Happy Mother's Day: Blissful Baby Products

Photo Courtesy of
Jenny Beck Photography

Having just celebrated my first Mother's Day I'm using the word blissful. I know, I know. I've turned into one of those parents who actually enjoys the sound of the baby crying (he's healthy!) and I don't like bed time as I miss him when he sleeps (too corny, right?).

The first few weeks as documented are trying. You aren't sleeping, you've become a vessel for carrying milk which will only be thrown back up on you (if that's not animalistic...), your Queen Victoria was ripped apart and sewn back together, and through that you have to find the energy to love, care and entertain. But, amid it all, this parenting thing is by far the coolest thing we have ever done; however for sake of full disclosure I haven't taken a shower today ;)

As I have time during feedings to sit and think (dangerous), I thought about my mom asking us what is our must have product. Hard to narrow to one, but here is our Letterman's Top Ten. And let's be honest, these are all luxuries. Back in the day, all you needed was a boob and a scrap of animal skin to strap the baby to your back while you plowed the fields, yet today we would DIE without the diaper genie.

1. Okay... the Diaper Genie. Only because you.must.contain.the smell!

2. Mustela Bath Products - love these as they have been so gentle on Brecken's skin and helped with the shedding and dryness. No diaper rash yet or breakouts on the face!

3. Bloom Products - The Coco lounger & the Fresco highchair - the lounger is easy on the eyes with a wooden frame, but light enough to carry from room to room.  The highchair has been fantastic because it reclines and acts as a raised bassinet until he grows into the big boy high chair - love anything that sees itself through multiple ages.

4. Under the Nile - a line of organic cotton products. Great quality, eco friendly. We've used the bibs and cloth diapers. Always use one on the changing pad as those boy parts are like rocket launchers. (Story: I went to change the baby the other day and asked Taylor why the blinds were drawn... his answer: "Oh, Brecken peed on the window." Note to self - call housekeeper.)

5. Dwell Studio - great modern line of baby products, love their toys. These blocks are fun and aren't made of plastic! (trying to avoid)

6. Puj Tub - I die (as Rachel Zoe would say). Can be assembled one handed, so when your husband leaves you to go play league basketball the family doesn't suffer. Fits perfectly in any sink, pedestal or otherwise. It has a great drains as well so you can hang it flat and avoid hiding bacteria.

7. NoseFrida - a.k.a. The Snot Sucker. Gross concept I know, sounds like something Alicia Silverstone would do. This has pulled mucus that has been hiding in Brecken for 9 months. If you have kids prone to runny noses, congestion and ear infections, a must have.

8. Bugaboo Cameleon - if you talk to my husband, he'll tell you I was obsessed with finding the right stroller. I didn't want to have to keep replacing it - and I wouldn't mind it not looking like a dumpster when we pushed it around. We contemplated all styles, including the jogging stroller - but let's be honest, I cuss at people who jog.

9. Daily Candy for Kids - www.dailycandy.com. Turned onto it by a coworker. Go in and sign up - you can subscribe to the adult version (particular to a city) or the version for Kids. Lots of great deals and notes!

10. The Laundress Baby Detergent - again has been great on the skin. I would normally never purchase this as it's a bit pricey, but see point #9. Signed up for 50% off coupon and ordered a case :)

This list will inevitably change and grow, but we've had fun compiling so far. Our philosophy is less is more... There is a product for everything, but apply a titch of discernment and you'll come up with things that both you and the baby will love.

#1. Diaper Genie Elite - can be found anywhere! 

#2. Mustela Bath Products - you can find these pretty much
anywhere including Target or Babies R Us.

#3. Bloom Coco lounger in cherry. Also available in a
lighter finish.

#3. Bloom Fresco highchair. The seat cover has several
different colors - we chose white and orange.
 www.bloombaby.com

#4. Under the Nile - www.underthenile.com. 100% organic cottons.
Nothing fancy, but wonderful quality and great size.

#5. Dwell Studio Products - www.dwellstudio.com.
These soft blocks come apart and have noise makers in the middle -
and not the noise makers that will make you go batty.

#6. Puj Tub. Follow Steps 1-4, wash, rinse and repeat.
 www.pujbaby.com

#7. NoseFrida - can be found at any retailer that sells baby
products. An amazing gadget & promises to not suck their brains out.
Remember to buy extra foam filters.

#8. Bugaboo Cameleon in black with grey base.
The same frame converts from the bassinet you see to the infant seat that is displayed.
The canopy and base have a myriad of colors to choose from. Clips make it convertible to the Peg Perego, Graco, Maxi Cosi and some Chico car seats. www.bugaboo.com

#10. The Laundress Baby Detergent - www. thelaundress.com. Only takes  2 capfuls for HE washers.