enJOY it

I wanted to share some of the things that we used nearly every day these past two months. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with options pre-baby and you have no idea what will really work and what is a waste of money**. I pretty much just bought what looked good and had great reviews before Ellerie came and then was pleasantly surprised with the stuff below. Everything here I would highly recommend. I starred the items that would be a great gift for a new mama.

*aden & anais swaddle blankets – we have eight of these. They are super lightweight and perfect for wrapping Ellerie up, throwing over her in the carseat, laying down on a public restroom changing table, etc. Love the cute animals and the lightweight texture. We also use Aden & Anais changing pad covers (and have this changing pad).

*summer infant swaddleme blankets – Ellerie sleeps swaddled at night (and has been sleeping through since seven weeks old). We love the velcro on these and the size S-M are still holding her tightly all night long. (She is currently almost 13lbs.) As long as she continues to sleep well in the swaddle, we'll continue to use them but will upgrade to the large size.

*gerber flatfold diapers – I have twenty of these and use them as burb clothes. They are a good size, inexpensive, soft and super absorbent.

badger baby balm – we used this to fight cradle cap and to keep diaper rash from appearing when she was wearing disposable diapers. I love that it's natural and safe for baby.

bumGenius elemental one-size cloth diapers – we transitioned to cloth diapers during the days at around six weeks. She is still in a disposable at night. Paul and I have both been impressed with how easy they are to use and wash. We have 19 (and I am thrilled with that number). So far I have found that that sun bleaches any stains and we plan on using this diaper sprayer down the line when we transition to solid foods and have more waste to get rid of. Obviously we've got years to go, but I am happy we started using these. Huge up-front expense, but worth it in the long run.

charlie's soap laundry powder – this is safe for cloth diaper laundry and I use it for everything now.

BabyGanics wipes – we have been using these since she came home from the hospital and we're diaper rash free. Love that I can use them on her hands and face too without worrying about harsh chemicals.

*mustela newborn baby wash – soap free, smells amazing, safe for newborns. We use this and the PUJ tub for bathing Ellerie in the kitchen sink. I totally recommend the PUJ tub.

*bowron BabyCare shorn lambskin – we put Ellerie down on this so she is part of the action without needing to be held (it's often laid on top of a coffee table). It's plush, comfy and she seems to like it.

fisher price bouncer chair – like idiots, we waited almost a month to see if we'd need a chair. I should have bought this so much earlier. Ellerie likes the vibration and is content to stay awake or fall asleep in this. We often sit her up in this while we're making or eating dinner. I usually have her in it when I am working in my office (like right now as I type this post).

medela pump in style advanced breast pump – I have ended up using this so much more than expected since we have had some trouble with breastfeeding. I'm totally pleased with it and use it multiple times a day. I also have the manual pump for easy travel or on the go use and I recommend that too.

boon lawn countertop drying rack – I didn't know that we would need this so early but since I am pumping and bottle feeding often, this has come in handy for us.

gilligan & o'malley nursing bras – I have four of these in different patterns and have lived in them. I recommend buying two sizes up from your normal bra size. At least. Whoever said your boobs are at their final size the last week of pregnancy and to buy bras then is out of their mind.

**newborn thru at least 6 month size pjs and dresses were a waste for us. Ellerie sleeps swaddled and so underneath the swaddle she wears just a onesie. And she was a long baby – 21 inches – so dresses look like shirts on her these days. She wears a lot of rompers which is rad because I love a cute romper.

heads up – links throughout are referral links. If you purchase through them, I recieve a small commission.

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