A Few of My Favorite Things - Hospital and Beyond

This weekend, the Twinks will turn four months old. Now that I've had a chance to "test drive" some of the things I bought, I thought I would share some of the items I really like:


Peg Perego Baby Planner - If you are early in your pregnancy, this is worth the $3.95 shipping. It is different from other baby planning books in that it's not a "diary", but rater a very practical book of information and checklists - such as what to ask when looking for a pediatrician, when hiring a nanny, what to pack in your hospital bag, etc. I didn't find this book until almost at the end of my pregnancy, but wish I had come across it sooner.

Things to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Delivery

Pumping Bra - You definitely want to be sure to pack one of these in your hospital bag, as holding the pumping cups to your breasts for 10-15 minutes every 3 hours is bor-ring. Someone suggested buying a cheap sports bra and cutting holes in it. Great idea!

Lip Balm - Maybe it's the change in your body's chemistry or just our dry air out here, but I appreciated having lip balm with me.

Ear Plugs / Eye Shades - Don't worry, you'll still hear the babies cry.

Fluffy Robe / Slippers - Much better than scooting around the halls in a hospital gown.

Camera with Charged Batteries - This may sound obvious, but I almost forgot mine.

iPad / MP3 Player - You will have some down time (not much, but a little).


Feeding

Dr. Browns Bottles - Yes, they do have more parts to wash, but my babies have done well on them. At four months, my babies are still eating every 3 hours. So, if you are having twins and don't want to be doing "baby dishes" constantly, buy at least 18 of these (they come in packs of 3). Since my twins moved to the 8 ounce bottles at about 10 weeks, I would skip buying the 4 ounce bottles and go straight to the 8 oz. ones - just fill them less.


Dr. Browns Microwave Sanitizer - This is much faster than my counter top model and holds much more.

The First Years MiSwivel Chair - This is some of the best money we've spent. You can purchase this chair for less than $50 at some Wal-Marts or online (just do a google search for "MiSwivel" on the Wal-Mart site). The chair has a five-point harness and reclines about 30 degrees. The cushions are reversible (good to tell them apart if you have twins and purchase two). With removable cushions and straps (that I throw in the wash) and a plastic base, it is a breeze to clean. Love it, love it, love it!

Bibs - My little girl pukes - lots. So, for her I prefer the Tommee Tippee "Closer to Nature" ones but they're costly. When buying bibs, I would recommend buying the plastic-backed ones because the ones that are just terry cloth tend to leak through.

Munchkin Bottle Warmer - When I got home from the hospital, I was microwaving water and letting the bottles sit to warm. I quickly learned that when my little girl wants her bottle, she wants it NOW!!! This bottle warmer takes about two minutes - still not fast enough for her, but faster than the hot-water-microwave method.

Sleeping

SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket - These were a gift from a best friend who has three kids. I swaddle my twins in these 100% cotton fleece blankets every night. I like them much better than the Aden & Anis blankets because they  are just as large (47 X 47) and stay closed. These are a must-have! (Note -  the link is only to one design. Search on Amazon and you'll find more designs and colors).

Gerber Zippered Sleep-n-Plays - You can find these at Target in adorable prints for boys and girls. Some babies are allergic to synthetic fabrics. By dressing my babies in these all-cotton sleep-n-plays, I didn't run that risk. Personally, I prefer zippers to snaps because I find them easier, but I know some parents prefer snaps - your choice. They are inexpensive (less than $15 for 3) and hold up well wash-after-wash.

Rain Forest Mobile / Brilliant Basics Mobile  - Do NOT buy the wind-up mobiles that match your bedding - total waste of money because they stay on for less than two minutes. Invest in a mobile that you can use for years to come. My son has the Rain Forest Mobile and thinks it's the best thing on the planet. He can stare at it for an hour and not get bored. My daughter has the Brilliant Basics one. They both run for about 10 minutes before shutting off  and the  "mobile" on both detach so that it becomes a music box for when the kids get older. I prefer the Rain Forest one because it has a light - so it's easier to see at night.

Clothes

Sleep Sacks - I bought a bunch of Halo newborn sleep sacks and within two months, my twins had already outgrown them. My advice here is that you will probably be doing laundry every day or two, so don't buy too many like I did (or buy them used).

Circo Socks - These are sold at Target for about $1 per pair and they are the only socks that will stay on my twins feet.

Zutano Booties - Yes, expensive (about $20 / pair), but oh so cute...and they stay on their feet.

 Health & Beauty

Baby Comfy Nose & Saline Nose Drops - This should be at the top of your list. It's a little plastic bulb that allows you to clean your baby's nose. Much better than the bulbs they give you at the hospital. I use it all the time.

Mustella Baby Wash - It smells oh so good!

Aquafor Baby - Yes, it's greasy, but it's keep their skin soft and smooth.

Hope this gets some of you started on your registry lists!