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Newborn Life

Productive Things to Do While Staying Home

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I’ve been a stay at home mom for almost one year and the thing I’ve struggled with most is how to be productive. It has taken me this long to actually get a routine and structure to get things done. Having an idea of what your day will look like helps have a mental to-do list opposed to sitting in jammies while your toddler runs around. Now I’m no expert on being productive but here are a few tips you can implement to get going!

Meal Plan for the Week

This takes about 20-30 minutes a week to actually write down meal ideas for the week. Nothing takes the stress out of your kid’s “What’s for dinner?” than having it laid out in front of you. I have been meal planning since I started home and it helps me feel less scattered throughout the week. I love this meal planner from Rifle Paper Co.

Choose One Chore a Day

The easiest way to keep up the never ending cycle of a messy home is to chose one chore a day. For example, Mondays are dusting, Tuesdays are the floors, Wednesdays are bathroom sinks, Thursdays are kids rooms, Fridays are the kitchen. You could even pick a room a day to clean instead!

Laundry Each Day

Depending on the size of your family, aim for a load of laundry each day! If it’s just you, then pick 2 days a week to do it. The key is to not let it sit in the basket for days after they’ve been dried. We all know it takes 7-10 business days to fold and put away laundry. So a load a day will help keep it manageable and easy to fold especially while watching a new episode of the Bachelor.

Change out of your PJs

Okay this one is hard for me! BUT, I feel most productive if I immediately get dressed for the day when I wake up. I’m more apt to do more things throughout the day if I get out of my comfy pants and oversized tee. It also helps me feel put together and not so drab.

Turn off the TV

I’m guilty of leaving the tv on with Friends or The New Girl on in the background while I scurry around the house. Then I catch myself glued to an episode for longer than anticipated and before I know it, my little one is up from her nap. Try blocking times out where you turn the TV off and turn on music instead.

Exercise in the Morning

This is the hardest to do because we all want to stay in our comfy pants and drink coffee on the couch in the morning. Gear up and hit the gym in the morning! It’s a fact that you have more energy to last the whole day when you move your body in the AM.

What is your favorite way to stay productive?! How do you get things done? Share with me below!

5 Things to Do while Social Distancing with Babies

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

We all practice it at time, but now it’s for real.. social distancing with babies. Whether you have a newborn or a 11 month old, it can be tough to stay home every single day. It is extremely important that we limit our interactions with germs that could possibly spread COVID19. If you’re like me, not a day goes by without a trip to Target, the park or coffee shop. I bet you’re wondering, “What on earth can we do at home for 2 weeks straight?”. Let me show you some of the activities I plan to do with my 10 month old!

Puzzles

This is our first time introducing a puzzle to Vivian but I figured it could spark some new skills in her. We got some of the Melissa and Doug Sound Puzzles that you can find HERE. I thought it would be fun to teach her animal sounds while seeing animals.

Painting

Since babies literally put everything in there mouths, I put a piece of paper with a few drops of paint inside of a gallon size ziplock bag. Then I taped it to the highchair tray. This way she could feel the texture and “paint” a picture! Not too messy! We used this paint: Crayola Paint Pots Washable.

Light Up Bath

I’ve been seen these light up bath toys circulating on social media for kiddos. Give them a midday bath, turn the lights off, turn these toys on, and let them have some fun! They may like the different colors and playing in the water.

Lovevery Play Gym

The Lovevery Play Gym is perfect from Newborn – 2 years old. It offers Montessori themed education for the littlest babies. The Play Gym turns into a tent for older babies to who are on the move. You can get Free Shipping on a purchase over $75 HERE.

Jello Sensory Bin

Okay, gonna warn you it’s a little messy. Gather some plastic toys like these. Place them in a bin or pan (9×13 will do) then prepare a box of jello as you would normally. Mix jello and toys together and let sit. Once it is firm, babies will have a blast grabbing and feeling

Let’s be real, these activities don’t keep a baby occupied for hours on end but at least a few minutes will give you sanity. I’d love to hear of the activities you’re doing with your kiddos in these isolating times. Share in the comments of tag me on Instagram, @firstcomesfamily.mama!

Diaper Bag Essentials

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

The diaper bag is every parents magical bag of everything. Literally I even have a spare shirt in there for me. My husband thinks it’s entirely too full of useless items, but guess who isn’t laughing when there is 3 back up outfits for baby after 2 blow outs. Mhm, that’s what I thought. So if you’re a new mama or even a veteran mama, let’s take a look inside my diaper bag right now!

Diapers are obviously important! I keep 3-5 in the bag at all times. Good rule of thumb is 1 diaper per hour gone.

Wipes! I like to buy the travel size packs of wipes to keep in the bag because normal packs are just too bulky.

Swaddle blanket. Perfect is there is a little chill in the air, if you have to nurse, or if you need to lay it down for a diaper change in a gross place.

2 back up outfits for baby. Always 2!! One time, our baby girl had 2 blowouts back to back when we were out. Thank goodness I had 2 outfits for her! Phew!

Hand Sanitizer! No brainer especially because there are germs lurking every where. No hands are safe!

Bibs! I love to keep a drool bib and a silicone bib in the bag in case of teething or meal times.

Snacks! Most important thing for babies who are eating solids! We always keep Cheerios, pouches, and a sippy cup in the bag.

Poop Bags. Yup, like doggy poop bags. These are perfect for dirty clothes and diapers when you’re out and about.

Sound Machine! We use this when traveling or on the go. I attach it to the carseat and she passes right out when we need her to nap.

Teething Toy. I feel like babies start teething at 3 months (at least mine did ). Always keep one at all times to put out in case of teething nightmares!

Tide to Go. This is more for you, mama. Nothing worse than being in public and getting spit up on your only cute top that fits you. Funny story, one time my baby had a blowout on me while I was holding her…. while getting coffee at Starbucks! I was mortified.

Mama kit, that’s what I call it. I keep granola bars, perfume, tissues, hair ties, chapstick and pens. Ya never know when you’ll need any of those! I use my diaper bag as my purse, so I have to keep essentials in it.

Below are my go to items for my diaper bag!

I have put together a FREE printable Diaper Bag Checklist! All you have to do is click and download Mama!

Flu Season Medicines for Babies

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Flu season is upon us in full force. Our biggest fears as parents is for our precious little babies to come down with the flu. Unfortunately, there has been 68 pediatric deaths due to influenza during the 2020 flu season. This means our medicine cabinets need to be stocked and ready to go in case of a cold at the drop of a dime. I’m sharing what is currently in our medicine cabinet at all times! Of course, consult your pediatrician before giving your child new medicines.

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Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Immune Support & Vitamins

For use 2+ months old. Preventative methods are key to keeping the flu away from our babies. Zarbees Naturals Baby Immune Support & Vitamins comes packed with Victims A, C, D, and E as well as zinc! I love to give these a few days before traveling on planes or anticipating being around a lot of germs!

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Zarbee’s Naturals Complete Baby Cough Syrup + Immune with Agave, Thyme & Elderberry

For use 2+ months old. Elderberry is widely popular for adults and even better that it comes in Zarbee’s Naturals Complete Baby Cough Syrup + Immune with Agave, Thyme & Elderberry! This is very thick and helps coat their sore throats.

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Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Cough Syrup + Mucus

For use 2+ months old. Runny noses seem to be so common and there usually isn’t much we can do. This Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Cough Syrup + Mucus helps break up the mucus and drain their sinuses. It is made with agave and English ivy leaf extract, containing no honey. It also comes in convenient single use packets, perfect for travel.

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Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Soothing Chest Rub with Eucalyptus, Lavender & Beeswax

For use 2+ months old. Whenever I was sick as a child, I loved rubbing Vicks on my chest. It was the best! Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Soothing Chest Rub with Eucalyptus, Lavender & Beeswax is a natural alternative to traditional chest rubs. It is petroleum-free and made with essential oils! I rub this on my little ones chest, behind her neck, and feet before bed.

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NoseFrida The Snotsucker 

You know those booger suckers the hospital gives you when your baby is born? Well this is that but x100! It is a legit miracle to suck all the runny snot and boogies out of your little ones noses. Make sure you have a filter on it though or else, you don’t even want to know!

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Frida Baby Breathefrida Vapor Bath Drops

For use 3+ months old. These are so strong and so perfect to add to our little ones baths. I actually use these for myself in the shower when I’m congested. It’s like a liquid form of Vicks and mixed with a warm bath is heaven!

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Zarbee’s Naturals Soothing Saline Nasal Mist with Aloe

Runny noses don’t stop for babies because they don’t know how to sniff and blow their own nose. Saline spray is essential because it helps break up congestion and dry out their noses. Warning: babies HATE this because who actually like anything sprayed in their nose? I even use this when I’m sick!

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Boogie Wipes

Regular tissues will dry up our little babies noses. Boogie Wipes contain saline, aloe, vitamin e, and chamomile to help dissolve snot and prevent drying out their skin. They don’t leave a reside and have no flavor!

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Infants’ Tylenol

This is a no brainer and a must have no matter what! It helps temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, sore throat, toothache. You can give this every 4 hours, ask your pediatrician for dosage amount.

We swear by all of the above products especially anything Zarbees! We love that their natural and limited ingredients. It makes me feel better giving my child something natural and not loaded of unnecessary ingredients. As always, you should consult your child’s pediatrician before use. Remember to wash your hands and don’t let people kiss on your little ones this flu season!

What to Expect: the First Week of Breastfeeding

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For nine months, I dreamt of the moment my baby would latch. Social media is filled empowering photos of little babies breastfeeding on their mothers. Craving that connection between my daughter and I was a dream of mine. I had done endless research on what to expect but didn’t actually know what to expect the first week. So let me break down what to expect breastfeeding that first week day by day and even hour by hour.

We did skin to skin immediately after I gave birth. (I know some are not as lucky to get this opportunity) 45 minutes into our skin to skin, the nurses asked if I wanted to try latching. I lowered her to my nipple and she still fussed a little. Then within 30 seconds she latched. *cue the choir singing hallelujah* She sucked for about 20 minutes, maybe less. Then they took her for measuring, footprints, etc. Then about 2 hours later, they moved us to our Mother and Baby suite. The relocation was filled with getting comfortable into our new home for 2 days. Once family left, it was just my husband, our baby girl and I. She started to fuss so I was directed by the nurse to put her on to feed. Y’ALL! This baby suckled for 5 hours straight. I kid you not. She would cry when I took her off for a break. The nurse told me that cluster feeding is very normal within the first 24 hours. I DID NOT READ THAT ANYWHERE. In my mind, this is how breastfeeding was going to be for the rest of our journey. I was going out of my mind trying to stay awake but so exhausted. My husband stood at my bedside would I could rest my eyes while she fed. They also don’t warn you that if a nurse catches you asleep with the baby in your arms, they will take her and put her in the bassinet (which I did not want). My nipples were starting to get sore about an hour in and I would just keep reapplying the nipple balm. I used Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter which I loved because you didn’t have to wipe it off before feedings. You can find all of my Breastfeeding Must Haves here. Since she fed for so long, it truly was exhausting. I needed something to give me a break. The nurse said we could try a pacifier if we wanted. I was apprehensive because of all you hear about nipple confusion. We ended up giving her a paci and lasted for 2 hours. (also the last time she took a paci.. don’t worry yourself about nipple confusion)

This day feels like a blur but breastfeeding was better! Along with the hourly visits from nurses, doctors and consultants, we managed to get a better hang at it. She wasn’t cluster feeding as much as the night. Thank goodness. The lactation consultant commented how her latch looked great and I truthfully had no concerns, so on their way they went. There was one moment where they weighed her and she was 8 ounces under birth weight. This worried us, the nurse advised if we truly we concerned then we could give formula but she recommended we wait. I AM SO GLAD WE DID. I decided to trust the process and everything would be okay. (Took her a week to get over birth weight) Again, the nighttime was dreadful because as the mom, you literally get no rest. There is someone in there needing you hourly. (also something I didn’t know about)

Time to go home! YAY! But also freaked out because it was my full responsibility to make sure our baby was fed. Completely overwhelming. Her weight was still under but they assured me that the 4 days until our pediatrician appointment will be fine because my milk will come in. Side note, my milk didn’t come in yet. I was definitely producing colostrum because I had seen it on the tip of my nipple. So I wasn’t fretting too much since I knew there was something there. Once we got home, she fed like every other hour or so.

A blur. Constant feedings. Nothing new. A little cracking on my nipples and it did hurt from that. But no other latching pain. Still feeling every other hour.

WHOA BABY! Milk had arrived. My boobs were rock solid. I imagined this is what Pam Anderson’s implants felt like LOL They were EXTREMELY painful. Painful to touch. Painful to feed. Painful. I read once just to feed feed feed in order to drain them. So that’s what I did. The engorgement only lasted about a full day. They also started leaking aka let down had begun. I slept that night on my side and woke up to a legit soaked bed. Lesson learned: wear beast pads. I continued to use the nipple balm before and after every feed. That really helped them heal fast. I had a small scab on each nipple that fell off by Day 6.

As my husband was able to catch up on sleep, I am sad to report, I was not. Our baby girl didn’t like to be set down was still feeding every other hour. As the initial engorgement went down, they would only become filled after a few hours. In order to help the engorgement, I took hot long showers which made them feel SO much better.

Still feeding every other hour. Tried to find joy in each moment because everyone told me it goes by quick. But let me tell you, it’s hard finding joy when you’re completely exhausted, emotional, and your boobs hurt (and not like I’m getting my period hurt). I can safely say, by day 7 it felt way better and I was way more comfortable with handling her for feedings. Now I have smaller boobs to begin with, so I really was only able to use cross-cradle position where she laid on my one forearm and the other arm/hand held her head. This is a very common early breastfeeding position because it helps support their head.

My baby girl and I are now 8 months into our breastfeeding journey and it is crazy looking back to the first week. It felt like an absolute eternity and I all I could think about was getting to our goal. My goal was 2 weeks. I was always told the first 2 weeks were the toughest. So I endured each day to get there. Our journey is on its own path and I’m okay wherever it takes us. Not every mother has the same experience with breastfeeding and it is so important to remember that. Some last 1 day, some last 2 years. Some get mastitis, some don’t. My ultimate advice would be to go into your journey relaxed and try not to put too much stress into it. I often see moms struggle when they let everyone control their breastfeeding journey or do not have support.

I am here for you, mama. I am an advocate for you and your precious baby on your breastfeeding journey. I hope this 7 day insight helps you feel a little more at ease or even a little excited.

Best Wishes xoxo

5 things I wish I had put on my Baby Registry

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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Now that my little one is actually here, there are so many things I wish I had put on my baby registry. Creating my baby registry was overwhelming beyond belief. For every product you “should” have, there is at least 10 different versions and it’s so difficult to pick one. Even though I research everything over the top, I still managed to miss such important items on my registry. We ended up gathering everything listed below as time had gone on and I’m here so that doesn’t happen to you!

Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier

This carrier is SO comfy and so versatile. It can go into four different positions which is awesome because my little one loves facing forward to see what’s going on. The shaping is breathable and comfortable for those warm days. Also, the Omni 360 can be used for 0 to 48 months! I use this pretty much any time that I have to get anything done and my little one is in one of those clingy moods. Hubby has even worn it a few times with no complaints!

Bumbo Seat

At the 3-5 month stage where they’re not quite sitting but also want to see whats going on… the Bumbo Seat is a savior! We actually tested this at a friends house then went and bought one that night. It is so nice to be able to set it on the floor when I’m getting ready or on the kitchen island when prepping dinner. It also has the food tray which is nice when feeding first foods or giving toys to play with.

Inflatable Baby Tub

We had the Angelcare baby bath support for our baby initially but she grew out of it around 4 months when all she wanted to do was try to sit up. This pool is great because it blows up and has a little piece that helps them sit up. It is the perfect size so you don’t waste a whole bath of water! You can also travel easily with it! We have taken it on 5 trips so far (helps avoid those hotel tub germs).

Sun Shade Clings for the Car

Personally, I wasn’t a fan of the traditional sunshade that go on the car windows. I came across these shades that cling to the window, over 4,000 5-star reviews sold me. They block out SO much sun while being rather transparent and so easy to remove. you can fold them up and throw them in a bag for traveling. Also, such a great deal!

Medicines

I dreaded the day our baby girl would get sick for the first timed of course it happened while traveling. If I could go back, I would’ve purchased all medicines ahead of time so we didn’t have to worry about running out to get it all. My favorites are Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Immune Support, Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Cough Syrup, Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Soothing Chest Rub, Infants’ Tylenol, Infants’ Motrin, Boogie Wipes, Little Remedies Saline Spray and Drops. Not super fun to put on the registry but SO necessary!

Knowing what I know now, I would’ve created my registry so differently! I also will give other mamas-to-be way different gifts than before. Especially with my 5 items above, they are so useful yet forgotten by new mamas! Just trying to save another exhausted new parent from having to send their husband to target for special saline drip on a Tuesday night!

Dear Mama, It’s okay to love your body after baby

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Dear Mama, it’s okay to love your body after baby. We as women have become accustomed to the idea that we are supposed to hate our bodies after children. Well, I’m here to break it to you mama…IT’S OKAY TO LOVE YOUR POST BABY BODY! Even way before kids, we go through the roller coaster of our body image. We get pregnant and get amazing glow as well as being able to blame the baby on the extra cookies. Some embrace it quickly and for some it takes a bit to accept our growing body. We then get this anxious feeling, like we know that we may very well feel the worst we ever have about our body after we give birth. Well, SURPRISE, some of us actually love every extra pound on this new body we have!

I gained an enormous amount of weight during my pregnancy, like double the suggested. I struggled to be happy with my pregnancy body until about 28 weeks when I had a full on bump. The thought of how much I’d dislike my body after birth kept me up at night. I remember looking in the mirror at the hospital the night after I gave birth and expecting to look still pregnant and to HATE it. But, to my surprise, I thought “Dang! I just pushed a healthy baby out of me and I look like this?! Okay, I’ll take it!”. Seriously, I was not expecting to be happy with how I looked. The weeks following, I didn’t expect to have my pre baby body back. My body underwent the LARGEST change it will ever endure. So instead of hatred, I gave myself grace.

Other new moms around me complained of their extra skin, stretch marks, baby weight still on, and so on. They’d tell me of their insecurities expecting me to agree and chime in with what I disliked about my body. In those moments, I realized that I LOVED my body. I appreciated the extra pounds, skin and double chin. All of that is here because I carried a baby for nine long months and am soaking up every second I have with her.

But the other half of me was so guilty that I didn’t feel the same as my other mom friends. I felt guilty that I couldn’t agree with them to make them feel better. It broke my heart that they didn’t feel as great as I did about my extra inches. I wished I could sprinkle my appreciation and love on them so they didn’t have to feel that way. This really weighed on me and made me question if I really was happy with what I saw. In fact, I really do love my body and still do to this day.

Moral of the story, don’t feel bad that you are happy with your body. You are a freaking goddess who just gave birth! Yeah, I don’t care if your 2 days post partum or 2 years post partum…you JUST gave birth. Love that body that created your precious child and never feel guilty for it. ALSO, you’re not alone mama.

XOXO

Newborn Must-Haves

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We spend 9 months buying everything we’re told we need for our brand new baby. We buy everything our parents and friends tell us to but we still forget some things unknowingly. So the day comes when you take your beautiful bundle of joy home! Then at 2 am after being home for 2 weeks, baby gets a diaper rash and you realize that you never picked up rash cream. A tragedy, trust me. Following our must-haves would’ve helped your delirious and tired self be a bit more prepared.

I’m sharing our 7 Newborn Must-Haves! I seriously couldn’t live without any of these products.

Newborn Must-Haves! Sound machine, thermometer, swaddle, owlet smart sock, single me lounger.
  • Aquaphor– This stuff is the bees knees for diaper rashes. We had initially bought a natural brand that just didn’t get rid of the rash. I tried Aquaphor and BAM! the rash was gone within hours.
  • Portable Sound Machine– I would clip this little thing onto the carseat and she’d immediately fall asleep. It was pure magic! The Rohm Sound Machine actually charges with a USB making it super perfect for on-the-go.
  • SnuggleMe Lounger– After holding Vivian for hours, my arms would get so tired. I’d just place this on the couch or bed with me then lay her in it. She would sleep a few hours! (thank goodness) It helps babies feel like their in your arms. We still use this!
  • Thermometer– When you’re in the hospital, they check the babies temperature every hour. When we got home, I was constantly worried that Vivi had a fever. I would pop the thermometer out at any time! Also, make sure to get an oral/rectal thermometer as best readings are rectal.
  • Swaddle– We seriously swear by the Copper Pearl Swaddles. They feel like you favorite comfy t-shirt and are so stretchy. It helps get a nice swaddle on baby while also letting them have room to move around.
  • Owlet Smart Sock– This thing is a life saver! Place it right on baby’s foot and it tracks their heart rate and oxygen levels. If either drops below recommended levels, a red alarm goes off at the base. We had one scare with it and caught it right away. With the high risk of SIDS in infants, I recommend it to any parent. It is worth every single penny!
  • Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water– Most babies get what they call “baby acne”, so normal. Put some of this on a cotton pad and gently rub over the acne. It cleared up Vivi’s baby acne overnight! You can also use this to wipe baby down in between baths in those early days.

What are your must-haves for newborns?! I’d love to hear and share with other mamas!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Breastfeeding Must Haves For New Moms

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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Whether this is your first time or fifth time nursing, there are things you MUST have! Todays breastfeeding must haves are constantly evolving with our ever changing world. Something you may have used with last baby may have been updated by now. There are so many nifty things to make your breastfeeding journey easier, thank goodness (as if the physical and emotional toll wasn’t enough).

As for me, I am a first time nursing mama! No one in my family had ever breastfed, so I really only had a few friends to ask for advice. I can’t tell you how many times I looked on Pinterest at other mama’s nursing lists! So I decided to gather my necessary items I’ve been using this far.

  • Medela Milk Storage Bags– These are the best ones! They hold up to 6 ounces of milk. No ripping or tearing when freezing. The measurements of ounces is accurate! Totally worth a few extra dollars.
  • Earth Mama Nipple Butter– It’s made with all organic herbs like olive oil, beeswax, and calendula. It goes on easy when your nipples are cracked and dry (because it will happen). It’s also safe for baby so you don’t have to wipe it off before feeding. Oh and you can use this anywhere like lips, hands, feet! I even used on some dry skin Vivi had as a newborn.
  • Nursing Bra– I love the soft ones because you need to sleep in these! If you don’t sleep in a bra and breast pads, then you will wake up in a pool of milk. Not fun! These are extra soft and such a good price. Size up, they’re not supposed to be tight.
  • Breast Pads- I love the Lansinoh Stay Dry Breast Pads because they literally soak up a nights worth of milk without leaving me feeling like I have wet boobs. I keep these all of my house and even in my car! Nothing worse than leaking through a shirt in public!
  • Haakaa– Instead of letting all of your letdown milk drip into a breast pad while feeding on the other boob, this thing catches it! It’s a miracle. Depending on how much letdown you produce, you may not ever have to use a pump. I collect 6 ounces a day just from putting it on when I feed!
  • Water Bottle– You are going to be SO thirsty from nursing. Having a big water bottle by your side at all times will make it so much easier to get your water in. I recommend drinking at least 16 ounces per feeding!

Hope this makes your breastfeeding journey a bit easier 🙂

What to Pack when Traveling with a Baby

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How To Pack When Traveling With A Baby

Growing up, we didn’t do much traveling. Truthfully, I didn’t really start to travel until I was 16. Something Lee and I keep telling ourselves is that we want to show our children the world, regardless of their age. So with that, you have to make sure you have everything they need when traveling. As adults, you can get by with filling up a backpack with a toothbrush and change of clothes. With children, you have to make sure you have multiple outfits (in case one gets dirty), items incase they get sick, etc. The list goes on and on.

Since we went on our first vacation with our 2 month old recently, I wanted to share our packing list with you. We kept it pretty minimal (in my opinion, but definitely not in my husband’s LOL). Always assess where you will be visiting as different items will be needed for your little one.

  • Outfit for everyday
  • Onesie for everyday – as an extra, you never know when a blowout will happen!
  • Sleepers/Pajamas for every night
  • Sunhat – Especially if a beach vacation!
  • Sunscreen – Necessary if spending a lot of time outdoors
  • Diaper Cream – Would be worse if you didn’t!
  • Diapers – OBVIOUSLY, we purchased them when we got to our destination to save room in luggage! But if not, pack enough for 10 a day, it’s okay to have extra!
  • Wipes – 1 pack per week is a good rule of thumb.
  • Baby Body Wash
  • Thermometer – Fevers can happen anytime, especially if flying.. germs will be leaking everywhere!
  • Tylenol – Again, fevers can happen any time.
  • Nail Clippers – I always keep these in the diaper bag, sometimes it seems like their nails grow overnight.
  • Swaddle – We swear by swaddling at bed time!
  • 2 Blankets – For tummy time, hanging out on, etc.
  • Dockatot/SnuggleMe– We use the SnuggleMe and just put it right in the bed with us! Then we didn’t have to carry around a pack n play.
  • Pack N’ Play – If you don’t prefer co-sleepers. These can also be used for play time when on the beach or patio.
  • Pacifiers – Our LO doesn’t use these, but if yours does… pack extra!
  • Bottles – If bottle-fed, this is a no brainer, but pack extra!
  • Haakaa – For breastfeeding mamas, still need to collect that letdown milk!
  • Breastmilk Storage Bags – For my BF mamas.
  • Toys– Since they’re still little, rattle and a ball should keep them entertained.
  • Hand Sanitizer – Because there are germs EVERYWHERE!

You can find my travel faves on Amazon here:

What else do you pack for your little one when traveling?

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