Life with the Gavos Family

First off, I am going to say one of the best things I have heard and read:

Every.Baby.Is.Different.

Every.Baby.Is.Different.

Every.Baby.Is.Different.

It's as simple as that. What has worked for me and Caroline may not work for you or anyone else for that matter. I read that Babies are like "snowflakes"... each one unique in their own ways. So true!

There have been some things that I have found are life-changing...and some things I have kinda been disappointed in. So, without further ado, here are some of my Baby Recommendations:

MUST HAVES: (for the first 3 months at least....)

1.) Books. I know what you're probably thinking. Just bear with me.

The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg
This is a must-read, and an easy-read. I would highly recommend reading it while pregnant instead of a couple of weeks in while you are struggling to stay awake :) It goes through feeding (whether breast-feeding or bottle-feeding) and setting a sleep schedule. Highly important!

On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo
This is very similar in theory to the Baby Whisperer book, although this one is more theory/research-based and Tracy's book is more anecdotal. Both are incredible and both are highly recommended by many! Also, there is a blog that goes along with this book--written by a mom who helps you learn how to implement their philosophies. IN-credible. Seriously. Just go visit it once and tell me you don't get sucked in reading. OK, well, I did. I digress...

**NOTE: If I had actually read either of the above books BEFORE I had my daughter, it would have saved me a lot of anxiety, worry, and tears. I attribute the fact that Caroline is sleeping 11-12 hours per night at 3 months to these books. And God's grace. Period.**

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Mark Weissbluth
I am still in the process of reading this, but this is one of those "life-changing" books... I don't know if I could think of anything more important than how to make sure your child gets the most/optimum amount of rest at any given age.

Baby Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields
This book is seriously amazing for when you are pregnant. I bought this before I started registering and it saved me a LOT of time and energy researching products. Little do you know before you have a kid HOW many products you will need... And the ratings...and certifications...and recalls... oh my! I was able to figure out which crib to buy, which alone, made the $12 price tag worth every penny. It also helps you figure out what products you can save on, and what products are "you get what you pay for"...

2.) Carseat: Graco Snugride Infant Carseat--up to 22 lbs.
I chose this carseat, not only because it has some of the highest crash test ratings, but because it is the lightest carseat on the market. Without a baby inside, it weighs something like 7lbs. Your arms will thank you. Promise. **It also is able to "snap" into most stroller systems if you don't want to get the plastic stroller/travel system that goes with all of their carseats.

3.) Stroller: Baby Jogger City Mini
We weren't able to get a big jogging stroller (like the BOB, (highly recommended by many) which we're going to save up for :) However, I didn't want to get a travel system from Graco because I am not a fan of the plasticky looking strollers. That's just my own personal preference, though. I digress.... The City Mini (and most of the other Baby Jogger brand-which are all awesome!) folds up very easily... no-ridiculously easily... Watch here

I was also able to purchase a bar that clicks into the stroller so my carseat can fit right on top... Which allowed us to only have to purchase one stroller at this point so we didn't have to wait until she could hold her head up.

4.) Nap Nanny
This is an infant sleep-aid/positioner that allows babies to sleep at a 30 degree incline. This is extremely important when they have Reflux (and Caroline has a monster case of it) or even for when they have colds--you can keep their heads up to help with congestion. A wonderful, wonderful friend recommended and allowed us to borrow hers, but I think we'll probably buy one before we have our next kiddo. It is a bit pricey, but it was so worth it for us.

5.) Crib: Graco
Most people go to furniture stores and buy a whole set of baby furniture...which is great. However, cribs and baby furniture are very tricky because of the ratings. Many of the same brands go by their own name, but it's really the same crib from the same manufacturer. If that makes sense... My first thought was that I would get our crib from Pottery Barn Kids- thinking this would be a "you get what you pay for" type of deal... Not. At. All. Pottery Barn Kids and Restoration Hardware (two of my favorite stores) both got C-ratings on their cribs. Not quite what I was hoping for.

Graco cribs are made by La Jobi (Who also makes Babi Italia and Bona Vita cribs) and the Graco line is not only cost-effective, but is certified and A-rated. Our crib was a mere $160! Crazy, huh? If you just search Graco crib in Amazon or Google, you will see they have many to choose from. They are all made of wood and are definitely good quality. We chose the Graco Lauren in espresso.

**Side note: There was a Graco Crib recall back in April, but that was for drop-side cribs. Basically all drop-side cribs are being either recalled, or just plain phased out for potential safety hazards. We have a stationary crib.

6.) Sleep Sheep
Cloud B makes these little stuffed animals that play white noise/nature sounds. It's awesome! You can travel with it too...

7.) Oxy-Clean Spray
This spray works SO well on all of Caroline's burp cloths and clothes... I'm on my 2nd bottle in just 3 months... it's crazy how well it works though! I found ours at Target.

8.) Swaddlers
I should have put this at the very top, because this is SO important! I still keep Caroline swaddled, even at 3 months, and she sleeps great! I know that most of that can be contributed to swaddling her. Here are 2 must-haves:

Aden + Anais Swaddle Wraps- made of lightweight, breathable cotton muslin, they are so perfect for Texas. You can also continue to use them after the baby grows out of being swaddled. Plus, they have very cute prints! She has some great information on the website plus a video on how to swaddle.

The Miracle Blanket- This is a straight-jacket for babies, but that is why it works! I swear by it- I use it every day! If swaddling tightly works for your baby, I highly recommend purchasing at least 2. I only have one, and I wish I had bought a second one! They have more colors than just the natural colored one. I have a white with pink trim one. **Do not mistake other brands as the same thing... this is the only one that gets the swaddle this tight. It's a no-brainer for parents... you always get them perfectly tightened up.

9.) Dr. Brown's Bottles
These bottles are seriously the best. I have had several friends use them, and overheard many conversations in baby stores talking about how these bottles got rid of Colic. Now, I don't know if I would go that far, but they do make a HUGE difference as far as preventing bubbles in the milk, and therefore, bubbles in their tummies. They have a couple extra parts you have to keep track of/clean, but if I had to go back, I would still pick these.

10.) Ultimate Crib Sheet
This is a sheet you put over the top of the crib mattress, so when they have a blowout or pee through their clothes, you don't have to take the fitted sheet off the mattress. They are completely machine washable and dryable and you barely even notice them in the crib because they cover the entire mattress.

So, those are my must-haves for the first three months at least... I know there are more, and I'll add those over time when I think of them.

WAH, WAH, WAH...

Here are a couple of things that I thought were duds:
1.) Itsbeen Timer
In theory, it's great. Helps you keep track when you're nursing, their naps, changing, etc... But, it's not specific enough and it doesn't save data. So, it's only good since the last time you fed, changed, or napped... Also, if you have an iPhone, they have an app for that. :)

2.) Any swaddler other than Aden + Anais or The Miracle Blanket. Waste of money.

I know there were more duds, but I can't think of them off the top of my head... I'll add to them later if I can ever remember them! :)

I thought you were supposed to "nest" when you are pregnant. I really didn't do much nesting because I never felt good enough to care. Well, I guess it's catching up with me. I have been going nutso with to-do lists (I'm guessing to keep my head straight after all of this brain power loss they call Mama Brain). Our pantry has been driving me crazy for the past few months. We are usually in such a hurry that we just throw stuff in there and things have lost their places.... So, today while Caroline was taking a nap (actually during 2 naps), I rearranged our pantry. And I feel better, slightly proud of myself, and slightly embarrassed that I am so excited about a pantry being cleaned out.