I remembering being pregnant with my toddler and doing all the research I could on what baby and I would need once he was born. Then I had him, and so many of the 4th trimester necessities were anything but. Most items sat in his closet, unused. Money wasted. When we got pregnant with J, I luckily still had everything from my first pregnancy, but knew there were a few things missing. Being a mom is one thing, but being a mom to a newborn and a toddler is a whole new ball game. Here are a few things I’m loving right now to help make life a little easier.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.
Fisher Price Premium Auto Rock ‘n Play Sleeper with SmartConnect
This magical unicorn has been all over my Instagram stories, and for good reason. It’s my best friend. Fisher Price‘s Premium Auto Rock ‘n Play Sleeper with SmartConnect is the bees knees in our house, and is currently the only place I can put J down without him crying. I purchased a well known competitor’s $200+ model when J was about a month old, but he refuses to sit or sleep in it, so it’s been in the garage ever since. At $120, this is a more affordable option that has proven to be better for our family.
The Rock ‘n Play can handle up to 25 lbs, but is lightweight enough to be easily portable. It’s an awesome inclined sleeper that allows for two different speeds of soothing rocking, a vibrating function, 12 different songs and calming sounds and an adorable light show projection. Fisher Price’s new Smart Connect technology lets me control almost every function on the hands free rocker, including the rocking speed and overhead display – how cool is that?!
It also comes with two little toys that I can link onto the canopy for extra sensory play! The bright and modern print is perfect for any room in your home, and is super gender neutral. My favorite part, however, might be that the soft fabric pad is machine washable. As a mom, the more things in my home that I can throw into the washing machine, the better! Because little people make the biggest messes, and washability is a necessity.
My touched-out self is seriously thankful for Fisher-Price‘s Auto Rock n’ Play!
I’m a big fan of Mustela’s products because they are well tested by experts. Mustela is 100% safe for both my kids and I, and everything is specially formulated for the lowest possible risk of an allergic reaction. I am very picky when it comes to what I put on our skin, and the fact that their products are Paraben, Phthalate, and Phenoxyethanol free is a huge deal to me.
Mustela Diaper Rash Cream 123
J has super sensitive skin, just like his big brother did. Diaper rashes are no fun for anyone involved. It’s miserable for baby, and then I’m miserable by association. I really like Mustela‘s new Diaper Rash Cream 123 3-in-1 formula for my little chunk. It’s specially formulated with Zinc Oxide to prevent and treat diaper rash irritation at the source. Mustela’s 123 consists of Avocado Perseose which prevents, Oxeoline of Alcacea which relieves, and Sunflower Oil Distillate which recovers.
Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion
The very first baby care purchase I ever made was Mustela‘s Hydra Bébé Body Lotion. It smells like quintessential baby loveliness, and is a best seller for good reason. I love that it’s gentle enough for J’s sensitive skin with good for him ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Vitamins E and F, Sweet Almond Oil, and Shea Butter. After a good bath, I slather this hypoallergenic lotion all over J to protect and moisturize his sweet newborn skin. And then I snuggle snuggle snuggle and inhale the sweet smell.
Want to grab some Mustela goodness for you and your babe? Use code Babblebox17 for 15% off sidewide, now through 2/11/17!
Mustela Stretch Marks Recovery Serum
Another amazing product from Mustela, but this time for my postpartum mama needs. I was not one of the women who received stretch marks on my belly (which is pretty incredible considering how huge I got), but that doesn’t mean I was left without them. My hips and thighs grew almost as much as my belly did, so this Mustela Stretch Marks Recovery Serum helps to make them look less scary.
If you’re a skeptic of stretch mark creams, I highly suggest giving this a try. 100% of women confirmed that the color of their stretch marks improved and over 80% found that their stretch marks were less pronounced. I’ve been using mine for about a week and am already noticing that my tiger stripes are lessening, yay!
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream
Hello pampering. This Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream is basically a cool drink of water for even the most neglected of mama skin. It’s so easy to allow our own self care go by the wayside (hello, so guilty of this) once we have a baby to take care of, let alone multiple kids. However, I try to take really good care of my skin every morning and evening as a little way to do right by myself.
This innovative oil free moisturizer uses advanced Dynamic Hydration technology to lock in moisture all over my face and neck. Vichy’s Therma Spa Water is both fortifying and soothing and the addition of Hyaluronic Acid and Aquabioryl replenishes and protects. My skin instantly looks smoother and glows after I apply this in the mornings, which every mama knows is a definite need!
And because I want you to be able to enjoy this wonderfully rich moisturizer, take 20% and get free U.S. ground shipping to all orders with promotion code: BABBLE at checkout! (Offer valid through 11:59pm PST, 03/31/2016. Offer will automatically apply Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or gift sets.)
Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel 360 Sippy Cup
Ok, so this cup is kind of amazing. I frequently refer to H as my tiny tornado, because he never stops moving, but also because he leaves a path of destruction in his wake. Including toppled plates and spilled drinks. But he has met his match in the Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel 360 Sippy Cup.
I love that it’s double walled, which means no rings on my tables and his drink stays cool – up to 15 hours in fact! Plus, the included lid is great for snapping on top for travel and errands on the go. But the best part? Munchkin’s Miracle 360 is SPILL PROOF! And super easy to clean since I don’t have to deal with any extra straws or pieces!
Munchkin Latch Bottle
H refused bottles until he was about 1.5, so I’m trying to be more proactive about bottle feeding this time around. I’ve been using a manual pump to start up a stash for when my Husband and I go away for our anniversary in a few months, and started to research bottle options for J. I want a bottle that will mimic breastfeeding and will allow for easy transitioning back to nursing, and I stumbled upon the Munchkin LATCH bottle.
It has the coolest accordion style nipple that moves and pumps as J drinks, just like a real breast! There is also an anti-colic valve that keeps air bubbles away to help reduce gas and fussiness. Which is a good thing because we don’t need anymore of either of those right now!
Shine Stainless Steel Bottle Brush
First off – the vain visual person in me loves how this Munchkin Shine Stainless Steel Bottle Brush looks, even on my kitchen counter. It has an awesome nipple cleaner hidden in the suction base, which I’ve never had before. The nipple of the bottle is always the worst for me to clean, but the attachment makes it easy. The bristles and flexible head of the brush are great for getting every nook and cranny of the bottle nice and clean. Because its a suction base, it’s super easy to air dry and I don’t have to worry about it laying on the counter and collecting germs.
Sesame Street Naturals B is for Bubble Bath, Tip, Tummy & Toe 2-in-1 & Spray Me Lotion
Bathtime is a new favorite of H’s now that he has a little brother to help wash. But add bubbles to that equation? Oh man, the kid’s in heaven. He loves how big these bubbles from Sesame Street Natural’s B is for Bubble Bath get and how long they last, and I like that it’s a gentle formula. The bubble bath contains apples, blueberries and carrots to help my sweet boys’ skin stay healthy as well as Shea Butter to keep it moisturized! Plus it smells delicious!
The Tip, Tummy & Toe is awesome for washing H’s hair. It’s not a typical baby shampoo, but rather a foam so its easier to control and lather into his long locks. He likes helping me pump it out onto his and my hands, and I think it’s great that it’s allowing him to be independent. As a mom I love having products that can multitask like I can, so the fact that this cleans and moisturizes their hair and skin is pretty wonderful and makes for less work for me!
H’s favorite may be the Spray Me Lotion. The trigger lets him shoot out lotion easily, which he finds majorly awesome. While we mainly use it after baths, the formula is gentle enough to use any time, and makes his toddler skin super soft – skinned knees and all.
Make sure you head over here for a coupon to save $4!
Have you used any of these? What is your current favorite mama / baby / toddler item?
I have never had kids but I have watched tons of my friends go through it. It is so nice there are so many solutions to make things a lot easier. Still hardest moments in life though, i suspect!
I love this! I hAve been cosidering rounding up my favs as well after having baby 2.
I wish I had this information when I had my little one! So informative and helpful!
Sophie x
http://www.sophobsessed.com
The rock n play is awesome! We have one for our baby as well and love it!
logancan.com
I heard so many amazing things about the rock and play after my daughter was born! I will have to remember this for the future!
making a must buy list can for sure be stressful! Certainly because products change with every baby! Great list
i just had my baby shower yesterday and I received the diaper trash can and that bottle brush.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
WE love the rock n play! my first daughter slept in it for the first 2 months. it was a lifesaver!
Love the post! I am saviNg the link for when i have my first little one! Helpful reviews & tips! 💕 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Shelby! The Fisher Price Swing is seriously such a lifesaver!