you & me & baby make 3

My husband and I have a few friends pregnant right now or just had their first baby, which is so exciting to gain parent-friends and we have been able to bestow our knowledge upon them over the months, so basically the "don'ts" we have learned over the years.

But first, I'm going to get this out of the way because it is just bugging me and I have to say it ... stop painting baby's room shades of GREY! Why, why, why would you paint a baby's room grey!? That color is not chic or modern when it comes to children and I have yet to see it done well so it is not depressing! I understand a neutral pallet is what the main idea is, but grey is a neutral color for your living room or dining room not for baby!

Ok, moving on. I love these products that we have used and a few of these are from my merchandising experience with ease of use, I feel that a few items are worth the price that the convenience factor adds to them, for example a double stroller that is easy to open, close, and get into the car. Another is a rocking chair. I would say find one that is comfortable to sit in and fits you just right, you will be spending time in the chair so you want it to work! I did not have that luxury and it really became an issue. Other big ticket items, think how often you use them and how convenient you want them to be, car seat, pack n play crib, changing table/dresser. For our changing table we lucked out with a hand-me-down dresser that was the same size as a changing pad, put that on top, used the top drawer for diapers and wipes, works out perfect!

We registered for a convertible crib that was not too garish or expensive and we have yet to use the convertible feature on it! I would suggest only registering for mattress, fitted sheets, breathable mesh bumper, and waterproof mattress protector {the one that is like a sheet for on top the mattress} because that is all you really need! The whole bedding collections are adorable but you don't use half of what is included! But always get a hamper. You could go either way on a diaper container thing but don't get it if there are special trash bags involved.

As far as gear for traveling, we went with a Graco car seat and double stroller, both middle of the road price tag and both worked well for what we needed it for, we also registered for a rear facing car seat when S would grow out of the "pumpkin seat" carrier style. That would be a big piece of advice that we have given friends, register for things that you know you will need up to one years old or even just pass that, time goes by fast and before you know it, you really do need those items! Also, get a baby wearing product! I liked my Moby Wrap so I could easily wrap it up around baby and not disturb him and have a hand free to work, type, make a sandwich. So far, friends have loved their baby wearing product and are glad they got one!

A few more bed and sleeping items we liked were Sleep Sheep, Night Light {really all of this brands safety items!} Linen Blankets and now there are so many brands of muslin linen blankets to choose from {and we used regular cloth diapers as burp towels, absorbent and easy to wash} Closet Organizer. Bath time is so simple and so fun, you don't need any baby size wash cloth, there are so many cute hoodie towels on the market, and a sensitive skin soap is all you need! And don't forget diaper rash cream, or use calendula ointment, after bath. We liked having this tiny tub in the bath, super simple and got the job done!

Feeding baby, whether its a newborn or a toddler, is crazy! It can be challenging, messy, takes longer than you thought it would, and is funny to watch their expression when trying something new! I wish we had a standing highchair, that way it would not have taken up a chair, and as S grew I found a really great booster seat. I liked the Dr. Brown Bottles and the Munchkin snack cups, the 360 cup they sell is good but I found a better sippy cup that is easier to clean, also I've never been a fan of the spout or straw cups, too many nooks and crannies that get missed when washing. Bowls, spoons, forks are pretty standard but these plates are a great size and made from recycled materials!

The toys are the best part to register for because there are so many fun things and adorable items from handmade, to natural wood, to the standard stacking cups and rattles! We loved this floor mat, it turned out to be the best gift ever, and this rocker chair came in handy so many times {but ours is not so bright with bulky toys, they changed the design}!

Last but not least {maybe this needs to be a two part post!} the diaper bag. I don't know why I thought a cross body/shoulder bag was a good idea! I slipped forward knocking into things, it slide up my shoulder scratching my neck, it was not practical and I wish I had just registered for a backpack from the start. There are a lot of backpack style diaper bags out there and I tried one that was cute and had magnet flap closure, and that was a mistake too! It was a high end name brand that I found at a resale shop and know I know it was there, the flap was secure with magnets in the front but not the sides, and items slipped out, the straps were very weird with the bulk of the bag falling forward, and items slipped out! Basically, a complete failure of design. Do yourself a favor and go to Target, look in the back to school/ travel aisles, and get a good old standard backpack! I like Embark because they have the jar top style with zippers and pockets everywhere! I have a place to easily get my keys and wallet, I have a place to put my water bottle and other items that need zipped up pockets, inside I have pockets for diapers, wipes, and extra clothes, plenty of space for a little insulated bag to keep bottle or sippy cup. It's not bulky and fits great, best baby register item ever!

Well, that doesn't even begin to cover everything, but it's the advice I have on some essentials items that have worked out so well for us! Happy registering!

AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

xo