Favorite Things

Having a baby has definitely been a learning process!  I have to admit I was pretty clueless.  I used to babysit when I was younger, but I didn't have a lot of newborn experience...  Plus, I'm pretty sure all the rules have changed since then anyway!  Luckily, I had friends & family members to offer advice.  There are several items that I attribute to my survival over the last ten weeks.

The Happiest Baby on the Block book

I have to admit, I haven't read the entire book but the pointers on the five "S's" definitely helped with Alex.

Summer Infant SwaddleMe Cotton Knit

Speaking of the five "S's", we used regular blankets to swaddle Alex at first, but he was able to easily break out of them within a week or two.  This velcro contraption does a much better job at keeping him contained.  When he gets tired, we just have to wrap him up & he usually falls asleep right away.  He stays asleep longer, too!

Exercise Ball

Not your normal baby product, but it's been a real lifesaver!  Alex loves to be held while you bounce on the ball.  It calms him, puts him to sleep & is pretty much baby magic.  My friend Alisa told me her daughter loved bouncing on the ball, so I tried it one day when Alex was the Crankiest Baby on the Block.  Bam - success!  My back felt like it had been attacked by a jackhammer by the end of the first day, but it was worth it.  And I'm happy to report I can now bounce on the ball for hours without much pain.  :)  One downside is not being able to take it with me wherever I go.  There have been several times at restaurants, stores & the doctor's office where I needed the magic ball!

Baby 411 book

I've had this book at my reach since Alex came home - it has been extremely helpful!  It's exactly what it says it is - clear answers & smart advice for your baby's first year.  It's easy to find information & I've only whipped it out about a million times to look up something.

Mommy's Time Out

Since I'm not able to put Alex in time out yet for not doing what I want, I sometimes have to send myself...  Again, not your typical baby product but a necessity for my sanity!  :)  And remember people - if Mom's not happy, no one's happy!

I still may be fairly clueless, but I think we've done pretty good so far.  What do you think, Alex?