Prior to Carlota’s birth I was clueless to anything baby. The journey starting from pregnancy, to birth, and now caring for her has been such a learning experience. Thankfully by speaking to friends, searching Instagram and reading blogs I have found some amazing products that have been essential to me & her these past 8 weeks. I want to share with you what products have been our favorites.
The wrap is one of the greatest baby inventions EVER!! I swear by it. By the first week I was itching to get out of the house and go for walks with the little miss. I love keeping baby girl close to me and she loves it as well. She does better on walks when she is in the wrap and close to me hearing my heartbeat, than when she’s in her stroller. I think it reminds her of her first home in the womb. When I was pregnant, I would walk and workout so I’m sure she is used to the bouncing. She is also a monster when it comes to feeding and I swear some days she nurses almost every hour. With the wrap I’m able to walk and continue with my errands while she eats and sleeps. What more can a mom ask for. It’s also a perfect way to get her to sleep….when she’s not nursing she falls fast asleep instantly as soon as I start to move.
The rockaRoo has been my saving grace. As soon as my parents left after the first 2 weeks of baby girls arrival, I depended on the rockaRoo so much. Having somewhere to place Carlota that keeps her calm and moving while I take a shower, or do some chores has been my life saver. They come in cool colors and patterns and if you want a version with more movements 4 Moms have the mamaRoo as well.
3) Burp Necessity – Burpshawls
I didn’t fully realize the necessity of the burp shawl until Carlota’s arrival. Babies have the knack for spitting up whenever you are not ready or wearing your favorite shirt. The burp shawl covers your back and both shoulders so you’re always prepared. They are handmade and come in a variety of patterns. They are a staple in my diaper bag.
Carlota was out an about within the first week. Since I felt like I was in the hospital for days without getting fresh air and sunshine, as soon as I got home I was itching to get out. With a newborn I was worried and didn’t want her to get sick. Covered Goods was the perfect solution. I could walk her and keep her covered and sheltered. There is also access so you can see your baby as you’re walking. Many times moms just use a swaddle or blanket to cover the seat. I tried that and noticed they fall off the car seat when you hit a little wind and don’t allow you to see and check up on your little one. Covered goods stays in place and with its cool patterns gives a stylish twist to your stroller. I can’t tell you how many times I would be asked where I got my cover from while walking Carlota. It can also be used as a nursing cover.
5) Body Shapers – Bounce back – belly bandit
Getting back my pre-pregnancy figure has been something I have been concerned about since I first found out I was pregnant. I tried to keep as fit as I could throughout my pregnancy but with my ravenous appetite I packed on the pounds. After baby Carlota was born I was ready to get back in shape. One of the key items for me are post pregnancy body shapers. They work to compress the stomach, hips and waist which have expanded during pregnancy. I wore them 24/7 for the first 7 weeks postpartum. Now that I am past 8 weeks I wear them here and there but not as religiously. It is most important to wear the first 6-8 weeks as that is when the hormone relaxin is circulating in the body.
Motherhood Maternity not only has maternity wear, but they also have postpartum items as well. From shape forming tank tops, tummy transformer, and denim. I have used all 3 of these items. The bounce back denim are one of my favorites. For those of us that are not able to just “bounce back” into our pre-pregnancy jeans these are that perfect transition. They are just like maternity jeans with an elastic waist, but that part that normally stretches over your belly is made with elastic to compress and shape your mid-section.
Daily I wear the New mom tummy transformer under my clothing. It helps tuck it all in by smoothing, supporting and shaping the mid-section. In the first few weeks postpartum I would wear the Belly Bandit on top of the transformer. I felt like this gave me that extra tightness and support for my muscles as everything was healing.
Bounce Back Jeans – A pea in the Pod
I will have a few more blog posts about some new mama essentials coming up mixed in with my fashion posts. My life currently revolves around baby Charlie so I will be incorporating more of these kind of posts in the mix as well.
With Love... Andrea 
