More than anything, the one thing I am not looking forward to about Baby C's arrival is the inevitable lack of sleep.
I kept a strict journal of G's habits when she was a newborn; for the first six months (yes, I am aware I am INSANE), I kept track of her every pee, poo, feeding and nap. Looking back on that diary now, I realize how little DH & I slept during those first few weeks... that is, until we stumbled upon a true miracle.
A friend actually gave me an Aden + Anais swaddle blanket when G was about three weeks old. At the time, I didn't know anything about swaddling or its potential benefits. I just knew that this oversized blanket was super soft and breathable (a fact I loved, given all the scary information about SIDS out there). Then another friend (do I have resourceful gal pals or what?) turned me on to the book "Happiest Baby On The Block," which touts the benefits of swaddling. I had the blanket... I had the book... at that point, I decided I had to try swaddling.
My life was never the same after that. Although G kicked and fought as I swaddled her up tightly like a little baby burrito, she immediately calmed down once she was tucked snugly inside. The breathable muslin fabric kept her warm and cozy, but didn't make her sweat (like some of the cheaper blankets I had). DH & I found ourselves washing that blanket over and over and over again; every time G spit up or had a blow out, that swaddle blanket went straight into the wash so it could be used as soon as possible. The seams never weakened, the fabric never wore; the blanket seemed indestructible. In fact, it held up so well that after we finally weaned G from her swaddle habits (at 7 months old; I used to joke she'd go to her first sleepover asking her host's mom to swaddle her), we passed the blanket on to another friend and her new baby.
Of course, that created a problem when I found myself pregnant unexpectedly; I wanted my swaddle back, but by then, my friend and her little boy had moved--and taken the swaddle--to Oregon. I contacted the wonderful folks at Aden + Anais and asked if they'd be interested in doing a review... and they were!
I received this four-pack of muslin swaddles (the print is the "Little Man Swaddle"--how cute!!!), and can't wait to use them. Right now, they are washed and ready to go, one lying askew in C's crib, the other three patiently awaiting his soft baby skin from the comfort of a drawer. I know when the time comes, at least one will come with me to the hospital (I'm tearing up as I write this; blame it on the pregnancy hormones, but I am downright EXUBERANT at the thought of meeting my son in three months!) to welcome C when he arrives. I'm sure that once Baby C and I use them, we'll pass them along to another friend... and the swaddle love will keep on going.
Muslin swaddle blanket four-pack: $45.00
Two-pack: $29.95 (there's a camouflage option with this size!)
Single: $19.95
If you live in a colder climate--or will be expecting a baby during the winter months--Aden + Anais also has a line of "Cozy Muslin" swaddle blankets, with a double layer of muslin to keep baby extra warm. Or, if you're environmentally-minded, there's the company's organic line.
Disclaimer: I was provided a four-pack of muslin swaddle blankets by Aden + Anais valued at $45.00 for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was provided. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and were not influenced by the sponsor company.
My must have with baby #2 was the Baby Bjorn. I know several folks who have liked other front packs as well... so you should shop for the one that fits your body and you find easiest to work, but the hands free option of snuggling your little man while dealing with your toddler is just amazing. My little guy (who is now 8) went EVERYWHERE in the Bjorn. I grocery shopped with him in it, I cooked with him in it, we went on walks, to the park... it's funny, for about 3 months time there isn't a picture of me without the little man strapped to the front of me. He was SO happy in there... and it made my life as a mom to my 2 year old so much easier. I had the Bjorn with my oldest and never really used it, but something about having 2..... Good luck!
Omg I am sooo broody reading your blog!!!
Good luck for the arrival of baby C!! So exciting!!
Love Tullulah xxx
www.tullulahsworld.com
Love their blankets! We have them for Brennan right now! My boppy is probably my most used baby item though.
Beautiful post. I knew about swaddling when I was a young mother many years ago but we didn't have special swaddling blankets. I just kept my three girls tightly wound in their blankets and they slept like lambs. Except baby no. 2 who had her nights and days mixed up and nothing calmed her when she was wound up.
God bless. Barb
her Boppy pillow and her pacifier. the exersaucer,cradle swing and almost anything else maybe contained her for 5 minutes before protest. I'm hoping the new baby due next month is a little easier on me!