nick & jessica: favorite baby items

When I was pregnant, I always liked reading about people's must-have baby items. I felt like it was really helpful to read what others found most useful, especially when you're the first of your friends to have a baby. So I compiled my favorites from the past (almost) 2 months! (Side note- I can NOT believe its already been that long!)

1. Total Baby iPhone App: This app is perfect for keeping track of feedings, diaper changes, and sleeping habits. At our first appointment the doctor wanted exact numbers on all these and having the app made things organized and easy. I think we could probably have stopped using it by now but my type-A personality still likes to know exact numbers so we're still entering data 7 weeks later...

2. Bob Revolution SE Jogger Stroller : We love this stroller. It's such a smooth ride for Baby Hayden and it folds up really easily to take in the car. We didn't want to have to purchase multiple strollers, so we like that this one works with a carseat adapter and without when Hayden is a bit bigger. We've only used it for walks right now, but we appreciate that it can be used for both walking and running.

3. Moby Wrap: This is a wrap that you can use to hold baby close to your body, handsfree! It's perfect for wearing around the house so that I can still do things (like make dinner, fold laundry, etc.) while still cuddling the baby close. Hayden loves the Moby and he really relaxes when he's in it. Plus, it comes with a book of a bunch of different ways to tie it, so that we can continue to use it as he gets older.

4. Mamaroo Infant Seat: The Mamaroo was a hand-me-down from my sister-in-law and we are sure glad to have it! It has several different rocking setting and Hayden loves to take his morning nap in the seat. He also likes to chill out in it when we're eating dinner.

5. Boppy: A Boppy is a must for a breastfeeding mama! It helps support the baby while nursing. We use it for Tummy Time too, so that Hayden can be a little propped up. He also likes to lay in it when he's on our bed and it's much more effective at helping him stay upright than a regular pillow.

6. Bum Genius 4.0 Cloth Diapers: We (bravely?) decided to go the cloth diapering route, without a diaper service. We knew that this would save us some serious money (disposables are so expensive!) and help out the environment. These diapers are great because they're adjustable so they grow with the baby and should last through the entire time Hayden is in diapers. They should also be around for Hayden's future sibling(s). These diapers are much more absorbent than disposables (we used disposables for the first 3 weeks, so we had some comparison) and they are super soft. Hayden seems so much more comfortable in these guys. Plus they come in such cute colors!

7. Gentle Giraffe: This gift quickly became an essential part of our bedtime routine. It has four settings and the heartbeat/white noise setting lulls Mr. H to sleep each night. It stays on for about 45 minutes so he is fast asleep when it turns off.

8. Aden and Anais Swaddles: These light breathable blankets are perfect for swaddling in the summer heat (of which we had plenty!). They are so soft and really big so that you have plenty of blanket to use for wrapping. Hayden sleeps longer and better when swaddled so these have been extremely useful! They are also great for throwing over the carseat if he falls asleep while we're out and about.