I asked mommas on Instagram to tell me what their day-to-day must haves are in their home...here I share Katia's response. What are some of the things you and your little ones simply can't be without on a daily basis? Email me at MommaFriendly@gmail.com to #ShareYourStory! -MommaFriendly
Motherhood can be quite overwhelming. These days there are so
many products out there that can make it even more challenging. You just
never know what to expect. As a mom of two there are definitely things
that I thought I would need with my first that I didn't care to use with
my second. Every child is also different. What one child enjoyed may
not be what another enjoys.
These days I cant possibly function without three things:
-our carrier
-our stroller
-lavender essential oil
Our carrier and stroller are lifesavers. We have an Infantino sash
meitai carrier. It can be used front, back and hip carry until 35lbs. At
the time of purchase it was $30, and it has worked so well for us that I
always recommend it. Considering Infantino's not so great carrier
reputation this is a good option for parent who cant afford the fancy
Baby Hawk meitai for example. Because of the carrier we didn't start
using a stroller until recently. We were blessed with a Chicco
lightweight aluminum stroller. Its is so easy to maneuver and our son is
very comfortable in it. It holds children from 6 months until they
reach 3 years old or 50lbs. As our son becomes heavier out carrier gets
used for short trips or to help me get things done around the house. Our
stroller especially because of the 3 year old gets used for longer
family outings or family grocery trips because the 3 year old always
wants the cart.
Essential oils are miracle workers as is. Lavender
really showed me the power of them. When we first were given lavender I
was skeptical. Our 18 month old was about 15 months at the time and
still not sleeping through the night. From the first night we used
lavender he slept through the night. It is also so great for teething.
To help with sleeping we apply 2 drops to the bottom of each foot before
bedtime and put socks on him, and for teething we apply 2 drops to each
cheek near the jaw line or area where the teething are cutting. We've
also noticed that applying it to the forehead helps to relax even
ourselves when we are on edge.
As a second time mom there are definitely things I
can do without. I see so many pointless things being sold these days.
Money goes to waste because you just never get around to using them. The
pack and play being one of those. While functional for some moms and
their littles it never really worked for us past 3 months. My boys
wanted to be all over the place from really young and hated being
enclosed in that thing. I thought they would outgrow it, but it is still
just a place to throw things into or make a clubhouse with.
While there are things I thought I needed and
didn't use; there are also things I never thought I would use, but
considered. I was the mom who judged the moms using the harness on their
children. Mostly because they called them leashes and dragged their
children around like puppies. My first may not have been as mischievous
as my second is, but the second time around I am seriously wanting to
get one. My 18 month old now is very sneaky. He disappears in
2.5 and won't respond to you calling him. He's already been lost
once in a store while we were getting pictures taken. I looked away for
one second literally just blinked, and he was gone. Thankfully, he was
found safe and sound behind the dressing rooms playing with the mirrors,
but it could have been bad.
When it comes down to baby items at this age or
any age really my advice would be to keep it to a minimum. Buy things as
you need them. Don't overwhelm yourself with items that your baby may
not even like. Give yourself enough room to try things and see if baby
adjusts to them enough to like them.
My name is Katia, I am 23 years old, and a mom of
two boys. The boys are 3 and 18 months. We currently live in the
Orlando, FL area, but are from the state of Connecticut. We love it down
here as it is so family oriented. Our days are spent swimming, playing
at the park, or watching turtles at the pond. That's when we're not
working of course. I created my blog as a way to cope with how
overwhelmed I was having two under 2 years old. Its not based on
anything except my real life, thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I brag
about the good days and others I rant about a bad day. You can follow me
on Instagram under @katiaxo__0601 or follow my blog.
