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Reviews

Must Haves for Mom

Breastfeeding is probably the most difficult and rewarding things you can do for your baby. It’s also a personal decision and no woman should feel like she is any less of a mom if this is something she can’t do or decides it’s something she doesn’t want to do. Breastfeeding is a huge commitment and for me it didn’t come naturally. I spent a lot of time crying because my nipples were blistered and bleeding and baby was hungry and wasn’t cooperating. I was the sole food source for this helpless mini-me and I had very few moments for myself, most of which was concentrating sleep.

If you have decided you are going to breastfeed I would say the number one thing you must have is a Nipple Shield. These are great to help prevent nipple damage or even give you nipples time to heal. Also, some baby’s have a hard time latching on and a nipple shield helps the baby latch on correctly. You can buy these online or I found them at Baby’s R Us and at Burlington. Also, you can request one from the nursing staff while you are in the hospital.

“For any woman having a horrid time trying to breastfeed in the beginning, I’d recommend trying a ‘nipple shield.’ It’s just as it sounds, a small plastic cover for your nipple. It provides a small defense for the bleeding tissue beneath and allows the baby to suck the milk through a small hole. This proved to be my only savior while breastfeeding my first child. -Megan”

Halo Innovations SleepSack Premium Microfleece Wearable Blanket Yellow Halo Innovations SleepSack Premium Microfleece Wearable Blanket Yellow

Though no one knows for sure how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), current sleep recommendations advise parents to put babies on their back to sleep. Halo Innovations founder William Schmid lost a daughter to SIDS in 1991 and is now devoted to creating products that encourage healthier sleeping environments for babies. The Halo SleepSack is a wearable blanket, that eliminates the hazards of loose blankets, which can bunch up and cover an infant’s mouth. Sleeveless and collarless, the SleepSack wearable blanket is easy to slip on a sleeping or wide-awake child. Unlike blankets, it can’t be kicked off, so your baby stays warm all night — and breathable fleece absorbs moisture, preventing overheating. A top-to-bottom zipper eliminates neck pinching and makes it harder for an older child to unzip and disrobe. SleepSack Premium Microfleece Wearable Blanket


Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Tank Black Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Tank Black

This essential nursing bra tank just got a super-stylish makeover with its longer length. Wear it with your favorite low-rise pants and skirts — under a shirt or on its own — for coverage just where you need it. Its slimming design offers postpartum tummy coverage with built-in soft cup frames and elastic shelves for total breast support. The adjustable shoulder straps feature one-handed release clasps that are flush to the fabric, so they’re virtually undetectable. When you open the flaps for nursing, a light mesh liner holds nursing pads in place. Nursing Bra Long Tank


Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder (2-Pack) Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder (2-Pack)

This nifty little feeder allows your baby to enjoy all the delicious flavor and nutrition of whole food while reducing the risk of choking. Simply place age-appropriate foods from fruits and veggies to meats and snacks in the mesh bag and snap it shut. Your baby will learn to chew tiny pieces of food that come through the mesh. An added bonus: It works like a strainer, leaving peels and seeds from fruits and vegetables safely inside the bag. Fresh Food Feeder (2-Pack)


Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe Microfleece Infant Wrap Ivory Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe Microfleece Infant Wrap Ivory

The Swaddle Me Infant Wrap is a cozy microfleece wearable blanket that eliminates the hazards of loose bedding, while keeping your baby warm all night. In addition, it has been found that infants sleep better and longer when swaddled, or wrapped securely. The Swaddle Me Infant Wrap is easy to slip on and wrap around a sleeping or wide-awake baby. The bottom pouch pops down for easy diaper changes while your baby’s arms are still wrapped, and the back has slits for car seat/swing harnesses so that a harness can be attached securely. Cute styling features two little bear cubs on the hook-and-loop closure panels. SwaddleMe Microfleece Infant Wrap


Philips / Avent Express II Microwave Steam Sterilizer Philips / Avent Express II Microwave Steam Sterilizer

This compact sterilizer, which holds four bottles, nipples, and caps, works in your microwave yet provides the same hot steam cleaning as electric models. All you need to do is fill the sterilizer with 200 ml. of water (clearly marked on the included Avent bottles), load it with your feeding supplies, and put it in the microwave on high for about four minutes. Allow the unit to cool for two to three full minutes before unloading it will emit hot steam as it cools. The unit is about the size of a large mixing or salad bowl and can be used to clean anything made from microwave-safe plastic, from toddler cups to pacifiers. It also holds Avent’s
Isis breast pump with accessories. Express II Microwave Steam Sterilizer


Graco Lovin' Hug Swing Graco Lovin’ Hug Swing

Solid and secure, the Lovin’ Hug Swing encloses your baby like a secure embrace. It includes features parents look for in a swing, such as six speeds, soothing music, a reclining seat, and a tray that flips open with one hand for easy access. Plus it folds for portability.

Made in China Lovin’ Hug Swing


The Boppy Company Boppy Pillow with Slipcover Baby Animals The Boppy Company Boppy Pillow with Slipcover Baby Animals

This new and improved Boppy now has a center stretch panel to fit every waist size and includes one cotton/poly blend slipcover. Place the pillow around your waist to reduce arm and back strain while your baby nurses or bottle-feeds. Or, put it on the floor as a soft circular support until your infant learns to sit up unassisted. It’s also excellent for tummy time. The zippered cover is machine washable and easy to remove. Boppy Pillow with Slipcover


Graco Cool Mist Humidifier 4 Gallon Graco Cool Mist Humidifier 4 Gallon

Graco packed this high-performance humidifier with smart features. First, it automatically maintains whatever humidity level you set. Second, it has a dishwasher-safe tank and tray so it’s simple to clean. And, it includes a tank that’s easy to fill, a QuietMist setting that lets your baby sleep peacefully, an easy-to-replace drop-in filter, and TrueAir technology for reliable performance. Cool Mist Humidifier 4 Gallon


Graco Margo Pack N' Play Portable Play Yard Graco Margo Pack N’ Play Portable Play Yard

A best-seller year after year, Graco’s sturdy and convenient Pack ‘N Play remains a parent favorite. The practical Margo model features a full-size bassinet for your infant, removable changer, and wind-up mobile. It’s hard to imagine all this folds into a carrying bag for easy toting, but it does! Margo Pack N’ Play Portable Play Yard


Fisher-Price Lil' Laugh 'n Learn Bouncer Fisher-Price Lil’ Laugh ‘n Learn Bouncer

With the kick of a foot or the bat of a hand, your baby can activate the lights, music, and animal sound effects on this bouncer’s removable toy bar. A smiling puppy, bunny, and kitty dangle and bounce amid the sparkle of a light-up bumblebee and shining sun. Calming vibrations work wonders to soothe your baby. Lil’ Laugh ‘n Learn Bouncer