Another Snowy Day...

Here I am again, looking out my window at snow. The office is closed, and I am thrilled to have a free day off, just me, my little man, and my doggy, all snuggled up by the wood stove. I'm still in my jammies, drinking coffee.

I'm a huge list-maker, so what am I doing right now while my little man is taking a nap? Making a list of things to do on my free day off. I can't go anywhere today, so I might as well get some things done around the house and play with my boy and take advantage of not working!!

I'm so over the snow - I need flowers, mild days, sunshine, walks in the park. I'm done being cooped up in the house and being a slug! I need a tan! I need the beach! I need fresh air!

But for one more day, i'm going to sip my coffee, make my lists, and watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians (my guilty pleasure). Good times.

Baby Gear Essentials

I know, I know, every single website tells you what to buy and what not to buy. Well, no one is giving me any money to endorse anything, I'm just a regular person writing a blog who happens to have had her first baby, registered for a bunch of stuff, and has used a bunch of stuff a ton, and is also disappointed that I was suckered into things that I really didn't need (and now feel guilty that, in this economy, my friends and family bought me those things that just lay around my house).

Here is my no-frills, no-nonsense approach to buying for baby. These are the must-haves. I hope this helps you cut through the hype from magazines and other sites that are sponsored, and to help you when you are waddling around Babies R Us trying to figure out what is necessary. There's nothing fancy on my list, but everything on the "must have" list has served a purpose.

MUST HAVES:

Diapers (I prefer Pampers) - I bought a package of size 1 diapers every week while I was pregnant. I bought all kinds: Chlorine free, pampers, costco, etc. I found Pampers Swaddlers were the best at first, then Baby Dry at night, Cruisers during the day.

Huggies Wipes (they are worth the money) - again, I've tried them all. Huggies are tough, allow you to clean poopy bottoms with only one wipe.

Desitin (get a tub for the changing table, tubes for the diaper bag and alternative changing station)

Cloth Diapers (6-12) - don't mess with those cute burp cloths - these puppies are hardcore. Trust me, when your kid is in the spit-up phase, you will be cleaning up a lot of baby puke.

Sleep Sacks (aka wearable blankets) - fleece for winter, jersey for summer; i recommend having 3 at your disposal. you will use these A LOT!

Receiving Blankets - try to find larger ones if you can, so you can use them longer; have the nurses in the maternity unit teach you how to swaddle. It really does help the baby stay calm while he/she is sleeping.

sleep n' play one-piece pjs - get the ones that zip up, rather than snap. you will lose your mind in the middle of the night trying to snap all of those snaps!

Born Free Bottles - even if you're breastfeeding (which i did) it is nice to have bottles on hand, and these are the best ones i've tried. they let just enough liquid out, and they vent pretty well. they come in BPA-free plastic or glass. I have both. I like both.

Bottle Warmer - I just bought the BRU generic brand. It works just fine. this is really nice to have - it heats up really quickly.

Breast pump (if breastfeeding) - I bought a Medela Pump in Style. it looks like a handbag, it's relatively quiet and easy to use. it comes with four 5oz bottles, and all of the equipment you need. I also bought the cleaning wipes and the pump and save breastmilk storage bags.

Travel System - these are great. they have a stroller, infant carrier/car seat, and car seat base all in one package. It all coordinates, which is nice too.

Pack n' Play - they have really come a long way since the plain blue ones of old. They have changing tables attached, which is great if you have a two story house (one changing table upstairs and the pnp changing table downstairs).

Dreft laundry detergent and stain remover - the stain remover is the best thing since the invention of the washing machine. No kidding, it gets motor oil out of clothes! This stuff is worth its weight in gold!!

Other: bibs, onesies, clothing, socks (Old Navy makes the best socks)