1. DockATot Deluxe // Moses Basket
The first few weeks Palmer slept a ton so we basically just moved her from one flat sleeping surface to another in between feedings and diaper changes. We would just set her up wherever was most convenient – couch, bed, floor, etc. – and she would snooze while we went about our business. I’d say we used the DockATot Deluxe more frequently but it was nice to have multiple options to rotate through each day.
2. Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad & Scale
This changing pad and scale gave us huge piece of mind early on when weight gain and understanding milk consumption for a breastfed baby is so important. It may not be as accurate as a scale you rent from the hospital but we found it to be close enough. I still enjoy using it now that she’s almost four months old to track her weight since we haven’t had a doctors appointment in weeks. I also love the Hatch Baby App and use it to time and record all my feedings.
3. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump // Baby Brezza Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer
Palmer spent her first few days in the NICU so we had to supplement my breastmilk with formula to demonstrate proper weight gain and fluid consumption in order to reduce the fluids she was receiving via IV. I would start by breastfeeding then hand her over to Kevin who would give her a small bottle while I pumped. We did this each feeding eventually switching from formula to the breastmilk I was pumping once my milk came in around day four. We transitioned to fully breastfeeding shortly after and now getting Palmer to take a bottle is all but impossible!
4. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow // Medela Contact Nipple Shield
I never thought I would be able to breastfeed because my nipples are super flat but we met with the lactation consultants at the hospital who were extremely helpful and confident in me. They gave me all the tips and tricks and I couldn’t be more grateful for the ability and experience to feed my child. Breastfeeding turned from an anxiety inducing thought to one of my favorite parts of each day.
We were super torn over the SNOO. It’s no secret that this smart sleeper is some type of unicorn when it comes to the mystery of baby sleep but the question is, is it truly worth the hype (pun intended)?
In the end, we bit the bullet and purchased it while they were running a Mother’s Day promo ($450 off). We’d heard enough horror stories about desperate zombie parents that it seemed like a smart investment. We also reasoned that we could reuse it with any future babies or sell it (there seems to be a strong resale market for them).
Ironically, Palmer arrived and is a great sleeper so we never even turned on the SNOO. She did sleep in it besides our bed until about three months but we just used it as a basinet. Even though we did not utilize its smart functions, I love the aesthetically pleasing/simple design, sturdy build, breathable mesh lining and easily washable sheet. I know many people also love the swaddle it comes with but Palmer liked to sleep with her hands up so we never used those. In short, I am glad we purchased it and who knows, maybe we’ll need it in the future!
If you’re considering the SNOO, definitely wait to purchase when they are running a special, which they do frequently throughout the year. They also offer a 30-day free trial which starts upon delivery however, they do allow delayed shipping so you can schedule it to arrive around your due date.
If this information was helpful, be sure to check out the next post, Top Five Baby Products: Two Month.
xo,
Kara
KARA VALLARI 