Newborn Essentials

Newborn Essentials

I just recently gave birth to a baby girl on April 24, 2015. She's healthy and very much look like her dad :) I must say having a newborn is not easy and you need all the help you can get. Besides family members, I have some products and tools that help me care for my newborn. The products I mention is what had help me and I hope it might help you too. Please keep in mind what works for my baby might not work for you and these products are just a suggestions.

My baby 1 month old

1. Play yard-Safety 1st Sweet Wonder Play Yard

One of our most use item in the house. I have a two story house and we keep this one downstairs. Great for changing and sleeping during the day. It saves me from going up and down the stairs. The storage space we use for diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, hand sanitizer, clothes, burp cloths and other items. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/34391024?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227022870487&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40331744192&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78293019752&veh=sem

2. Bathtub-4moms Infant Tub

Another most use item in the house. My baby loves bath and this bath tub is great. It shows the perfect temperature for a bath so you don't have to worry if the water is too hot or cold for the little one. It is also big enough so that your little one can bathe comfortably. I use a sponge cushion to give my little one more support (this sold separately). 

The tub: http://shop.4moms.com/shop-infant-tub/

The sponge cushion: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12293405&cp=&parentPage=search

3. Wipe Warmer-Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer 

I didn't think that this item was a necessity at first but my mom convince me to get it; and I am glad I did. My little girl doesn't care for a cold wipe in the middle of the night. This warmer made midnight diaper change a bit more enjoyable. 

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3557338&cp=2255957.2273443.3426509.3242095.3242098&parentPage=family

4. Swaddle Blanket-Aden & Anais Swaddling Cloths

Moonlight

Swaddling blankets are a must for my little girl because she loves to be swaddle. Any brand will work however I love this particular brand because the material is very nice and thin (muslin) but warm enough for her. It's also very large which make swaddling easier. 

(Target also carry this brand and sometime you can find them at Marshalls for less)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aden-anais-swaddling-cloths-3-pack/3429507?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Moonlight&resultback=467.27271714486386

5. Mittens-Gerber Girls Light Purple and White Texture Mittens

We all know that newborn baby has long and sharp finger nails and they like to scratch their face. My little girl born with long fingers and this particular style of mittens are the only ones that can fit her hands and stay on her; other mittens comes off. This mittens only come in pink and white (for girls) and blue and white (for boys). I bought 2 sets of them. 

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=52425446&cp=&parentPage=search

6. Nursing cover-Udder Covers

                           Natalie

I love these covers because it gives you privacy while you are nursing in public. They look very cute as well. 

https://www.uddercovers.com/cart

7. Swing/Rocker-4moms MamaRoo

4moms MamaRoo infant Seat - Multi-Plush

This is ours with infant insert

My little girl loves to be in motion and she loves the mamaroo. It supposed to mimic mother movements so that it will comfort baby just like when she/he was in the womb. 

8. Diaper Pails-Playtex Diaper Genie

Diaper Genie Elite

Diaper Genie Elite: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=32647756&cp=2255957.2273443.3242082.46238796.46239176&parentPage=family

Diaper Genie Essentials

Diaper Genie Essentials: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2437622&cp=2255957.2273443.3242082.46238796.46239176&parentPage=family

My husband was not convinced that we need a diaper pail but he soon change his mind after the first week. These pail keep the odor in and keep our house from smelling like dirty diapers. We have both pails; one for upstairs and one downstairs. Personally I like the Elite better because it's bigger and you don't have to touch the pail in order to put in the dirty diaper. 

10. Baby Carrier- Ergobaby 360 Carrier

This is another thing that my husband was skeptical about getting because it's expensive. I decided to get it anyway because I know I want to carry my baby around. However the first week my husband change his mind because his little girl loves to be carry around in it. My daughter loves to be carried around and often fell asleep. I use it with the infant insert. 

360 Carrier: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ergobaby-360-carrier/4089329?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Grey&resultback=2260.9090419052072

Infant insert: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ergobaby-original-cotton-carrier-insert/3879499?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Grey&resultback=2260.9090419052072

11. Burp Cloths

I underestimated the importance of burp cloths. I didn't think that this will be use as much as it did. My baby girl spit up and drool a lot and I honestly almost ran out of burp cloths. So, my advice is to stock up on these as well; you don't have to get an expensive one. 

http://www.target.com/p/burp-cloth-set-just-one-you/-/A-16224481#prodSlot=medium_1_23&term=burp+cloths 

12. Stain Remover-Dreft Laundry Stain Remover

This has been a life saver. Those blow outs can be very messy and it can destroyed that nice outfit that you put on.  

13. Waterproof changing pad liners-Munchkin changing pad liners

Changing pad liners is a must with babies. These liners have save me from washing bed sheets and changing pad covers. I really like this particular brand because it's light weight, doesn't stain easily, and it sure is waterproof. 

http://www.target.com/p/munchkin-3pk-waterproof-changing-pad-liners/-/A-14323622#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=munchkin

14. Wet & Dry bag

Another great item for on the go. When you baby has a blow out, you want to have something to store you baby's dirty clothes; this bag is great for that. Unlike a ziploc bag, this bag will not only seal off the smell but it also seal of any wetness. This item is definitely a must for me. 

http://www.target.com/p/skip-hop-grab-and-go-wet-dry-bag-chevron/-/A-14980207#prodSlot=medium_1_7&term=wet+and+dry+bag

15. Nail Clipper

As many of you know that newborn baby most likely to have long and sharp nails when they are born. It is very important to have nail clippers to trim their nails. My little girl scratch herself many times and having nail clippers to trim her nail is a must. 

http://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/safety-1st-reg-fold-up-2-pack-nail-clippers/1041218655?Keyword=baby+nail+clippers

16. Nursing App-BabyNursing for iphone

I use this app to keep track of my baby's feeding and wet/dirty diapers because it is important to keep track in order to know weather the baby eat enough. By keeping track you can also have easy access in case your doctor ask you during visit. I particularly like this app because it's easy to use and it can keep track of her vaccinations and activity as well. 

Xoxo, 

Fay Ming 

Pregnancy must have

My Pregnancy Must Have

These are items and products that help me through out my pregnancy

It is very exciting when you find out that you are pregnant. You told your spouse and the both of you started to dance around the room; then it hit you...your life is going to change. You also need to change your life style, your eating habits, and you need some gear to help you through your pregnancy. I you are a first time mom like me you probably wonder what is there out there to help you through your pregnancy. What do I need? What I don't need? What works? What doesn't? 

I know I spend hours on the internet looking and now that I'm at my third trimester, I want to share some things that help me through my pregnancy. 

1. Pregnancy book 

If you are a newbie like me you probably wonder what is going to happen with your body, what are the changes to be expected and when do you need to call your doctor. I find that grabbing a pregnancy book is a great idea. My favorite one is What to expect when your expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. I believe a lot of pregnant women grab this book as soon as they found out that they are pregnant. I found it to be very informative and it does put me at ease. As you read you will start  notice some changes the book mention and you go "aahhh...that's what the book talk about." Off course you also have to keep an open mind that sometimes the symptoms doesn't always happen at that exact time or you might now experience it at all. Remember every pregnancy is different. This book is a good guide for the basic of pregnancy. 

You can get the book here: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-heidi-murkoff/1100304824?ean=9780761148579 

Here are other books that might help as well: 

What to expect: Eating well when you're expecting http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-to-expect-eating-well-when-youre-expecting-heidi-eisenberg-murkoff/1108572204?ean=9780761133261

What to expect the first year http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-to-expect-the-first-year-heidi-murkoff/1101230910?ean=9780761181507

    2.  Prenatal Vitamins 

After you grab your pregnancy book at your local bookstore, make a stop at a vitamin shop. If you plan your pregnancy you probably already on prenatal vitamins. If your pregnancy come as a surprise you probably are not on a prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are a must have. You are growing another human being inside and you need all the vitamins and minerals and pre-natal vitamins will help. Pre-natal vitamins will act as a boost to the food that you are eating that way the baby won't deplete your storage of vitamins and minerals; and you need that storage through out your pregnancy. Pre-natal vitamins come in pills and gummy forms. Those who has trouble with morning sickness preferred the gummy to the pills because it won't make them sick. Also remember you need DHA with your pre-natal vitamins; DHA is use for brain, eyes and nervous system development. Some pre-natal vitamins already have DHA in and some don't so make sure you read the label. Which is a good pre-natal vitamins? They are all good it's all depend on you and you body needs. If in doubt bring your pre-natal vitamins to your first doctor visit and ask him/her if the one  you taking is enough. I'm sure your doctor can guide you or even prescribe  you one. 

    3.  Body Cream and oil/Cocoa Butter 

Another perk about being pregnant is that you are prone to having stretch marks. There are many products out there to prevent stretch mark, but my favorite one is Basq stretch mark butter and resilient body oil. Both smell good and doesn't make me nauseated. These are the ones I use: 

I combine both and so far no stretch mark. The oil is great as well...I applied it to my thigh where there were already some stretch mark there and my stretch marks are fading :) I got mine at a local maternity store called Destination Maternity but it's available online as well; amazon.com, buybuybaby.com They do come in other fragrance as well...this one works best for me. 

Here is their official website: http://www.basqnyc.com/stretch-marks/

    4.  Maternity clothes 

Some people find that buying maternity clothes is a waste of money but to some, like me, is a great investment. At first I was able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes just fine, even my jeans still fit ok, I just have to unbutton it is all. However as my pregnancy progress, my jeans doesn't fit me any more because my hip and belly are getting bigger. My shirt doesn't fit me any more because of my growing belly. My mom took me shopping one day to get some maternity clothes. I must say they are the most comfortable thing EVER!!! My biggest favorite are the pants...they are so comfortable and they support your growing belly. Some of my loose shirt still fit so I don't but many shirt but I have to buy a few pair of pants. If you are debating whether or not you should get maternity clothes, my suggestion is to go try some on first. If they fit the same as your pre-pregnancy clothes then it's fine but if they are more comfortable...I suggest you get some. Remember you will feel some discomfort as your pregnancy progress, so you want to wear something comfortable. You can find maternity clothes at your local department store like Target, Kohls, Macys, Nordstrom, etc. 

Destination Maternity: http://www.destinationmaternity.com/

    5. Body Pillow/extra pillows 

I know this one sound so simple and to some of us we already have it, but extra pillow is a must during pregnancy. My hubby bought me a body pillow when he found out I was pregnant because he said his friends told him that it helped their wives during their pregnancy. I'm glad he did because that pillow help me get comfortable at night and I was able to sleep. 

    6. Maternity Belt

As your pregnancy progress, your stomach will become bigger and heavier. This will put some strain on your lower back. One thing that will help with your back pain is maternity belt. One of coworker actually told me about it, if not I wouldn't have known about it lol. The one I use is from Curad and it was inexpensive.  I bought mine from Amazon.com for about $16 (+shipping &handling). There is another popular brand called Bandit but this one is far more expensive. I believe it retail for about $72-$75. The curad has a good review so I thought I give it a try. 

http://www.amazon.com/ORT22300D-Medline-Curad-Maternity-Medium/dp/B005MT0MD4/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1424274468&sr=1-1&keywords=curad+maternity+belt

    7. Exercise 

I know you probably thinking...WHAT?! Exercise when your uncomfortable and tired all the time? The answer is YES!!! Believe it or not...exercise is great when your pregnant. It help ease your fatigue, leg cramps, lower back pain and body aches. I bought 3 DVDs that helped me exercise in my pregnancy and I love them. You can also look into some videos on  youtube, there are a lot of people doing some pregnancy exercise. 

http://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Solution-Prenatal-Pilates/dp/B000RIWARG

http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Bowens-Toned-Prenatal-Workout/dp/B008X7JBPM

http://www.amazon.com/Prenatal-Vinyasa-Workout-Julie-Schoen/dp/B00LV40MPC

That's it...I know it's not a lot but these are things that make my pregnancy more comfortable. These items/products might or might not help you but I want to share what I know helps me and I hope it helps you too. 

And there are a few things you need to remember through out your pregnancy: 

1. Every pregnancy is different; so don't compare yours with your friends and family.

2. Keep an open mind; sometimes things don't happen the way you want it to.

3. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. It's great to ask your family and friends or referred to your book but asking your doctor is better and more accurate. 

4. Trust your instinct and listen to your body. You know your body the best; so listen to it no matter what everyone else said.  

5. It's ok to ask your partner for a massage or for help with house chores. He will be glad that he can ease your fatigue or discomfort. Besides it makes him feel that he's apart of the pregnancy too. 

6. Don't forget to sign-up for child birth class. This will help you and your partner get ready for the baby. 

7.  Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy. 

XOXO, 

Fay Ming