I have made two purchases that are absolutely worth their weight in gold. They were not all that expensive, and I can't imagine parenting without them! At the time of their purchase, I could not have told you how invaluable they would be to us. These two items fit very well into our semi-attachment parenting style.
First, my ring sling! I bought it for $35 from another mom at our La Leche League meeting, even before Ladybug was born. I knew that I wanted a sling, but I did not realize how much I would rely on it. I have used the sling almost daily since Ladybug was born. When she was an infant, I would carry her in the sling at home, just so I could get a few things done while she slept. She always loved being held while she slept! I use it at church, while Hubby and I lead worship. I have used it at the beach, while shopping, and so many other places.The second item is a bed rail. Since we started co-sleeping, we needed to find a way to keep Ladybug safe in the bed if we were not there with her. We bought a bed rail for one side of the bed, then use pillows on the open side of the bed so she won't roll off. We also take the bed rail with us when we travel, so that Ladybug can sleep in a double bed with me. (Unfortunately, there isn't enough room in a double for all three of us!) The bed rail cost $30, and I ordered it through that big box store that I don't really like. They have free shipping if you have it shipped to the store.
So, for $65, we have two pieces of "baby gear" that have been invaluable to our family and have supported our parenting style. What have been your favorite and most useful baby gear items?
Something we really got a lot of use out of was our Girlie's Bumbo seat. She started using it around 3 months old, and it was great! She could sit up on the counter with me if I was cooking, or hang out on the dining room table while I folded clothes. She liked it MUCH better than any kind of seat that had her laying back - she preferred sitting up!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to remember what was most cherished of baby gear when Syd was a baby, but with Connor we made great use of his boppy. I couldn't hold him all the time and yet, laying down he always wanted to be able to see everything so he was propped up in that quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteAlso, was great having a high chair that strapped to the regular seat instead of a huge high chair that took up a lot of room. They do have one that reclines back for babies then you adjust the seat once they are able to sit by themselves. Helped him be a part of the meal times also. Best of wishes to your sister!
...Another thing that helped was getting a waterproof changing pad to lay in the crib then put a recieving blanket on top of that. That way when they are leaking out of their diapers you can just change the blanket and pad instead of the whole crib sheet. That helped TREMENDOUSLY for me!
ReplyDeleteI never found that the sling worked for me but I think it's a great concept. And the bed rail, we used that once we transitioned them from cribs to bed. Worth their weight in gold, for sure!
ReplyDeletei didn't have a sling until #3, but insisted we have one for #4... priceless! mine is a fleece pouch from kangarookorner.com, but that is just a personal preference :)
ReplyDeleteA changing table/pad at a comfortable height. A portable high chair that straps on a regular chair. Reading material for while I was nursing!
ReplyDeleteWhen I have another, I really want to get a sling. In fact, I would like to look into one that I can wear N on my back for certain outings.
ReplyDeleteI really liked my bouncy seat when he was a wee one.