Calling All Mommies!

One of the most difficult parts of being a new mom is knowing what brands to trust when it comes to baby gear and other important baby-related items. I already look back on the past three months and think about some of the purchases we’ve made that had we been veteran parents, we may have registered a bit differently. We switched baby bottles after realizing our Lifefactory glass bottles were leaving Sophia extra gassy thanks to too many bubbles and too much air getting in during feedings (although they will be put to good use because they can easily be turned into sippy cups for when she’s older). I wish we would have done more research when it came to picking out a carseat because I’m finding our Graco Snugride35 a bit cheap – the protective visor lets in too much sun (why do they put a window opening on top of those things??) and it leaves most of her body exposed, even with the bottom protector on. I would have invested in one of those really nice baby swings that I swore were just way too ridiculously expensive. I also would have purchased a nice bassinet instead of using the “napper” attached to our Pack N Play (although Sophia did really like the vibrating aspect of the napper…she just outgrew it too quickly!). Now that we’re moving beyond the newborn stages into infancy, I’m beginning to do some research on some of our next purchases. I’m looking for some input and advice from fellow mommies (and daddies) on what may have worked (or not worked) for your kids to help guide our selections.

First up: the high chair. We purposefully didn’t register for one when we found out we were expecting. I feel like this is one of those purchases that I wanted to wait on for the simple fact that Sophia wouldn’t need it for a few months and we wanted to be sure we got more of the items we really needed in the earliest months. Also, we knew there was a possibility we’d be getting a new kitchen table prior to her using the high chair so we wanted to wait and see what we could accommodate. We’re still waiting on the table but I have a pretty good idea as to what we’re looking for. I go back and forth between getting a full high chair or one of the “me too” chairs that attach directly to the table. Perhaps we’ll end up with both as she grows!? So I’m looking for suggestions on favorite brands, features, or anything else I should be looking for when it comes to selecting a high chair.

Second up: brand of rice cereal. We’re hoping to start Sophia on rice cereal when she’s four months so we have just a month to go! I have been doing so much research on different brands and talking with fellow mommies about their favorites. I’m particularly interested in whether certain brands cause extra gas or extra spit-up since Sophia appears to have a sensitive stomach. I’m looking at organic brands and those that might be readily available at local stores (think Target, Walgreens, Pick N Save). Anyone have experience with rice cereal? Do you have any recommendations on feeding gear (bowls, spoons, etc.) that we should have on hand as we dive into the world of rice cereal, oatmeal, and homemade baby food?

Third up: baby sign language resources. I am so excited to start signing to Sophia and for her to begin to understand the signs and sign back. I think it’s incredibly helpful when babies can communicate their needs and research shows that using sign language as an infant and toddler helps improve verbal skills as well. Research suggests that infants can begin signing back as early as 6-8 months but they can actually begin learning the signs much sooner so we’re preparing to start signing in front of Sophia. Our childcare center also uses sign language and since Sophia will be there two days a week so we’ll also be teaching her grandmas (who will also share in childcare responsibilities) and other caregivers the basic signs so that Sophia can have consistency. With that said, I’m looking for good baby sign language resources – there are so many out there and I have a few that come recommended on Amazon but I trust personal experiences more. Has anyone used baby sign language? Any books, websites, or videos you recommend?

I’m sure this is the first of many times I’ll be soliciting advice from fellow mommy readers so I appreciate all the input and suggestions you may send my way!