Friday, January 13, 2012

Baby & Toddler Favorites :)

Lots of friends (especially new moms) ask me what my favorite baby & toddler items, stores, etc. have been.  Well, here they are! I am by no means an expert, but these are the things that I have LOVED for Connor.

Favorite Baby & Toddler Items:
1. Dr. Brown's Bottles

These bottles were the BEST for Connor! Connor had acid reflux when he was really small and was also colicky.  These bottles have a vent system that helps prevent air bubbles, which means fewer upset tummies!  The down side... there are LOTS of parts to wash.  6 parts per bottle to be exact.  I also recommend the wide-mouth bottles for breastfed babies because they position baby's mouth similarly.   Also... the BEST ADVICE someone gave me when I was pregnant with Connor was to buy 1 bottle of a few different brands to see which works best for your baby.  BEST ADVICE EVER! I plan to buy Tommee Tippee, Breastflow, and Dr. Brown's Wide Neck Bottles to see which works best for Liam. :)

2.  Angelcare Deluxe Movement & Sound Monitor


This is by far my FAVORITE baby item.  I'm totally one of those moms who was checking to make sure my newborn was breathing ALL. NIGHT. LONG.  I purchased this when Connor was only 3 days old and I WILL have another one for Liam too!  This is not only a sound monitor, but it also monitors baby's movements.  The sensor pad goes under baby's mattress and it can feel the tiniest movements (breathing)! If the monitor doesn't feel movement for 20 seconds an alarm sounds.  This is totally worth it just for the PEACE OF MIND! lol

3.  Thirty-One Bags

The organizing utility tote makes the PERFECT diaper bag! I have a black one with Connor's name embroidered in red.  I'm LOVING this one (pictured) in the Pin Dots pattern for a combo bag for Connor & Liam.  I want to monogram a large "S" for Shacklett in baby blue on the bag too!  And seriously, where can you get a diaper bag this cute for $25??

I also have the picnic thermal tote in black with Connor's name embroidered in red.  I LOVE it! It is perfect for packing his food/drinks/snacks while Momma is away at work.  I REALLY want this one (pictured) in the Harvest Plaid pattern for my combo bag for Connor & Liam!  I think it would be sooooooo adorable with a big "S" monogrammed in brown!  It also looks super cute with the Pin Dots diaper bag!!! :)

4. Mam Pacifiers
MAM Start Pacifier 0+ Months BPA Free 2Pack - Blue - MAM Baby  - Babies"R"Us
I LOVE these pacifiers.  How adorable are the newborn pacis above??  They are so tiny and perfect for those tiny mouths.  My absolute favorites by Mam, though, are these:
MAM Baby BPA Free Night Time Pacifier - 6 Months - Boys - MAM Baby  - Babies"R"Us
They are the glow-in-the-dark pacis!  They make hunting for pacis at 3 am sooooo much easier! lol

5.  The Safety First Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat
  Safety 1st Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat - Lemans - Safety 1st  - Babies"R"Us
Love, love, LOVE this car seat! I did lots of research on seats before I picked one, and I have been sooooooooo happy with this seat! I feel like Connor is very well protected.  On the downside, its big, and takes up a lot of room, but he's totally worth it! ;)

6.  Organic pouch Baby Food
Plum Organics Just Fruit Baby Food - Mangos - Plum Organics  - Babies"R"Us
I loved baby food pouches! They were soooooooo much easier than jars and plastic containers.  I tried to make some of Connor's food, but let's face it, that didn't happen very often.  I LOVED the fact that these pouches were made from organic fruits and veggies, and were super easy for on the go!  My favorite brands are Ella's Kitchen and Plum Organics! :)

7. California Baby Products
 California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion - California Baby  - Babies"R"Us
I SWEAR by these products.  I LOVE the Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion, Calming Body Wash & Shampoo, as well as the Calendula Cream! They are a dream!  The best part is that they have absolutely NO harsh ingredients.  Every single ingredient is super safe for baby's sensitive skin! I even use they products myself!


Favorite Stores:

8.  Etsy

Personalized Infant Gown
I LOVE Etsy! It is such a great website for finding unique, personalized, and adorable baby finds!!! I have bought several things for Connor off of the site. Right now, I'm totally digging these gown and hat sets by Chez Whimsy. I think this would be sooooooooo cute for Liam's hospital pics!!!

9.  Children's Place

I love this store for many reasons! I can always find something adorable (which is hard to do with boys), they always have great deals or coupons, and their clothes just fit Connor "right."  I love the clothes in many other stores, but have trouble with fit sometimes.  I NEVER have issues with clothes from here fitting my little man.  I also swear by their stretchies (pajamas - pictured).  They are super comfortable, affordable, soft, and zip!!! No snaps for this Momma! lol

10.  Pottery Barn Kids


I absolutely LOVE this store! I have found soooooooooooo many great, adorable finds for my boys!  Here's a sneak peek at what Liam's nursery will look like! (pictured).  You'll have to wait to see the rest when its finished! ;) I'm soooooo excited! I think his room is going to be ADORABLE!!! I also happen to be a sucker for a monogram, and they pretty much monogram everything! lol

Favorite Books:

11.  Super Baby Food


 I adore this book: Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron.  She is fantastic!!! Not only does she provide recipes for homemade baby and toddler foods, but she provides an abundance of information pertaining to health and nutrition for babies and toddlers...broken down month by month!  This book has been my "food bible" for Connor!  As a first time mom, I had LOTS of questions and she answered every one! 

12.  The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding


Another Favorite: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the La Leche League.  This is my "Breastfeeding Bible!" lol  I have read tons of books on breastfeeding and this is by far my favorite and the one that I feel is the most helpful!  It answered every question I had and has great resources for additional help!  I was constantly using this as a reference! Love, love, LOVE it!


I'm sure there is a lot more that I could add to my list, but I don't want to keep you here all day! ;)  What are some of your baby/toddler favorites??? I'm always curious to know what ya'll like too!!

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