(((Another))) "Must Have for Baby" List --- What I'm Doing Differently the Second Time Around

I know. 

You're thinking "Geez. Another one of these lists??"

They're everywhere. You can find 723 different "Must Have for Baby" lists on Pinterest and that's just the first time through. 

But here we are. Me with another list and you reading. So stick with me because I wouldn't be writing this if I didn't want to share with you what's made my life a little easier since having my 2nd baby a little over 3 months ago. I'm giving you 6 of the things that I would've done differently with my first baby if I had it to do all over again. So here we go.

1. Bassinet

I'm aware that I'm super late to the game with this one but I didn't have a bassinet with Cali. She slept in her crib in our room because I thought "We don't need a bassinet. That's a waste of space and money". This time around, however, we bought the Halo Sleeper bassinet and it's been amazing! When Nash cries, I barely have to lift my head up to reach over and pat him back to sleep. It's the only one we've owned so I can't speak to any other brand but I imagine there are a lot of good ones out there.

2. Qalo Ring

This is weird. Right? You're wondering why I'm putting a ring on my list of things for baby? Well if you've ever touched one of these rings, you'd know why! I was instantly hooked the moment I took it out of the cute little pouch it came in. It's so soft! And light! I barely know it's there. With Cali, I didn't wear my wedding or engagement rings for the first 6 months because I kept scratching her! With the Qalo ring I don't have to worry about that. I can wipe Nash's face and butt and not have to worry about the delicate skin getting scratched while still wearing a ring to let all of those available and looking men know I'm taken. Because, ya know, dark circles and spit up really attract those single men. ;)

3. Glow in the dark paci

It took me a long time to learn this trick with Cali, but with Nash, I started right away! In the middle of the night when baby is already waking up a million times to eat, the last thing I want is for him to wake up even more because he lost his paci. This MAM glow in the dark paci helps with that! How cool?? This way when they lose it, they can see it to pop it back in themselves. You're welcome.

4. Sugarplum Lane Baby blanket

You can go ahead and use whatever baby blanket you like but if you're not using this Sugarplum Lane one, you're missing out. And you can't say I didn't warn you. I'm a big fan of supporting small businesses and so I have multiple blankets made by them. This brand is, by far, one of the best and well made baby blankets I own. Not only is it SUPER CUTE (Seriously? Look at those snow top mountains! All the heart eyes.) but it's light weight and slightly stretchy. I use it for everything from burp cloth, to swaddle, to tummy time blanket. Also, it's really well made. Durable. Which matters when I'm spending money on something. I want it to last!  And it folds up so small that it's super easy to pack in a diaper bag. This blanket fits all of my criteria. Go on, get you one! They also have a lot more cute designs.

5. Blooming Bath

Guys. This one is a game changer. This Blooming Bath has completely changed my thoughts on bathing my baby. I won't even lie. Bath time was NOT something I looked forward to. Babies are slippery and it terrified me. And Nash hated it. But our first time using this bathtub, Nash didn't cry once and I didn't have a panic attack! He can sit up by himself in it because it's a non slip material. And it's warm so he likes it too! Which means bath time is fun again! YAY!!! If you have a baby and don't have one of these, I feel sorry for you. Like, for realz. If you've been on the fence because it's slightly pricier than other cheapo tubs, I am here to tell you, it's worth it. 100 times over. Worth it. Worth it. 

6. Purse Organizer

This is more of a "hack" but I seriously wish I'd done this with Cali. I have the majority of Nash's necessities in one of these purse organizers that I paid less than $10 for on Amazon. His diapers, wipes, gas drops, extra change of clothes, face wipes, extra paci, paci clip, extra bib, etc. They all fit in this thing. I can keep his stuff separate from mine in any bag I carry. I can then either carry just the organizer (it has nifty little handles) or switch it from bag to bag effortlessly. You should try it.

So there you go. These are the 6 things I use more than any other baby gear I have. I hope it helps you! Do yourself a favor and go get you these things!