My Baby Must-Have List

I don’t consider myself a materialistic person. My concern for the environment is enough for me to usually choose to buy second-hand goods whenever possible. My friends call me “Hand-me-down Hardy.”

We haven’t bought a whole lot since baby came along and when we do, we certainly don’t head to Babies R Us to buy it new. Kijiji has been great to us. So have family and friends.

While I may not consider myself materialistic, I wanted to share a list of my favourite (baby) things. These things directly or indirectly, keep baby and me happy, mostly because they make things quicker, easier and more efficient.

Happiest Baby on the Block: I’m pretty sure I have the happiest baby on the block and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’ve memorized Dr. Karp’s book. Thanks for mailing us the book, Chandra! This book prompted us to have the next couple items on hand:

Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe: My mom bought these (used) for my eco baby shower. Friends had recommended the straitjacket-like product, which makes swaddling (essential for us) a WHOLE lot easier. Thank you Joel and Christine for the recommendation! If you don’t swaddle your baby, I suggest you give it a try. They will sleep more happily and soundly, I promise.  (Swaddling: One of Karp’s 5 S’s)

Mam soothers: This was baby’s choice. She wasn’t into the suss thing for a long time, but eventually decided she liked Mams best. I like them because the nipple is straight which means I can pop it back in her mouth whichever side, and apparently it’s better for her teeth than a nipple with a curve. BPA-free, of course. (Sucking: One of Karp’s 5 S’s)

Mother-ease cloth diapers: Who said we weren’t going to have time to use cloth diapers? It’s really a piece of cake. I would recommend these to any parent. Oh, and they’re made in Ontario! (Again, thanks, Christine and Joel!)


réserve privée‘s Skin-to-skin Kangaroo T-shirt: I wish I had this from birth and will buy it for the next baby shower I go to. I love wearing the baby and the shirt is also great for breastfeeding. A Quebec Company!

MamanKangourou Stretchy Wrap: My favourite wrap to take the baby on long walks.

Maya Wrap: This ring sling is perfect when I am hoping the baby will fall asleep shortly. I can slide it off and put her in bed without waking her. I can’t do that with the stretchy wrap! (Thanks again, Chandra!)

Medela Pump in Style: This painless, quick and easy pump is so much easier than a manual pump.

Pump Ease: Hands-free pumping support (allows me to pump while blogging!) Also, the company is Canadian, so that’s a bonus.

A great glider: If I had been smarter I’d have listened to the friends who recommended I pick up a good rocking chair before the baby was born. It made a world of difference during the times when feedings too 45 minutes, and now we use it to rock her to sleep.

Nuk Washable breast pads: I refuse to use disposable pads of any kind – no different when it comes to stopping milk from leaking through to my shirt. I bought some other washable cotton pads, but they were so thin I needed to double them up which is pretty ridiculous. These ones are inexpensive, comfy, and never leak.

**No one is paying me to advertise for them, this is all stuff that has been purchased or given to us as a gift**

What baby items could you not live without? Is there a whole new list for toddlers?