Favorite Workout Gear for the New Year

This year there will be no resolutions. Just my new year "word."

Prioritize.

I felt the serious effects of putting myself last, or not on the priority list at all, last year. My back (and the scale, sadly) are the direct result of not doing some of the things I love to do.

While I loved our weekend trips to the aquarium or trying new Charleston restaurants, I rarely broke a sweat unless I was being my typical helicopter mom self chasing my toddler around the playground.

One of the ways I'm carving out time for me this year is heading to the gym during my lunch break. It's not always possible but I feel so.dang.good. when I do! I feel even better when I have new high rise leggings to contain the "current situation" while I throw down some intervals on the treadmill.

And when I say throw down, I mean I go between 4 and 6 miles an hour. I know, I'm so fast.
 
Is it just me or is it so much easier to mentally prepare for the gym when you have new gear to wear?! I thought I'd round up some of my favorites in case you're like me and need a little gym wardrobe update. Also have I mentioned how much I love high waist leggings?

My newest favorites are leggings with mesh cutouts and tops with an open back. I'm normally so gross after basically any cardio so I feel like cute workout clothes make up for my hot mess appearance.

Right now those GapFit gFast leggings and the strappy bra are 40% off and you don't have to wear them as stirrups! And my top two favorite Athleta leggings, the mesh Plié Tight and Quest Chaturanga (which are SO dang comfy and have pockets for your phone) are on sale, plus 20% off! Sizes are limited for the Chaturanga tights though so move quick!

And FYI, you can pick up my favorite Nike running shoes at Nike Outlet stores for much less. They are so light weight, I love them!

You'll note there is no Lululemon here. I cannot justify the cost and have heard so many complaints about pilling! So far all of my Athleta leggings have been washing great so I'll take that budget for sure!

And for the record, I own almost all of the favorites below and highly recommend! I'm just waiting on a sale to take that Athleta sports bra home with me! (You can also click on the items in the collage above!)

7

Thoughts on Family Photos with a Toddler

We had our family photos this past weekend with the super talented Shannon Michelle Photography and I adore them. Rowan was a little velcro toddler on my hip 90 percent of the session, so I tried to keep my expectations low, but Shannon seriously worked some kind of magic.

A photography session with a toddler is just as unpredictable as I expected, but here are a few thoughts that were running through my head as our session went on.

1. Really glad I skipped the dress and booties. Falling on my face while wrangling a 30 pound child is not a picture I'd like our photographer to capture.

2. Note to self: Just pay for the overpriced toddler haircut in an airplane chair instead of the cheap place down the road. Also don't under any circumstance let my husband go solo with him to the salon.

3. Thank you Jesus for the 60 degree weather.
 
4. I hope I brought enough marshmallows for bribes. Maybe I should have grabbed the lollipops too. Damn.

5. Next time we're leading with the ducks. He lit up the moment he saw them in the pond, and by then the photo session was over. Who knew my kid just needed a few ducks to quack at him?

If you're one of those toddler moms who thought through a styled photography shoot with perfect outfits, I applaud you. I'm lucky I had two of the same shoes on as we ran out the door at what felt like the crack of dawn.

PS These are just a few of the blog-approved photos, sorry I can't share more of the gems!

5

Preparing for Cold Season with your Baby

This post was sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Over the past year we've learned a lot about taking care of colds and viruses with our sweet babe. I think it's well-documented here how our household has had its fair share of sickness since Rowan started daycare.

On more than one occasion I even considered flying Grandma in for reinforcement.

My fellow mom friends have asked for tips on deal with symptoms and by far my biggest suggestion has been to keep a a nasal aspirator, thermometer, and a sippy cup with water and/or Pedialyte on the side table when your baby is sick. It makes it so much easier to console them if you need to go in their room in the middle of the night!

When Rowan was 11 months old, he came down with RSV and it was easily one of the hardest weeks seeing him so sick. He coughed for hours each night and fought 103-104 degree fevers until finally we realized this was not your run of the mill cold.

Thankfully Rowan's case was on the milder side but we learned its actually the top cause of hospitalizations for babies, typically between October and March. Premature babies are especially at risk but its highly contagious so it's not uncommon for it to spread through daycare, schools, and mother's morning out programs before parents realize what they are dealing with. 

We had a lot of sleepless nights while Rowan fought off those germs, holding him upright to help with the cough, keeping him hydrated, and the glamorous parental task of suctioning snot from his nose. 

I wouldn't say dealing with colds has gotten easier because seeing your baby sick always hurts your mama heart, but I think we've learned a few tricks to help ease his symptoms while he fights off the bad germs.

Wash everything. Washing hands is so important, especially for parents of sick babes because its so easy for the whole house to get sick at once and that is not fun. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, bathe every night during the week to get those school germs off of them before bed. Also wash any clothes, toys, or blankets that come home from school immediately.

Know what dosage of fever reducer your babe should get based on their weight. This is so important, I always make sure R's Pediatrician writes his dosage down at each well check!

Keep a nasal aspirator on hand. I still can't believe I've physically sucked snot out of my kid's nose with my mouth, but when our kids are sick we do whatever it takes. I find the nasal aspirator we got from the hospital works better than the Nose Frida with a squirmy kid. 

Keep your baby home. RSV is very contagious (nearly every baby will contract it by age 2! Scary!) so keep them out of school and away from other children until the symptoms clear.

Have a dependable thermometer. I love our forehead thermometer for Rowan because its so, so easy, but I also keep a basic thermometer on hand for axillary (under arm) temps if the forehead reading worries me.

Lots of fluids. I cannot emphasize fluids enough! We saw so much improvement when we got Rowan to drink water and now we buy Pedialyte in bulk when he is sick.

Ditch the sleep rules, even if it means making new habits. This may be obvious but ditch alllll of the sleep rules when your baby is sick. Especially if they are fighting off a fever. We had to keep a steady rotation of fever reducers to keep Rowan's temp down when he had RSV and he would chug an entire sippy cup in between coughing. 

Personally we never thought a humidifier helped, and our Pediatrician agreed, but I know moms who swear by them so its good to have one on hand just in case!

Since we've personally dealt with RSV I think its so important during National RSV Awareness Month for other parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Hopefully you can help prevent it from spreading!

And before you panic about RSV, know that it's entirely possible for your babe to contract RSV like Rowan did but not become seriously ill. It could just look similar to a cold with a bad cough. Being aware of the more serious symptoms is a game changer though so watch for any wheezing, labored breathing, blue around the mouth or fingernails, and a fever that won't go down with medicine.

Have any of you experienced RSV with your sweet babe? Any other tips you would add to help other mamas?

To learn more about RSV disease visit the RSV Protection website and see more prevention measures to keep your babies safe this cold season!

#LittleLungs #RSVAwarenessMonth

3

The 5 Mom Friends You Need in your Tribe

Never was there a more rewarding job without any formal recognition of our work than motherhood.

We carry a child for 9 months. We give birth, put their nutritional needs above the future shape of our boobs, change diapers, and suck snot out of their nose using our mouth and a straw-like contraption. And as if talking about "output" didn't consume enough of our conversations the first two weeks of motherhood, we actually tracked that literal shit on an app.

When Dad comes home from work, he gets the most glorious reception of all time. I get a hangry kid because I forgot to bring snacks for the ride home from daycare.

I don't even bother trying to add broccoli to his dinner menu anymore. I'll pick my battles and that is not one of them.

We blink and suddenly we aren't a "new" mom anymore. We've got a toddler with strong opinions, like a sudden love affair with the shirt he hated this morning but insists on wearing into the bathtub tonight. One who will only wear pajamas with puppies and Target Dollar Spot socks with Dory's face on them.

The struggle is real.

That's why you need mom friends. Specifically, these five:

1. The Seasoned Mom. This type of mom was and still is the most critical to my sanity. They are a wealth of mom knowledge, even if their kid is a mere month older than yours. They will either eye roll along with you during the toddler tantrums or answer your one million questions the first few months of your tiny human's life.

2. The New Mom. If having a new mom ask me something I actually know the answer to isn't a pick me up, I don't know what is. This is a mutually beneficial friendship. You already have some tricks up your sleeve for getting through a sleep regression (although mostly its just coffee) and you're helping another mama out who was you not too long ago. 

3. The Laid Back Mom. Type-A moms need someone who doesn't stress over schedules or freak out when their kid eats dirt like we do. Sometimes you need someone to tell you its okay your toddler picked a cracker off of the floor, shared it with the dog, and then finished the last soggy bit you were hoping the dog would get to first.

4. The Organic Mom. Oh the organic, non-GMO, health research moms. You make me feel bad for feeding my child non-organic cookies but you also force me to try harder, even if you don't mean to, so thank you for that! You probably cringe when I tell you my child ate mac and cheese five nights in a row, but I also hope your future offspring will laugh in the face of your homemade organic broccoli bites ... so lets call it even. By the way, can I get that broccoli bite recipe? K, byeee!

5. The Fellow SAHM or Working Mom. While we think we know what its like for the other moms, the ones who get to go to Target at 10 AM or speak to adults about something other than Mickey Mouse all day, we don't. The reality is Target at 10 AM is a hot mess and pumping at work might be worse than the giant post-birth maxi pads, so we are all sacrificing. We need someone who shares our guilt of sending our kid to daycare or counts down the minutes until dad gets home so mama can pee in privacy.

Whether you're neighbors or live miles apart, you need a mom tribe in your life.

You need them to virtually fist bump you when you're feeling down, confirm you are in fact not the only one covered in spit up, or to remind you everything is a phase.

They will listen in non-judgement and complete solidarity when you tell them your child pooped in the last diaper you had on hand, in a classy downtown restaurant, and all you could think to do was use a pad as a diaper. (Yep, you read that right.)

You don't have to agree with their parenting decisions. You don't even need to heed their advice. You just need to be there for each other. I guarantee your tribe will make you better at this exhausting, beautiful thing called motherhood.

At the very least, they'll approve of that large pour to help you make it through witching hour.

2

BANANAS

Bear with me while a freak out a little right now.

My husband comes home today and my week of solo parenting a crazed toddler who learned to climb on everything and poop every other hour is finally coming to an end. (TMI?)

You might be thinking I lost my mind, that solo parenting one toddler isn't that tough. But honestly I don't know how single parents and military families do it! I've been lucky if I get to finish my cold morning coffee.

Shit hasn't been entirely bananas though. Despite the increasing stress caused by a child suddenly climbing on tv stands, couches, and having Inspector Gadget-like arms that reach every single thing on our countertops, he's mostly been a joy to be around.

One of the highlights? He's starting to understand the concept of a "boo-boo" after skinning his knees outside under mom's watch. I say "starting to" because we're still working on manners, as you'll see in a minute...

I've gotten countless kisses on my knees (which apparently also have boo-boos) and he lovingly rested his Mickey Mouse balloon on my "boo-boos" on multiple occasions. Because balloons cure everything, right? And finally, as we were reading at bedtime he looks up at me with the sweetest face... studying me in silence...  and confidently says "boo-boo" while pointing to a zit on my forehead.

I think its safe to say confidence boosting isn't on his toddler resume, but I'll get him back in his teenage years.

5

5 Tips for Documenting Baby's First Year

Here we are, 16 months into my child's life and I've just now managed to finish his baby book.

Initially I started filling out his first baby book but in my sleepless haze during those newborn months it was not my prettiest handwriting and some of it didn't even make sense! What can I say, I'm a perfectionist.

So for the next year I kept adding milestones and fun anecdotes to the Notes app on my phone.

Now I'm not tech savvy, but I'm pretty sure that's not the safest place for all of your offspring's most precious memories.

So now that I can officially say I finished Rowan's Mushybooks baby book, I wanted to share a few tips I learned along the way for new mamas or those who are maybe a little bit (okay I was a lot) behind!

1. Pick a book you love.

I didn't love some of the cheesy prompts in Rowan's first baby book and I honestly think that is one of the things that kept me from filling it out. So before you decide, look for a baby book with a similar aesthetic to yours, fun but not annoying prompts, and a place to hold special items.

I love the simplicity of Rowan's 'Dreamcatcher' Mushybook. There are a lot of different options (see them here!) but the 'Dreamcatcher' is gender neutral, has the sweetest prompts, and clean lines. It also has an envelope in the back where I keep his hospital bracelets, birth announcement, first hat, and the name card that was in his hospital bassinet.

I also love that Mushybooks offers additional pages for your baby shower, baptism, and even toddler pages to add to your book.  

2. Print high quality photos

This is one case where I'm really glad I filled out the baby book all at once and later on, because I had so many photos to choose from and plan out for all of the spots in the book. I highly recommend making a list of all of the photos you need for the baby book, printing them, and planning out where you want them before attaching any.

I love the look of square photos and I couldn't be happier with Social Print Studio photos! The prints are thick, beautiful, and the turnaround was really quick. I used a combination of their 4x4" squares and minisquares. Social Print Studio also has a photostrip option which I think could be really fun for baby books!

Prints c/o Social Print Studio

3.  Use the Right Tools

One of my biggest pet peeves is when my pens bleed through on my planner, so I was bound and determined to make sure that didn't happen. I highly recommend getting double-sided mounting stickers for whichever book you decide on and a Micron 03 pen. I used it on the test paper that came with the Mushybook to make sure it didn't bleed through and it writes very easily.

4. Take Your Time

There are so many memories to record in a baby book, it can be a little overwhelming to write them all down at once. Personally I rushed through some of the sections in R's first book and wasn't very happy with what I wrote.

Instead of filling in the baby book immediately, I suggest taking notes either in a notebook or on your phone and then writing everything at once at the end of the month, or every 3 months.

5. Bring the Book to the Hospital

Odds are you won't be filling out the baby book while at the hospital, but it is so much easier to ask the nurses for help with hand and foot prints! They have to do prints anyway, so have the page flagged and ready for them.

If you are redoing a baby book like I did, I suggest making a copy of the original prints on card stock and sticking them in the new book. I saved the original prints in the back pocket of the Mushybook.

I'm so glad I have Rowan's baby book done, even if it took me this long! I still plan on making photo album for each year (I've got to do something with the thousands of photos I've snapped!) but there is something really special about having a dedicated baby book to write all of our favorite memories from his first year.

Thank you to Mushybooks for providing a discount for the purposes of this post and to Social Print Studio for the beautiful prints! As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Home Sweet Ruby possible!

4

Taking Care of Self

Last week I attempted what I can easily say is the most strict diet and workout regimen I've ever been on.

And technically, I failed.

After feeling increasingly bad about myself over the course of the last few months I needed something to kick my self into gear.

Probably the biggest eye opener for me was how quickly you can pack on the pounds after weaning from breastfeeding if you don't also adjust your eating habits. Towards the end of my breastfeeding journey with R I was only nursing once a day but I had no idea how many calories I was still burning at that point.

Fast forward 4 months and it finally hit me that I've been focusing so much on my son, that my health, self confidence, and appearance had gone downhill. As a mama, its so easy to fall into this kind of rut.

So I decided to try the Tone it Up 7 Day Slimdown.

To summarize in the briefest way possible: you drastically cut carbs (this was a major problem or me pre-slimdown), up your protein and vegetable intake, cut sugars (also a huge challenge for my sweet tooth), and put in 40-90 minutes of workouts per day.

Meal Planner (Prettier versions that I love here and here)

Believe me when I say I set my expectations low for actually following this because, real life. I mean, if there is a mom that can make it to the gym twice a day she deserves a medal.

BUT.... I was hoping it would give me a jump start that I needed to take care of myself better and for that reason I don't think it was a total failure.

What I learned:

1. I was overeating, overdoing the sweets, and severely lacking in the vegetable department. I mean honestly why did I need to eat 3 macaroons instead of one? Did I really just eat 3 pieces of toast for breakfast? Why am I finishing the pancake Rowan left behind?

2. I actually do love to workout. I have always been an athlete. I worked at our gym in college. But the physical act of getting myself to the gym these days seems impossible. There is always a sick or teething babe to tend to, toys to clean up, sleep to catch up on, or a house to clean.

3. I can totally function without carbs after breakfast. Eating a burger without a bun isn't as bad as I thought. Riced cauliflower makes me feel way less terrible after dinner.

4. Meal planning (and prep!) is key. If I don't chop up all of those vegetables when I get home from the store, all hope is lost.

I may have only lost 2 pounds and worked out 4 of 7 days, but I truly think challenging myself with something like this was such a good decision.

Am I going to go sans hamburger bun forever? Heck no! But cutting back has made a huge difference in getting rid of that heavy feeling I get at the end of the day.

And a good sweat sesh on the treadmill, rowing machine, or even at home with a Tone It Up video has been so, so good. It just takes one or two workouts to break out of my slump and realize what I've been missing.

Oh and I also plucked my eyebrows, treated myself to new makeup, and picked up some new summer clothes that make me feel good. I'm still a hot mess most days, but I do try harder now.

Congrats if you made it this far with this post. You're the best. I hope if this does anything it motivates others in a similar place to do what makes you feel good!

__

Also I would be remiss if I didn't express my sadness over the events in Florida this past weekend. My heart aches for the families and loved ones of those involved. I hate that it's become so political so I'm just going to leave it at that.

16

To My Toddler...

In my moonlighting as a blogger, I don't often come across a post about the fun side of the toddler stage.

I fully admit I'm guilty of it too. Many of the text messages and brunch dates I have with my fellow mama friends involve some discussion of temper tantrums, nap strikes, and messy meal times. 

While I have no doubt we have only scratched the surface of the these toddler-isms, I've also learned sometimes I need to change my perspective. At the end of the day is it the violently refusing to eat anything but a cookie cake moment what I want to remember? No, thanks.

But there are a lot of other moments throughout the day that I do. Motherhood has been a lesson in patience, especially, for me. Lets just say it is not my strong suit. Boy, are you a good teacher some days.  

In the beginning I could never have imagined how quickly you would catch on to things, from sitting to crawling, walking to sprinting. You've now learned to identify body parts, animals, and colors in the blink of an eye. I must give your daddy that "wow he is so smart and amazing" look a million times a day.

You are trying to form words, and while mama and dada will go down as your first real words, we've enjoyed hearing the funny sounds that only parents can translate.

My favorite is when you carefully pick out a book and plop down on my lap without any regard to whether you're actually going to indeed land on my lap. I love the brief but sweet hand holding, the way you "help" put clothes in the laundry bin, and the way you are constantly feeding me your food. I assume you think I'm starving enough to eat soggy animal crackers but I assure you that is not the case.

I couldn't imagine the way my heart would swell when you do these things because it seems like yesterday we were applauding you for rolling over.

I admit some nights I can't wait for you to fall asleep. There have been days where you've forced me to question my abilities as a mom and whether I've in fact lost my sanity for good. Or those days where you'd prefer to show me where my eyes are instead of closing yours.

But most nights I have to coax myself into putting you in your crib. You look so perfect and peaceful in my arms and it takes me back to your newborn days when I couldn't bear to put you down. I'm so glad we ignored the baby books and rock you to sleep.

It's only now when you are sleeping or sick when I get to cuddle you like I did in those early days. I have no choice in the matter, you're always on the go. Who can blame you when you've got playrooms to trash and Cheerios to crush?

You leave a path of destruction in our house that I will gladly clean up at the end of the day because that means you were your happy and healthy self.

These days are so fleeting, I promise not to focus on the tough ones. Lets do this, toddlerhood.

13

5 Things Daycare Tells Me

I'm not sure if these are normal things to hear when you pick your child up from daycare, or maybe its a boy thing, but my sweet and oh so wild child has some of the most entertaining reports at the end of the day.

Here are some of the doozies.

1. School Photos

Perhaps my favorite was school picture day and the apparently Olympic-style meltdown Rowan had when the poor, unassuming photographer who dared to ask him to sit on a prop. I had no idea of this until I stopped at the desk to ask for his proofs... eager to see whether he sported his cute smile or something I'd be showing his future prom dates.

Front Desk Lady: [after searching for his proofs twice] "Ohhhhh I remember. We couldn't get any photos of Rowan because he was not having it that day."

Here's the kicker, y'all... she said, "We actually thought he was going to make himself sick so we gave up."

Whattttt. I'm not sure where that version of my child came from but I immediately apologized for his performance and exited the building.

2. The "Odd" Day

Every day when I pick up Rowan I ask his teacher how he did. On this particular day, she stopped and thought about it and all she could say was "Rowan had a really odd day."

When I prompted her for more information, she said he was good but... "He kept running up to me, pinching me in the arm, and then running away."

All I could really do with that little nugget was laugh.

3. Cow's Milk Dilemma

I haven't mentioned this here before but Rowan is currently on soy milk in an attempt to see if he has a milk allergy which could contribute to his ear infections. He was never a big fan of whole milk, but he tolerated it. Until this day, apparently.

Daycare ran out of his soy milk and mama forgot to bring more that morning. When they called to tell me he was out, I suggested giving him whole milk to hold him over. Their response? "We already tried that and he was having none of it."

Diva, party of 1 coming right up.

4. Sometimes you just have to sit

If you follow on snapchat, you've seen R sitting on (or attempting to) sit on just about everything. Plastic containers, toys, rolls of paper towels, laundry. You name it, he's sat on it.

When I asked if he did that at daycare they rattled off about 15 things, including toy boxes which he flips upside down, that he plops down on every single day.

Daycare teacher: "I've never seen anything like it."

You know when you see your kid taking things apart and studying pieces and you think, oh he is totally going to be an engineer? Well, my kid just sits on things and looks cute. Anyone have an idea of that future career?

5. The Biter

If Rowan comes home without bite marks and sans a bite report (as in, he bit another child), its been a successful day. Honestly I think his class must keep the ladies at the front desk quite busy with all of the phone calls they have to make each day because of bites.

Here's the thing... I'd like to blame most of that on him learning it from others, getting them back for days when he comes home with a full set of teeth marks stamped on his precious skin, or those damn molars that are taking forever to come in. But I'm hoping its just a phase like everything else so far. (Please mamas, tell me its a phase!)

Disclaimer: We have tried every trick in the book to keep him from biting. He laughs when I fake cry, laughs when we bite him back, laughs in the face of teethers. He doesn't get the word "no" yet, but we keep trying. Any other suggestions are highly welcome!

8

Mom-Bod Approved Shorts

I hope you all had a fun weekend! I know some of y'all up North had some cold temps but it was beautiful here so we ditched the to-do list to hit up a local festival and wander around downtown Charleston.

We over-indulged in sweets... including a red velvet oreo brownie (!!) and a funnel cake at the festival. We also thought it was high time Rowan tasted his first gelato so we couldn't pass that up before letting him run around the waterfront.

As a result of my serious lack of self control within 20 yards of sweets, I'm dreading shorts weather this year.
Last year I used the excuse of recently birthing a child for my unsightly legs. But that isn't going to fly this year. Even if I wasn't a mom, nearing my 30s and the date of my last gym appearance call for something other than a teeny tiny inseam. 

Also I'm currently on stage 3 of the Mom Bod process, just in case you're wondering.

In an effort to hide as much of my pale mom legs as possible without sweating it out in the Charleston humidity, behold... my favorite mom-bod approved shorts.

 Loft Scallop Shorts. J. Crew Factory Scallop Shorts (white is a tad see-through, so I went with navy)

Loft Chambray Sailor Shorts (also love these but haven't tried them on yet).

Loft Denim Shorts. J. Crew Factory White Denim.

 J. Crew Factory Distressed Denim Shorts. (Love this splurge pair... maybe someday!)

J. Crew Factory Pull On Shorts.  

Old Navy Linen Shorts (these will wrinkle because they are linen but for the $ and comfort, they work for me. I also love this version in red).

So what qualifies as mom-bod approved shorts, you may ask?

One. I aim for a 4 inch inseam because no one wants to see this mama chasing a toddler around in anything shorter.And before you think I'm crazy, longer inseams do not equal bermuda shorts! I'm tall so a 5 inch inseam works for me, especially with these pull-on shorts.

Two. Anything that needs ironed is a joke. 

Three. Stretchy waistbands get major bonus points.

I either own every one of these shorts or I've tried them on in store and I'm currently waiting for a sale to bring them home with me. My faves that have lasted several summers are the pull-on shorts (the best ever), dark denim shorts, and the white denim shorts. In general, Loft and J. Crew Factory always work for me because they offer so many different inseams.

Anyone else a fan?! Share some of your faves if I'm missing them!

9

Blogger Baby Registry Favorites

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to have teamed up with ten gorgeous mamas for Brittany's Baby Registry 101 series. We've all compiled our favorite registry items to make other expecting mamas' lives a little easier! Every baby is different so I love that there are so many mamas in blogland willing to share what helped them get through the first year of motherhood. Enjoy!

Hi, everyone! My name is Brittany and I blog over at Life as the Mrs. I'm married to my husband of 5 1/2 years, Brandon, and we are the proud parents of Walker (2) and baby boy #2, who is due May 25. We live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, and I'm a Texas girl through and through. As one of our friends (who is from Chicago) like to say, "You Texans are pretty much proud of everything!" I have to agree. ;)

Having had one baby and another one on the way, Brandon and I had a lot of trial-and-error with baby products. We learned quickly that what works best for some might not work best for us (or others), but once we found what worked, we stuck with it! We plan to use a lot of the same things for baby #2, but did upgrade on a few products. 

Here are my Top 5 Baby Registry Must-Haves:

1. Puj Tub: The Puj Tub is a great thing to have at your disposal once you can give baby an actual bath. This little tub uses magnets to fold and fit perfectly in your bathroom or kitchen sink, and we loved that Walker didn't slip and slide in it. The soft foam material is easy to clean, and it dries hanging flat, so you don't worry about mold or mildew getting in the little cracks and crevices. We are definitely using this for Baby #2, too! 

2. Dr. Brown's Bottle Warmer: We used Dr. Brown's bottles with Walker, and they were a lifesaver for us because of his reflux. So, I knew I didn't have to use the Dr. Brown's bottle warmer to accompany the bottles (and didn't at first and instead went with cheaper options), but we found it was the only bottle warmer that didn't leak and/or crap out on us after a few weeks of use. I did replace this for Baby #2 since Walker's got a little nasty from breast milk and/or formula spills, but that was total user error! 

3. Ubbi Diaper Pail: My sweet blogger friend Aileen recommended the Ubbi Diaper Pail to us and sang its praises -- most notably the fact that you don't have to use expensive refills like you do with other diaper systems, including the Diaper Genie (which we had with Walker and I loathed). We purchased this ahead of Baby #2's arrival since Walker is still in diapers, and we have been very impressed with it! Not only does it take regular kitchen trash bags, it condenses the smell a lot better and I think holds more diapers. 

4. Fisher Price Swing: Oh, the Fisher-Price "My Little Snugapuppy" Swing, I will sing your praises forever. Walker loved this sweet little swing (in addition to the corresponding bouncer) and took many a naps in this thing. I liked that it wasn't too complicated, was easy to clean and could rock both back-and-forth and side-to-side. We will definitely be using this for Baby #2! 

5. Wubbanub Pacifier: We used Wubbanubs from the second Walker came home from the hospital. They're little stuffed animals attached to a Soothie pacifier, which is what hospitals offer newborns (if they're pro-pacificer and you are, too) and Walker took to immediately. The weight of the animal helped keep the pacifier in his mouth, especially at night, and the older he got, the little animal made it easier for him to pick up and put back in his mouth. Plus, they're just adorable! 

Hi, I'm Julie! I'm a Michigan based Mama behind the blog - Just the Joy's. I am blessed with a beautiful sassy 11 month old baby girl and have another bundle of Joy on the way! In the short time since I've become a Mom, I've learned about sooooo many products that I've found to be life savers or some that are straight up useless. Here are some of my most used (read: wouldn't want to live without) baby registry items!

1. Portable High Chair. This item right here is hands down one of my favorite gifts we received! My girlfriend hit the nail on the head with this one! Especially because it's pink camo! Which is perfect for us being hunters... but no worries, it comes in many other colors too! We use this while camping, weekend traveling, family gatherings, or when going to a babysitter's house is needed. It could even be used at a restaurant if desired! It folds up easily and is compact. It even has a handy storage bag with a strap for over the shoulder carrying!

2. Dr. Brown's Bottle Warmer. Sometimes (read: all the time) it's all about making a Mom's life easier! Although I did breast feed, we mostly relied on pumping and bottle feeding. When you have a screaming hungry baby, the few minutes it takes to get that bottle ready seem like an eternity! I originally had the mindset that I would be frugal and just use hot water in a cup every time I needed to heat a bottle... until I went to a friend's and used her Dr. Brown bottle warmer.... less than 3 minutes and I was ready to go! Also, I love that it sterilizes the nipple while warming the milk. I also love that it fits both 4oz or 8oz bottles. You can also sterilize pacifier's or warm baby food! And lastly, it's so simple to use! Convenience for the win! 

3. Ergo Performance Baby Carrier. As mentioned above, it's all about making life easier! Having a baby carrier allows you to give your baby the attention he/she needs as well as be hands free and able to do other things such as cooking or cleaning or walking around the farmer's market without running people over with a stroller. When she was a smaller baby, I often used the Moby wrap as well. Which was very comfortable and more natural feeling, yet a little more time consuming to put on. You can also purchase an infant insert for the Ergo. I chose the Performance style Ergo because it has a breathable mesh so you or the baby don't get hot and sweaty, there's padding along the waist band as well as the shoulder straps to make for extra comfort, and lastly, it's super easy to put on! 

4. Braun Forehead Thermometer. As you may already know, getting a baby/toddler to sit still long enough for a temperature read can be nearly impossible. As if having a sick child isn't bad enough as it is! That's why I absolutely love this thermometer! It's super simple, painless, quick, and gives an accurate reading!

5. Cozy Cart and Chair Cover. Did you know that grocery store shopping carts have more germs than public restrooms?? Anyone else a germ-o-phobe like myself?! If you are, this cover is like gold! If I had to estimate how many times I've used this, I'd say at least 100 times! It's not just for shopping carts, but it's also great for restaurant highchairs!

Bonus: Fitted crib mattress and large multi use pads. The fitted crib pad is great for night time leaks and definitely saves the mattress. It fits great under a crib sheet. The large multi use pads are great for using in a bassinet or pack and play and can even be used in a toddler bed. Secret tip: I kept one in my pickup while I was pregnant for the moment my water broke and I had to drive to the hospital. My husband was thoroughly impressed that I was prepared for that moment and that I didn't leak on the leather seats! ;)

   

Hey ya'll! I'm Jessi from Jessi's Design and I am the proud (semi) new Mama to Miss Anderson Greer who is 11 months old. We live in small town Virginia and take Southern charm to a whole new level. Have ya'll seen the onesie that says "Well dressed Southern mess?" that probably sums it up in these parts!  

1. Pack-n-play: We STILL use this as our main changing station and she actually slept in this for her first 6 months of life. The newborn napper was perfect for the first few weeks and it can be removed when no longer needed. These things are so easy to take along for traveling and we have LOVED it.

2. Motorola video monitor: This monitor has been a life saver. The range is fantastic and so is the sound. You can talk to your babe through it and even soothe them with music. It is a must have for any home!    

3. Baby Brezza: We purchased the Baby Brezza at Target when Andi started solids. It was SO easy to use and so money-saving/efficient. It is an excellent way to make your own baby food and so user friendly!    

4. 4moms Plush Mamaroo Infant Seat: Ya'll, this is a MUST. It's on the pricey side but so worth it. This thing definitely got used to the max. We traveled with this everywhere we went until she outgrew it. It has the coolest movement and sound settings - I give it an A++    

5. Wubbanub: The simple wubbanub! You can't go wrong and pick out so many different animals and colors. Andi didn't take to a paci very well but loved that it was attached to a plush animal that she could cuddle!

I'm Courtney and I blog over at A + Life! I'm a stay at home, homeschooling mama to Abigail (5 years) and Mabel (10 months). I blog about motherhood, home decor, family, infertility, faith, and well- just about anything and everything. We live in Joplin, Missouri, are active in our church, and love to cheer for the Kansas City Royals(yes, we're STILL crazy excited about the World Series). I would love it if you stopped by my blog to say hello!

My most very favorite baby products are actually ALL new products for baby #2! I didn't use any of them with my first daughter, so I like to think that with some experience on my side this time around, I've really found some of the greatest baby items available.

My top 5 look like this:

1. Solly Baby Wrap: I never did any baby wearing the first time around. But it has been the most wonderful discovery for me! Mabel is 10 months old and we are still using the Solly! It is soft and comfortable. Breathable and light. We have it in a dark gray fabric, but the endless color options on their site make it hard to choose just one! I can't recommend this baby product enough. It is my top baby item rec. 

2. Little Unicorn Swaddles: These blankets were absolutely perfect for my summer baby! They are HUGE but also light and gauzy and just perfect. With so many sweet prints to choose from, they are stylish, comfortable, and such a great baby item. 

3. Rock N Play:  The RNP. Also known as a total LIFE SAVER. Mabel slept in this thing beside my bed for a solid seven months. Oh and if she wasn't napping in the Solly baby wrap, she was napping in this instead. I had heard so many people talk about this as magical baby item- but I skipped it the first time around. BIG MISTAKE. Huge! Don't skip this one! 

4. Bumbo Seat and Activity Tray: So Abigail had a Bumbo seat that she used all of one time. Her legs were way, way, WAY too fat to fit inside it. Well, Bumbo got it together and remade their seat. It's contoured differently now and is shaped way better for fat baby legs. I was sent a new seat and this activity tray to try out(actually before Mabel was even born!) and it quickly became one of our absolute favorite baby items. As soon as Mabel could hold her head up she LOVED being in this seat! She could play and sit in the same room as big sister and I and it made everyone so happy. We stopped using it once she could sit up on her own, but before then, we seriously used it all the time and really put some major mileage on that thing. 

5. Boon Flair High Chair: we just recently had a need for a high chair(perhaps I should mention that we dealt with secondary infertility for years so we sold all of our baby stuff and had to replace it all when we got pregnant again?) We started solids with Mabel around 7 months so we only just recently got a new one! After hating the space saver high chair we had with Abigail, I did some research and waited for a sale. I scored the fabulous Boon Flair for a great price! It has been amazing. Who knew you could love a high chair so much? Easy to clean, great to use. It rolls on our wood floors and has hydraulics so you can raise and lower it. Plus, it doesn't take up one of our dining room chairs. It is all around fabulous and I highly recommend it! 

Hey, there I am! Here's the deal with babies and registries. You need a lot of stuff.

 It's super easy to get sucked into all of the fancy gear and adorable toys directed towards that newborn stage. I confess that we have an abnormally large amount of swaddle blankets. Apparently I also have a thing for pants and pajamas with animals on the butt.

But once my son got to the "doesn't sit still for more than 5 seconds stage," we didn't have anything to keep him busy. We were also ill-prepared for solid food and sippy cups. So when friends ask me for registry advice, I always tells them to remember your babe is going to grow out of most of the stuff you register for and you'll have to drop a couple hundred on Amazon Prime just to keep up.

 So, I give you my top five items for after the newborn stage, which as I look at it mostly consists of meal time gear. Maybe we just eat a lot?! That white noise machine though, do yourself a favor and use that from day one. Sleep Sheep doesn't stand a chance.  

1. IKEA Highchair: So simple, easy to clean, $20 (!!), and that sweet babe of yours can use it from the time he or she is sitting up. Highly, highly recommend. Originally we registered for different highchair and the fabric was always a B to clean and it was bulky. So off to IKEA we went!  

 2. White Noise Machine: Natural white noise sound, doesn't shut off automatically, and its still going over a year later. Having something to drown out noise and mimic the sounds your babe heard before he or she was born is crucial.  

3. VTech Sit to Stand Walker: This is an all time favorite toy in our household! Mind you, your Achilles and baseboards will take quite a few hits but I think this walker was a huge reason why my son walked so early.    

4. Bowls and Cups: The suction on these Munchkin bowls ensure my son can't chuck them at the dog and after extensive testing, the Miracle 360 sippy cup is a clear winner- easy to clean and no leaking.   
5. Snack Keeper: This snack keeper can withstand being dropped (read: thrown) five thousand times and we haven't lost a Cheerio yet.

You can check out my newborn registry favorites here, see my love affair with my diaper bag here, take a peak at Rowan's nursery here, and hear my thoughts on our Britax R-Ready stroller here!

Hi there! I am Laura, mama to Presley, furmama to Finn and wife to David. When I am not heading into San Francisco for work or taking on photography clients on the weekends I am busy wrangling an active 18 month old daughter. I love my husband, my daughter, our rescue dog, our family, our friends, floral anything and the ocean. You can find me at Happily Ever Parker. 

1. HALO Velcro Swaddles: When I became a mom I was one of those that thought my daughter didn't like to be swaddled. "Oh she really likes her hands by her face" I would say. It wasn't until 5 weeks later that it dawned on me that she has no idea what she likes! So I tucked those little newborn arms under her and swaddled. It was the first time she slept over 5 hours. Velcro swaddles made my life so much easier - no tucking & folding. Just a zip and press. I like HALO for their wide array of selections when it comes to fabric, sizes and prints. 

2. Solly Wrap: I love baby wearing - in fact it's one of my most missed things about my daughter being so tiny. What I love about the Solly Wrap is that is is lightweight and breathable, convenient to ball up and throw into my diaper bag and easy to put on as well. I could wear my daughter for hours and it instantly calmed her. There are many benefits to baby wearing including promoting bonding with your child, being able to be hands free & even helps to reduce postpartum depression - just to name a few!  

3. Boppy Changing Pad Liners: Babies require multiple diaper changes a day. You will find that sometimes you are just not quick enough to catch it all. These liners made changing time so much easier. Instead of having to wash the changing pad cover each time I simply put a new liner down. Trust me when I say add it to your registry.     

4. Boon Lawn: When it comes to babies it means that a lot of washing is in your future. From clothing to bottles if something makes life easier than I am all about that. The Boon lawn is great because it collects excess water at the bottom the tray, has ample storage and a low profile. It also comes with cute accessories for things like bottle nipples and pacifiers. Bonus - it nicely dries wine glasses.    

5. One Piece Pajamas: When I found out I was having a girl I immediately began shopping. Mini jeggings and lots of dresses and bows were awaiting her arrival. Well I should have known that when she arrived it would be much easier to zip her into a cozy little one piece. We never have enough of these and seeing a baby in footy pajamas never gets old. We are big fans of Carter's fleece & cotton snug fit pajamas.

Hi it's Jillian from Cornflake Dreams. I live in Charleston, South Carolina with my husband and one-year old daughter Violet. Our family loves taking long walks around our neighborhood and downtown. 

1. Happy Wrap Baby Carrier or Solly Baby Wraps: These are great for bringing along the baby for walks. Both wraps are lightweight and breathable. 

2. Rock 'N Play: Another must-have registry item is the fisher price rock n play -- Violet loved sleeping in it and we used it until she was four months old. It was so convenient to move it around the house and she could nap anywhere. 

3. Lulujo Baby Bamboo Swaddle: We swaddled Violet from the waist down when she slept and Lulujo baby bamboo swaddle are our favorites. They are super soft and have so many uses after your little one stops being swaddled (Violet uses hers now as a lightweight blanket). I like the xoxo + twinkle stars prints.

4. Baby Bjorn Bouncer: This was our mealtime friend -- it was the only thing Violet would sit in while mom and dad ate dinner. She especially liked the wooden toy that attached onto it. 

5. Dr. Brown Gia breastfeeding pillow: Makes breastfeeding easy and comfortable. 

Hi there, lovely readers! My name is Jessica, and I blog over on a little slice of the internet called The Newly. You can find me there almost daily recounting the adventures of life with two crazy littles and a husband completing a surgical residency. Brittany and I have been blog friends for a while now, so when she asked me if I wanted to participate in this super fun collaboration, I was so excited.

When I was pregnant with my first baby - my son Caleb - I remember being completely overwhelmed by all the information that gets thrown at you when it is time to register. I would have loved a comprehensive guide to registering like Brittany has put together over the last few weeks, so I am happy to contribute what I know!  

1. Tommee Tippee Bottles: We have tried a variety of bottles, and two kids later, have decided that Tommee Tippees are the only ones for us. As a breastfeeding mama that wanted her children to be able to take milk from a bottle when needed, these just seemed to do the trick. The nipples are designed to closely resemble a real nipple...and maybe my kids are gullible. Or maybe they just work. Because both my son and my daughter have loved these bottles. Total believer.    

2. Blooming Baby Bath: We never wanted one of the big bulky infant bath tubs taking up space in our home. No, thanks. With Caleb, we purchased a foam bather that we placed in the bottom of the tub during bath time. It worked well...except for one little problem. There was no way to clean it, so after a few baths, it would have to be tossed. With Vivian,  we registered for the Blooming Baby Bath. And we have LOVED it! Its compact, soft, flexible, washable, and so stinking cute. It can be used in the sink or tub. Highly recommend.    

3. Aden & Anais Swaddles: Another product we didn't have with Caleb that we invested in for Vivian were the Aden & Anais swaddle blankets that you hear everyone droning on and on about it. Well, I can attest to the droning - they are well worth the money. These blankets are lightweight and breathable. And the size is perfect. They can double as nursing covers and infant carrier covers (keep those strangers from touching/breathing on your sweet newborn!) Trust me. Buy them.    

4. Paci Clips: I was given some cute, expensive pacifier clips as well as several of the Wubbanubs to try with both babies. But these simple Walmart clips have been more well-used than any others. They are less than $5 each, and last for forever. They wash well. The clips stay tight. Babies can't pull them off. And you don't have to worry about where baby's paci went - especially in the car while driving. Amen.  

5. Rock n Play: We had a bassinet that we used with both Caleb and Vivian, but if we did not have that, I would have bought a Rock n Play in a hurry. All - and I mean ALL - of my mama friends swear by theirs. They are perfect for newborns to sleep in during those first few weeks at home. They are easily portable and can be carried from room to room (unlike the bassinet that we used). And they supposedly work wonders with creating the perfect environment for long naps. Winning. Hope this helps! And good luck, mamas:) 

Hi, all!! I am Jess from Scott Family of Maine! We have a 3.5 year old boy, Cameron, and a 9 month old girl, Louise, so I am basically an expert at baby products! I remember registering for the first time...I think I added and deleted about 23,843 products before deciding on a final list. When we found out I was pregnant with Louise, I started looking at some new items because, let's be honest, I didn't use half the stuff I got for Cam and ended up needing completely different stuff that I had to buy. Some of these items are tried and true (rocker, swaddle, bumbo, pacis) and some items are new pieces that have worked like a charm for Louise (high chair and security blanket). 

1. Fisher Price Rock and Play: This is a lifesaver. (I might say that about everything on this list!) Both kids slept in this for naps and nighttime, until they were too old about five months. It folds up and stores easily, cleans easily and makes life easier. :) 

2. Miracle Blanket: Cameron was super colic-y, so THIS helped us so much! It's like a straight jacket for babies, but as soon as you wrap them in it, they calm down. It's also virtually impossible to break out of, so they sleep longer. 

3. Aden & Anais Security Blanket: Louise does not calm down or sleep without this. She LOVES to have something over her face (weird), and this is totally breathable. It's also small enough to bring places, so we don't worry about it dragging on the ground and getting dirty. And the silky edge is perfect for rubbing. We have six of these, in case you need to know how important they are to us!

4. Boon Flair Highchair: I totally got this on a SUPER sale, but we call it our "magic" chair. We put Louise in it, and she's fine for an hour. She could have nothing in front of her, and she'll sit in it and be happy. It's high enough to sit at our island, it's on wheels (amazing) and it's so easy to clean. (Can you tell I don't love to clean?!) If you see it on sale or you're having more than one kid, BUY THIS!

5. Bumbo and Bumbo Activity Center: A favorite for both kids. Once babies realize that they don't have to lie down all the time, they want to sit all. the. time. We used this as a high chair, before they could sit in a real high chair, too. And the activity center...great time passer before they can move around! 

Bonus: MAM Pacifiers: Both of our kids use(d) these, but I know every kid has a difference preference. The reason that I really love these is because they have ones that glow in the dark!! Hello...smartest idea ever! We also LOVE the Bob stroller, Graco infant car seat, Fisher Price swing, Baby Einstein playmat and exersaucer, Ergo 360 and Dr Brown Bottles. Hi, everyone! I'm Brittany and I'm the mama to a wild 11 month old little man named Logan. My husband and I live in a suburb of Indianapolis where we both work full time. When I'm not working or loving on my little goofball, you can find me blogging over at Perpetually Daydreaming. Here are some of my very favorite baby products to include on your registry. 

1. NoseFrida:  My little man has been in daycare since he was three months old and there is just nothing like those daycare germs! Getting sick is inevitable and when your babe gets hit, you'll want him to be able to breathe. In my opinion, nothing works better for cleaning out snotty noses than the Nosefrida. While I have a love/hate relationship with it (Love how it works, hate having to wrangle my little to use it) I consider it an essential.   

2. Dr. Brown’s Bottles and Dishwasher Basket:  Hands down the best bottles. I know lots of people swear by these, myself included. We had a little incident with a different brand of bottles where my little guy was getting too much air and it. was. awful! We switched to Dr. Brown's at one month old and haven't looked back. We like the wide neck kind because it's easier to pour formula into them. And the dishwasher basket is specially designed for Dr. Brown's bottle parts, so you know they are getting clean. 

3. Halo Sleepsack Swaddle: I love these sleepsacks! The velcro swaddles and zippers are so convenient when they are little and need swaddled and also act as a cozy (but not too hot) blanket. They are high quality cotton material and come in lots of fun prints. I also love the regular sleepsacks (without the swaddle) for when they get out of that swaddle phase. It's a safe way for your baby to 'wear' a blanket. 

4. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes: The one toy that makes noise that doesn't drive you crazy! And it actually distracts my babe from whatever fit he was having, like getting strapped into the carseat. It's also the perfect size to throw in the diaper bag or keep in the car. We started using this around 3 or 4 months and are still loving it at 10+ months. That's a winner in my book! 

5. Baby Bjorn Original Carrier: I love the simplicity of this infant carrier. A baby carrier is kind of personal preference, but I definitely consider it an essential. These days I use it when we're shopping, going out to eat and I need my hands free to carry a tray/drink/etc, or just anytime I need my hands free. He is always perfectly content in the carrier and will even fall asleep in it!  

Affiliate links are used throughout this post. These posts are not sponsored and each blogger has selected their items based off personal preferences and experiences.

That's a wrap on the Baby Registry 101 Series! Hope you all enjoyed it!

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