories of parents trying to transition their babies from this RnP into their cribs. At 8 weeks old, we decided it was time to put M in her crib. She transitioned incredibly well, thank goodness!


2. Aden & Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets - Review

I really wish I got these as a shower gift. I read rave reviews about these Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets but I didn't want to buy them because I received so many other blankets as gifts. We also received a ton of crochet blankets. However, these are different. They are so lightweight and perfect for summer. We don't swaddle, so they don't necessarily have to be used for swaddling. They are so thin, lightweight and perfect!


3. The First Years White Noise Sound Machine - Review

We registered for this white noise sound machine because I had read amazing reviews about it. We didn't start using it until Makayla was eight weeks old, when she transitioned into her crib in her room. I do attribute her fantastic nighttime sleep habits to this machine! It plays white noise static all night long and has other sound options as well.

4. MAM Pacifiers Review

We received a few different types of Paci's as gifts. I always heard great things about Soothies so we picked up some of those before she was born. It wasn't more than about two weeks when we realized the Soothies wouldn't stay in her mouth without our finger in it. We then picked up some MAM paci's and she has loved them ever since. She is really good, only uses the Paci's to fall asleep then eventually spits them out when she is in a deep sleep. Recently I've been having to go give her paci to her in the middle of the night when she is stirring, but thank goodness she generally falls right back asleep.



5. Fisher Price Cradle N Swing - My Little Lamb Review

We actually didn't think we needed a swing. Ha! Little did we know that our little munchkin loves movement. We bought this swing off of Craigslist (they threw in a matching bouncer for free!) when she was about six weeks old. It's been amazing, she takes most of her day time naps when we're at home in it. I would definitely recommend this swing, however it is pretty big and takes up so much space in our home. Next time I might consider a mini-swing that is closer to the ground.



6. Fisher Price Rainforest Bouncer Review

We traveled to our cabin in Truckee/Lake Tahoe in May this year. It was Makayla's first plane ride. When we got there, we realized that we didn't have anywhere for M to play. We searched craigslist and picked up this bouncer for only $15. M absolutely loves the noise, lights, and vibrations of this bouncer. She does not like her Fisher Price Snuggabunny Bouncer that we have had since before she was born. Now the Rainforest Bouncer is at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Hopefully she will use it for a couple more months.




7. Dr. Brown's Bottles Review

M had a lot of gas and spit up during her first two months of life. We started with Dr. Brown's bottles immediately when we realized we would be Formula Feeding (FF). We still use them today. A lot of people don't like them because of all the extra parts, but it is not bad. I throw them all in the dishwasher every day or so.





8. Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat - Mirabella Review

I knew that we wanted to go with a Graco Infant Carrier System, and of course I wanted a pink and black one to match Makayla's nursery! We found this one, unfortunately it was only carried at Babies R Us, so we registered it and got it for our shower from some dear family friends. We have since taken out the head insert, since our little chicken is not so much a chicken anymore!

9. Graco Trekko 3 Wheel Stroller Review

This stroller is absolutely awesome! The front wheel rotates 360 degrees so it is super easy to maneuver around the grocery store, mall, etc. I also use it walking/running on trails. The wheels are rubber, so you don't have to worry about popping a tire. I only wanted one, good, all-around stroller, we we have been 100% satisified with this one! I would recommend it to anyone. And, it fits the Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat - Mirabella perfectly!