Recommendations

I have found that the best advice I get comes from Facebook and other blogs. Products to use and not use, ideas for solving a variety of issues...I'm turning to friends and even strangers and taking their advice.

So, in that spirit I thought I'd share my Top 10 favorite products, that Colt and I can't live without!

California Baby Calendula Cream - I am not, by any means, a green, natural, organic fanatic. It all sounds interesting but pretty much a lot of work to do. So, if the products I buy are organic and natural - GREAT! If not, that's fine too. I got the recommendation to use this when Colt was having major baby acne issues that were turning into major eczema issues. This stuff healed it almost overnight. Not even kidding. He still has days where dry patches break out on his delicious cheeks, so I smother him in this all day long and it works like a charm. I found this at Target for $12...it's kind of pricey, but lasts a long time, smells great, feels great, and it works!

Munchkin Powdered Formula Dispenser and Playtex Drop-Ins System - Do you ever see some product that is so simple, but so GENIUS you slap yourself for not being the one to come up with it? That's how I feel about the powdered formula dispenser. I mean, seriously, so simple yet so necessary! We're on the go all the time so the dispenser plus the easy-to-clean drop-ins system makes going out incredibly easy.

Security blanket/stuffed animal/satin thingy - the link is to an example of the ones we have. Colt loves to hold burp rags or blankets or anything soft. He likes rubbing them on his face, eating them (as he does everything these days), or just holding securely on to one. I love these things because of the satin edges plus the stuffed animal part he can cuddle with. We have a lion, a puppy, and a frog and he always has one with him.

Miracle Blanket - how do I love the Miracle Blanket? Let me count the ways...Colt has been sleeping through the night since he was about 7 weeks old. Sure there are nights when he doesn't but for the most part we have been blessed with a sleepy boy. It did not take long to get his days and nights in the right order and I attribute every bit of that success to the Miracle Blanket. Heard about it in blogland, we now own two (in case one is dirty). Our bedtime routine means swaddling Colt super tight in his MB and almost immediately his eyes start drooping. I'm hoping soon they will have one for preschoolers and adolescents so Colt can be swaddled until college. I LOVE this blanket, John LOVES this blanket, it is THE reason we get 8 hours of sleep each night! I hear they're available at Target - yay!! If you have a new baby or a baby that can's sleep...do yourself a favor and BUY ONE! Or let me know and I'll buy it for you. That's how much I love them. Ok, seriously, I can't buy for everyone. But you get the drift.

Just One Year Infant Sleepers - We have tried several different brands of sleepers, but Just One Year versions are my favorites. For one, the zipper is high-quality. For two, the arms seem to be a little longer, so they fit him longer. John and I had a MAJOR fight in the middle of Target about sleepers that included throwing, so I can promise I don't recommend this brand lightly.

Just One Year Bibs - Once again, I really like the stuff this brand makes. The bibs are the best. They are thin, but have a waterproof lining in between. They have a nice width and are perfect for babies that drool a lot and spit up a lot. With that in mind, you can definitely count on my recommendation!

Old Navy baby jeans - actually, any clothes from Old Navy are prone to receiving lots of compliments, ooooos, aaahhhs, and pinching of cheeks. But the jeans, oh the jeans. I love me some baby jeans. There is nothing cuter than 0-3 month dark wash or faded jeans. Old Navy stuff is great quality, stands up to a lot of washings!

A&D -Good ol' A&D ointment! It solves everything from diaper rash to scratches to raw areas that eczema leaves behind. Usually heals things within 24 hours. We have a giant tube that we've been using since Colt came home, and it will probably last us a year! It's great to have on-hand.

Of course, lots of other things, too...but these are just a few of the specific things we love!