Now I’m starting to gather a few basic things for baby number two, I’m starting to think about investing in other products I never got round to trying with Toby, be it during pregnancy or post birth.
The first thing that I’d really love to try is a proper pregnancy pillow. I really wanted to lay on my belly last night and obviously couldn’t. When I was pregnant with Toby, my auntie gave me this feeding-cum-body pillow, but it felt much more like a long beanbag and I couldn’t ever really get comfortable with it. I’ve seen some fantastic pregnancy pillows on the market, but there’s nothing quite like trying them out, or getting recommendations!
After using a manual breast pump the first time round, and knowing I actually did OK with it, I think I’m going to get an electric one this time. I borrowed the manual one from a friend as I didn’t really want to invest in one, and then end up not being able to breastfeed; luckily I was able to so think it would be worthwhile this time. It also means that I might get a full night’s sleep during the first few weeks if I can express a bottle and get my other half on a night feed!
Cloth nappies! I’m so excited to already have a couple of these in ‘stock’. This is one of my “Changes in 2015” goals. I’d always wanted to try them with Toby but just never got round to them. I mean, where do you start with buying something like that? We don’t have a local cloth nappy facility where we can go and get a feel for them, I think the nearest one is around 20 miles away, which can be up to an hour’s drive in Norfolk with all the lorries and tractors, so we just never went. Just out of ease, I’m sure we’ll use disposables for the first week just to let ourselves get settled and then we can try and get the hang of it.
One thing I never did with Toby was breastfeed in public. Not in the town centre, not in a restaurant, not at the park. I don’t know why. It was probably due to the fact that I would normally plan to go out just after a feed, or if he was going to be hungry, I made my way to the office I worked at. However, this time I’m going to be prepared as I’m now the proud owner of two very lovely breastfeeding scarves from Faye & Lou. Each of them are slightly different in design so I can’t wait to try them both out and see how we go. I always used muslins as a cover up with Toby if family or friends were round, but this is so much more discreet. No more comments on the size of my boobs hopefully!
Babywearing. I’ve heard so much about it, but again never did it. I’ve seen so many types that I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I’m really hoping to get a baby carrier this time, as well as some kind of wrap. I’d love for both of us to be able to wear baby number two when he’s here. I think, especially in the summer months, this will be so much easier for us. I’m pretty sure Toby will love running around, and rather than trying to trek around somewhere like Sandringham with a pushchair, we can all walk together without the hassle of pushing that along – not to mention getting it in and out of the car all the time.
Speaking of which, I’m also pretty tempted to try out a new pushchair. We’ve currently got an Oyster Max (full travel system), which I love, and we can convert to a double buggy, but it is quite bulky. I’m looking forward to only having to get the carseat on and off instead of a whole seat. However, when Toby no longer wants to sit in his pushchair seat (he doesn’t really like it now, he’s never liked being confined really), it might be easier to get a light buggy I can just flip out. So that’s something I’ll be looking at in the near future too.
Some decent dribble bibs. Do they even exist? I’ve literally never had a decent one. They normally always roll up in the wrong place after a wash and tend to get misshapen pretty quickly and easily. I’ve gotten my hands on a 4-in-1 dribble bib, again from Faye and Lou, but one isn’t going to be enough. I’ve been looking at Skibz Bibz and Funky Giraffe bibs too, which both look amazing. They are a little pricier than ones we’ve bought in the past, but I’d be more than happy to invest in some of these if they’re good – not to mention the money doesn’t then go to a big corporate company and not everyone has them! I think I’m just going to have to get some from all 3 companies. I love a quality product.
Nonabox, SassyBloom, ProjectB. Probably all names you’ve heard of. Monthly subscription boxes for during pregnancy. I love discovering new brands and the products they have to offer. We live in the arse area of the UK and tend to find out about some of the best products last. I’ve been researching and looking at all of these for a while now, but still can’t quite make up my mind which one is ‘for me’. I’m also quite sad and love getting parcels in the post, so think one of these is definitely for me, it’s something I’d get really excited about. I just know I’d be looking out for the postman!
When I went to The Baby Show in May 2013, I came across a really clever product called ‘SnugglBundl’. It’s not just for getting babies out of their car seats, but can also help aid post birth recovery, something I’m really going to need after having a caesarean this time round. We didn’t buy one at the show as I was convinced we could do it with normal blankets, but really.. you can’t. I’m definitely looking into getting one of these as a little ‘present to me, from me’, but then I’ve also just treated myself to a new changing bag. Where do you stop with the self treating?
I’ve been looking at some ‘skincare’ products for pre and post pregnancy – everything from arnica oil to aid the healing of my caesarean to things I can use during breastfeeding. I’ve come across a lovely little company called ‘Natural Birthing Company’. I’d really love to try out what they have, considering that the products are all natural. I really enjoy finding new products that I can use on my skin, especially as it’s so sensitive. However, the big thing for me here is that all the products are developed by midwives. These professionals see everything we go through day in and day out, and I’m inclined to believe that they know exactly what works.
If any of you have any recommendations whatsoever, then please let me know! I love independent companies and natural, ethical and quality products that work!
Let me know, and if you think of anything you needed the second time round, I’d love your advice!
J x