For this last month leading up to Clay's first birthday (!) we're going to do a little recap of some of the best (and occasionally worst) aspects of these past twelve months and our first year as parents. Most of these will be joint blogs, but today we're kicking it off with a two-parter: baby stuff. Because - no matter how hard you try, no matter how staunchly against plastic, noisy, red, yellow, and blue you are - you will accumulate a LOT of stuff that first year.
Of course, here's the big secret: babies don't need much (though Babies "R" Us might suggest otherwise). And, if we're being honest with ourselves, Clay is far more interested in the electrical units and the dogs' water bowl than in his pricey hand-knit cat. But there are some things we would definitely buy again. We've talked about our love for (dependence on) Sophie and the diaper bag, cloth diapers and puffs, the sleep sheep and teething necklace. Here are a few other things I would recommend to any future parents:
1. Pat the Bunny - 74 years later, this book is still entertaining babies.
2. Beaba Babycook - With it's incredibly convenient design (it can both cook and puree meats, vegetables, grains, and fruits), this baby food cooker allowed me to make any and every kind of meal for Clay. I was the top chef of the puree world.
3. Handmade Baby Blankets - We received a lot of these in quilted, knit, and crocheted form, and we use every single one. These blankets are amazing for playmats, picnics, forts, covers, and just cuddling up. And you can literally feel the love in every stitch.
4. Coconut Oil - Diaper rash, dry skin, eczema, teething - I could go on and on about the things this oil can be used for. This stuff might actually be magic.
5. Dog - Because "snips and snails and puppy dog tails." Because dogs can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma among children. Because there's just something about kids and dogs.
6. Mini Crib - We used this for the first five months when Clay slept in our room and still continue to use it for traveling (and the nights spent hiding from tornadoes in our basement). This is the one we have, but I imagine a Pack 'n Play would work in a similar way.
7. NoseFrida - You want me to suck snot, with my mouth, out of my baby's nose?! Yep, it's completely amazing.
8. Ring Sling - There are some things about having a baby that just aren't pretty: stretch marks, flabby stomach, engorged breasts, baby drool, baby poop, baby puke. I swear, wearing this makes it all seem gorgeous.
9. Boy Tights - Because baby socks are the biggest joke ever.
10. Baby Guides - Everyone has a list of books. This and this were my favorites. The first because it appealed to that French woman I so desperately want to be, the second because it gave us sleep.
*Come back Friday for Scott's take on the subject!
-Eleanor
Note From Scott: There are a few certain things in life: death, taxes, and Eleanor's love for Polyvore.
Note From Eleanor: It's true. I might have a problem.
Of course, here's the big secret: babies don't need much (though Babies "R" Us might suggest otherwise). And, if we're being honest with ourselves, Clay is far more interested in the electrical units and the dogs' water bowl than in his pricey hand-knit cat. But there are some things we would definitely buy again. We've talked about our love for (dependence on) Sophie and the diaper bag, cloth diapers and puffs, the sleep sheep and teething necklace. Here are a few other things I would recommend to any future parents:
1. Pat the Bunny - 74 years later, this book is still entertaining babies.
2. Beaba Babycook - With it's incredibly convenient design (it can both cook and puree meats, vegetables, grains, and fruits), this baby food cooker allowed me to make any and every kind of meal for Clay. I was the top chef of the puree world.
3. Handmade Baby Blankets - We received a lot of these in quilted, knit, and crocheted form, and we use every single one. These blankets are amazing for playmats, picnics, forts, covers, and just cuddling up. And you can literally feel the love in every stitch.
4. Coconut Oil - Diaper rash, dry skin, eczema, teething - I could go on and on about the things this oil can be used for. This stuff might actually be magic.
5. Dog - Because "snips and snails and puppy dog tails." Because dogs can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma among children. Because there's just something about kids and dogs.
6. Mini Crib - We used this for the first five months when Clay slept in our room and still continue to use it for traveling (and the nights spent hiding from tornadoes in our basement). This is the one we have, but I imagine a Pack 'n Play would work in a similar way.
7. NoseFrida - You want me to suck snot, with my mouth, out of my baby's nose?! Yep, it's completely amazing.
8. Ring Sling - There are some things about having a baby that just aren't pretty: stretch marks, flabby stomach, engorged breasts, baby drool, baby poop, baby puke. I swear, wearing this makes it all seem gorgeous.
9. Boy Tights - Because baby socks are the biggest joke ever.
10. Baby Guides - Everyone has a list of books. This and this were my favorites. The first because it appealed to that French woman I so desperately want to be, the second because it gave us sleep.
*Come back Friday for Scott's take on the subject!
-Eleanor
Note From Scott: There are a few certain things in life: death, taxes, and Eleanor's love for Polyvore.
Note From Eleanor: It's true. I might have a problem.
How did you use CO for teething?? -Lauren Hountras
ReplyDeleteLauren, we just rubbed a little bit directly on his gums as a pain reliever - not sure if it worked or not, but we've had really good luck with teething so far (and all we've used is that and the amber necklace)! If you google homemade teething remedies though, a lot of people use a mixture of coconut oil and specific essential oils and swear by it.
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