Hit the 32 week mark. Both Benson and Taytum were born at 38 weeks, so I like to think I have 6 weeks left. That means the countdown is on, and it’s really past time for me to have accumulated all the necessary baby items.
By baby number 3 I’ve learned what my must-have items are and what I can certainly live without. For me, there are THREE categories that an item must fall under for me to consider it a must-have:
1. Hands free
2. Good sleep
3. The Essentials
Good Sleep: DocATot- Here’s the thing, sleep is a MUST so if you haven’t heard of DocATot, it is a co sleeper/baby lounger. Making this my number 1 MUST-HAVE. I can not tell you how many people have raved about this co sleeper as a miracle worker and life saver. Obviously, it won me over at sleep, but these reviews made me feel safe and comfortable using it with my newborn. DocAtot has two sizes, grand and deluxe to fit sweet sleeping babes between the age of 0-36 months. The DocATot is super easy to pack around and is light weight. It is handmade in Europe and 100% cotton. Benson strongly believes it is for him, and not the baby inside mommy’s tummy. It has a handles on the sides of the lounger making it easy to pack around, and DocATot make travel bags for them as well. The DocATot comes in a variety of prints so there is something for everyone’s style. I am skipping a pack N play this go around and using the DocATot in replacement for traveling back and forth, work, and home life. I don’t own a car seat just yet, but best believe I have a DocAtot! I posted a link to the DocATot we received compliments of DocATot below for you guys!
THE OUTLET: Deluxe+ Dock – Carrara Marble
Hands Free: The Tula Baby Carrier- HELLLLLO! Benson was and still is attached to me at my hip. I mean, at age 3 he holds my hand while we walk around the house together…I am not even exaggerating, ask anyone. SO, as an infant a baby sling was everything. There are a ton of slings and carriers out there but I am tellin you mommas you want quality. The Tula is MY FAVORITE. I have the free to grow carrier, along with the Ring Sling. I can easily use either whether around the house multi tasking or out and about running errands. I prefer the Ring Sling early on during the itty bitty newborn stage, and the Free to Grow for a few months in+. I posted the link to shop Tula below!
The Essentials: There honestly is very few things Benson or Taytum really needed that going into baby 3 I was reminded to be prepared for. But MY essentials are not only necessary, but must-haves!
1. Matimati Bibs- Both babies were so spitty. Matimati has such great quality bibs and they are super trendy, I can always find one to match the baby outfits! I know the vanity aspect isn’t everything, but I remember carrying around full sized towels for spitty babies and/or crying that his perfect outfit was covered by an oversized plastic looking bib. Those days are over. Bibs can be such a cute way to dress up your already cute baby. Check them out below!
2. Ryan and Rose Binki-Clips- This mama uses the bink. And..it saved my sanity. However, the worst thing about binkis is having to hunt them down. Promise you, my best friend and neighbor held onto an emergency bink for me so that I could rush over when I couldn’t locate any other binki around my home. Binki clips can prevent that panic moment and lengthy tantrum from occurring. Again, not about the vanity aspect…but I cringe when I see a binki clip that says “I love dad” stamped on a big plastic clip (Don’t kill me if you own one). Make your life easier, and have your baby fashion on point with the cutest binki clips from Ryan and Rose.
3. Coveredgoods Nursing Covers- These babies double as a hundred other things. Swear it. Coveredgoods has nursing covers that are so versatile you get way more bang for your buck. These nursing covers can also work as car seat covers, an infinity scarf, and a shopping cart cover. I’m a big germaphobe so I’m personally a big fan of using as a shopping cart cover! Which ever way you choose, it’s awesome that you can use it so many different ways, and who can resist the cactus print. NOT ME!
4. Jujube diaper bag- Why? Functionality. I’d even consider this hands free. The B.F.F. diaper bag can be worn as a messenger bag or a backpack. Versatililty so if you were conflicted about which style you like, you get both in one to transition with. The bag has tons of pockets for organization, a memory foam changing pad, and two bottle holders that are insulated to keep products hot or cold. The bag is machine washable and comes with gold metal hardware. The style of preference for me is the Monarch. I’m a simple gal but I love the classy look of the bag for work..I’ll be baby wearing, diaper bag carrying for the first 3 months back at work so momma’s gotta look good and I will with my Jujube!
5. Rags- The coziest, comfiest clothing for babes of all ages. They are MY favorite and Benson loves them too! Not only do they have a comfy fit that makes Benson’s little body look so darn cute, but they are fashionable AND functional. Rags have no snaps, they are super easy to take on and off, and they look amazing. One thing I really love is that it’s 1 piece of clothing so if you’re running late, it’s quick and easy to get the kids dressed and they’ll still look adorable. I used to buy a lot of kid clothes but I’ve really stepped back from that because quality over quantity, right? Check them out below, I highly recommend.
6. Piper Finn Footwear- because….shoes are life. Right? The cutest oxfords, 100% genuine leather, AND super reasonably priced. MOM WIN. They are so soft, flexible, and breathable for little baby feet. The infant sizes are soft soled but for those older kiddos they make them with a hard sole. They have an abundance of adorable prints, choosing one is impossible.
Rolling with Lemons 