As much as I would like to claim that I am not a materialistic person, there are just some things that make life easier. Life savers, if you will. And who doesn't like hearing about a product or service that could impact their life or someone else's in a positive way. So, I give you Life Savers, a feature that will pop up from time to time, whenever I come across something that I feel has, in some way, improved my quality of life.
These days, with a new little one in the house, most of my life saving products can be found on the baby aisle. It really amazes me how much a few items can impact the ease and happiness of life. So far, in the first 7 weeks of Baby L's life, the following goodies have helped this tired new mama out.
1. Fisher Price Aquarium Cradle Swing
This swing is the same one we used for A when she was a baby, 5 years ago. She loved it so much that my mom went out and bought one for her house too. It has the normal swinging position, plus a side to side cradle swinging position. It also has a cute fish mobile, plus a color changing dome. You can utilize either one alone or both of them together. It also comes equipped with 6 speeds and 4 different sounds, 1 musical and 3 nature. I don't think they sell this exact model anymore, but I have seen a similar one in stores.
Baby L loves this thing! He, like lots of newborns, does not like to sleep in his bassinet, so he does just about all of his napping/nighttime sleeping in the swing. The rocking in addition to the coziness of the swing helps him drift right off into a sound slumber. Also, as he is becoming more aware of his surroundings, it is too cute when the mobile or light catches his eye.
2. WubbaNub Pacifier
At first glance this pacifier/plushie combo might look a bit odd, but let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL!
First things first. Some babies will take whatever kind of pacifier you stick in their mouths. Others, like Baby L, are a bit more on the snobbish side and prefer a specific type. I have tried several different brands/nipple types and the only one Baby L will take is the Soothie brand. This is the kind they supplied in the hospital, so maybe that has something to do with it. But luckily for me the Soothie pacifier is the one that comes attached to the WubbaNub. I had actually received the WubbaNub as a gift, but didn't use it until we lost the hospital pacifier and no other pacifier would soothe the little fellow. That is when I finally saw the genius in this product. You lay the plushie part on the child's chest while they suck on the pacifier, that way when the pacifier gets spit out (which it does time and time again), it goes nowhere. No more lost pacis or pacis on the floor. It just stays put and a lot of times baby can just find it again themselves. My favorite part though is watching Baby L hold on to and snuggle the plush part while he's sucking, soothing and sleeping.
The WubbaNub comes in a variety of different animals. The one we have is the froggie, but I will totally be buying more in the future.
I definitely recommend this as a baby shower gift.
3. Levana ClearVu Digital Video Baby Monitor
This monitor is awesome. It has both audio and visual capabilities. You can use either one on it's own or you can use them together. The small camera comes with a wall mount or you can just sit it on a shelf. It's also equipped with a color changing night light and night vision, so that you can keep an eye on your little one even in the dark. With a full charge the portable monitor will last up to 4 hours. Also, you can add up to 3 additional cameras to the system, so as your family expands you can still use the monitor.
Personally, I think every parent should invest in a video monitor.
What are some "life saving" products that you would recommend (baby or not)?
These days, with a new little one in the house, most of my life saving products can be found on the baby aisle. It really amazes me how much a few items can impact the ease and happiness of life. So far, in the first 7 weeks of Baby L's life, the following goodies have helped this tired new mama out.
1. Fisher Price Aquarium Cradle Swing
This swing is the same one we used for A when she was a baby, 5 years ago. She loved it so much that my mom went out and bought one for her house too. It has the normal swinging position, plus a side to side cradle swinging position. It also has a cute fish mobile, plus a color changing dome. You can utilize either one alone or both of them together. It also comes equipped with 6 speeds and 4 different sounds, 1 musical and 3 nature. I don't think they sell this exact model anymore, but I have seen a similar one in stores.
Baby L loves this thing! He, like lots of newborns, does not like to sleep in his bassinet, so he does just about all of his napping/nighttime sleeping in the swing. The rocking in addition to the coziness of the swing helps him drift right off into a sound slumber. Also, as he is becoming more aware of his surroundings, it is too cute when the mobile or light catches his eye.
2. WubbaNub Pacifier
At first glance this pacifier/plushie combo might look a bit odd, but let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL!
First things first. Some babies will take whatever kind of pacifier you stick in their mouths. Others, like Baby L, are a bit more on the snobbish side and prefer a specific type. I have tried several different brands/nipple types and the only one Baby L will take is the Soothie brand. This is the kind they supplied in the hospital, so maybe that has something to do with it. But luckily for me the Soothie pacifier is the one that comes attached to the WubbaNub. I had actually received the WubbaNub as a gift, but didn't use it until we lost the hospital pacifier and no other pacifier would soothe the little fellow. That is when I finally saw the genius in this product. You lay the plushie part on the child's chest while they suck on the pacifier, that way when the pacifier gets spit out (which it does time and time again), it goes nowhere. No more lost pacis or pacis on the floor. It just stays put and a lot of times baby can just find it again themselves. My favorite part though is watching Baby L hold on to and snuggle the plush part while he's sucking, soothing and sleeping.
The WubbaNub comes in a variety of different animals. The one we have is the froggie, but I will totally be buying more in the future.
I definitely recommend this as a baby shower gift.
3. Levana ClearVu Digital Video Baby Monitor
This monitor is awesome. It has both audio and visual capabilities. You can use either one on it's own or you can use them together. The small camera comes with a wall mount or you can just sit it on a shelf. It's also equipped with a color changing night light and night vision, so that you can keep an eye on your little one even in the dark. With a full charge the portable monitor will last up to 4 hours. Also, you can add up to 3 additional cameras to the system, so as your family expands you can still use the monitor.
Personally, I think every parent should invest in a video monitor.
What are some "life saving" products that you would recommend (baby or not)?
For baby? A boppy. Followed by a Bumpo chair. I don't know what we'd have done without ours when B was a baby!
ReplyDeleteFor me, as an adult? I'm not even sure. I'll have to think and letcha know. ;) P.S. Totally tempted to respond with "Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. Or anything from Dutch Brothers."
;)
YAY BLOGGING!
I completely spaced on putting the Boppy on there. I didn't use it much with A, but since I'm nursing L it has gotten more than it's fair share of use. I also use it to lay him in, either on the couch or the bed. I never used the Bumbo. Thinking about putting it on my "to buy" list for later though. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou have complete agreement from me on the coffee drinks!!
Baby life savers ... I agree on the Boppy, and the battery powered aspirator from Graco. That thing is priceless!! We're still using it.
ReplyDeleteGrown-up life savers ... coffee, chocolate, books, and lots of other stuff I can't think of at the moment.
P.S. I know two girls who should visit Oregon and have all the DB they can drink!
Chey - I agree on the nasal aspirator. We have one for A, and we love it. Books are definitely a grown up life saver. Sometimes we just need to mentally "get away". And trust me, I plan on making it back up to Oregon. Hopefully sooner rather than later. :)
ReplyDelete