I have a 2 year old. It's probably important to mention that she's not a super physical kid (not a climber). Because of this, we're still using her crib and her highchair. I know some toddlers move on from those things early on, but it's still working for us.
This Ingenuity Seat has been fantastic. We started using it like a Bumbo around 5 or 6 months. It's super nice to be able to take a highchair to the grandparents or on road trips. We've used it in the bathtub and outside for picnics. Firstborn is 2 and we still use it several times a week.
If you have space, don't get a bassinet or minicrib. Babies grow sooo quick. We bought a pack n play with a bassinet layer and we got a lot more use out of it because of the size. Pack n play is still used for the occasional overnight, although I think we've almost aged out of it now at 2.
I'll chime in that travel systems are great. We got a Chicco car seat/stroller and it worked well for us. She outgrew the car seat relatively fast, but we still use that stroller all the time. With that said, if you live in a city or are going to run with the stroller, get a nice stroller.
These are the ones I bought. Three different styles of these. I didn’t like the ones with the holes so I sent them back, easy peasy! Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women's Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JN7466G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PVE2F5F3Y425M5HDYA05?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These! They held up through me being a landscaper during my first pregnancy and are still going strong.
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women's Maternity Skinny Jeans, Flip Sig Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4PY7E5/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_KqfZHpEjKU2EC
My best friend convinced me to try these (I’ve been feeling lightheaded in the shower). She said they helped her a bunch in the third trimester when she couldn’t sleep as well! I’ve used one so far & was much less dizzy!
The Levi's under belly jeans are where it's at for me these days! They fit great and weren't crazy expensive on Amazon here's a link
When you say onesie, are you talking about the ones with the snaps at the crotch or a sleeper (footed pajamas)?
With newborns, we'll be changing diapers A LOT. We hardly put our firstborn in onesies with the snaps until she was 3 months old. I thought we'd use them more since she was a summer baby, but sleepers were much more manageable for us instead of layering on pants and socks.
I recommend buying a few sleepers with glove cuffs. Babies' nails are often janky when they are first born and they are hard to trip at that size, so without gloves they scratch up their face. It's really nice having the gloves attached to the sleeper.
Sleepers with gloves cuffs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M6T5XTF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_9C88S9Y7K7B9CKFBZXV5?psc=1
Sleeper Gowns are a nice option for when you're at home lounging. There's elastic at the bottom, so when it's time for diaper changes you just hike up the bottom over the butt and its go time. You don't need many of these, but we had 3 with our first and I liked using them in the evenings while cluster feeding.
Sleeper Gowns https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFFW5WG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1TQXSY0974RPW23KMKSG
Try sticking something between your knees when you sleep (extra pillow or folded blanket). It can make a big difference!
Pregnancy pillows typically have two purposes: helping your posture stay aligned and giving extra support under the belly. These things can be done with a regular body pillow if you aren't ready to try pregnancy pillows yet. Last pregnancy I used an $8 body pillow and it worked fine. I stuck part between my knees and some underneath my bump and it worked like a charm.
This pregnancy I purchased this pregnancy pillow because I wanted to be able to lay on the floor to play with my toddler. I have slept with it in bed, but it's bulky so it's a real tight fit in the queen bed. It's comfortable in one position, rolling over with it is like wrestling an alligator.
I got these Levi's off Amazon this week and love them. They look like normal pants when they're on and feel like my normal skinny jeans, but comfier: Levi's
I also have a Fabletics subscription that I keep forgetting to cancel/skip, so I've gotten two pairs of their maternity leggings and they're SO comfortable. I think I'll be able to keep using them postpartum as well, since it's easy to fold the waist over.
These are my favorite, so comfy!
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women's Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JXNXL8P/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8E3BS6JQJ6DGCC58K95H?psc=1
I have the Mrs. Fong diaper bag off Amazon that I got with my first. It's a dupe of the Fawn Design Bag
I've used it off and on for 20 months, and it's holding up really well. I would say that 90% of the time I'm using a small forever 21 backpack that I've had for years instead because I don't typically need that much space. Just a few diapers and some wipes and an emergency pouch.
I also feel like the price of the Mrs Fong has gone up substantially since I bought mine!! 💸
So I am a complete pillow snob (also suffer from bad neck and shoulder pain if I don't use a high quality pillow) so I knew I wasn't going to be able to do the traditional Snoogle. At the recommendation of a friend I ended up with this one (by the same brand as Snoogle). I love it because I'm able to flip it the reverse of what the images shows here (as in like "u" instead of like a "n" shape) and sleep with my own pillow! Also, tossing from side to side is a breeze because it's the same shape on both sides! I only really started using it last week around 14 weeks but it's already making a huge difference with some early back pain I'm experiencing. Good luck with your search!
Haha! The struggle is so real!
Also sorry I forgot to link the bras I was talking about!
Try this! It’s a saline spray, and easier/cleaner to use than a netti pot
Simply Saline Nasal Mist Instant Relief for Everyday Congestion, 4.5 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013UU9WK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TNK1E6EY0KVRW1ENNDS5
I just use water (saline should be the same as water just protects from loss of electrolytes). It sounds like you might not be using good technique, you have to lie on your left side on a towel, get a tv show going on your phone or whatever, and warm the bottle up so its comfortable, coat the tip in vaseline, really relax and go slow. A proper gentle enema kit will run you $20 so its definitely better to just get one of those. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DD5GUV6/
I think magnesium toxicity requires a huge overdose, so should be fine to combine it. I think it's good to use Natural Calm even if it doesn't provide sufficient laxative effects. I drink it following the instructions on the bottle (using boiling water and then cooling it off just enough to drink it). it's much more tolerable hot. Personally I could not stand the taste of miralax unfortunately.
If you don't feel lumps when you are pushing on the back of the vaginal wall, you probably won't get any benefit from it - if you feel lumps, you can sort of push them side to side to help them work their way out. frankly this is a lot less unpleasant than going in the other way (or having a doctor do it).
I’m so sorry you’re going through this ❤️ this is maybe a minor suggestion, but I was also struggling to remember to take my meds & vitamins daily. I bought pill organizer from Amazon & it’s been a game changer! I can tell a difference in my mood & how I feel when I’m taking my pills daily.
I really like the Snoogle! I liked it with each pregnancy - but there might be better ones out there these days.
This is the one I have from 2018 (but I had the same one in 2014 but gave to a friend back in the day) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000635WI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And bought the cover separately: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JLL7FK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’m not super into astrology but at a friend’s recommendation got this awesome book a while ago about birthdays. It’s spooky how accurate it is, at least I found it to be about me and family members!! You might really enjoy it and it would be fun to see how things turn out with your geminis.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Birthdays-Stars-Numbers-Personology/dp/0345418190/ref=nodl_
I have the Kindred Bravely gown. I had an emergency C-Section so I was super thankful to have something that didn't hit my incision!
I went with this one, I wanted the option to have an app to access via phone but mainly plan to use the monitor. Hoping we like it!
VTech Upgraded Smart WiFi Baby Monitor VM901, 5-inch 720p Display, 1080p Camera, HD NightVision, Fully Remote Pan Tilt Zoom, 2-Way Talk, Free Smart Phone App, Works with iOS, Android https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07WCV632L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_THT26TF7NBFFJSFTYZKH
My husband works in tech and did a lotttt of research on baby monitors and felt the Eufy was the best for our needs
You can have multiple monitors and multiple cameras
Video Baby Monitor, eufy Security, Video Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio, 720p HD Resolution, Night Vision, 5" Display, 110° Wide-Angle Lens Included, Lullaby Player, Ideal for New Moms https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBP3GH9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RR4E5DBPHBPSBNASXFTF
I dont have personal experience, but another mom friend ordered this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NB9V3Z4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Her baby isn’t due until February, so no personal review from her. I’m at least thinking about it since I don’t want a wifi-based one for security reasons and none of the other non-wifi monitors I’ve looked at have split screen capabilities.
Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose Herbal Tea - Stress Relieving & Magical, Immune Support, Adaptogen, Vegan, Gluten-Free, USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Caffeine-Free - 18 Infusion Bags, 3 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088Y49XVZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZFYFC13PGFTA7V6WE4K5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Pukka Three Mint, Organic Herbal Tea with Peppermint, Spearmint & Fieldmint (6 Pack, 120 Tea bags) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RBABLHI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6G2NRGZ2P8SD8SKC27AK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I really like this one The Republic of Tea Ginger Peach Black Tea, Caffeinated, 50 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024SIHAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MDDX39ZSVEJZMH8RRSZZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I don’t know if you’re doing a little bit of caffeine or not but I love this one iced The Republic of Tea – Watermelon Mint Black Iced Tea, 8 Large Pouches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVPG0GG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7FET1ZMYAM2MBF0KW9XA
My whole first pregnancy I was able to wear my normal underwear which was Victoria’s Secret Cotton in the bikini style. But then I had a c-section and they were really uncomfortable so I had to buy maternity underwear after giving birth which was really annoying lol. But I’ve been wearing them ever since and I find these really comfortable because the waistband is nice and loose so it doesn’t dig in. I don’t really care for the under bump underwear because they just feel too low…
These are the ones I like: Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear | Pregnancy Postpartum Panties | Foldable Briefs Under the Bump
My mom friend highly recommended these (my first piece of unsolicited advice from her lol): Suekaphin Womens Maternity Panties Maternity Underwear Pregnancy Postpartum Cotton Under Bump Brief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R9LB28Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MVBMZ8ECNH23D91VWNN5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N5R4BQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
My scrubs are getting tight so I wore these for the first time today. I bought them before I was pregnant as a back up wardrobe (nurse manager, I usually wear scrubs but wanted a business type option).
I like them! I don't know how long I'll be able to wear them but I think they'll get me through until the bump gets big, I could probably buy another in a bigger size to last me even longer.
Frame for UltraSound I used these frames for the ultrasound and wrapped them for my first. It was so sweet but hilarious my grandfather had no idea what he was looking at. For this pregnancy I just told my family over the phone, I was too excited to wait again.
Have you tried this saline spray from arm and hammer? It really helps me!
​
Omg I JUST came across this on Amazon and I’m soooo curious if it works. belly sleeper pregnancy pillow
Have you ever used this stuff? It helps me SO MYCH with allergies. it’s a saline nasal spray and safe for pregnancy.
Simply Saline Nasal Mist Instant Relief for Everyday Congestion, 4.5 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013UU9WK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FVZG9NPK17FMNS58B3EB
I just bought the align dupes off Amazon
They're that thicker quality material although probably a bit too compression for maternity wear. Maybe if you size up?
I spend my winters split between a cold Midwestern state and Ontario, and I’m planning on LOTS of layers and an xxl coat to try and wrap around the bump! We just bought these as well, which I 10/10 highly recommend! They’re so soft and warm, and I imagine this will be my winter wardrobe when I’m not at work this winter 🥶
Ive been meal prepping snack trays. Its something I did a lot doing in my first pregnancy and I just started it up again this week. I put it in meal prep containers to help keep the crackers from getting stale.
It usually ends up being some sort of combination of these foods:
This will make me sound like a kook, but maybe will make you feel better! I asked a psychic about my pregnancy. She is a "real" psychic in that she has 100s of positive reviews, including people who say things like she predicted how to get a rare organ transplant for their child. Anyway, she was very cautious and firmly believes in branching paths for the future and your own choices so if she's a real psychic and correct than your mom insisting that your brother has no path to have just one child sounds like bs, so your mom is probably wrong about everything! I'm still skeptical about my psychic but just did that to feel better (thankfully she was positive) :).
It's not silly to be upset about this, mindset has a HUGE impact and even when you don't really believe something it can cause real anxiety. Some people are very susceptible to suggestion so it is really messed up to offer such predictions unsolicited.
If it is really impacting you, you could try some hypnosis positive birth scripts or a hypnosis session to counter your mother's negative suggestions -- essentially what your mom may have done with that negative suggestion is hypnotize you in a way to expect a negative outcome. Or if that's you, I can suggest some other woo stuff that might make you feel better like spiritual meditations on Spotify or you could try exercises in the Spirit Babies Book. I feel like this stuff works even if you only believe in it like 5% (okay maybe .01%).
We ended up getting this one: https://www.amazon.com/AIRMEGA-Smarter-Purifier-Covers-1560/dp/B01C9RIACG/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_47?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9R59H5RM1SV3HBTEKGJ8
It's expensive and I did consider getting a smaller, cheaper one that would cover just one room but ended up getting that since it basically purifies our whole house and is more energy efficient than some of the other bigger ones I was looking at. It works really well!
I got an Iron Flask! I looked at a few and ended up going with this one because it’s pretty and won’t immediately completely spill if I knock it over. Plus, it fits in cup holders which is a huge plus!
I got this for my jeans- works like a charm!
MAEBAND Maternity Belly Band | Pregnancy Belt, Waistband Extender, Pregnancy Clothes, Maternity Jeans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQII0LL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M208NA45HW12E7QR3ES8
I bought these bralettes bc my wire bras are already uncomfortable while my boobs are swollen
Kalon 4 Pack Demi Padded Bralette... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DR73WZG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I wore the same company’s underwear throughout my first pregnancy, they grew with me throughout my 70 lb weight gain journey and were what I took with me to the hospital. I’ve since replaced almost all my undies w theirs
Sunzel Leggings for Women, Naked Feeling Yoga Pants 7/8 with Side Pockets for Sports Workout https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QMQJ2ZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5VYA7ZV74C41CCDVQ3DV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are the Align dupes from Amazon that I bought for myself, a friend post partum, and my sister! For a quarter of the price, they are amazing!! They really do hold up, I find the material slightly thicker than the align but still extremely comfy and buttery, and no pilling yet! (The aligns are great, but notoriously pilly!) This links to leggings with pockets. Because pockets!
I've switched to a water bottle with a straw and that's helped a lot. I don't have to unscrew or flip a cap, I just pick up the cup and take a sip. It doesn't make it taste any better, but it does help me take mindless little sips as I go about my day. This is what I use: Contigo insulated water bottle
I love this pillow more than anything else in my bedroom. It helped so much with pregnancy, I still used it after giving birth, and I will use it after this baby. My dog loves it too!
It helps to have a bigger bed bc it is big. And it’s hard to snuggle with your partner. But man is it worth it.
Consider a bella band! They extend the life of your current pants by essentially covering up that they are unbuckled. Ingrid & Isabel Bellaband | The Original Maternity Belly Band | For Pregnancy https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B005N7YXZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J65B9JX98SZSPE1ASX2K
I tablespoon of this in water every day or every other day
Pink Stork Morning Sickness Sweets: Ginger Raspberry Morning Sickness Candy for Pregnancy, Nausea, Digestion, 100% Organic + Vitamin B6, Women-Owned, 30 Hard Lozenges https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078ZJWW64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CF2TCQQSHDGJGV2F9T28?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These lozenges have been amazing - they have ginger and B6 and were a lifesaver during my first pregnancy. Plus you can tuck a few in your bag if you’re out and about.
I bought some belly bands (like these ones) because buttoning jeans is already super uncomfortable (hello bloating!) They're less expensive than buying maternity clothes, and I can wear my "fancy pants" without doing them up by slipping one of these over top.