Jan 19, 201208:19 AMBay Buzz
Whoa, Babies!
“Don’t drink from the water fountain unless you want a sweet little bundle of joy nine months later!” We utter this phrase often around the Mobile Bay office— roughly once a month to be exact. That would be about how often we add a staff member or freelancer to our ranks of expectant mothers. (MAWSS is conducting an ongoing investigation into our H2O makeup. I kid.)
Truly, we are a very small staff, yet we’re expecting half a dozen babies — one per month through this June. Yes, PMT Publishing is well on its way to filling an entire Little League infield. In the meantime, our male co-workers are bombarded with more detailed discussions of ultrasounds, blood pressure levels, cravings and hormonal changes than even the baby-daddies must endure. They’ve been scarred for life, I fear. Earmuff donations are welcome.
In honor of all of our moms-to-be, here are 10 of my favorite must-haves for baby’s first year — besides boatloads of diapers, of course!
Sleep Dreams
I’m not ashamed to admit that my first one slept in the playpen napper until she was practically three months old. (In those first few months, you do what you have to do in order to catch a few Z’s.) The child liked to be cuddled and hated laying flat on her back. Too bad I didn’t hear about this cozy infant recliner until months later. Nap Nanny, $130. Siegel’s Baby’s Room, 758 Downtowner Blvd., 342-9469. siegelsbabyroom.com
Snap to It
Round one we quickly learned that nighttime survival was reliant on gown sleepers. (Who wants to fumble around in the dark for 15 snaps along the footed ones?) During the daylight hours though, it’s nice to have that option. Enter the uber-soft Kissy Kissy convertible gown sleeper, $33. Siegel’s Baby’s Room.
Bootylicious
Every Southern infant, boy or girl, needs this staple in his or her layette. Delicate enough for tiny toes, these sweet things are ideal for Sunday services, or any day for that matter. Wonder if Blue Ivy has worn hers yet? No doubt she has a few dozen pairs. White Hand-Crocheted Booties, $15. Siegel’s Baby’s Room.
{clockwise from top left: Nap Nanny, Kissy Kissy convertible gown sleeper, Hand-Crocheted Booties}
New Baby Smell
The pleasant aroma of baby powder scented drawer liners (Tai USA), $19, always reminds me of the excitement of those last few weeks of patiently waiting. The only sweeter fragrance is baby herself. Tiny Town, 3980 Airport Blvd., Suite H. 341-5580. Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort. 621-1970. tinytowninc.com
Isn’t She Lovey
My two-year-old is still very much attached to her “Lambie” and the hospital-grade silicone pacifier that fastens to it. This plush toy puts an end to multiple nightly trips to find baby’s lost paci. A variety of different styles are available. Plush Toy with Pacifier Attachment (WubbaNub), $15. Siegel’s Baby’s Room.
Hand-y Helper
I’m a huge fan of this convenient and organic foaming hand sanitizer. I keep one at the changing table, one by the sink and a travel size in the diaper bag at all times. It doesn’t leave a residue, and I don’t worry about exposing my pride and joy to harmful chemicals. Alcohol Free Hand Sanitizer (BabyGanics The Germinator), $6 for an 8.5 oz. bottle. Babies ‘R’ Us, 3658 Airport Blvd., 304-0950. babiesrus.com
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{clockwise from top: Scented Drawer Liners, Alcohol Free Hand Sanitizer, Plush Toy with Pacifier Attachment}
Bag Lady
There’s a reason these diaper bags are a mommy favorite. They’re large enough to hold all the necessities, with plenty of pockets to keep things organized. And, the changing pad, bottle case and dirty clothes bag are included. Bonus: The clear plastic coating makes cleanup and sanitizing a cinch. Laminated Diaper Bag (Kalencom), $80. Siegel’s Baby’s Room.
Chew on This
I didn’t wear jewelry for the first year and a half of my daughter’s life, because whenever I attempted it, the baubles ultimately became an instant toy and teething ring. This time around, I’m ready. This line of non-toxic necklaces and bangles is made with 100 percent silicone, similar to a pacifier or bottle nipple. So it’s safe for the bambino and stylish for mommy. Available in a variety of styles and colors. Teething Necklace (Chewbeads), $35. Siegel’s Baby’s Room.
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{clockwise from top left: Laminated Diaper Bag, Teething Necklace, "The Very Hungry Catapillar," Sophie the Giraffe Teether}
Plain and Tall
Born in France more than 50 years ago, this simple yet ingenious toy has become all the rage on this side of the pond. Everything about her is designed to stimulate each of baby’s senses. Sophie the Giraffe Teether (Vulli), $20. Siegel’s Baby’s Room.
Reading Rainbow
From “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” Eric Carle’s classic, colorful board books will quickly become your little one’s favorites and probably stay that way for years to come. In fact, I recommend buying in duplicate. Prices vary. Tiny Town.
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