Mommy Must Haves- my list. Plus a giveaway from HALO

I have been asked quite a bit lately about which items I have really used with our new baby. It seems with a second baby, I didn't go out and buy every single item I felt I should have. Instead, I was more practical, and thought long and hard about which items I would truely use.

Although new products are constantly being made, and we all feel our babies should have the coolest gadgets, gear and toys, practicality usually butts in, and most of these items hardly ever get used, if at all. The major problem with all this in my eyes, is not only do these things take up a ton of space, but baby products are really expensive too!

Even if you are bound and determined to make a baby purchase, you cannot even guarantee that your baby will love it as much as you do. Every baby is different. For example, when my daughter was younger, she loved to sleep in the crib, seriously, she has always been independent. My son, on the other hand, would prefer to be held non-stop... (which explains my lack of posting lately, huh.) What I am getting at is that just because a bouncer worked for one kid, it does not mean that another child will like it as much.

I have compiled a list of my favorite mommy must haves that have worked for me. They may not work perfectly for your little one, but this is a basic list, and these are items I have personally used with both of my, very different children.

Clothing-

Both times I have gone so overboard with clothes that most of the items did not ever get used! I have heard from several other mothers that this has happened to them as well! Honestly, you only need the necessities! Sleepers, onesies, etc. I have heard some get by with only a few outfits, but I would personally need enough clothes to not have to wash more than every 3 days. Both my babies are winter babies, and one of the best items I can recommend is Sleepsack wearable blanket! These are comfy, warm and very safe! These are proven to reduce the risk of SIDS and you can rest assured your child will be warm- HALO, the biggest name in sleepsacks, carry these in sizes up to 5T!

Gear-

Whether you decide on a swing or a bouncer, you will be happy you have something! My arms have felt as if they are about to fall out of their sockets lately from all the holding I have been doing! I have also been using a ERGObaby carrier as well. I have an infant insert for my carrier, which I do not feel very comfortable about, honestly, but I will definately be using later down the line. I just don't think it is necessary for newborns. Also, if you travel, or are at grandma's house quite a bit like I am, a travel crib or a pack & play is great to have. I have never personally had either, only because I am that cheap... but I have heard wonderful things about other mother's having these. Last but not least, a stroller and a car seat of course. When I got a car seat for my daughter, I got one in a neutral green, and that is the one I am currently using for my little man. (how frugal huh?) My car is super small, and my stroller would not fit in the back with the now two car seats, and I had to switch strollers. I found a great compact stroller to fit and trust me, I have gotten my money's worth already! I also am still using the fire out of my bassinet I told you about not too long ago.

For Nursing Mothers-

Don't make me tell you all the wonderful reasons you should at least try to breastfeed... but with that,  you need a few things as well. A great breastpump of course. This time around, I had a set-back with my milk supply and I have no idea what I would have done if I did not have a breastpump. There are several on the market, and everyone has different preferences. I would suggest an electric double if possible. With a pump, you will also need storage bags, nursing pads, a few great nursing bras and I love my shower hug, and it is what I sleep in most nights.

Extras-

Diapers. I cannot tell you what an amazing gift this is! Whether you use disposable or reusable, this is a gift any new mother would love you for! Toys- this is not necessary, but fun!


Okay, to wrap it all up-

 3-4 onesies
3 pairs pants
4 sleepers
2-3 sleepsacks
socks, booties, hats
car seat, stroller, and some form of activity gear, such as swing, bouncer, etc.
bassinet- you don't even need a crib for newborns yet.
breast pump and accessories
diapers galore!

Like I said, this is only my list, and it may change day to day. I have never had a bouncer, and right now, I wish I had one to try out on the little man! Baby products are changing every day, and new ones are constantly being introduced, but our most important items usually stay the same, such as car seats and sleepsacks. These items are stapes, and are items we can feel good about buying our babies and giving as gifts!

HALO Sleepsacks can help reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping your baby bundled up safely. Always putting your child to sleep on their back is also a must!

-Win It-

One Reader will win a HALO SleepSack!

Mandatory Entry- Tell me your number one mommy (or daddy) must have!

Extra Entries-

Visit HALO, and tell me something you learned or that you love!- 1 extra entry
"like" HALO on facebook- 1 extra entry

Follow HALO on Twitter- 1 extra entry

Tell me where HALO products can be purchased- 1 extra entry
Make a purchase from HALO - 1 extra entry

Follow One Frugal Lady via GFC, if you already do, let me know- 2 extra entries
Subscribe to One Frugal Lady via E-mail, if you already do, let me know- 1 extra entry

Blog about this giveaway or post on a linky- leave the link- 3 extra entries per option

Grab my button, tell me where to find it- 3 extra entries

Enter any other current giveaway here at One Frugal Lady- 2 extra entries per giveaway




Giveaway is open to U.S. Contest will end March 4, 2010.


Good luck!


Winner will be chosen by random & contacted by e-mail, then respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.


If you do not complete the required entry, your other comments will be deleted. If you do not verify your e-mail link, all your entries will be deleted as well. Follow the rules, don't spoil it for everyone.


I was not paid for this review, and received no compensation. I did however receive the above mentioned product to facilitate my review. all opinions are my own.