Eli has been hitting so many milestones these last couple of months! With every new stage we enter it’s like I’m so sad that he’s growing and becoming less newborn but on the other hand watching him grow and come more alive each day…it’s just the best!
There’s a few products that have been at the top of our every day use list and I wanted to share what I couldn’t live without!
Bouncer chair
From 2 moths on our boy has been seeming like he just wants to get up and go! He stopped wanting to be leaned back and was happiest upright where he could see all the things going on around him. This chair has been a life saver! Obviously he can’t sit on his own or in a bumbo yet so this was the answer. He enjoyed the bar of toys that came with it the first month. By three months we started clipped hanging toys from it so he could practice grabbing and bringing towards his mouth. Month 4 teething started and we took the toy bar off and set teethers in his lap. He was able to grab one and chew for some time before he’d drop it and grab a different one.
Piano play mat
This he used heavily month 3 and 4, he’s just starting to seem a little tired of it. Another great tool for practicing his hand coordination. We hang toys off the clips and he’s able to practice bringing them to his mouth. We also put a little mirror at the base and used this for tummy time. Great for when they’re staying to roll! The piano also plays music when they kick it which helped to hold his attention longer.
Owlet vitals monitor
This owlet is more for Brian and I’s peace of mind. After Eli’s heart surgery (VSD closure) we started using this during naps and bedtime. It’s just a nice backup to our baby monitor that tells us his heart rate and oxygen levels. In the hospital he had these monitored constantly after surgery and it’s been reassuring to have this at home as well. This is pricey. I would suggest looking for a used one on Facebook market place. No need to buy new, the “sock” that goes on their foot is washable.
Camp tethers and banana toothbrush
These two we use the same way. Babe has been cutting teeth like nobody’s business. Poor thing is a drooly uncomfortable mess these days. The banana toothbrush is dual purpose. Keeps those little gummy’s clean and I believe gives him a little relief. The teethers also give him some much needed relief (and gives him something to do) but I like these specifically for two reasons: 1. They’re cute 🤪 2. They have good places for him to grab easily, some others he just can’t get his chunky little hands around as easily. Bonus reason 2a. They’re a very soft silicone material instead of plastic.
My Breast Friend
No not a typo! That’s the name! And also describes the way I feel about it… boppy is out – breast friend, in! Reasons why it’s better: When they’re really little and feeding constantly you can strap this baby on and actually walk around while they eat! Use one hand to hold your babe in place and the other to grab your water or snack or phone. It’s great. Annnnnnd even though Eli is bigger now and I can’t walk with him this one has more real estate and a flat top which makes it easier to position him. There’s also a pouch for diapers, to hold your phone, or a water bottle (and you can buy different removable washable covers for it). I also think the strap gives you a little more support so my back doesn’t hurt quite as bad when hunched over as he’s feeding.
Portable noise maker
This is a great tool if your little one is used to sleeping with white noise. We used it in the hospital, anytime we stay at a relatives home, strapped to the stroller while he sleeps…I’ve even had guests use it that are used to white noise when they stay at our house. It’s inexpensive and the batteries last forever. We had it going for two days straight, then my mom used it one night and I have yet to change the batteries. There’s also a heartbeat sound, ocean, and a few others. There’s even a timer option but we’ve never used that.
Last but not least – nature bond baby food feeder
This is such a great way to start introducing foods. Eli will NOT take a bottle or a pacifier but I think for a baby that does this would be an even better transition because the shape and texture is so similar. However, even for Eli we had no troubles getting him to try it I think because he could taste the food right away and was ALL about it! When I used to nanny years ago there was a mesh version of this and it was fine but the mesh would stain and you never felt like it was REALLY clean. All around this is a great product.
