Tag: Rookie Moms

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.

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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!

Motherhood Takes A Village.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 20 Comments

I want to start out by saying you mama’s or dads who have to do it alone… you are pure super hero’s.

This raising kids thing? It takes a village.

What a scary week we had last week.

There is nothing worse when your little is sick and they have no way to tell you what is wrong. My heart was literally breaking last week when my bub got sick. Thankfully we are on the mend but holy cow.

You know what though? I literally have no idea what I would do without my husband, my family and my friends and that is where this village thing I am talking about comes into play.

When I’m feeling overwhelmed and on my last straw, Elle Woods break down throwing chocolates at my TV screen, I am so happy for my husband. My rock. My shoulder.

When I have no clue what I am doing on this new mom life adventure, when I have so many questions and just want a seasoned mom by my side I am so happy for the ladies in my family and in my life (they know who they are!) coming to my rescue.

When I just want to talk about something other than motherhood, when I want to gossip and girl chat and send funny memes and talk about just life in general I am so thankful for my girl friends!

It just really takes a village in this motherhood game.

You need your people. You need those breaks. You need that support. You need a glass of wine or two every once in a while. You need a date night without the kids. You need to take care of yourself.

You need it all to stay sane. To not lose yourself. To keep that little fire that makes you, you.

These littles of ours deserve our unconditional love 24/7. So that’s why I’m telling you, create your own little village to help you be the best you can possibly be! And to help them too.

Lean on your partner.

Reach out to family.

Message that old friend.

Join a mom group.

Do whatever it takes to be your best self.

Because motherhood sure does take a village.

Welcome To Quirky Workin’ Moms!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 15 Comments

Hello everyone, we are so happy you dropped by on our new blog!

We just wanted to take a few minutes of your time to say hi and introduce ourselves and what you can expect from Quirky Workin’ Moms.

Meet the moms behind Quirky Workin’ Moms.

We are Amanda and Marissa. We both live in Michigan and we are actually family by marriage but best friends by choice. We both work in Optometry and love it and you guessed it we are both moms!

Here is a little about what we both will be bringing to the table on this new blogging adventure.

I’ll start off, I’m Amanda.

I’m twenty-six and married to the biggest sports fanatic. We have a sweet 9 month old baby boy named Easton. He currently runs the house even though he can’t even walk yet. I’ve actually been blogging for about five years now and when Marissa & I decided to start Quirky Workin’ Moms I was excited to jump right in! I love spending time with my family, devouring romance and thriller novels, eating cheeseburgers and having the occasional glass of wine or margarita when I’m out and about. I’m excited to bring to you the struggles of being a first-time mom, the happiness with hitting every new milestone and just what juggling being a wife, a mother and working full-time is like for me. So I hope you will stick around and be sure to check out my posts every Monday.

Hi! I’m Marissa,

I’m twenty-eight, I married my high school sweetheart, and we have two of the most beautiful girls. When Amanda approached me about writing a motherhood blog, I just could not resist. I enjoy baking and doing crafts with my girls. I’m excited to learn more about my most recent hobby: gardening. As a mom of two older girls, 9 & 6 (and a 1/2), I want to show you that those long nights with the teething baby to those long days with a crazy and sassy toddler are worth it. That what you do in those first few years, will cultivate your children to be little ladies, and little gentleman! I’m so excited you’re here, and can’t wait to share with you the many adventures of motherhood. Be sure to check out my posts every Thursday.

Here on Quirky Workin’ Moms you will find real life parenting tips, fun family activities, family recipes that are kid and baby friendly. You will get first time mom stories to seasoned mom advice with two school aged kids and lots of every day life chit chat in between.

So grab a glass of wine every Monday and Thursday night and follow along with us Quirky Workin’ Moms! We are so happy you are here 🙂

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