BABY GEAR!

When I was pregnant, I hadn't really given much thought as to what my parenting style would be. I thought my baby would sleep in her crib in our room, I would breastfeed and well, I just never gave it much more thought that that. At around 35ish weeks, I began to freak out thinking that I had nothing but a crib and dresser for my baby! I had a baby shower the next week which filled her dresser and I got all my baby gear. In retrospect, and knowing what I know now. I needed/used hardly any of it!

Bouncer:
Yeah, this one is pretty handy to have so you can take a shower and whatever. Even if its only used for a few months. We used our Boppy way more.

Boppy:
Breastfeeding is a learned art! Its easier to learn how to breastfeed WITHOUT the boppy so you don't have to haul it with you when you want to go out in those early weeks. None the less, I liked to put Nora in it when she was practicing sitting up and for tummy time. (She probably did more tummy time on my chest in all actuality)

Sling/baby carrier:
THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!! Babies that are worn are in a state of quite alertness, leading to a baby that fusses and cries less. Also in those first few months, it is nice for them to be very close to you to mimic your breathing, hear your heart and voice, and feel your warmth. Not to mention it makes your hands free! I like the wrap style carries or the k'tan. Same idea as a wrap, no wrapping or buckling. If a baby is worn, it can help with reflux or colic since the are more upright. It also reduces flat head syndrome! Since we have this portable car seats now, and all these baby gyms, and bouncer, and swings, babies spend too much time on their backs and end up with flat spots on their heads. Slings and carriers help to eliminate this.

cloth diapers:
no chemicals, faster potty learning, cuter prints, all around 10000% better than disposables. Once you get the hang of cloth and a wash routine (maybe 3 extra loads a week) its so easy. There are so many types of cloth out there to make it easy, quick and convenient. We went with Diaper Rite prefolds and covers. (I like thirsties, rumparoos, and bummis) Prefolds wash easily, dry relatively easily and get a very custom fit.

amber teething necklace:
http://hyenacart.com/stores/inspiredbyfinn/index.php?c=63&p=14913
there is a plethora of advantages from amber! go read about it!

clothes:
obviously you need clothes, grandmas like to buy these. I sale shop and consignment stores have AWESOME stuff!

Car seat:
This is something that you should absolutely buy new. Had I thought about this, I would have bought a convertible seat in the first place. I have the Sunshine Kids radian and it goes from 5lbs-80lbs.

All the stuff that is hardly or never used:

• Stoller-Its nice to have, but Nora and I both prefer the baby carrier
• Swing-She never really loved it and is now to big for it so, poop
• Crib-she has literally slept in her crib umm NEVER. It is infinitely easier to breastfeed and love on your baby when they are in your bed with you. In countries that sleep with their babies (almost all but us) they don't even have a word for SIDS. If you practice safe co-sleeping, Dr. Sears outlines this well, there is no better place for your baby.
• Baby-tub-We used this but, we showered or bathed with her way more often. 2 for 1 deal. I also got really great at washing my hair with one hand :)
• Bottles and Pacis-She never took a bottle, never took a paci. Luckily I get to stay with her all the time so never needed these and 1 less thing to wean off of!

So basically, I am an attachment parent. I just go with my instincts and love my baby close to me as much as possible!

Breastfeeding, baby-wearing, co-sleeping. best. ever.