Monday Must Haves: The First Year

Now that we have all made it through the first year alive, here are the top 5 things we could not live without:

1.  A WubbaNub

I was VERY anti-pacifier from the beginning.  To me, it was just a habit that would need to be broken and I was breastfeeding.  We lasted 3 days without the pacifier.  Our son would scream for bath time, diaper changes, when he was hungry and the WubbaNub bought us 10 extra seconds of peace.  So while he might need to attend Pacifiers Anonymous, at least he's calm.

2.  Bibs

LOTS and LOTS of bibs.  I love the ones from Carter's that velcro on the side because they are easy to remove when your baby falls asleep and they won't scratch the back of their neck.

3.  Medela Pump In Style Advanced breastpump

I exclusively pumped, so a good one was a must.   The Pump In Style Advanced was recommended to me by quite a few people and it is still kickin' after a year of being used 6 times a day.  A good piece of advice given to me by a lactation consultant was: "Buy a pump from a company that specializes in pumps.  Not a company that also makes radios, cameras, etc."  Makes sense.

4.  Playtex Nursers 

We tried EVERY bottle under the sun - no joke.  In desperate times of spit-up and gas, someone gave us a Playtex Nurser.  I'm sorry but I don't need an ergonomic bottle that also holds my iPod, just give me something that works.

5. A Glider & Ottoman

You will be spending many long nights in this chair so get one that's comfy.  I know they look a little dated and basic, but the tall back, padding and ottoman that moves is a winning combo.