I believe strongly that the Baby Industrial Complex is trying to sell new parents a bunch of stuff they do not need. Wipe warmers, anyone? I tried hard not to get suckered into buying crap I didn’t need. That being said, there are six things I’m happy I splurged on (or accepted gratefully as generous gifts).
Nose Frida Snot Sucker
Worth adding to your registry for the name alone! It’s also so much more effective than traditional nasal aspirators. When baby catches their first cold, you’ll be happy you already have this on hand.
Baby carrier
After trying a few carriers and hating them, I realised that fit is key. I thought our baby didn’t like being worn; he cried and fussed whenever I tried to fit him into the carriers we had. That is, until I got a Tula buckle carrier. He didn’t cry going in! More than that, I was comfortable carrying him, even over long distances. The infant insert helped him get comfy and the padded straps kept my shoulders from aching. Since getting more comfortable with babywearing, the little guy and I have also become fans of the Sakura Bloom ring sling for quick errands. Again, I needed to find something that was comfy for both of us. Spend the time and money finding what works for you! [Read Maman Loup’s Babywearing Posts]
Diaper bag
I agonised over this purchase for months. You see, I have a soft spot for fashion. And most diaper bags look like, well, diaper bags. I love putting my little guy in cute animal prints. But I’m an adult. I feel silly carrying a bag covered in rubber duckies. So I splurged on a bag I love because it helps me feel like me, not just mommy. What bag you choose will depend on your personal style, but there are some things you should keep in mind. You want lots of pockets to fit all the mom-stuff you’ll find yourself carrying. Also, all that stuff adds up. The bag contents will be heavy, so go for a bag that’s relatively lightweight—I ruled out leather for this reason. You’ll want something waterproof and easy to clean because babies are always getting liquids into the strangest places. Finally, I think it helps to have more than one way to carry the bag because your shoulders (and everything else) will get sore caring for a baby. My bag has shoulder straps as well as an option for a cross-body carry. I am obsessed with my Ika bag, even if I still sometimes cringe when I think about how much I spent on it. It was a gift to myself, something that helps me feel better when my yoga pants have spit-up on them and I haven’t managed to wash my hair. [Read about Maman Loup’s favourite diaper bag]
Breast pump
I have Maman Loup to thank for this one. The Medela Freestyle was an absolute necessity as I struggled to breastfeed my son early on. (We eventually discovered and corrected a lip and tongue tie.) If you plan to breastfeed, a pump is extremely useful, and one that gives you freedom of movement is even better!
Cloth diaper stash
I have a confession to make. I’m only a part-time cloth diaperer. When I was suffering through the worst of my postpartum depression, simple tasks sometimes seemed impossible. I couldn’t face the extra laundry cloth diapering would create. But as I began to feel better, I started using my stash. If I’m being honest, I don’t know if I would be cloth diapering, even part time, if it wasn’t for the fact that I spent a lot of money buying these diapers. The investment means I’m actually forced to follow my conscience! [Read Maman Loup’s Cloth 101 posts]
Body pillow
My bossy physiotherapist insisted I get a body pillow to help with my sciatica during pregnancy. Boy am I happy she pushed me into this particular purchase! Not only did it make sleep slightly less uncomfortable in the last trimester, but I am still using it now that my babe is five months old. It’s great for nursing. It also works when the little guy naps on the bed. Go ahead. Splurge. You’ll be happy you did. [Read about Maman Loup’s favourite body pillow]
What did you splurge on when you were expecting? Would you buy it again?
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