Ten Items Used Daily With 6 Month Old

One thing I learned from having a newborn is to not get sucked into all the products that are marketed towards infants. Trial and error is the TRUE way to find products that will work for your little one. Here are a few of our favorites in our household. 

* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Also, some products were sent to me for consideration. These products are included because I honestly USE the products not because they were sent to me. 
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Companies spend loads of money to market their products to new parents. I've have fallen victim to many of those marketing tactics and purchased many products that just don't work. Sure, they might work for other families but they just weren't a good fit for us.

I've shared with you some newborn essentials that were crucial to the first few weeks of LadyBug's life. I also took you along with us for a day-in-the-life style post at 3 months old. There you can find loads of other products that worked in our household for the younger days.

Now at six months, LadyBug is sitting on her own and truly exploring the world around her. Because of this, previous items she has either outgrown or is showing no interest in. For example, the Rock 'n Play sleeper has made its way to a friend's house for her to use with her newborn. And the swaddles are a thing of the past.

As for now, here are ten products that we HONESTLY use every. single. day.

1. Banana Toothbrush ($7.80)
LadyBug really started showing signs of teething around 4 months. We tried many items but having the banana toothbrush around has been amazing. When we are out of the house, I can attach a pacifier clip and not fear it being dropped on the floor. We haven't tried freezing it yet, but the packaging says the banana toothbrush is safe to freeze.

2. Stacking Cups ($3.46)
These are by far my favorite purchase I have ever made for LadyBug. And at under $4, I couldn't be happier with how much use we can get out of these plastic cups. They can be used for stacking, naming colors, there are animals on the bottoms of the cups to practice animal sounds, they can be used in the water or in the sand, they are easy to clean... They are just the best things ever.

3. e-cloth Chemical-free Nursery Cloth ($7.99)
Toys get super slobbery in our household. I love being able to quickly wipe down LadyBug's toys with a chemical-free cloth often. It gives me so much comfort that she is not sticking chemicals in her mouth right after I put the effort in to wipe them clean. Not only do I use the nursery cloth, but I use the highchair cloth daily.

4. Books (various prices)
Books are a big deal in our house. Even if LadyBug is simply chewing on them rather than reading them - I'd rather have my house filled with books vs. toys. One of LadyBug's favorite books has been Mrs. Wishy-Washy by Joy Cowley. I have it memorized, as most parents do after ready one book over and over again, but it leaves an opportunity to learn animal sounds, count, and so much more.

5. Wubbanub Pacifier ($13.95)
I followed all the 'rules' when it came to breastfeeding - waiting so many weeks before introducing a bottle or pacifier, feeding 8 or more times in a 24 hour period, feeding on demand, etc. Because of this, I believe LadyBug didn't have much interest in taking a pacifier which made some car rides miserable. Once we introduced the Avent Soothie pacifiers, it was something that would satisfy her instincts to suck. The only downside was that she would lose the pacifier while sleeping and that's when I bought a Wubbanub. The stuffed animal that is attached allows her to grab it much easier in the crib at night.

Click to tweet: Essentials needed for your 6 month old

6. Munchkin Silicone Feeder ($11.29)
I started introducing these to LadyBug when she was 4 months old and I would fill them with breastmilk then freeze them. We would use these outside during the summer when it was super hot and I believe it helped her with the beginning stages of teething. At 5 months, I started filling them with pureed fruits and veggies and freezing them. It allowed me to introduce her to new flavors all while letting her be in control (we are following Baby Led Weaning vs. Traditional Weaning for food introductions - let me know if you want to learn more). Now we use them filled with 'P' fruit purees to help keep her regular - if you know what I mean! :)

7. Milkies Milk-Saver ($29.95)
This is one of those products I have used since day one. The milk-saver has allowed me to create a freezer stash that I can use in the future for LadyBug. This has also saved me countless nursing pads because I collect about 0.5-2 oz on the opposite side I am nursing on. Read more about the product in my newborn essentials post.

8. 4Moms Infant Tub ($59)
This is another one of those products that we have been using since day one. We used it in the kitchen sink then placed it in the traditional tub when she got a little bigger. I love that the water will constantly circulate because little ones typically tend to relieve themselves when they are comfortable, or cold, or just whenever they feel like it!!

9. Milkies Milk Trays ($21.95)
I never used these for breastmilk because I had a hard time getting the frozen sticks out of the tray, but I love using these for homemade purees. Stick the purees into the mold, freeze, pop out and store in ziplock bags. I then would break off a quarter and place into the Munchkin silicone feeder - super simple.

10. Plastic Measuring Cup Set ($6.80)
These are not only great toys to play with but I like to allow LadyBug to explore them in her highchair while I am cooking. It allows me to be handsfree for just a moment and it's a fun household toy that it safe for her to handle.

Have you tried any of these products?
What products have worked for your little ones that I didn't share?
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Day In The Life | with a 3 month old

Every day with an infant is a learning experience. Babies grow so quickly and their routine practically changes by the minute. Here is what my day typically looks like raising a 3 month old. 
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6:45a - Wake up, wash face, pump, clean pump equipment, freeze pumped milk and let dog outside.

7:30a - Wake up LadyBug and let her stretch. I then get her diaper changed and nurse her because she is usually gnawing away at her fists telling me just how hungry she is.

8:00a - LadyBug gets to play on the floor for a bit while I get my breakfast ready and make my coffee. Lately, I have really been enjoying english muffins with peanut butter and a side of applesauce. I'm like a 5 year-old again because I cannot get enough applesauce.

8:30a - We make our way back to the bedroom where I get LadyBug all ready for a nap. If she's fussy then she just gets rocked to sleep, otherwise I read a few books to her then put her down. This is my chance to take the quickest shower of my life because sometimes she'll only lay asleep for 15-20 minutes. If she wakes before I'm done, I bring her DockATot into the bathroom and get her situated in front of the mirror. There she can watch me finish getting ready.

9:30a - LadyBug gets fed again then dressed so that we are all ready for the day. At this point, we are scrambling to get out the door to make it to story time at the library. Some days, LadyBug decides to fill her diaper multiple times, or the dog wants out, or I forgot to brush my teeth. Either way, someone is having a meltdown but we always survive.

10:30a - Story time at the library! LadyBug isn't always into the songs and books, but she sure loves to stare at the other babies. It's a great excuse for me to get out of the house and mingle with other parents. We are still working on the whole making friends since moving to Central Missouri last year.

11:15a - We are back home now and the dog is ready for a walk. We take her for a stroll around the neighborhood. I then sit down with my snack (usually popcorn, pretzels, fruit, or puppy chow) and nurse LadyBug. During this feeding, she'll normally eat until she falls asleep. Currently, she does not sleep well for any length if I try to transfer her into her bed or rock 'n play. I just sit on the couch with my little baby and enjoy. This is usually the time that I also get blog work done from my laptop and catch up on emails and social media.

1:30p - LadyBug starts to wake so I pop my lunch in the microwave and get her diaper changed. I try and eat my lunch while she nurses but it typically just turns into her watching me eat. She is absolutely fascinated with food and where is goes. I finally get her to eat and then clean up my lunch.

2:30p - Play time! We will play on the floor with stuffed animals, her o-ball, practice some tummy time, play on the floor gym, or watch balloons float in the air. If we aren't in the mood for floor-time, then we'll head upstairs to the nursery and read a few books and/or sing a few nursery rhymes.

3:00-3:30p - LadyBug starts to get fussy and is ready for another nap. I walk and bounce around the house until she falls asleep. I then sit down on the couch, because she won't stay asleep if I set her down in her bed, and watch a tv show or finish more work on my laptop (I am so thankful for my laptop).

4:00p - It's time to start the whole diaper change and feeding thing again! If she's still tired, she'll eat until she falls back to sleep and I'll continue on with laptop work.

6:00p - LadyBug wakes, yet again. Her diaper gets changed and she gets fed. We then make our way to the kitchen to prep or get dinner together. She is usually content in her rock 'n play or I'll just wear her using my favorite wrap.

7:00p - A gets home and we quickly eat dinner. If we are lucky we can eat dinner together, but if LadyBug is extra fussy then we'll take turns eating and holding her. The kitchen then gets cleaned and I'll feed LadyBug if she's hungry.

8:00p - Bedtime routine and bath night! LadyBug is finally starting to like taking a bath. Finally after three months she doesn't scream the entire time. Now there's just a little fit getting her in and then a fit again once she's out getting lotioned up.

8:30p - We all head upstairs as a family and read a few books and do some more tummy time. She has a few favorite books that we'll just read over and over again because they make her laugh.

9:00p - LadyBug and I head to the bedroom where she gets nursed again and then rocked until she falls asleep.

9:30-9:45p - LadyBug is asleep for the night. A and I can now snuggle up on the couch with an adult beverage and relax in front of the tv.

10:30p - The dog gets let out if she hasn't gone out yet and we all head to bed.
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Don't forget to follow me on Instagram. I am really trying to get better at using Insta Stories so you can get a little glimpse into what is really going on with a traveling Wife and crew. 

Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby

Taking care of a newborn brings all sorts of challenges and battles - don't let feeding them be one of the battles. Below are a handful of tips for introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby. 

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FirstsMadeEasy #ForBetterBeginnings #MomsFirsts #CollectiveBias
Discover more tips for better beginnings.
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When A and I moved to Missouri, I was 10 weeks pregnant. We did a lot of research to find a doctor we liked and hospital that we felt comfortable delivering at. The hospital we chose is considered a baby-friendly facility which means it offers an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding. They encourage breastfeeding and offer unlimited amounts of support to make breastfeeding possible. 

I completely understand that breastfeeding isn't for everyone, whether it be a personal or medical decision. Heck, I was formula fed and in the past I had never been around individuals that chose to breastfeed their baby. Regardless of how you choose to feed your baby - fed is best! And in most cases you will need to purchase at least one bottle to feed your baby. Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, Momma needs some sanity too - I'm thinking spa day or girl's night out. 

After LadyBug was born, I met with a lactation consultant. She helped correct LadyBug's latch and explained all about milk supply, pumping, and introducing a bottle. It was recommended to wait 4-6 weeks prior to introducing a bottle so that my milk supply was well established and so that LadyBug didn't get nipple confusion.

Click to tweet: Tips for introducing bottle to breastfed baby. 

When we finally started to introduce a bottle, it wasn't an easy task. She would fuss, arch her back, and just flat out scream. There are several techniques that can be used to successfully introduce a bottle to a breastfeeding baby. And once the baby will take a bottle, Mom can go out for some much needed me-time. 

Have Mom leave the room, or leave the house altogether.

Sometimes babies won't take a bottle from their Mom because of confusion and would prefer the comfort of skin-to-skin feedings. If Mom can leave the room so that baby can't see or hear her, baby might take to the bottle right away. 

I would take our dog for a walk around the block while A introduced the bottle to LadyBug. My absence allowed baby and Dad some much needed bonding time and also let LadyBug know that food can come from other sources other than Mom.

Play with the temperature of the milk.

Some babies would prefer milk warm just like taking it straight from the breast while other babies aren't too concerned with temperature. At each bottle feeding, try a warmer or cooler temperature milk to see what baby will take. 

Try different positions.

Putting baby in a position similar to breastfeeding might confuse baby. Try offering different positions and locations to help teach baby that food can come from other sources than just Mom. Some options would be to have baby sit upright or have baby sit in their carseat. 

Get the RIGHT bottle.

Playtex Baby™ VentAire® bottles are a great choice because they offer complete tummy comfort and help baby latch on naturally. The angled design helps to promote a semi-upright positioning. This can help make bottle introduction more successful plus can help prevent ear infections.

Another option would be the Playtex Baby™ Nurser® with Drop-Ins® Liners which simulates the same suck, swallow and breathe patterns as breastfeeding. You can mix and match all Playtex bottles and nipples to find what works best for your baby - AMAZING!

Click to tweet: Find the RIGHT bottle.

One reason why we love the VentAire bottles and Playtex nipples is that they can be found at Target. And I mean, what Mom and baby don't love to make a Target run during the week?! Don't forget those Cartwheel offers like 15% Off All Playtex Baby Bottles (4/2-4/8).

Offer freshly pumped milk.

One easy way to 'trick' baby into taking a bottle is to offer freshly pumped milk over previously stored milk. The milk will be a temperature the baby is familiar with and will taste like it is coming directly from the source.

Just remember, you are doing a great job no matter how you choose to feed your baby. And don't be afraid to get support when needed - from professionals, family, friends, or peers. Parenthood is an ever evolving journey. 

Do you have any other techniques that others can use to introduce a bottle?
Do you remember to use Cartwheel offers while shopping at Target?
Don't forget to check out Playtex Baby™ for better beginnings. 
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Newborn Essentials - What Worked & What Didn't

Newborns require a lot of work but you don't have to buy everything that is marketed to you. Check out the products that worked for us and find out what didn't work. 

* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
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If you spend any time on the internet while being pregnant or a new parent, you will find loads of advice and promotions for products to help with a newborn. Sometimes it can be hard to tell which posts are endorsed by a brand and which are honest, tried-and-true products (endorsed products should be disclosed). Well after one whole month with a newborn, I can honestly share what products worked for us and which products I can't live without.

Click to tweet: Newborn Essentials - what worked and what didn't

Just a disclaimer, all of these products were purchased with my own money or gifted to us by family and friends. Also, I am a first time mom and only know what has worked for LadyBug but that doesn't mean they will be successful for you and your little one.

1. Milkies Milk-Saver Breast Milk Collector ($29.95)
This is seriously a MUST if you plan on breastfeeding. I had no idea that I would leak so much milk from the non-nursing side. Sometimes as much as 3 ounces. By using the milk savor, I didn't have to dedicate extra time pumping or hand expressing to build up my freezer stash. Also, the days that I didn't use the milk savor, I had more engorgement issues which can lead to a whole slew of problems (mastitis, blocked ducts, etc). I highly recommend purchasing a milk savor for yourself and a few for your friends. I WILL be buying one of these for each of my pregnant friends!

2. SwaddleMe® Original Swaddle ($34.99)
Our little LadyBug is such a Houdini. She can manage her way out of even the tightest of swaddles. The hospital staff was impressed with her strength and desire to alway have her hands near her face. This made it extremely difficult for A and I to get any sleep. When we went for her first wellness visit, a resident had recommended that we purchase a swaddle with velcro. These have been great for the first four weeks allowing us to get 4-5 straight hours of sleep at night *Now that LadyBug is 5 weeks, she has managed to figure out how to get her hands out of even these swaddles. She's a strong-willed child. 

3. Retin-Oil ($20.00)
I gained quite a bit of weight during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Luckily the only stretch marks I got were very small and on my hip/butt cheek. I wanted to find a product that could help tighten up my belly skin, reduce discoloration, and help improve stretch marks. I only use this dry oil on my belly and hips/butt and use a regular, unscented moisturizer on the remainder of my body. So far I can't say that this product has helped dramatically make a difference, but I have enjoyed using it. 

4. Nursing Bras ($16.99)
Nursing bras - I could rant about nursing bras until I turned blue in the face. I went through what feels like dozens of bras to find something that was comfortable, functional, and supportive. You guys, if you are going to breastfeed then expect your boobs to be extremely heavy. So heavy that I feel like I have a 10-pound bowling ball in each of my bra cups. These have been a great option, especially at night. They don't provide the smoothest look under clothes but I'm all about comfort these days. I also really like this bra for everyday use. 

5. DockATot Deluxe ($165.00)
There are so many people that will rave about the DockATot and that it's completely necessary for you and your spouse to get any sleep at night. If you read up about the uses for the DockATot Deluxe, it's not recommended for unsupervised sleeping. We still chose to use this at night because LadyBug sleeps in the same room as us. I can't say that this product alone has helped with nighttime sleeping but since day three, we usually get at least four straight hours of sleep. For the cost of these, I can't say they are necessary to have. Please share your thoughts if you've used this product in the comments below. 

6. Rock 'n Play Sleeper ($79.99)
We've used this since day one only during the day. It's a perfect place to allow LadyBug to nap and we could keep our eye on her. It can be easily transported to any room which is super convenient for us in a two story house. We also ended up using this during a few evenings because the incline helped with her nighttime congestion. I can say that we absolutely love the Rock 'n Play.

7. Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash ($13.59) | Burt's Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion ($9.99)
There are loads of body care products available for babies. We've liked the feeling and smell of this shampoo/body wash and lotion. When it comes to body care items, I just recommend sticking with one product rather than playing around with different brands and scents. Babies have very sensitive skin so try and be gentle.

8.  Nalgene Water Bottle ($9.99)
Water is something I have never really enjoyed. I forced myself to drink a ton of water while pregnant - my goal was 100 ounces a day. Now that I am breastfeeding, I need a lot of water to help maintain my milk supply. I was given a huge water bottle at the hospital and I walk around with that every day. Again, my goal is to get 100 ounces in a day, but the nursing staff said that 64 ounces was plenty. Either way, find a huge water bottle that you like, preferably one that shows the measurements on the side.

9. Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free]
As a nursing mom, I need around 500 more calories a day. I like to munch on these trail mix cookies and I made a few minor adjustments to the recipe making them lactation cookies. But any and all snacks are great to have on hand including popcorn!

10. Carrington Farms Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($6.48)
Those that have never breastfed before, it can be brutal especially while working on your baby's latch. I ended up meeting with a lactation consultant twice after my milk came in for assistance with latch and soreness. The consultant prescribed me a concoction of creams to use then recommended that I switch to coconut oil once my nipples healed. To this day, I continue to use coconut oil, plus it doesn't have to be washed off prior to feedings. This one is by far my favorite brand and has been for years.

11. Medela SoftShells ($16.58)
Speaking of sore nipples, I was gifted these shells and am so grateful for them. They allow for my lady bits to air out and keeps fabric from rubbing up against them. And while I was healing from a horrible latch, the scabs would stick to any breast pads that I would use. Talk about painful. These shells helped my so much during the first few weeks with a newborn.

12. Postpartum Belly Wrap ($39.99)
Several people recommended that I invest in a belly wrap for postpartum care. They are useful in prodiving back support while breastfeeding and also helps to shrink your uterus back quicker. The packaging says to wear this as often as comfortable - I chose to wear it for a few hours each day starting on day 3. It really helped with the back support and I feel like it helped 'slim' my waist quickly. However, this is my first pregnancy so I don't have much to compare the length of heal time to.

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These are just a few items. We all know that babies require a lot of work but you can easily get by with just a few essentials. One of those essential items that you MUST have but I didn not mention is a car seat. I feel like car seats are personal preference and you should find one that works with your lifestyle, car, and/or stroller. Besides those items listed above, I have a few honorable mentions and items that did not work for us. 

 Click to tweet: What you NEED for your newborn

Honorable mentions: Pampers Newborn Diapers, Seventh Generation Wipes, Butt Paste, homemade blankets, popcorn. sleepers with buttons, reusable cloth diapers, Baby K'tan, and Ergobaby.

What didn't work: Pack n Play reversible napper and changer, fancy or elaborate clothing, baby shoes, and baby toys. 

Tell me, what baby products were essential in your house?
What baby products just didn't work?
Share your favorite piece of baby advice that someone gave you in the comments below. 
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