Sunday, December 29, 2019

Baby Registry Must Haves for 2020

There are a million little things to think about when you are planning for a baby. That is why we put together this baby registry must Haves checklist. 

From one mom to another, having the right gear makes a big difference when the transition to life with a little one or adding an additional member of the family. The handpicked items are all to support you in living a connected life and creating a bonded family.

See our top pick baby registry must Haves for 2020 and let us know what you pick as your splurge.

Baby Registry Must Haves for going out with baby

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This section is all about going out and about with baby. After all, one of the first things you will do is drive home from the hospital, which means, you must have a safe car seat. Without one, the hospital won’t let you leave.

Britax Clicktight Convertible Carseat is our number one car seat pick for a new baby.

The Britax is our favorite because it is soft, comfortable, stylish and much less expensive than its number one competitor the Nuna Rava. Britax products are advanced safety tested and are one of the very few brands that are flame retardant free, (so is the Nuna).

I also like that if you start with a convertible car seat, your child can have one seat from the time she is born until the time she is ready for a booster. However, if you want to be able to pop the seat out and carry the car seat with the baby in it or click the car seat into a stroller, you want the Britax B-Lively Travel Stystem instead. Typically an infant seat is used for the first 6-9 months and then you will need to purchase a convertible seat anyways.

Lillebaby is our number one baby registry must have for babywearing.

One of the most popular parenting trends is babywearing. This is because babies that are held more are less fussy, more attached and mom can get a few things done while still holding her baby.

Our favorite carrier is the Lillebaby. This is a buckle carrier that allows you to click baby in and out easily. Lillebaby’s number one competitor is the Tula Free to Grow. Both carriers are fully adjustable and come in several beautiful patterns. Choose Lillebaby if you have a long torso and Tula if you have short torso.

If you are going out with your baby often, you NEED a BOB stroller.

Why are moms so passionate about their Bob strollers that it is our number one baby registry must have in this category? Because a BOB can literally do everything. Bob strollers are tough enough to take on your daily run either on smooth sidewalks, or even the trail. I haven’t met a place I couldn’t get my Bob. Yet, when I am not running and want more control, I simply switch the lock on the wheel and have a stroller that can easily maneuver through a crowded mall or Disneyland.

The downside to a Bob is that it is big and your baby cannot face you. If you really want something small and light then go with a more compact stroller.

If you want your baby to face you while you walk, you HAVE to have the Stokke. There is nothing like it.

Baby Registry Must Haves for a Squeaky Clean Baby

Bath time is one of most baby’s favorite times. A few toys and a little soap and you are good to go. Here are our favorite bathtime goodies.

Bath toys such as these Rubber Ducky Alphabet Toys, Stack Cups, Bath Toy Organizer, and Tear-Free Waterfall Rinser are all under $10. They are easy for people to add on to an order and will make bath time so much fun.

Every baby must have their own bath towel!

If you want to have an extra daily dose of adorableness, make sure to add these hooded bath towels to your baby registry. Elephants, Dinos, Unicorns and Lambs. Grab a couple and enjoy those post-bath snuggles.

A Blooming Baby Bath really makes bathtime so much fun.

These adorable bath chairs fit easily in the sink really makes bathtime so much easier. Not only are they cute and make totally adorable pictures, but it will save water, save your back and save time. This is one of those things you must add to your baby registry. Even though your baby will graduate into the bathtub around the time they can sit, this makes those first few months so much easier.

Your registry needs those practical grooming basics that are easy to forget.

Make sure to add a couple of packs of baby washcloths, the BabyGanics Essentials for your soap and shampoo, a baby grooming kit, a baby thermometer and a Nose Frieda to your registry. I can guarantee you will use every single one of these things.

Baby Registry Must Haves for Sleep

You probably need to decide where your baby is going to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that your baby should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months. This means you need a practical way to keep baby close.

Lulyboo Bassinet is the best cosleeper you must have on your registry.

What I love about the Lulyboo is that it is soft and comfortable and cute and extremely practical at the same time. You can place it near your bed or even on your bed if you want your baby close. Are you traveling? no problem, it rolls into a backpack and baby’s bed can go with you wherever you wander too.

There is nothing as sweet as a swaddled up little baby snuggled up in their bed. Make sure to check out our post How to Swaddle Like a Pro Mom.

Baby Registry Must Haves for the Nursery

Eventually, you will need to set up the nursery and crib. Make sure to et a simple crib with no bumpers on the side and a crib mattress. You also need 2 mattress protectors and 2 sets of sheets.

Here’s a quick mom tip. When you make up the crib, put down the mattress protector and sheet. Then on top of that, add the other mattress protector and sheet. Then when inevitably you need to remake the bed in the middle of the night, all you have to do is strip the dirty sheet and cover off.

A little heart mobile hanging over the crib will add a dose of love and give baby something to look at.

Baby Registry Must Haves for Dealing with the Poop

Okay, I know you know this, but there will be more poop than you ever knew existed. Get a diaper pail, changing pad to go on the dresser and keep a diaper caddy in your living room.

Mom, you need to think about your poop too. Add a squatty potty to your bathroom to help you prevent hemorrhoids and poop easier after birth.

Baby Registry Must Haves To Read

Get Your Baby’s Library Started with these Must Have Baby Books:

Some people like to add a book to their gift instead of a card. Why not give them some good ideas? Here are a few of our favorite books for the baby’s library.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Baby’s Very First Things to Spot: Out and About

Baby’s Very First Black and White Library

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Tap the Magic Tree

The Runaway Bunny

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA

These books would be great resources for mom as well:

You Are Your Child’s First Teacher is great at helping moms create a rhythm and home life that sparks joy.

Dr. Sear’s Baby Book is an excellent resource for any problems that arise with the baby.

Wonder Weeks is perfect for helping mom know what developmental leaps are happening, how to support baby in different stages and what to expect in each month of her baby’s development.

Divine Birth is the book I wrote which will help moms prepare for an empowering birth either in the hospital, birth center or at home.

Baby Registry Must Haves for Playtime

I wish every mom and baby had a Love Every playmat. This playmat has vibrant colors, five playstations and is the only playmat that grows with your baby. It will still be used well into toddlerhood. The mat also comes witha play guide, giving you ideas of thing to do each moth. It is truly a wonderful wonderful gift.

A few other baby registry must haves for playtime are:

Babys first set of blocks

A set of crochet fruit and veggie toys

These adorable animal teething toys

A cute elephant rattle

Baby Registry Must Haves for Feeding

This is what you need if you are breastfeeding:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a book that all breastfeeding moms shouls have to reference. Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t alwasy come naturally. This book will help as your face any challenges that pop up.

A Haaka pump will help you fix engorgement issues, and catch and leaky milk that happens the first few weeks you are nursing. Make sure to grab a few milk storage bags to stash your supply.

Nipple cream will sooth any soreness (but if our nipples are cracking, call a lactation consultant.)

A Boppy nursing pillow will help you stay comfortable as you figure it all out.

This is what you need if you are bottle-feeding:

If you are bottle-feeding, grab the Dr. Brown glass bottle starter kit. This has everything you need to get started. An extra couple of bottles couldn’t hurt either.

Here are your baby registry must haves for when baby begins to eat solid foods:

Start by grabbing a Baby Led Weaning Book that will help you know when your baby is ready for solids and give you healthy ideas for first foods.

Then you need plates, like these cute fox plates, utensils, sippy cups, travel cups, and spill-proof snack containers.

Don’t forget a couple of bibs and a space-saving highchair.

The number one baby registry must have: You!

All this stuff is useful and will make life with baby easier. But a the end of the day, what your baby wants most, is you. DoEnjoy the things you like. Remember, you matter too. Bring things into your home that spark joy. Share your joy with your baby. Congratulations mama!

The post Baby Registry Must Haves for 2020 appeared first on She Births Bravely.



source https://shebirthsbravely.com/baby-registry-must-haves/

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Diastasis Recti Pictures That Will Give You Serious Recovery Motivation

I didn’t have to look at pictures of diastasis recti pictures to know that my postpartum body looked and felt like an unfamiliar tiger.

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❤❤❤ Repost @postpartum ・・・ Dear postpartum self, 1⃣ You don't have to justify yourself by showing your tiger stripes but if you're courageous enough the share, all the power to you. 2⃣ Not because you're not always brave enough to show your stripes doesn't make you less of a mother or a woman. 3⃣ Not everything needs to be on social media to make it real. 4⃣ You're beautiful and YOU ARE ENOUGH no matter what your post partum belly feels or looks like. 5⃣ Don't let anyone judge you for who you are and what you want to share in this space. 6⃣ Ignore (stop defending) the hurtful, the mean and the bullies that invade this space of yours. Your happiness depends on it. 7⃣ If someone in this space isn't appreciative of you and continues to be negative it's because they can't accept how determined and how hard you've worked to get where you are. IT'S NOT YOU! 8⃣ Keep on being happy, you deserve it. Look at how far you've come (and continues to) mentally, emotionally and physically. 9⃣ I get it, you still have some difficult days but they're few and far between and that's ok. You don't always have to feel like yourself. 🔟 And lastly always love yourself, or at least keep on trying to love every part of you. It may take some time (a long time) but never give up. I know… There are days where you won't want to look at yourself in the mirror… And that too is ok. Just know your little humans love you unconditionally no matter what or how you look. With all the love, Your dearest self. . Repost @denupzter • • • • • #teamself #postpartum #thisispostpartum #this_is_postpartum #postpartumbody #postpartumdepression #honormybody #honestmotherhood #motherhoodsimplified #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodunhinged #ig_motherhood #inspirepregnancy #takebackpostpartum #shape #transformationtuesday #postpartumfitness #postpartumbelly #postpartumhealth #postpartumsupport #postpartumcare #postpartumfitnessjourney

A post shared by MUTU System (@mutusystem) on

On the one hand, life came through me. I loved the magic of that fact. On the other hand, my postpartum body was different than I expected. It didn’t feel like magic.

I wanted to love myself the way I was. I wanted to embrace the postpartum beauty. Because that’s exactly what it is, beauty. But I still struggled.

After learning that most of my aches and pains were actually diastasis recti symptoms, I knew that I would heal and feel like myself again soon.

Now, as a doula I often have women ask me about their postpartum bodies.

Yes, it will always be different. No, it should not ache or be in constant pain. Often when you heal your DR you will feel more gratitude, appreciation, acceptance, and love of your journey.

These diastasis recti photos show you both the beauty of the postpartum moment and the promise of healing and recovery ahead.

Beautiful Postpartum Diastasis Recti Pictures

What do These Diastasis Recti Pictures Show You?

You know you have diastasis recti if you see any doming or coning in your abs when you lie down or get off the floor. The crevice you see between the abdominal muscles is diastasis recti.

You can test to see if you have diastasis recti by clicking here.

Diastasis Recti Before and After

Does Your Belly Look Like These Diastasis Recti Pictures?

If your belly looks like these diastasis recti pictures, you need to know that it is NEVER too late to start healing.

Decide if you want to work with a physical therapist or not. .

To find a physical therapist, ask in your local mom’s group for someone who works with postpartum moms. Often working 1 on 1 with a specialist will give you immediate clarity on how to heal.

Long Term Healing for Diastasis Recti

Often when you work with a physical therapist, you will see them one to eight times depending on the severity of your diastasis recti. Many moms like to continue (or start) their work with a core strengthening program specifically designed to help with diastasis recti.

I highly recommend MuTu System, which I have personally used to relieve my diastasis recti symptoms.

You can hear other mothers talk about their success in healing their postpartum bodies here.

MuTu is a medically recommended exercise program for postpartum moms which helps them recover awareness of their pelvic floor and heal diastasis recti.

It will help you gain confidence in how your body looks, works and feels.

These are the results women report after trying this system:

  • 94% of women with diastasis recti/ separation of the stomach muscles reported an improvement after using MUTU System
  • 92% of women with diastasis recti/ separation of the stomach muscles reported an improvement after using MUTU System
  • 89% of women with diastasis recti/ separation of the stomach muscles reported an improvement after using MUTU System

I feel confident recommending this program because I have felt these benefits myself.

diastasis recti before and after

Do you have any other questions about diastasis recti? Leave your question in the comments below.

The post Diastasis Recti Pictures That Will Give You Serious Recovery Motivation appeared first on She Births Bravely.



source https://shebirthsbravely.com/2019/12/05/diastasis-recti-pictures/