Last week, I shared some items that I would recommend registering for in my
diapering essentials post. This week, I'd like to share some of my favorite things that we've been using with Olivia as far as feeding goes. She was strictly breast-fed for the first four months, and then we began incorporating cereal and fruits and veggies. This was her first time eating cereal...not quite a fan...
How cute is she? I could eat her up! She loves eating now and her favs include sweet potatoes, pears, carrots, and butternut squash. She's not crazy about bananas...she does a little wiggle-gag move just to show me she's not a fan. Lately, Olivia has formed her own baby sign language and twirls her hands around to tell me she's hungry or wants more - super cute! On to some of our favorite things for feeding time!
Earth's Best Organic Multi-Grain Cereal - We started Olivia on Earth's Best rice cereal and she hated it. Then we tried Earth's Best oatmeal cereal and it seemed hard for her to digest so we switched to the multi-grain cereal and she's been loving it ever since. I mix it with a little bit of pumped milk and she eats it every morning. Sometimes I mix it with some pureed fruit, but I'm trying to keep her food separate so she can get used to different flavors and textures. Earth's Best can be found at Target and Babies 'R Us.
Baby Bullet - I was going back and forth between whether to purchase this system or just use a mini food processor and I'm really happy with this so far. I love the silicone freezer mold to freeze excess food. It's super easy to pop one out and microwave it in a small dish. Other pros include: easy to clean, comes with two blades, two cups, cute little cookbook, and the little containers make me happy with their smile on the front. Some cons are that it's not dishwasher or microwave safe and you need to steam the food really well beforehand. I would definitely recommend if you're planning to make your own baby food. Side note: super easy and you know exactly what your baby is eating!
Boon Grass Drying Rack - Love this grass bottle rack! I would recommend getting the "lawn" as it is bigger than the "grass." Super cute and stylish in your kitchen! Accessories are sold separately and are equally as cute.
Pureed Food Pouch - In a pinch, these are great for on-the-go. I buy the organic brands and she seems to love them. So far, I've gone with Plum Organics and Ella's Kitchen. I also bought little spoons that attach right to the packet of food for easy feeding and cleanup. Whoever invented those is
a mom who was tired of carrying around random, food dried spoons a genius.
Medela Pump Accessory Set - Definitely get the accessory pack if you don't feel like washing pump parts every day and night...or contemplating throwing all of the parts out the window because you can't stand to wash another suction cup.
Lansinoh Nursing Pads - These nursing pads work really well and save you from the embarrassment of walking around leaking everywhere. Slightly annoying, but better than other brands and you definitely get used to them. Trust me on this one...better safe than sorry.
Aden + Anais Burpy Bib - Ahh...burp cloths, spit rags, whatever you chose to call them - you will need them! We personally like the thick cloth ones from Babies 'R Us or Target. We also use cloth diapers as burp cloths, just plain, tri-fold rectangle ones. I also love the Aden & Anais wearable ones, basically one big bib when snapped on, which we got from my hubby's cousin. Perfect for eating time too.
Eddie Bauer High Chair - I registered for this high chair because I wanted something to fit into the house decor and I love it. It has three adjustable positions for the tray and really good back support for little ones just learning to sit up. The only thing I wish it had, were shoulder straps instead of just a belt. Super easy to clean too.
Medela Pump - Our insurance covered this pump. Highly recommend calling your insurance to check if you are covered - saves some serious cash!! Would definitely recommend the Medela...has worked consistently from day one and have never had a problem.
Nuk Milk Storage Bags - If you are choosing or able to pump, these bags are perfect for storing milk in the freezer. Cheaper than other brands and work just as well. Milk can be frozen for six months in a freezer/fridge combo and up to one year in a chest freezer. Just write the date and amount and you're set.
Boppy Pillow - Definitely a big help when you need extra support while nursing and I use it a lot now to plop Olivia down in while getting dressed, etc. I actually found I used it more when she was able to hold her head up and I could leave her in it on the bed, supervised, of course. Also, super cute covers.
Hope this gives you some suggestions while registering! We're so enjoying this new chapter with our baby girl!
