When I was pregnant with my first child five years ago, I had no idea what to expect (like many first-time mothers), so I thought I needed all the things. But we quickly figured out what was necessary, and what was extra “stuff” that just took up space and we never used. This second time around, so much has changed in five years. From new innovative products to cool new brands to explore, I can easily see how it would be overwhelming for first time moms. But I’m much more streamlined this time around and I know what is at the very top of my baby wish list for boy #2.
If you’re expecting or just looking for a baby shower gift, I can’t recommend these products enough. They are the cream of the crop in my opinion, my “desert island” must-haves, if you will.
Silver Cross Wave 2021 Eclipse Stroller
With my first son, my husband really wanted a jogging stroller so he could take the baby with him on his runs. But I ended up using the stroller way more for daily use than he did for jogs. I regretted having a huge, bulky stroller that was a massive pain to get in and out of doors. This time around, I’m so excited about our Wave stroller because it’s so light and compact, yet versatile. I can convert the stroller to use for both kiddos without having to buy anything extra, which is a bonus for zoo days, long walks, etc. I also got the stroller board for my 4-year-old, which he calls his “skateboard” and makes it super easy for him to hop off and on whenever we’re out and about.
Psst… make sure to read all the way through to find out about our exclusive Silver Cross giveaway!
We went through a bunch of baby bouncers, swings and activity chairs trying to find the right fit for our first son. Because we live in a small space, the Coco Go bouncer was the perfect option for us. This lightweight bouncer is adjustable to three positions and suited up with a two-speed vibration unit and travel bag, while also folding flat to take anywhere you want to go.
Another reason I love this bouncer is because of the brand behind it. This is a limited-edition collection featuring the designs of Black artists (who are also parents!). In addition, Bloom will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from each “Future Series” bouncer to Embrace Race, an organization that fights systemic racism by supporting parents to raise children who are brave, informed and thoughtful about race.
My favorite print is the “Tranquility,” shown above. You can read more about the process and the designer, R-KI-TEKT here.
Oh, how I wish I had discovered Clek when my first son was a newborn. We ended up buying a Clek Fllo when he outgrew his infant car seat, based on recommendations from one of the many mommy Facebook groups I was a part of at the time. So this time around I knew I needed a Clek infant car seat from the get-go. Not only is it hands down one of the safest car seats on the market, which is the utmost priority, but it is also ridiculously easy to install, which was always a hassle with our previous car seat. I used to dread moving it from car to car. We also love the Clek line because it grows with your family and is designed to make transporting multiple kiddos easy. All Clek car seats can fit together to make three-across seating possible and ensure a safe and comfortable option for your growing family.
Storkcraft Petal 5-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
Our house is very small and only has two bedrooms, so this time around, we didn’t have to plan out an entire nursery, but more so figure out how we could make space for our new little one. This mini crib from Storkcraft was the perfect solution to our dilemma. We will be keeping the crib in our room to start and when he’s older, moving him in with his big brother, so this mini size is exactly what we need. But don’t be fooled by it’s tiny size. This crib easily converts from a mini crib into a daybed, toddler bed and twin-size bed with two footboard options, so it grows along with baby from day one.
Diaper bags were another trial-and-error product for me with my first son. They were too bulky, or not roomy enough, or just darn uncomfortable. Plus, let’s be honest, a lot of them aren’t very attractive. This pregnancy, I’m so excited about my Holly and Tanger Pro Backpack because it’s just so darn beautiful! I can’t get over how pretty the rich navy exterior, pink interior and gold details are. It’s lightweight and water- and dirt-resistant, which I think we all know is so important when chasing littles around. It has tons of streamlined interior space for everything you need and can easily be converted from a backpack to a crossbody tote, depending on your style preference.
I was instantly drawn to the Canopy Humidifier because its the only humidifier on the market that is mold-free, because who wants mold in your newborn’s room? Canopy’s no-mist technology emits invisible and clean filtered air and prevents mold growth with bacteria-killing UV lights. It’s definitely a peace-of-mind must-have for your little one.
I have to admit, after reading stories about other “smart” monitors being hacked, I was terrified and adamant we’d never get one. But the Miku baby monitor is pretty bulletproof in that respect. It has top-of-the-line security thanks to the internal ‘Crypto Chip’ that protects the data, something no other monitor does. It’s also the only contactless, nonwearable monitor on the market while still providing real-time alerts and changes in baby’s breathing. Miku also tracks sleep patterns, room environment and basically every other thing you need to give you peace of mind.
I tried pretty much every style baby carrier on the market with my firstborn, but the ring sling was always my favorite. It was so easy to throw on and go. It also comes packed with “sleepy dust,” my son was never happier than when he was snuggled up in his ring sling. I appreciated how compact and transportable it was and didn’t require all the Velcro and buckles of a lot of other bulkier baby carriers. We got several years of use out of our ring slings, so they’re definitely something I’ll be using this time around again.
Our tiny hulk baby was a master of breaking out of each and every swaddle we put him in from day one. The only swaddle that successfully contained him was The Ollie Swaddle, so this time around I know which one we’re reaching for. I’m glad I hung on to ours for almost five years, because it turns out they’re still insanely popular and really hard to get your hands on.
This was definitely one of our holy grail products with my first born. It’s a comfy little nest for your tiny newborn designed for baby’s supervised awake time. When you work from home, it’s the perfect spot for your little one to hang out while you try to crank out some work but also want to keep them snuggled by your side.
I am so excited about my new stroller from Silver Cross and because they are the BEST stroller brand around they are giving one lucky winner a brand new special edition Comet Eclipse stroller!
Enter your email address below for a chance to win this gorgeous premium stroller. Open to U.S. residents only, winner will be contacted via email by June 2nd, 2021.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
