Blanket: I've never once brought my own blanket or my own pillows, but I always did wish I had. Although if you ask they provide more blankets for you. I wanted something soft and comfy for me to relax with and get a good sleep when possible.
Scrunchies: Can't go wrong with scrunchies! Whether you want to keep your hair out of your face during labor or out of your babies face when nursing. They come in handy!
iPhone Tripod: My tripod came with a bluetooth remote and I literally keep that in my car in case there's ever a selfie chance. With all the world is going through and rules changing every single day, there may not be anyone else to take photos and it shouldn't be missed just because of that. Take your own photos. Take your own videos! Who cares? Those memories are for you and your family.
Chargers: 10ft chargers will always be a game changer. Being in a room you've more than likely never been in, you won't know where the closest chargers are. To be able to keep in touch with others or take photos and even throughout the night for feedings, you want to make sure you are within reach of your phone and keeping it charged.
Fuzzy Grip Socks: Hospitals are freezing and fuzzy socks not only keep you warm but they keep you steady. Specially after delivering the baby and being able to get up for the first time. Your body is extremely weak and you keep the help to keep steady.
Cotton Panties: Stretchy and soft panties will help you with the pads and being able to go to the bathroom easier. I didn't love the hospitals ones because they were see-through. I prefer to stay in soft stretchy ones of my own.
Slippers: I'd say more of outdoor slippers. I want to be able to get up and put them on easy without having to bed over as well as be able to walk out of the hospital with them on my feet. No one wants to tie their shoes after delivery. Be as lazy as necessary.
Nursing Bras: This one is pretty obvious if you plan on breastfeeding. I like having support and feeling a bit more put together. If i don't have anything on I feel like a blob, literally! I also like knowing I can try to breastfeed on demand without getting half naked.
Nursing Cami: I have a black one I put on right after delivering and it was my go-to every single day for 2 weeks after. It was comfortable and easy to nurse with. It wasn't super tight and it was stretchy and ever since I knew I would get another for me to go to bed with. Night feedings were a breeze!
Belly Band: This has nothing to do with getting your body back because that takes months! However right after your body is extremely weak and the support it had by holding my stomach together was honestly liberating. It took off the pressure of my stomach sticking out by holding the muscles together. It does so much, I think it gets a whole lot of misconceptions.
Light Up Mirror: Let's be honest, if you want to put yourself together those bathrooms mirrors and lights will not help you at all. Not to mention you have to stand in the bathroom to do it. This mirror is perfect to do your makeup on the bed sitting down comfortably.
*Makeup Bag and Toiletry Bag: I linked here both bags to show what each has individually. I knew I didn't want to bring too much, specially when it comes to makeup but I did want something to refresh myself with and not look like death. Toiletries wise I do take body showers but I don't wash my hair. So I brought the very minimal essentials so I can get all the gross sweat off afterwards and feel more put together.
Going Home Outfit: Just like baby, mama needs something super comfortable to go home in. Getting to walk out of the hospital and getting in a car, believe it or not can take a lot of out of you as is. The softest and most stretchy outfits I found that came in a 3 piece set.
Blanket: I've never once brought my own blanket or my own pillows, but I always did wish I had. Although if you ask they provide more blankets for you. I wanted something soft and comfy for me to relax with and get a good sleep when possible.
Scrunchies: Can't go wrong with scrunchies! Whether you want to keep your hair out of your face during labor or out of your babies face when nursing. They come in handy!
iPhone Tripod: My tripod came with a bluetooth remote and I literally keep that in my car in case there's ever a selfie chance. With all the world is going through and rules changing every single day, there may not be anyone else to take photos and it shouldn't be missed just because of that. Take your own photos. Take your own videos! Who cares? Those memories are for you and your family.
Chargers: 10ft chargers will always be a game changer. Being in a room you've more than likely never been in, you won't know where the closest chargers are. To be able to keep in touch with others or take photos and even throughout the night for feedings, you want to make sure you are within reach of your phone and keeping it charged.
Fuzzy Grip Socks: Hospitals are freezing and fuzzy socks not only keep you warm but they keep you steady. Specially after delivering the baby and being able to get up for the first time. Your body is extremely weak and you keep the help to keep steady.
Cotton Panties: Stretchy and soft panties will help you with the pads and being able to go to the bathroom easier. I didn't love the hospitals ones because they were see-through. I prefer to stay in soft stretchy ones of my own.
Slippers: I'd say more of outdoor slippers. I want to be able to get up and put them on easy without having to bed over as well as be able to walk out of the hospital with them on my feet. No one wants to tie their shoes after delivery. Be as lazy as necessary.
Nursing Bras: This one is pretty obvious if you plan on breastfeeding. I like having support and feeling a bit more put together. If i don't have anything on I feel like a blob, literally! I also like knowing I can try to breastfeed on demand without getting half naked.
Nursing Cami: I have a black one I put on right after delivering and it was my go-to every single day for 2 weeks after. It was comfortable and easy to nurse with. It wasn't super tight and it was stretchy and ever since I knew I would get another for me to go to bed with. Night feedings were a breeze!
Belly Band: This has nothing to do with getting your body back because that takes months! However right after your body is extremely weak and the support it had by holding my stomach together was honestly liberating. It took off the pressure of my stomach sticking out by holding the muscles together. It does so much, I think it gets a whole lot of misconceptions.
Light Up Mirror: Let's be honest, if you want to put yourself together those bathrooms mirrors and lights will not help you at all. Not to mention you have to stand in the bathroom to do it. This mirror is perfect to do your makeup on the bed sitting down comfortably.
*Makeup Bag and Toiletry Bag: I linked here both bags to show what each has individually. I knew I didn't want to bring too much, specially when it comes to makeup but I did want something to refresh myself with and not look like death. Toiletries wise I do take body showers but I don't wash my hair. So I brought the very minimal essentials so I can get all the gross sweat off afterwards and feel more put together.
Going Home Outfit: Just like baby, mama needs something super comfortable to go home in. Getting to walk out of the hospital and getting in a car, believe it or not can take a lot of out of you as is. The softest and most stretchy outfits I found that came in a 3 piece set.
Glow Sunscreen: Always protect your skin no matter where you are! Plus this brand is my favorite, it gives you such a beautiful natural glow and the fact that it's 40spf and not heavy or leaving a white casts is such a plus!
Light Foundation: I love the Airflash by Dior, it is just sooo light and such a beautiful coverage.
LipGloss: In case you need a little color on those lips, but definitely don't forget some chapstick. All the laboring leaves your lips extra dry.
Blending Sponge: I find the sponge to be far more versatile than a brush plus it leaves my makeup blended way nicer. I use different angles of it for different types of makeup. It's like an all in one sort of thing and it's way easier to clean than brushes. Make sure you have a case for your sponge so it doesn't get dirty!
Lashes & Glue: Always need a good set of lashes. I used to get lash extensions but my lashes suffered a lot, so ever since I invested in many types of lashes, some glam some natural and some for the in between moments. A lash just makes the face change and it is my top must have in this bag!
Blush/Highlighter Set: Sometimes we gotta look a little bit alive. You never need too much of these, so I don't consider them to be an absolute need, but they do bring some color to your face.
Blending Brush: This is sort of up in the air for me. If I do blush and highlights sure, if I opt out of them then I can make do with a sponge.
Setting Spray: Absolute need if you're laboring in makeup or if you want it to stay on through day tie nap times.
Makeup Remover Wipes: Easiest most convenient way to remove all that dirt and makeup at the end of the day.
To see what's in the rest of my hospital bag click here!
Glow Sunscreen: Always protect your skin no matter where you are! Plus this brand is my favorite, it gives you such a beautiful natural glow and the fact that it's 40spf and not heavy or leaving a white casts is such a plus!
Light Foundation: I love the Airflash by Dior, it is just sooo light and such a beautiful coverage.
LipGloss: In case you need a little color on those lips, but definitely don't forget some chapstick. All the laboring leaves your lips extra dry.
Blending Sponge: I find the sponge to be far more versatile than a brush plus it leaves my makeup blended way nicer. I use different angles of it for different types of makeup. It's like an all in one sort of thing and it's way easier to clean than brushes. Make sure you have a case for your sponge so it doesn't get dirty!
Lashes & Glue: Always need a good set of lashes. I used to get lash extensions but my lashes suffered a lot, so ever since I invested in many types of lashes, some glam some natural and some for the in between moments. A lash just makes the face change and it is my top must have in this bag!
Blush/Highlighter Set: Sometimes we gotta look a little bit alive. You never need too much of these, so I don't consider them to be an absolute need, but they do bring some color to your face.
Blending Brush: This is sort of up in the air for me. If I do blush and highlights sure, if I opt out of them then I can make do with a sponge.
Setting Spray: Absolute need if you're laboring in makeup or if you want it to stay on through day tie nap times.
Makeup Remover Wipes: Easiest most convenient way to remove all that dirt and makeup at the end of the day.
To see what's in the rest of my hospital bag click here!
Having had 2 kids previously a boy and a girl, I knew right away I wanted to aim for neutrals. I didn't want to go overboard with the shopping either. At this rate I knew what I liked that had worked for me and I knew I wanted to be as minimalistic as possibly. Having gone from becoming a mom at 22 years old to now 30 is such a huge difference. My taste has changed so much but so has my need to keep my house clutter free. Therefore I knew I wanted to only invest in absolute necessities and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Here are my very top newborn must haves.
Nuna Car Seat: We went with the Nuna Pipa LX this time because ever since we've owned their stroller with my daughter, it was by far the best money I ever spent. I loved it so much I didn't get rid of it and its still looking like brand new. I knew I wanted the same feel and style for the car seat. Not to mention the fact that this car seat weights barely 6lbs! Babies get heavy, your carseat shouldn't be as heavy. Aside from amazing crash reviews it's such a beautiful car seat and very gender neutral.
Bedside Bassinet: This one was a tough one. Back with my first child we did the playyard with the changing table on the side for our bedroom. It was simple and easy however it took so much room and it was hard to keep my son asleep in it since it was so large and not necessarily comfortable. With my daughter we did a small cradle cot. It was more snug but very low. Took up way less room however I knew I wanted something at my level. Everything seemed to be so expensive and overpriced for what it was and ever more so with all the features. This one I felt was more price adequate and it has so many features. From lighting up to movement to Alexa commands. It has it all including storage!
Snuggle Me: I actually ended up getting the DockaTot again for couch lounging, however we had a bassinet we wanted to keep downstairs and I knew the snuggle me would be a perfect fit for it. Its soft and snuggles the baby perfectly. Not to mention this color is gorgeous!
Muslin Swaddles: Believe it or not I never used the muslin swaddles for swaddling. They aren't stretchy so I found them a bit hard to keep on babies, however as blankets they are perfect! We live in a place where summer is 115 degrees outside. This is breathable and won't have the baby overheating.
Baby Tub: I had seen so many of those little tubs with holes and I loved how simple they were but I didn't like how much space they took and I knew I would have to use it in a tub or sink. I didn't want that stress on my back. When I found this tub, I loved that it was for both newborns and babies as well as even toddlers. The best part? It's collapsable and it even comes with a hook to let drain and dry in your shower.
Boon Nursh Bottles: I used glass bottles with both my kids because plastic bottles get so dirty and cloudy and smell awful over time. However this time I went with silicone. I'm hoping I don't regret it but I liked the wide opening so I don't spill breastmilk adding it in or making a bottle with formula. Have you seen all the colors available? I also loved that you can change the lid for straw sippys once they outgrow the bottles therefore making it even more useable. I like that almost every part is easy to find and replace as well. Not many provide that functionality.
Pacifiers: I cant tell you how happy I am that Ryan & Rose came out with a mix of pacifiers! This is actually genius. Both my kids liked different pacis and thats why I knew I wanted to bring a couple different ones this time around. You never know what style of paci your baby will end up taking or even if taking one at all. I prefer for my child to take one because it has so many benefits other than self soothing. It's a great factor in SIDs prevention. Also their color variety is impeccable. I have never seen so many colors by any other brand.
Bottle Warmer: I have always aimed to breastfeed as much as possible but sometimes I needed some help with formula and thats ok! I also find it helpful to freeze extras so I can also get help feeding the baby and it's not just me up all night alone. A warmer helps for both breastmilk and formula specially when you can thaw milk and bring it to body temperature according to the amount of ounces in the bottle. I plan on keeping this in my room for night feedings.
Zipper Baby Onesies: Coming from someone that works in daycare with babies, zippers are your best friend! Specially for nighttime diaper changes as well if you like to have a beautiful manicured hands with longer nails. I've seen magnetic ones and they don't stay close all the time, buttons take a long time and if you've changed one you'll know what it feels like getting half way and realizing you skipped one and having to pull it apart and do it all over again.
Nail Clip Kit: Babies are born with little sharp nails! It's true and the older they get the more grabbing they do. I have been scratched so many times. It's not always the length but the corners, so this kit comes with not just the clipper and scissors and nail file but also a baby tweezer. Cute, simple and to the point!
All-Over Ointment: This Honest ointment was wonderful with my daughter. She had very sensitive skin and using this helped her barely ever get any redness or rashes. It's natural and aside from being used on just their butts it can be used for dryness on their face or hands and pretty much anywhere. I remember using it for her baby acne and within days it was gone. Ever since I kept it on me every time and specially during the cold winter back in England.
Having had 2 kids previously a boy and a girl, I knew right away I wanted to aim for neutrals. I didn't want to go overboard with the shopping either. At this rate I knew what I liked that had worked for me and I knew I wanted to be as minimalistic as possibly. Having gone from becoming a mom at 22 years old to now 30 is such a huge difference. My taste has changed so much but so has my need to keep my house clutter free. Therefore I knew I wanted to only invest in absolute necessities and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Here are my very top newborn must haves.
Nuna Car Seat: We went with the Nuna Pipa LX this time because ever since we've owned their stroller with my daughter, it was by far the best money I ever spent. I loved it so much I didn't get rid of it and its still looking like brand new. I knew I wanted the same feel and style for the car seat. Not to mention the fact that this car seat weights barely 6lbs! Babies get heavy, your carseat shouldn't be as heavy. Aside from amazing crash reviews it's such a beautiful car seat and very gender neutral.
Bedside Bassinet: This one was a tough one. Back with my first child we did the playyard with the changing table on the side for our bedroom. It was simple and easy however it took so much room and it was hard to keep my son asleep in it since it was so large and not necessarily comfortable. With my daughter we did a small cradle cot. It was more snug but very low. Took up way less room however I knew I wanted something at my level. Everything seemed to be so expensive and overpriced for what it was and ever more so with all the features. This one I felt was more price adequate and it has so many features. From lighting up to movement to Alexa commands. It has it all including storage!
Snuggle Me: I actually ended up getting the DockaTot again for couch lounging, however we had a bassinet we wanted to keep downstairs and I knew the snuggle me would be a perfect fit for it. Its soft and snuggles the baby perfectly. Not to mention this color is gorgeous!
Muslin Swaddles: Believe it or not I never used the muslin swaddles for swaddling. They aren't stretchy so I found them a bit hard to keep on babies, however as blankets they are perfect! We live in a place where summer is 115 degrees outside. This is breathable and won't have the baby overheating.
Baby Tub: I had seen so many of those little tubs with holes and I loved how simple they were but I didn't like how much space they took and I knew I would have to use it in a tub or sink. I didn't want that stress on my back. When I found this tub, I loved that it was for both newborns and babies as well as even toddlers. The best part? It's collapsable and it even comes with a hook to let drain and dry in your shower.
Boon Nursh Bottles: I used glass bottles with both my kids because plastic bottles get so dirty and cloudy and smell awful over time. However this time I went with silicone. I'm hoping I don't regret it but I liked the wide opening so I don't spill breastmilk adding it in or making a bottle with formula. Have you seen all the colors available? I also loved that you can change the lid for straw sippys once they outgrow the bottles therefore making it even more useable. I like that almost every part is easy to find and replace as well. Not many provide that functionality.
Pacifiers: I cant tell you how happy I am that Ryan & Rose came out with a mix of pacifiers! This is actually genius. Both my kids liked different pacis and thats why I knew I wanted to bring a couple different ones this time around. You never know what style of paci your baby will end up taking or even if taking one at all. I prefer for my child to take one because it has so many benefits other than self soothing. It's a great factor in SIDs prevention. Also their color variety is impeccable. I have never seen so many colors by any other brand.
Bottle Warmer: I have always aimed to breastfeed as much as possible but sometimes I needed some help with formula and thats ok! I also find it helpful to freeze extras so I can also get help feeding the baby and it's not just me up all night alone. A warmer helps for both breastmilk and formula specially when you can thaw milk and bring it to body temperature according to the amount of ounces in the bottle. I plan on keeping this in my room for night feedings.
Zipper Baby Onesies: Coming from someone that works in daycare with babies, zippers are your best friend! Specially for nighttime diaper changes as well if you like to have a beautiful manicured hands with longer nails. I've seen magnetic ones and they don't stay close all the time, buttons take a long time and if you've changed one you'll know what it feels like getting half way and realizing you skipped one and having to pull it apart and do it all over again.
Nail Clip Kit: Babies are born with little sharp nails! It's true and the older they get the more grabbing they do. I have been scratched so many times. It's not always the length but the corners, so this kit comes with not just the clipper and scissors and nail file but also a baby tweezer. Cute, simple and to the point!
All-Over Ointment: This Honest ointment was wonderful with my daughter. She had very sensitive skin and using this helped her barely ever get any redness or rashes. It's natural and aside from being used on just their butts it can be used for dryness on their face or hands and pretty much anywhere. I remember using it for her baby acne and within days it was gone. Ever since I kept it on me every time and specially during the cold winter back in England.
HEALTH GOAL: Homemade meals and take daily vitamins. Include being outside more and taking walks more often. Run more as a daily regiment.
FINANCIAL GOAL: Invest more than spend more. Go back to work soon and pay off that car. Find the perfect home to fix up with a pool.
TRAVEL GOAL: Road trip to surrounding areas. Explore the north more and states close by. Visit Canada.
HOME GOAL: Organise and decluttering. Simplicity is key. Get rid of everything that has no storage and haven’t been used within the last year.
FAMILY GOAL: Family movie nights and more teaching games. Spend time together outdoors without phones. Teach new things. Get new orders to Italy or Florida.
HOBBIES GOAL: Expand the love of photography and apply it everywhere. Take the Canon out more and enjoy the editing process. Vlog and save those memories. Read more and new stories.
PERSONAL GOAL: Grow that booty. Drink more water more often. Self care in more ways. Get some work done that will boost your confidence. Finish your sleeve and feel like a badass.
What are you goals for this year?
HEALTH GOAL: Homemade meals and take daily vitamins. Include being outside more and taking walks more often. Run more as a daily regiment.
FINANCIAL GOAL: Invest more than spend more. Go back to work soon and pay off that car. Find the perfect home to fix up with a pool.
TRAVEL GOAL: Road trip to surrounding areas. Explore the north more and states close by. Visit Canada.
HOME GOAL: Organise and decluttering. Simplicity is key. Get rid of everything that has no storage and haven’t been used within the last year.
FAMILY GOAL: Family movie nights and more teaching games. Spend time together outdoors without phones. Teach new things. Get new orders to Italy or Florida.
HOBBIES GOAL: Expand the love of photography and apply it everywhere. Take the Canon out more and enjoy the editing process. Vlog and save those memories. Read more and new stories.
PERSONAL GOAL: Grow that booty. Drink more water more often. Self care in more ways. Get some work done that will boost your confidence. Finish your sleeve and feel like a badass.
What are you goals for this year?
