My Top 20 Baby Musts

I, again, was visiting my #1 online shopping spot this evening. I often rate and critique products. I know how much I use other buyers' feedback; therefore, I try to pay it forward. So, I decided to make a list of all of the items that Heath and I have been so thankful for in this first 8 months of raising Lucy -others are just Lucy's favorites.

Please know that there are many other things that we needed and are thankful for; but, these are the little 'extras' that have made this process so much easier! They are in no particular order.

EDIT: If you liked this post, you may also like 'My Top 20 Baby to Toddler Musts'.

1) The Boppy

I have no idea how Heath and I would have made it through the first month without this holder. Lucy would feel like we were still holding her; therefore, we were actually able to eat every once in a while! Also, when I was breast-feeding, this was a great arm rest. I was able to have a free arm.

2) Graco SwingThis swing plays a heart-beat sound that put Lucy right to sleep when she was a newborn. Also, her car seat is Graco and can be added to the cradle (just take the current one out). So, after car rides, we don't have to wake her; we just put her on the swing cradle and go about our routine.

3) Video Monitor Heath found this video monitoring system. It is really more like a security camera. We mounted it over her crib. It puts my mind so much at ease. Also, it is not a constant sounding monitor. When it is quiet in the nursery, there isn't any sound omitted. When Lucy cries, the sound kicks on and an alarm goes off. Finally, it hooks up to the television too for a picture in picture view. We will watch a movie and Lucy will be in the corner sleeping like a log.

4. Pacifiers (or "binkies" - in our house) Just when you think you have enough pacifiers, buy another package. We have already lost 4. We just had to buy some more. Now granted, your baby may not be a binkie baby. Perhaps you could leave them in the package until you know for sure. Lucy sure is and she LOVES them!

5. Baby Orajel

This one is clearly on my mind because we are right in the middle of teething! We use this all the time. It calms her down almost immediately.

6. Playtex Bottles with Drop-Ins
This is probably, purely a preference thing. My family all uses drop-ins; so, naturally, I did too. But, honestly, we favor these bottles over all our others. It seemed to be the best for not making her gassy as a newborn and now they are the easiest to mix formula in. Making an 8 oz. or 10 oz. bottle in anything else is a mess!

7. Changing PadWe decided on not getting a changing table. We just didn't think we'd use it enough to warrant buying one. So, we use changing pads. I have to admit though, we don't use these, above. We use Dollar Store pads - hey, they work! :)

8. Car Seat Cover I had Lucy in the dead of winter, so we used this a lot. It was so nice not to be fighting blankets and it didn't lay directly on her face. Plus, it kept her very toasty in there!

9. Diaper Genie II (Elite)I had heard both good and bad things about this product; but, we thought, hey, why not try it out ourselves. Oh, how thankful I am for it! It isn't too ugly to put in Lucy's room, it's short enough to fit in a closet (if need be), and it truly does keep the smell in. I highly, highly, recommend it to anyone, as long as you don't mind buying the refill sacks (about $6 every 6-8 weeks, for us).

10. Usborne Books - Touch & Feel

We recently bought some touch and feel books from an Usborne Consultant and Lucy just loves them! We have the one above and we also got another one about animals. They are thick and durable. Here is a link to their website: http://www.usborne.com/. Also, I know a consultant, if you want to make an order or have a book party! :)

11. Rubber Duckies

This is a Lucy favorite. She loves playing with them in the tub. The little ones are small enough for her to grab onto easily. She chews on them through her entire bath.

12. Baby Bath TubI know a lot of people just go from sink bathing to the big tub; but, we enjoy our baby tub. She started as a newborn in the sling and she continues to use it now without. The only issue we have is where to store it. It ends up just staying in the tub; we move it in and out when we take showers.

13. 'God Gave Us You'
This story is just so touching. Lucy isn't old enough yet to understand; but, I am excited for when she can. It is all about a couple planning for a baby (getting the nursery ready, the growing belly, being excited). It is very sweet and it tells a story so much like Heath and me, getting ready for Lucy - adorable! (Thanks Gigi!)

14. Sleepmate Sound Machine
This machine started out as Heath and mine, in the master bedroom. I used to live near a highway and silence just doesn't work for me. So, we had this and turned it on every night. It makes just a real hollow-type sound, basically white noise or 'whooshing.' Anyway, we had Lucy sleep in our room for the first two-months. She was next to my side of the bed and the sleepmate on the nightstand. Needless to say, when she made the move to her nursery the machine had to go too. It took us about three nights to figure out that is what she needed to sleep.

15. Sleep-Sacks

Again, since Lucy was a winter baby, we used a lot of warm items. Because of SIDS, we didn't want her to sleep in the crib with a blanket. Also, Lucy has to have her arms over her head when she sleeps; so, swaddling never worked for us. These were a great was to keep a 'blanket' on her, on cold nights. I just wish they were easier to find!

16. Razz-Berry Teether

This is another Lucy favorite. She could chew on this thing for hours. It can also be put in the refrigerator, to cool down like other teethers. Warning - keep bibs on standby; they will drool a LOT.

17. Play Gym

Before Lucy was mobile, this was her favorite past-time. We don't have this exact one, but a similar one. It folds up easily too for trips or to get it out of the way.

18. Graco Pack N' Play This system was a great addition to our Graco set. Although we didn't really use the nap area or changing table, we did use the crib aspect. This is where Lucy slept for the first two months and when she stays the night at Mimi's house. She is big enough now that we use it as a play pen; but, she still naps in it occasionally.

19. Gas Relief Drops I can't forget these! When she was a newborn, I swear she was always gassy! These drops would work within about 10 minutes.

20. Vibrating Chair We have two different vibrating chairs, this is one of them. As a newborn, she loved to nap in her chair. It was comforting. Now, she likes to nap in this one because she can play and rock before hand. She'll be playing pretty hard and next thing we know, she's asleep. :)

There you have it. My recommendations for the parent-to-be. Any moms out there have any other recommendations? What could you not live without, then or now?