Tag: First Time Mom

Guest Post-Must-Have Baby Gear for First-Time Moms: A Comprehensive Guide

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 4 Comments

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting journey, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Navigating the world of baby gear can feel overwhelming with so many options available. This guide aims to simplify the process by highlighting the essential items that will make your parenting experience smoother.

From must-have clothing to crucial health and safety items, you’ll find everything you need to ensure your baby’s comfort and well-being. By focusing on the essentials, you can better prepare for your little one’s arrival with confidence and peace of mind.

Baby Essentials

Getting ready for your new baby can feel like a whirlwind, but focusing on the essentials can simplify things. 

When it comes to baby essentials, clothing and diapering are top priorities. You’ll want to stock up on onesies, which are versatile and perfect for layering. Sleepers are equally important to keep your baby cozy at night. Don’t forget hats and mittens; they help regulate your baby’s temperature and prevent them from scratching themselves. 

In the diapering department, you must decide between cloth and disposable diapers based on your lifestyle and preferences. Ensure a reliable diaper cream to prevent rashes and a convenient changing pad for those inevitable diaper changes. Having these essentials on hand will make your early parenting days much smoother.

Feeding Supplies

Feeding your baby is one of the most intimate and rewarding experiences, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, having the right supplies can make all the difference.

For breastfeeding moms, comfortable nursing bras are a game-changer. They provide the support you need and make feeding sessions more convenient. A good breast pump is another essential—it’s invaluable whether you plan to return to work or just want to create a stash of milk for those moments when you’re unavailable. Reliable pumps can also help maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement.

If you opt for bottle feeding, having a variety of bottles and nipples can help you find what works best for your baby. Some babies have preferences, so it might take a little experimenting. A bottle warmer is a handy tool to have around, ensuring that your baby’s milk is just the right temperature, especially during those middle-of-the-night feedings.

When it’s time to introduce solid foods, a sturdy high chair is essential. It provides a safe and comfortable spot for your baby to explore new tastes and textures. Baby-friendly utensils, such as soft-tipped spoons and small bowls, are designed to be gentle on your baby’s gums and easy for little hands to manage. Making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free helps you and your baby build a positive relationship with food from the start.

Sleeping Gear

Ensuring your baby has safe and comfortable sleeping gear is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. A crib and mattress should be your first investment, as they provide your little one with a secure and cozy sleeping environment. Swaddle blankets are lifesavers when it comes to helping your baby feel snug and sleep longer, mimicking the comfort of the womb. Lastly, a reliable baby monitor allows you to move around the house while keeping an ear out for your baby’s needs, providing that extra layer of reassurance during those precious sleep hours.

Travel Essentials

Going out and about with your baby requires some key travel essentials to ensure safety and convenience for both of you. From car rides to leisurely strolls, having the right gear can make all the difference in your daily adventures.

The first thing to secure is an infant car seat. This is non-negotiable, as it ensures your baby’s safety during car rides. Look for a model that’s easy to install and meets the latest safety standards. Many car seats also have a base that stays in the car, making it simple to snap the seat in and out as needed—perfect for those frequent errands and visits.

A lightweight stroller is a parent’s best friend when getting around on foot. It’s less cumbersome than other models, making it easy to maneuver through crowded areas and transport in and out of the car. Despite its lighter frame, ensure it has sturdy construction and sufficient storage space for diaper bags and other necessities.

A baby wrap or sling is incredibly useful for hands-free mobility, especially in more confined or rugged environments. These carriers allow for close physical contact, which can be calming for your baby and convenient for you. Whether navigating a busy market or doing chores around the house, a wrap or sling lets you keep your baby close while freeing up your hands.

Health and Safety

Ensuring your baby’s health and safety is paramount, as it lays the foundation for their overall development and happiness. By being prepared with the right essentials, you can effectively manage minor ailments and everyday hazards, providing a safe and nurturing environment.

Having the right tools and items on hand will make it easier to handle unexpected situations with confidence. Below are some crucial health and safety items every parent should consider:

  • Baby Thermometer
  • First-aid Kit
  • Baby-Proofing Items

Playtime and Development

Playtime is not just fun for your baby; it’s a crucial part of their development. Toys play a key role in stimulating their senses and encouraging motor skills. Books are fantastic for fostering early language skills and instilling a love for reading from an early age. A soft, colorful play mat provides a safe space for tummy time and other activities, helping to strengthen your baby’s muscles and coordination. By incorporating these elements, you’re setting the stage for a well-rounded and happy little one.

Bathing and Grooming

Bath time can be a special bonding experience with your baby; having the right tools makes all the difference. A baby bathtub provides a secure and comfortable space for your little one to splash safely. It’s designed to support your baby and make the whole process easier.

A gentle baby wash is essential for keeping your baby’s delicate skin clean and irritation-free. After the bath, wrapping them in soft towels will ensure they stay warm and cozy, making the transition from water to the outside world a delightful experience for both of you.

Conclusion

Caring for a baby involves a lot of preparation and attention to detail, but remember, you’re doing a great job! From travel essentials and health items to playtime and grooming tools, these are key components that help ensure your baby’s comfort and safety. The effort you put in now will pay off in your baby’s well-being.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or need extra support, countless resources and support groups are available to help you navigate this journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out—you’re not alone on this wonderful adventure of parenthood.

Author Bio

Andrea Gibbs, a lifelong New Yorker, balances the demands of being a work-from-home mom with her expertise in business development, strategy, and social media marketing. Andrea contributes to the Kemit Academy blog in Chicago, IL, offering insights and guidance to help parents set their children up for academic success. In her role as Content Manager at SpringHive Web Design Company, she ensures the delivery of exceptional content for a wide array of clients. When not immersed in her professional duties, Andrea finds joy in exploring new recipes and spending quality time with her family.

(Serve as reference, please don’t include this in the article)

Outbound link:  https://kemitacademy.com/our-programs/ 

Keyword: confidence and peace of mind 

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Create A Learning Nook for Your Toddler.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 20 Comments

With a busy bee of a toddler running around at all times, books and coloring are so important to have accessible when it’s time for some down time.

Redfin reached out to us and asked to write a short piece describing an at home learning area that would work well.

You can read the full article here but I thought it would make a fun post to show you the little nook my toddler has for all his fun activities.

When it comes to at home learning or activity areas it’s so important to have everything open and easily accessible because I feel like it makes less of a mess. That way your kids will see it automatically and be able to grab what they need.

I love using little bins for crayons, art stuff and activity books. I use this cute personalized basket for my toddler’s things.

Another great tip is storage cubes! I feel like they are so great for toy organizing, book organizing or even learning and school organizing.

Adding pops of colors with books and crayons are always great to keep your kids engaged.

I like to keep our seasonal or favorite books on this bench ottoman and a couple inside it as well for easy reading access since majority of our time is spent in our main living area.

Also it’s a great place to store toys away and still have your living space look nice!

So many fun ideas you can do for a little learning nook but these are some of my favorites!

What type of areas do you have for your children when it comes to their learning and activities?

Thanks for reading!

https://www.redfin.com/blog/how-to-enhance-learning-at-home-for-kids/

3am Wake Up Cries. (Exhausted Mom)

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 6 Comments

From the moment those two pink lines show up, you are being told how hard being a parent is.

Constant crying, feeding on demand, diaper overloads.

And of course those 3am wake up cries.

But they never tell you the pure emotional exhaustion you will truly feel from trying to be the perfect mom.

And I’m not talking about I’ve just worked a week of 12 hour midnight shifts in a row…I’m talking your whole body is tired, your shoulders and neck are sore and kinked from constantly looking over at your baby, chasing after your toddler. Your mind is on auto-pilot and you forever hear crying even when they aren’t.

It’s just exhausting being a mom.

Period.

There’s no explanation needed.

It’s. Just. Hard.

You put all your energy into these tiny little humans that you have been so blessed to have.

Every thought is about them now.

How do I make my baby happy today?

Is my toddler getting too much screen time?

What can I do better so we sleep better at night?

How do I split up my attention equally?

How do I keep them healthy and safe always?

How can I be better?

How can I be perfect for them?

How do I make time for my husband? For my home? For my career?

That’s the root of it all. We always want to be better, we want to do better for our babies.

We want to be the perfect mom.

The one who looks flawless without a hint of dark circles under her eyes.

The one with hair that looks like she is able to wash and exfoliate regularly.

The one who never has a spot of spit up on her clothes or the smell of it radiating from them.

The one who looks like she’s never changed a blow out diaper in the Target bathrooms in her life.

The one who’s kids look like they would never have a tantrum in aisle 5 at the grocery store.

It’s impossible.

There’s no such thing as a perfect mom.

Yes, some might hide it way better than others but we all have one thing in common.

We are all exhausted.

We are all at some point everyday dealing with diaper overloads and spit up and drool stained clothing.

Meltdowns during the day and waking up to those 3am cries at night.

So don’t ever think you aren’t a good enough mom, please.

Because we’ve all been there.

We are all exhausted.

We are all emotional.

We are all so blessed to have these babies.

But one thing I hope to never happen to any mama’s in this world? You will never be alone in your feelings, EVER. Please just know that.

And if you ever need a reminder? Well, we are here even during those 3am wake up cries.

Top 5 Tips To Become an Organized Mom.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 29 Comments

As a mom I feel like one of the biggest struggles is staying organized.

It’s a huge goal but it rarely happens, am I right?

I know in my family, I’m the one being asked what time everything is at or what day and where is this and where is that?

It’s a tough job to stay organized!! I definitely struggle on the daily no matter how hard I try. I’ll be good for maybe a week and then I slack again.

So I came up with a list for myself to help me with the areas I struggle with most in hopes that it will stick in the long run. Plus I hope sharing it will help you as well.

So let’s get started on my 5 tips to becoming more of an organized mom ☺️

1. Clean out your purse.

If there’s one thing that makes me feel like a bad ass mom, it’s a clean and organized purse and diaper bag! Throw out those random receipts, old snacks that have found their way to the bottom. Go through your wallet and organize those cards and coins. It is such a relief when your purse is organized and it’s a great start!

2. Keep a planner.

Do I have a planner? Yes. Is it halfway filled out? Also, yes. It starts out so promising but I never keep it up! A planner can be a savior in the organizing department and I’m going to try my best to stick to it! Maybe putting it on display will help my hubby not to ask a million daily questions on activities…maybe 😉

3. Use storage bins/Storage furniture.

Now this I am wonderful at! Storage bins and furniture that is used to storage is my go to! I have an ottoman that stores so many toys and I love it. I always have cute decor bins all around that hold toys and other things as well. They not only help to stay organized but it helps your house stay more picked up!

4. Meal plan.

My downfall. I am a terrible meal planner and my biggest goal is to be a great one! If I am a better meal planner I can then avoid the “what do you want for dinner?” “I don’t know, what do you want?” Argument that happens a lot. Planning dinner ahead and having a cute meal calendar is my goal! So let’s achieve it together!

5. A solid routine.

Let’s face it, it all comes down to routines! When you have a solid morning and night time routine your whole life is just so much smoother. Is it easy? No? Is it worth it? HECK YES! I strive to perfect a morning and night time routine and it’s a struggle but it’s a priority that needs to be made as we navigate through this mom life.

As I work on these organization tips, my goal is for it to help me be a better, a more calm and happy mom.

They all help make our everyday lives easier and therefore we have more time for the fun things!

What do you struggle with the most?

Let’s help each other out! Moms supporting moms it’s my favorite.

As always, thanks for reading and have a great week!

6 Rookie Mistakes New Moms Make.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 41 Comments

Becoming a mom was the best/scariest experience! Being a first time mom myself I know just how scary it can be not knowing anything.

I’m here to give you a few tips today on the mistakes I’ve made as a new mom in hopes it will help all you other mamas out there!

Moms supporting moms is my favorite thing!

Believing everything you hear.

I can’t even tell you how much advice you will get while you are pregnant or a brand new mom.

Some of it is fantastic but then there’s the horror stories and the snarky comments.

Trust me when I say, you just can’t believe everything you hear. Every parent has a different experience with parenthood. Every birth is different.

Most of your anxiety comes from listening to others and your own mind so relax mama, you’ll be fine!

Not napping while the baby naps.

I was notorious for this. I felt like I needed to get EVERYTHING done while the baby napped but you don’t.

You really, really don’t!

Take that nap, or just take time for yourself when your baby naps. It’s so important and you will appreciate it in the long run!

Comparing your baby or yourself to others.

Just don’t do it. Nothing good will come of it. Each baby goes at its own pace and that’s perfectly fine. Just because your friends baby is walking at 8 months, doesn’t mean your baby won’t be up and running around soon!

So many women I know were having babies when I had my son and I felt myself comparing and it was the worst thing I could ever do.

Just because one mom looks like a superhero by getting everything done, doesn’t mean she’s not exhausted and feeling as defeated as you are at times.

Don’t compare!

Ignoring your spouse.

I feel like the easiest thing as a new mom is to get wrapped up in the baby, it’s just the most natural reaction to motherhood.

But don’t get so wrapped up that you ignore your spouse, the one who helped create this beautiful tiny human. Yess they might seem annoying because they get out of the house daily or get to sleep more but they are feeling overwhelmed too so lean on each other.

Communicate and be kind to each other.

Take time for yourself.

Even if it’s just an hour at your favorite store or 30 minutes reading a book. Or even a nice long hot shower.

Do it.

Take time for yourself as much as you can to recharge, to clear your mind, to breath.

You’ll be a better mom, you’ll feel better and you just need to do it.

Ask for help.

As much as you want to, you can’t do everything. It’s impossible.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having a support system will be the best thing for you and your family.

Whether it’s meals being dropped off or maybe just an extra hand with laundry or dishes. The best thing I ever learned as a first time mom is definitely not to be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

I hope this helped you out mamas! And if you are a seasoned mom please feel free to leave advice in the comments below!

Always love hearing others experiences since everyone’s is always so different ❤️

A Letter From One Exhausted Mom to Another.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 45 Comments

Dear mama’s,

I wish they knew how hard we try.

Lately I’ve just been so burnt out. There really aren’t enough hours in the day.

I just can’t keep up.

For a very patient person, my patience’s has been thin lately. Juggling all our rolls is tough.

I don’t know how some make it look so easy.

Mom life

Wife life

Full time working life

Plus all the small things in between. It’s exhausting.

I yell more than usual which is no fun. But when you have a preschooler who “knows everything” and a toddler who is a pure wild child, it happens.

I feel like I’m either asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow or laying wide awake at night feeling guilty about not playing enough or not finishing the laundry or just knowing my head wasn’t in the right place that day.

I know this is just a temporary phase but sometimes even though I have all the help in the world which I am so grateful and blessed to have, I still feel alone sometimes.

Anyone else?

It just feels like you have so much on your shoulders and even when the weight is a little bit lifted, something else comes long.

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me.

I guess I’m just trying to say is that, I see you.

I see how exhausted you are.

I see how guilty you feel when you have a bad mom day.

I see the work you put in to your family and your life.

I see how hard you try every day.

I get that sometimes that’s all you want.

To be seen.

For everyone to know how hard you try.

I see all you mama’s out there and I hope you know how great of a job you’re doing.

How all these sleepless nights and tired days and exhausted body’s are worth it.

You are doing amazing.

Us exhausted moms will stick together.

Love,

One exhausted mom to another

Adventures of a Toddler/Puppy Mom.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 42 Comments

So I’m a pretty big optimist. It’s definitely one of my weaknesses but also strengths.

I had this perfect picture in my mind when thinking of getting a puppy. Anyone who knows my sweet bub knows how much he loves dogs.

Every time he sees a dog he points to them and yells dog! Excitement in his eyes. So my hubby and I were so excited at the opportunity to bring a pup home shortly after Christmas.

Well…..my son still loves dogs but a new puppy in his home getting the same attention he does?

Uhhh yeah…didn’t go as planned

I was so worried about if Boomer would bite Easton and all of that but I didn’t realize I would have to worry about bub being nice more!

I think I yell NO or STOP and there’s definitely some GET OUT OF THERE’s about 20 times a day.

But soon it eventually turned into one of those TikTok videos (if I knew how to make one I would) when they say “what I thought having a toddler and puppy would be like” then it rolls into “what I got” and you suddenly hear the bad sh*t song come on.

Not even joking, these two are partners in crime and when I say they get into everything I mean EVERYTHING.

I don’t even know what’s hidden under my couches with the little hands pushing things be the little tail wagging around.

Bub is sweet but has learned how to get into the dog food container and secretly feeds Boomer extra food even if it’s just a few pieces at a time.

I now never ever go to the bathroom alone. There is a toddler getting into the vanity and there’s a puppy getting into the bathroom trash.

When I leave the room and it’s quiet, you better bet mischief is happening.

But we are a little over a month into this new toddler and puppy life and they are slowly getting used to each other.

Yes there’s some puppy bites.

Yes there are accidents.

Yes there is some tail pulling.

But we are navigating and embracing this new adventure (told you embracing was my 2021 motto!)

And it’s been fun and exhausting and super cute and the cuddles are the best ever because I get cuddles from both and sometimes at the same time! I missed my feet being warmed by soft fur❤️

Moral of the story is, I love my little family so much! I can’t wait to share more adventures of Bub and Boomer with you all!

Embrace The Chaos.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 38 Comments

Sometimes I just feel like life flies by right before my eyes but when I look, I’m still sitting in the same spot.

Each day is a new day but it’s the same routine.

So what do I do?

Embrace it.

Embrace the chaos.

That’s my motto for 2021.

The mess of toys.

The long sleepless nights and days.

The dirty laundry.

Dishes needing to be done everyday.

The screams and giggles and little feet padding down the hallway.

The crayon marks, the carpet stains.

Everything under the sun being under your couch. (Literally, I have no clue what some of the things even are…)

And under the stove…

And of course we can’t forget the refrigerator.

The feeling of there’s not enough coffee or wine in the world to help you today.

The deep breath you find yourself taking to keep your patience going.

The ache of your feet after a long day at work.

Embrace it all because how lucky are we to have it? Honestly.

I would never want to imagine a life without it. The chaos.

Embrace it all.

You’ve got this.

What I Am Most Thankful For This Year.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 21 Comments

I feel like this year I am more thankful than I ever have been before.

2020 has truly opened my eyes to what matters most in life and it’s definitely not any type of material things that matter even one little bit. It’s people. It’s our loved ones. It’s “our” people.

And it’s most definitely health.

I know the holiday’s will be hard for everyone this year. There’s just no way of getting around it. But I still hope you can find joy and happiness in your hearts and I hope you can still enjoy this wonderful season and the memories it will still bring.

I thought today I would share with you all what I’m most thankful for not only this year but every day. Because no matter what, you can always find at least one thing you are thankful for.

My Family.

I can’t even describe to you the love I have for my family. Not only my husband and my son but just all the ones so close to me. They show nothing but support. Nothing but love and a helping hand whenever you need it. The gift of family is the best there is and I am just so thankful for each and every one of them that I get to call mine.

Health.

The health of myself. The health of my family and my friends. Now more than ever I am so so thankful for health and I’m never taking it for granted.

Smiles & Laughs.

Oh how much I miss seeing a kind strangers smile. I am so thankful for the smiles I get to see this year. You never know how much of a good and infectious thing it is until it’s covered up.

Plus, laughs with my hubby and son have just been the best lately. My husband and I will crack up about something (he’s a jokester) and then all of a sudden our little man will start laughing with us. It’s so cute!

Messes.

As much as I love a clean house, I know I am doing great as a mom when my house is filled with toys all over. It reminds me that I’m raising a sweet, playful and adventures little boy and I would take messes over a picked up, vacuum lines showing house any day of the week.

Friendship.

My husband and I are blessed with some amazing friendships. I am so thankful for the friends who are always a call or text away. They will never know how loved they truly are!

There are so many more things I’m thankful for in my life but I just thought I would share the 5 most important to me right now.

I wish you all nothing but a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. I hope your hearts fill with joy and magic and that you can spend it the best way you can.

What are you most thankful for this year?

Top 7 Must-Have List Of Baby Items.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 32 Comments

As a first time mom, I am like many of you. I thought I needed everything for a new baby.

I would spend hours scrolling and searching must need baby registry ideas and looking through the pamphlets of the stores I was registered at (while stuffing my face with Doritos, what were some of your pregnancy cravings?).

Because HELLO, it was a new baby!! It’s scary, you’ve never done this and you hear all the time that every baby is different so why not just get it all?

I am 10 months into this mom life now and I have a pretty vocal little man who tells you exactly what he likes and what he doesn’t like. The every baby different rule is so true though so of course even though these are what worked well for our baby, yours might be different.

Although I think I have picked a pretty standard must-have’s for babies so let’s get to it!

Pack N’ Play.

I highly recommend a pack n’ play! Specifically one with a bassinet attachment. That’s what we used for the first few months of the newborn stage and it was wonderful! He loved falling asleep to the soothing vibration setting and having a changing table attachment was easy for midnight changes and feedings. Plus a pack n’ play in general is just nice to have for travel, for play time, outside time. It’s so versatile!

Swaddles.

Swaddles are such a must-have item. My son loved his swaddles but once he got a couple weeks old I ended up having to keep one arm out because he loved to touch his cheek and chin while sleeping. Swaddles are such a good blanket for your baby though when they are first born.

Halo Sleepsack.

Once your baby is out of swaddles, I HIGHLY recommend halo sleepsacks. We have been using these for his blankets and I just love them. They are so soft and so easy to use and some even still have a swaddle type feature that work for that snug cuddle feel.

Fridababy Nose Frida.

I don’t know about you but I can never get those little bulb syringes to work for sucking out boogers and snot. The Nose Frida is such a lifesaver. Personally, I think it works the best for even those dry hard to get out boogers. Defiantly a must-have.

Activity Center.

Any type of activity table, jumper is wonderful. For one it keeps your baby occupied for a longer period of time and it’s also a safe area to set your baby for a minute. Ones that turn into activity tables when they are a little older is also very versatile and nice as well.

Swing and Bouncer.

My son LOVED his baby swing. We had one that ended up being a swing and a bouncer. We could always rely on our swing if we were having a hard time getting him down for a nap. Plus, when he had his first cold I slept on the couch while he slept in his swing to keep him upright and it was a life-saver.

Car Seat and Stroller Travel System.

We have the Graco stroller and car seat bundle and love it! The snug lock car seat was perfect for winter when we had to carry him in and out or click him into the stroller easily. We love the big stroller as well, it’s been so fun watching him transition into this big stroller and love it! We did also purchase an umbrella stroller too just for a lightweight one to keep in our car.

We started this blog to help moms feel connected and not alone. Being a new mom is scary and not knowing what your baby is going to want or need is even scarier!

So I hope this eases your mind a little and helps you find a starting point, because you are not alone!

For all my seasoned moms, what are some of your must-have baby items?

Do you love any of these items as well above?

Let’s chat in the comments! Thanks for reading 🙂