Better Together

Nobody ever said raising a baby would be easy because it's not. Whether it's growth spurts, teething, gas or any of the other million reasons a baby cries, it always helps to have some help from your partner, friends or family members. Nothing is more wearing then the constant crying of your helpless little one so it's good to be able to hand them off to somebody fresh. Many times walking your baby around is the most soothing thing for them but when you've been doing it all day it's more challenging. Hopefully somebody is available to help you through this challenging yet rewarding time. Stay strong.

Eye on the Prize

Click to buy on Amazon

It seems these days that everything with the label "Baby" is marked way up but you don't have to break the bank to care for your little ones. Here is a Wireless Video Camera with Pan and Tilt that you can hook up to your wifi and control via phone or computer and is under $50! Be warned, you have to know a little bit about  wireless networking as the instructions seem to be poorly translated from Chinese. Other than that, it gets great reviews.

Size Matters

As discussed earlier, some mothers may experience discomforts or need to use tools such as breast pumps in nursing their children. Be sure to properly measure and consults guides as to which is the right size for you. If a nipple sheild is not the right size it may cause further problems with your feedings just as a incorrectIsuction cup may not yeild properly and even damage the nipple.

*As always, consult a professional before changing anything.

Stroll Your Roll

Many people will tell you that one of the bests things for a fussy baby is to drive them around. Although this does help the baby it hurts the wallet at nearly $4 per gallon of gas. Another great tool is your stroller. Walk around your neighborhood or complex at a leisurely pace to let your baby enjoy their surroundings. We've found this to be the most effective way to calm both our baby and ourselves during those seemingly hopeless moments of fuss and frustration. Being in the same place for too long is liable to make anybody go crazy. Get out and enjoy the wonders of nature while the sun is still shining.

The Art of Distraction

Nursery Projector/Sound System

Many babies are easily entertained with light. We started with a 3-D Cell Mag-Lite at about 4 weeks with great results but wanted to see what was out there and came across this affordable entertainer. The music quality isn't the best but we only use the white noise and it also has a timer and night light to help save you from stubbing your toes in the wee hours of the morning.

Here are some other projectors we found.

Fistful of Wipes

When changing the seemingly endless supply of diapers your baby will almost always appreciate a warm wipe as opposed to the pee inspiring cold wipe. Next time you go to change your babies dirty business, grab two wipes (1 for pros) and make a fist to warm the wipes while you prepare for the change. When it doesn't feel cold anymore is a good indicator that it's ready to go.

Natural Baby Wipes

Double Down

Wholesale stores have some great prices on household items but do you really need 6 pounds of peanut butter or a pallet of ketchup? Maybe if your stocking up for the zombie apocalypse that might be reassuring but in our small kitchen space is limited. Split items with friends and family with a grocery pool. Let's say you pay $12 for 12 cans of tuna, sell 6 for $6 to your family or friend and share the wholesale savings. You don't have to start a Bodega in your home but on things like bread, beer, water, cereal, snacks, canned food, condiments and other consumables it's very easy to share. Happy shopping!

Pumpin ain't easy

Click to see @Amazon

For many women who choose to breastfeed their children, pumping may be necessary at some point in your baby's life. Whether it's latching problems or you have to go back to work if you want your baby to feed, you pump. You have not failed at motherhood and should rest assured that your nutrients are still being delivered and bottle feeding can be just as bonding as breast feeding if you let it. As long as you feed your baby when they are hungry they don't mind where the milk comes from. After much research we ended up buying this Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote at Target for $299 but is cheaper @Amazon.


*Consult your doctor or a specialist if you are experiencing any pain.
Breast pumps are meant as single person devices and can cause infections if shared.

Sleep Easy

Click to buy

Of all of the baby sleepwear we have we keep going back to these super affordable baby gowns and have even ordered more because we like them almost as much as baby loves spitting up on them. They give you easy access for quick diaper changes and keep baby warm through the night. The only challenge like most baby clothes is getting them on your baby.

Don't tempt fate

When it comes time to change your babies diaper, quickness is the key to dryness. Prepare your new diaper, wipes, creams/ointments before hand. Before leaving the hospital, the nurse asked to watch me change our new son's diaper. This would not have been a problem except that with a fresh circumcision there was a new step of adding petroleum jelly to a gauze pad distracted me as he lay naked on the bed. The lack of sleep didn't help my decision making either as we watched our son pee directly into his own left eye. Lauren has always warned me to cover him with a wash cloth and even suggested having his new diaper underneath his old one just in case the cool breeze inspires a little yellow rain. Stay dry.