Friday, January 10, 2014

Favorite Things Friday - Baby Gear 0-3 Months

I know the are tons of lists of items needed for a new baby, but my list is specifically items that you don't think you really need, but that make life much easier! Obviously every new baby needs clothes, swaddles, diapers, bottles, etc, and we stocked up during the pregnancy. These are the items that didn't buy ahead of time because I thought I could make do without them. After bringing Cooper home, we ultimately got them. 

1. Homedics Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier ($60) When we brought Cooper home, he was walking up every day very congested. The pediatrician recommended a humidifier. I didn't really do much research on humidifiers, just went to Shopko and this one was 40% off that day. It includes 4 sounds, lullaby, heartbeat, summer night, and white noise. We don't use the sounds very often, but we instantly noticed a difference in his congestion! 

2. Boppy Cuddle Pillow ($30) I had annoying hip pain during by pregnancy so I bought this pillow to sleep with. If worked great for that, but also makes a great nursing/bottle feeding pillow. I didn't think I would need a nursing pillow, but once Cooper was here and was so small, it was nice to have this one to use. 

3. Prince Lionheart Deluxe Dying Station ($12) I started out leaving pump parts on towels or paper towels to dry. It really didn't work well as I would have to flip the items to get all parts dry. Before Cooper came home I ordered this drying rack and love it! I picked it because of the reviews on Amazon. I feel like I wash tons of bottles, pump parts, pacifiers, toys, etc, and this rack really does hold so much! 

4. Fisher Price My Little Snugabear Cradle and Swing ($140) We got the Snugabear bouncer and I thought that would be enough, that didn't think we would need a swing. Once Cooper was home, I realized the bouncer was ok, but the swing would be even better. The bouncer was great if I needed to have Cooper near me in the bathroom or kitchen, but he didn't sleep well in it. The swing is like magic. The swaying motion and rotating bees lull him to sleep. It's tucked away in a dark corner of the living room, so I only use it when he is ready for a nap.

5. Kidcraft Adjustable Stool for Nursing ($40) We have a wonderful glider in the nursery, but 
after a few nights of feeding Cooper in that glider, I realized I needed something to prop my legs a bit higher to be able to glide comfortably. I chose this one from the Amazon reviews and my parents sent it to me for Christmas. Thank you! I wish I had this a long time ago! 

I already have a few items picked out for my 3-6 month favorite things, but I'll save those until his adjusted age is 6 months.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Big Cooper

Cooper got his monthly synagis shot on Thursday, which means they had to weigh him for the dosage. He was 10.5 lbs! That means he gained almost 2 lbs in a month! He is still below the growth chart, even for his adjusted age, but he's getting closer to the curve! I'm hoping that at his 6 month well baby check he will be at least on the lowest line. They did not measure his height on Thursday, but Jake and I have both noticed that he seems a lot longer, so I'm interested to see if he's finally on the chart for length as well.
Here's the latest picture of Coop.  He enjoys bath time, and only gets mad when I clean under his chins.