It's been a while! I missed the hardfork but since I'm back here blogging I'm assuming everything went well.

8 weeks to go!!!

According to my app I've got 8 weeks to go!

Not gonna lie, the closer I get to pop time the more I worry about the actual popping so I'm trying to distract myself by focusing on other things like the baby shower.....

..... and baby essentials.

Research

One thing I've realised recently is how much stuff is available for mums/bubs out there. Not just the amount of stuff but the different varieties of the one type like baby carriers ~ there's the structured ones and then theres the wraps then there's the ring slings. So many options available, so confusing and so overwhelming.

Now, I love bubba and I'm as excited as they come but I'm kinda on the practical side and I'm deliberately curbing the urge to overindulge and go gaga over the newest trends.

And as I do, I turned to YouTube and checked out a few videos on baby must haves and regrets.

Here are some of my favourites 👇

Points worth noting:

• Skip the newborn shoes.
• Scratch mits! You can use socks instead. This I read in the comments section.
• Hooded towels.. Not necessary, normal ones work just as well.

Points worth noting:

• Memory Book.... Skip that. I get it, I'll probably be logging memories on social media too.
• You don't need fast flow nipples straight away.
• Skip the infant car seat. Opt for the convertible type.

Points worth noting:

• Skip the fancy swaddles, muslin swaddle blankets ftw + they're super versatile.
• Cloth nappies are also super versatile.

Points worth noting:

• Diaper Raffle 😆 Well too late for that one but I didnt invite a lot of people so I'm not expecting heaps of nappies. But I reckon so far I'm all good with newborns.

• Go straight for the bigger bottles.

My essentials list

Ok! I realise the reviews are just opinions and everyone has a different point of view and each baby/family have their own preference so you know there's a few things I'm still keen to try despite reviews eg. The Diaper Raffle.

So here's my essentials in my main categories.

Sleep

I'm still going for the co sleeper bassinet as opposed to a "dock a tot" set up.

1. We already have it.
2. There's not enough room on the bed for a dock a tot.
3. Conflicting reports on the safety of them.
   I'm relying on swaddling to give bub that super secure snug feeling.

We also have a bassinet for her that will be her lounge room bed and of course her cot for when she's outgrown the co sleeper.

Feeding

I've been a fan of the Haakaa for a while now and have been trying to figure out if I wanted a Haakaa gen 1 or gen 3. Then there's the mixed reviews on the gen 3 being too big and bulky and the baby ending up kicking it off the boob.

Then there's the price plus shipping and as much as I wanted one there always seemed be a hurdle.

Anyway.. I found NatureBond!! Pretty much a Haakaa but cheaper.

Here's the video that sold me over to NatureBond.

Since I'll be expressing I'll need milk storage pouches and bottles. Instead of getting them now I'll wait til after the baby shower just in case we get some and then I'll try those before getting different brands.

Another product from NatureBond that I'll be getting is this. It doubles as a feeder and teething toy.

Nursing

I've been considering jumping the gun and investing on nipple shields straight away but I'm trying to remain positive so I'm holding out getting one. I will be getting reusable organic nursing pads as opposed to disposable ones.

Bathing

Just like with everything there's a ton of bathing options and after scouring the internet and reading reviews, I think these seem pretty awesome. Keeps bub upright and looks like it's going to be used for a while not just during the newborn stage which is essential for us since we dont have a bath tub.

Carriers

I've spoken about this a few times and still the options are mind boggling so I've decided to get a wrap (not a ring sling) and a structured carrier.

A thing I've noticed after reading and watching reviews is that just because it's top of the line and expensive doesn't mean it'll be bub's favourite or the best ones to get so I'm looking at the mid price range options.

Clothes

Clothes wise I'm not too fussed since we already have a nice little collection of all sizes.

Overall I think I've got most of it sorted out. Once I have my breast pump and carrier at home I think I'll feel settled.

Now I just need to get my birthing stuff together!

Yep. It's just one thing after another these days.

Happy Thursday everyone!!