Kid Tested, Mom Approved: Go-To Gear!

I am SO very excited to be hosting today’s link up: Go-To Gear!

You know the drill…just grab the button below and share with us the gear that’s on your must-have list!

When I was pregnant with Arden people always told me that this tiny little thing would come with a lot of stuff.  I would kind of laugh and agree with them…but holy cow, I had no idea how right they were!!!  It seems like every week we have something new coming in and something old going up–to the attic, that is.  (Friends with basements…cherish them! That is pretty much my only complaints about living in Texas, ha!)  

But back to my point 🙂  We’ve gone through a lot of gear over the last 13 months, and today I’m going to share with you our must-haves…the things {big or small} that make everyday life with a baby just a little bit easier!

1. BooginHead SippiGrip – I have to thank my mom for discovering this little gem.  In our house it could also be called the “Hazel-saver” because it has spared our pup from sippy-cup head trauma more than once!  I also appreciate not having to chase cups all over the kitchen or clean up messes when they splatter on the floor.  We keep another one on the stroller for on-the-go snacks and hanging on to toys.

By the way, this picture was taken the day her birthday crown came in the mail.  I assure you she doesn’t always dine like a princess! 😉

2. Summer Infant Baby Touch Video Monitor – I’m not sure what I would do without this monitor!  We’ve kind of got naps down to a science around here.  I can usually tell by watching Arden on the monitor if she’s really up or if she’s going to go back down…and if I go in too early, it’s game over!  So that’s why having the ability to see her is key.  It has kind of turned me into a stalker, but that’s okay, I’m her mom 🙂
I have nothing but good things to say about this monitor…I like that it zooms in and out, pans the room, and overall has a good-quality picture.  It also allows you to talk to the child, which I haven’t really used for Arden yet, but it works wonders for ordering husbands around. Ha! “Change her diaper, please!!!”

3. Munchie Mug – Awkward name, awesome product 😉  I quickly got tired of the snack catchers you can buy in stores because I felt like all Arden had to do was turn it over and cheerios came pouring out.  The MM has a spandex envelope top that allows little hands to go in, but no loose snacks to come out.  It goes everywhere that Arden goes…and she likes to share with her friends too!

4. Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack – I got this diaper bag when Arden was about 4 months old, and it was one of the best baby-gear decisions I have made.  One of my good friends owned and recommended it, so I decided to bite the bullet and purchase my own before flying solo with Arden.  The fact that you have your hands free makes it perfect for traveling and just everyday life.  My other favorite feature is the built-in changing station, which we use all the time. Genius!

Ahhh, the age when it was acceptable to keep your baby in footed pajamas all day! 😉

5. Ubbi Diaper Pail – I did so much research on diaper pails, it was ridiculous.  I had almost decided we didn’t need one…and then I discovered the Ubbi.  It is awesome!  It’s nice-looking, it takes regular trash bags (which saves a lot of $$), and it keeps some pretty awful smells sealed tightly inside.  I highly recommend it!

6. City Mini Stroller – Ohhhh strollers.  Another source of stress for moms-to-be everywhere 🙂 I originally heard about the City Mini in this book that my sister gave me.  It was one of their top picks, wasn’t outrageously priced, and got great reviews…I was sold!!  The thing I like most about it is that we’ve only needed one stroller since Arden was born.  We used the car seat attachment in the beginning and switched her over to the normal seat at about 5 months.  The stroller itself is light enough that you can easily travel with it, but heavy-duty enough to withstand everyday use.  I would buy this stroller again in a heartbeat!

Maybe I’m weird, but I get a thrill from reading product reviews! (Yep…weird.)  So I hope you’ll link up and share your go-to gear…I’m not even kidding when I say that I can’t wait to read all about it!

A special thanks to everyone who has joined us throughout this series…you all are so awesome and have inspired me in so many ways!
Another huge thank you to Julie, Erin, Colleen, Emily & Erinn…I have absolutely loved co-hosting with these wonderful ladies and am just so thankful to have been a part of it all!

Have a great day, everyone!