Having a second baby, at least for me, has been a completely different experience. With my first son I obsessed over what I would buy, what I would do, and what life would be like when he came. This time, I haven’t done a lot of looking around. Life with a toddler makes it hard to sit back and daydream about your next baby.
Life with two children close in age also presents challenges. I have many of the basics left over from my first son, but I have to add things like double strollers into the mix. I also know that toddlers aren’t delicate with babies. I need baby containers that protect the littlest one while I do chores or am not in sight of both of them.
And then there are the things I just want! I am making a list for my own entertainment. You can critique it or praise it and let me know what you think.
I had the immense pleasure of seeing this infant seat in action while attending the ABC Kids Expo. The idea behind it is simple: recreating the natural movement of mom or dad. Instead of a swing which goes in a line back and forth, it mimics the bouncing and swaying of a parent. I am almost afraid it will work so well the baby will never want to leave it!
I first saw this bag on Twitter. The idea instantly made sense to me. A strap that spreads across your shoulder like a sling to evenly distribute the weight is genius. I did get my hands on one while I visited Diaper Lab (an awesome cloth diaper/baby store near Boston) and fell in love with the design and strap. A good diaper bag is worth the money. Currently I own a Petunia Pickle Bottom (and a Baby Kaed I never use) but I’d love to own this before the next one gets here.
Sakura Bloom Silk Baby Slings – Artisan Collection
I admit that I have expensive taste. I don’t always get what I want, but a girl can dream. I have a Maya Ring Sling I found as a consignment store for, wait for it, 12.00! However, nothing compares to the Sakura Bloom sling. I got to try it on with my son and was personally assisted by Lynne of Sakura Bloom herself. This sling and this lady made me realize I had a ring sling that was hard to adjust and I wasn’t doing it right (not the maya, another one). I changed my ring sling tune after that. The rails glide through the rings like butter. Mmmmmm….. I would love to wear the new little guy in one of these. I am not planning on buying one unless I, a. win the lottery or b. find a great deal on a used forum.
Footed Onepiece in Chocolate by Baby Soy
My son lived in one piece sleepers and I assume the next baby will as well. I love Baby Soy. I get tired of some of the baby boy clothes out there, and finding “plain” clothes is hard. I especially love the kimono style tops they make. I want to add some of their pieces in Newborn and 3-6 months to my shopping list.
After delivering my first son in a *gasp* ordinary hospital gown, I wish I would have known about these sooner. I remember vividly how pilly the material was. I hated it so much I dunked part of it in my own pee. Well, subconsciously that was why. Really, I was hooked up to so much crap I had a hard time peeing and holding my gown. The mama behind these gowns is one of the nicest women on Twitter (you should follow her @hotmamagowns) and she is an awesome advocate for breastfeeding! The gown is hospital friendly and designed for easy nursing. I want to look and feel special on delivery day so this is on my wish list for sure!
Also on my list are a few necessities. I need a large dresser/ changing table combo that is long (not tall) with no hutch. It needs 6-8 drawers. I am having a hard time finding something with enough space.
I also need a double stroller. I am going to be honest and say I will probably never find exactly what I want. I don’t want a side by side. I want a stroller with rubber wheels, that glides well, and that folds easily. I am currently looking at the UppaBaby with the Rumble Seat and the City Mini with the Jump Seat and adapter. I have high hopes for the new Mutsy Double but it hasn’t hit the market yet!
If anyone has ANY suggestions on what else I should be considering for the next little guy please (or the rest of the pregnancy) tell me!