Back when Honey was small, I created the Mummy Likes... page to round up my favourite baby buys. They're all still great products but here are some of my top
buys/tips that may be appreciated by second time parents:
Sterimar
saline spray: It's so much more reliable and doesn't have to
be repeatedly pumped like the Calpol version, just be sure to buy
the version suitable for newborns. Ace had his first cold at just 2 weeks
old so knowing about this was invaluable.
White noise: Whether you use hairdryer/vacuum
cleaner, an app (we love Sleep Bug) or a toy like Ewan the Dream Sheep, white noise has a
magical, calming effect on babies and usually sends ours off to sleep in
seconds.
Bedside crib: As we only have two bedrooms, it's not
realistic for Ace to move into another room at 8 weeks like Honey did so for
everyone's comfort and safety, we purchased a Chico Next 2 Me crib. It attaches to the side
of our bed, providing easy access for feeding, cuddling and nappy
changing but can also be zipped up to create a stand alone crib if required. It
folds up into a travel bag if you want baby to sleep in a familiar
environment when you're away and the ends also move up and down which is great
if baby is congested.
Poddle pod: We bought this when Ace had his cold as I'd heard it
was designed to make babies feel like they are still being cuddled. Ace napped
happily in it right from the start and it helps to have a portable bed
downstairs during the day. We have also bought the next size up, which Honey
has comandeered for now!
Pyjamas: At 9 months, someone gave
us a pair of pyjamas for Honey and I discovered that they were so much easier
to deal with during the night! No poppers to fasten wrongly and baby's top half
stays warm while you change the bottoms.
Giant muslins: How did I ever manage without these? I use them as
blankets, swaddles, to wipe up sick, I even used one to dry Honey off
after an impromptu dance in some fountains!
Slings
and baby carriers: We have a range of slings which have
been invaluable since day 1 this time, in fact I can count the number of
times Ace has been in the buggy on one hand! Have a read of our Sling Meet and Vija posts if you want to know more
about baby wearing.
Rucksack changing bag: For total hands free
slinging. These are usually larger than your average changing bag and leave you
able to hold hands with number 1 and carry shopping.
Buggy
Board: If I'm heading into town to try on clothes
then baby wearing isn't always the most practical option so having a buggy
board helps to keep Honey where I can see her when we're near busy roads and I
haven't got a hand free to hold hers!
Activities:
Look out for courses and classes suitable for toddlers and newborns,
they often offer a price per family rather than per child which helps to
make things more affordable. We also started taking Honey to the library a few
months before Ace was born so she could get used to the layout ready for
when we start taking Ace to Bounce and Rhyme. The idea is that she can
occupy herself reading and colouring if she doesn't want to join in with
the singing.
Special things: Remember
to get some special things for number 2 as well. I had a dribble bib made to match a gorgeous sling
that my colleagues bought us and amongst all his secondhand clothing and
equipment, we have also treated him to some new bits and bobs like the fabulous
Mama Designs cellular blanket (which I am
totally in love with).
There's an ever growing list of baby gadgets and gizmos I can't wait to try with Ace, including the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine (for when we switch to formula in a few months) and Baby nails (to avoid injuring his tiny fingers again, yes again, I've already done it twice) so watch this space for more updates to the list!
Honey wears...
Denim shirt dress by Next
Ace wears... Jeans by Mini Club @ Boots
