These posts have been highly requested! I’ve been keeping a running list of our “most used” items during Jack’s first year for new moms. I personally found it so confusing to know what we really needed and when we needed it. Of course, every baby and every family is different but I thought it would be helpful to share just like what we genuinely use a lot. There are more items that I’m sure we use, but these are the things I’d say are “musts” or “really loves” for us. I’ve compiled what we used during the first in this post and what we used in the first three months in this post…. and now I’m doing our six month list. (I think the next one will be at 12 months unless the list gets too long and I’ll break it up at nine.)
Skip Hop Activity Center// My friend’s baby is two weeks ahead of Jack and she texted me one morning saying, “Jack is four months old! You need to buy this activity center… he’s going to love it” She attached a picture of her daughter having a blast. I had actually registered for it and it was sitting in our basement. I thought you couldn’t use it until six months, but it’s 4+ months. Anyway, Jack is obsessed. OBSESSED with it. We try to limit time he spends “contained,” but he would sit in there all day if you let him. Worth every penny– and it grows with baby too, even turning into a table for toddlers down the road!
Mushroom Teether // Jack got his bottom two teeth early and I was scrambling to find something for him to gnaw on. My bumper group was raving about this mushroom teether thing and… yep, I can confirm. It’s a huge hit. I bought multiples just to have backups.
Chew Animals // This set was a Christmas gift from one of Jack’s aunts… immediately Jack fell in love with them, especially the giraffe. I like that these are flat and can easily be washed and won’t collect mold inside.
Books // A kind of self-explanatory one, but books! We’ve been reading to Jack quite a bit since birth, but he’s really getting “into” books now as part of his bedtime routine. I usually cradle him with his back against my belly and bear hug around him to hold the book. One day he turned his head back and realized that I was the one reading the book. He whipped his head back and forth between the book and me and then belly laughed every time he saw my mouth making the words out. Our favorite right now (aka the one I enjoy reading the most is Good Night, Little Blue Truck. I have it memorized at this point.
Seat // Both grandmas have this chair now for Jack. It is a great little booster chair and has a built in tray, too.
Baby Utensils // I got this on a whim in a local store and I’m so glad I did. I had longer baby spoons that are pretty popular, but they were so long that it required me to feed Jack and he much prefers to feed himself. These little utensils are the perfect size and weight. He was using them independently from day one!!! Going to buy more so I can have a few on hand and not have to rewash the one over and over.
Bib // These bibs are genius!! How did moms do it before silicone bibs that rinses off in the sink? The little pocket really does a great job at catching food falling too. (Jack has figured out that he can store food in there for later too, ha.)
High Chair // Loving this high chair so far. It’s incredibly lightweight but sturdy. It also pulls up to the perfect height for our dining room table so Jack can join the party. I also like how simple it is and how easy it is to clean. It doesn’t take up a lot of space in our dining room and it doesn’t “scream” high chair!!!! If that makes sense.
Hand Pump // This is a little bit of a random one, but I’ve been using this hand pump to express a little bit of milk for meal times. Whether we’re practicing drinking from a cup or straw, mixing it into oatmeal, or using it to scramble eggs, it’s so nice not to have to lug out the giant pump or thaw out a full bag of breastmilk.
Straw Sippy Cup // Still trying to find “the one” straw cup, but we are practicing sipping through a straw and skipping bottles altogether. I think for this, we’re still in the process of trying different kinds, but hopefully I’ll have a favorite to report soon.
Tiny Cup // Another “on a whim” purchase. Jack has been practicing to sip from a cup too. It’s so freaking cute. And it’s wild to watch him discover how to do it.
Travel Stroller// With our first big flying trip during this time frame, we used (and loved) a travel stroller. Totally obsessed with it.
Travel Crib // We also used a travel crib multiple times. This one folds up so incredibly tiny and is super easy to set up and break down. My only caveat is that Jack definitely didn’t like the mattress. We borrowed mini mattresses twice for it and I think I’ll end up buying a separate one at some point. (It’s on my to-do list….)
Zip Top Boat and Tote// I looooove LL Bean’s Boat and Tote bags. I have a large one for Jack with long handles and a zippered top and it is such a good baby bag. The zippered top is key. I use it for overnights, his swim lessons, etc.
Converse Sneakers// These are such great little shoes for Jack to wear. They are soft– and most importantly easy to put on because the top folds back with velcro. I like that they are comfortable but look like real shoes without the bulk. It’s not like he’s actually walking anywhere.
Ugg Booties// I can’t remember why I bought these, but I know it was in a moment of panic. We had been gifted a bunch of darling baby booties for winter and all of a sudden Jack’s feet were too big!! I did a curbside pick up for these and they’ve become instant favorites. They are VERY soft and quite warm and easy to put on! He also can’t kick them off at all, which is a huge win.
Patagonia Bunting // Ending with a personal fave… The Patagonia Bunting. Ugh. My heart. I love seeing Jack’s big cheeks in the baby bunting! It’s just so good and can’t be beat. Should have definitely registered for this in a few age-appropriate sizes for winter.
Stroller Gloves // The minute the weather got cold, I ordered these to make our walks a bit more bearable. 100% necessary for cold weather climates!!
So many great ideas and products! Thank you for keeping track of them all in one place! I can’t believe how much he’s grown. http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
He is so precious and adorable. Thank you for sharing all the Jack photos and info. Love seeing him grow!!!! You’re obviously doing a great job. Look at those smiles!
Year after year, I keep coming back to @shutterfly for personalized gifts that feel truly thoughtful. There’s just something special about custom gifts—they really say, I was thinking of you. From mugs to framed prints to calendars filled with favorite memories, it’s the little things that make gifts unforgettable. 🎁 Use code CARLY40 now through 12/18/24 for 40% off + free shipping on orders $40+!* Make something that means something this holiday season! #shutterflypartner
#ZarbeesPartner @zarbees is helping us get the best night of sleep possible! Our sleep routines got shaken up after Daylight Savings Time ended, so we are doing what we can to get back on track and get back into good sleep hygiene routines. I’m keeping Zarbees Children’s Sleep Gummies with Melatonin on hand and we added Zarbees Calming Bedtime Spray into our nightly routine– with calming natural lavender and chamomile to set the mood for a restful night of sleep. Plus, with no artificial fragrances, parabens, or petroleum I can rest easy, too. Buy now on Amazon! #FromOurHivetoYours
✨ leave a comment with “SKIN” and I’ll send you all the products mentioned here ✨
I turned 35 in September and while I’ve always tried to take good care of my skin I wanted to really prioritize skincare from the inside out. At this point, I’m not doing any kind of injectables (not that I’m against them broadly speaking btw... just sharing that I haven’t done anything) and I don’t want to do anything invasive. I have made some small adjustments to my everyday life though that has made a difference. In just a few months, I really think my skin has never looked better (and I include infancy here because I unfortunately had baby acne ) and I’m really feeling good:
– Fresh washcloths after cleansing skin (@weezietowels “makeup” washcloths are cute, super soft, and very practical) – @omniluxled Omnilux Contour Face (this red light therapy mask has CHANGED the game for my skin. I use it 3-4x a week and it only takes 10 minutes per session!) – @jolieskinco filtered showerhead (I’ve noticed a difference in both my skin AND hair) – @ritual HyaCera (one capsule every night– it works from the inside out to help reduce the appearance of fine lines)
While I think my skin looks great on its own right now (🙌🏻 love to say that!), it also is serving as the best base for makeup. Sharing my current everyday routine: – @supergoop Mineral Unseen Sunscreen – @summerfridays Sheer Skin Tint (shade 1) – @merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer (shade clay) – @saiebeauty Dew Blush Liquid Cream (shade chilly) – @jonesroadbeauty Shimmer Face Oil (shade cool rose) – @sephora collection Eyebrow Gel (shade ebony) – @honest Extreme Length Mascara – @urbandecaycosmetics 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner (shade demolition) – @iliabeauty Balmy Lip Tint (shade lullaby)
girlhood 🫶🏻 find friends who want to do the same little hobbies as you! Went over to @shihstitches’ house yesterday to give her some sourdough starter and go through the basics (I’m *very much* a beginner so I told her to take my lesson with a grain of salt)
PS convinced her to make an IG account! @blueskyehouse
PPS she’s convincing me I really do need a fancy range like her ✨ stunning ✨ @lacanche.usa
Just a girl searching for the perfect digital planner solution. What I have right now is working, technically speaking, but I’m working across platforms and ideally I’d love everything to be in one place. I also have calendar synesthesia (IYKYK) and I physically feel myself in space moving through my calendar, which makes finding a planner difficult because I want/need it to match up with what I see in my head I know this sounds insane but if you also “see” time, you know what I mean!
Right now I’m using: – Google Sheets to track campaigns/business line items – Google docs for writing/brainstorming – Google/Apple Calendars (somehow they’re integrated and I don’t ask questions because it just works...) – Apple Notes for daily to-dos, random note keeping, and quick jot downs – Apple Reminders for “must dos” esp w/ deadlines – Dropbox for photo/file storage
I’m craving a good ole fashioned paper planner but the reality is that I need it to be digital. I need it to integrate with my calendar and remind me of tasks. I need to be able to access it on my computer when I’m working at my desk and on my phone when I’m on the go. I need structure and flexibility?
Does the perfect digital planner exist?! Do I need to overcome my overwhelm and tackle @notionhq? Is an @apple iPad the solution? Do I just keep doing what I’m doing because it’s technically working?
If you’ve stuck around to the end, I appreciate you 🫡
I created a beautiful, custom silk photo album from @printique_by_adorama to remember my sweet dog Hamilton, who passed away earlier this year. Their layflat album captured the colors and details perfectly, making each photo feel so special. It’s a keepsake I’ll cherish forever, and I’m so grateful for the quality and love they put into every page. #printiquepartner
… and yet you must. This week has been the hardest yet. Pressure from work, pressure from myself, pressure from the world. The magnitude of reality feels too much and too heavy. Showing up for my children though when I can barely show up for myself.
Perfect! Thank you so much! Just made the biggest Amazon order because of this post 😀
So many great ideas and products! Thank you for keeping track of them all in one place! I can’t believe how much he’s grown.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
He is so precious and adorable. Thank you for sharing all the Jack photos and info. Love seeing him grow!!!! You’re obviously doing a great job. Look at those smiles!
Jack is honestly the cutest little baby around! His smile makes me smile 🙂
The age/milestone card in the photo of Jack at the top of this post is just so darling! Mind sharing where it’s from?