More than a few of my favorite {baby} things

For as many totally un-necessary and rather useless baby items out there, I have come to love, recommend, and swear by even more. Sure, every baby is different and what is a godsend for some may be a total nightmare for others, but these are by far my favorites:

• uppa baby vista stroller. It has a couple of quirks, but it is the only stroller that quadruples as a "snap 'n go", a bassinet, a regular stroller, and even a jogger. And the basket is huge- so important. Oh, and you can add a rumble seat and a kick board to avoid buying a double or triple hauler.
  
  
• aden and anais swaddling wraps. Not only are they the only blanket worth using to swaddle, but they are great for covering the stroller and are way better than a Hooter Hider for nursing.
  
  
• halo sleep sacks. Because you can't use a blanket in the crib. Oh, and they were my life saver when it came time to "break the swaddle".
  
  
• my brest friend. Don't get sucked into the Boppy world. Yes, I have used the Boppy as support when Anderson wass learning to sit, but only because it was given to me. If you are planning to nurse, My Brest Friend is the only way to go. And if you have a C-section I cannot tell you how invaluable it is.
  
  
• hand-held medela breast pump. As archaic as it seems, I love having the hand-held pump. I use it when I just don't feel like being hooked up to "the machine". And it's great in the car (yes, I often have to pump while driving. Uggghhhhh.) The hand pump is really only a backup, however. Though tough to swallow, spend the money and get an electric double pump.
  
  
• baby bjorn/baby hawk mei tai. I use and love both. The Bjorn is so easy to put on and is great when they are really little. (Make sure to get the "Active" model which has back support.) The mei tai is easier on my back now and I can wear it as a back pack as well as in the front. Spend the money. If you plan to be a "baby-wearer" you'll need a quality carrier.
  
  
• video monitor. I know this is totally not a necessity, but I cannot imagine not having it. There is nothing better than watching Anderson sleep.
  
  
• lots and lots of baby wash cloths. I use a new one in the bath every day and another new one for face washing after meals. That's a lot of wash cloths!
  
  
• jumperoo. OMG it is too cute to watch them go crazy in the jumper. Not to mention it buys you a few minutes to take a shower, use the bathroom, close your eyes, etc.
  
  
• dekor diaper pail. I never really understood the whole Diaper Genie diaper sausage maker thing. I suppose I am just diaper pail challenged.
  
  
• play gym mat. Anderson certainly did not use his for tummy-time as there is nothing he hates more, but he loves batting at the little hanging toys.
  
  
• born free bottles. They don't leak. They are easy to clean. They supposedly reduce belly aches and colic.
  
  
• baby food processor. I make all my own baby food and have used the big Cuisinart, the little Cuisinart, the potato masher, and the stick blender. Nothing beats the Magic Bullet type processor.
  
  
• stick sunscreen. What a fabulous idea.
  
  
• bebe pod. I use this thing multiple times a day as a high chair, a "learn-to-sit chair", and a safe place to stick baby to play for a few minutes when I need a break. The new ones even have a strap. Fancy.
  
  
• britax roundabout 50. I don't think I have ever researched a single product as much as I did the carseat. If I drove a bigger car, I would have gone for the Marathon or the Decathlon, but at some point I would like to have adults fit in my car. The Roundabout 50 is the same as the Marathon, only narrower.
  

Wow. This list is a bit longer than anticipated and I could have kept on going. I know that people always say, "you don't really need that much for a baby" and they are right. I certainly don't need many of these things, but they sure do make my life a lot easier and I wouldn't want to be without them.