10 Mommy I Gotta Have Its.

As I wrap up my maternity leave and prepare to step my little black heel back into the working world, there are a few things I glance around the house and realize there are a few things I simply could not have survived without. Yes, yes, every baby is different, but some of these items are universal so shop up moms-to-be. You gotta have these things.

In a particular order from most crucial to still pretty crucial*:

10. The baby swing (aka, the reason I didn't starve to death for the first 4 weeks). To think I was going to enter motherhood without a swing is simply absurd. Jack cried when I took him out of his swing. He loved his swing. He may not be the baby he has become without this swing. Every mom will tell you to get a swing, but your true friends will tell you to get this swing. Don't skimp here. Get the good one. 

9. Ahhh, the boppy pillow (aka, the reason Jack didn't starve) Bottle fed or breast fed, you need a boppy. This pillow positions baby perfectly and when he's not eating, he can chill on the couch without fear that he may suddenly pick up rolling over. I have a boppy upstairs, downstairs and I wish someone would have told me to get the travel boppy. You need a boppy. This picture is clearly a superimposed baby into the boppy. 

8. The Britax travel system. It's light, it's smooth, it's trendy, it's cool. Literally, it keeps the baby completely covered on hot summer days with dual shades. The stroller is 18 pounds and the only downside is its inability to handle huge bumps. If you live in the mountains, this may not be your best option.

7. Rock & Play-not to be confused with the Pack & Play (which is still in the box). The Rock & Play is a game changer. When Jack is fussy in the middle of the night, he falls asleep in this thing in no time. He lived in it when we traveled. I wish they made these for toddlers and grown ups. This picture is not us, but it resembles us many a night. 

6. Mobile (My solution to showering)-Hard to believe I didn't get one of these until he was 8 weeks old. This sucker bought me 15 extra minutes to shower, get a bottle ready, pump, etc. He loves this particular mobile by Fisher Price. This baby is not Jack. I don't dress him in pink. :

5. Medela Double Pump-We have a love/hate relationship. This is the item I use the most and dread using the most. Not a lot to be said here except if you want to have a life outside of baby, you need a pump. Get the car charger. Trust me.

4. Primo Eurobath-I don't know how it works, but it works and I'm not scared he is going to drown when I blink my eyes. It positions Jack perfectly so he can sit up on his own. With a simple flip it becomes a big baby bathtub. I dig it.

3. Skip Hop diaper bag-Is it a purse? Is it a diaper bag. I'll never tell, but I've gotten a ton of compliments on this sucker so I must have done something right. My husband refuses to carry it so if you're going for the unisex approach this may not be your best bet. 

2. Changing pad kit-For those days you prefer not to be a bag lady, this insert is perfect. It holds diapers, wipes and pacifiers. What more do you need on quick trips to those dreadful baby stores?

1. Medela sterilizer bags=3 mintues. Microwave. Sterilized. Magic and it takes up no counter space.

*This list is not a paid advertisement, but I will accept cash from all of the above companies.