Toby Tested: Mama Approved

Hey you guys, remember when I said I would only occasionally throw in a post about all things baby? Yeah, I'm a liar. Pants on fire!

Now that I've been a Mama for 6 months, I feel compelled to submit reviews on my favorite baby items. Now, these are my favorites. I, in no way, claim them to be superior to all other baby products*. What I can say is that I've had great experiences with these items, have read positive reviews about them, or have read compelling literature on these items. That said, I am also a firm believer in confirmation bias which means if a person believes a fact they will find evidence to support that fact. If you don't use these items, I'm not judging how badly you manhandle your wee-one. Just kidding. Kind of. Not really.**

*yes, I do.
** I am kidding

So, without further ado, here are my picks for my favorite Top Toby Tested Jessi Approved items:

1. Ergo Baby Carrier: I have to admit, at first I didn't want to buy into the hype of an expensive baby carrier. BUT, my sister is so anti "crotch dangler" and constantly hounded reminded me about the effect crotch danglers can have on hip and spine development. So, I had to bite and do a bit of research. Much of what I read coincided with her mongering suggestions. I still held out, though, because one of the things I hung on to was the fact that Toby would get to face "outward" in many of the crotch danglers (such as the Bjorn, Snuggli, etc.). I argued that I wanted him to be able to see and experience things from his carrier. Then I read the piece of information that made a lot of sense to me***. When a baby is facing outward, there is no escape from over-stimulation and gone is the ability to make eye contact with their caregiver for reassurance.

***As a person who gets easily over stimulated by loud noises, loud talking, and bright lights, I COMPLETELY understood this little fact. Then, I stumbled across the picture below and I was sold. I bought an Ergo and I can say I love baby wearing with my Ergo (and Toby does too!)

 

2. Boppy: I have NO idea where I would be without the bobby. We use it for feeding, propping, tummy time (and Aaron uses it for a nice little afternoon nap.) We love the boppy (so does Manny!)

 

 

 

 

3.Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces: I love this. Yes, it may sound like hocus pocus or placebo, but for our little man it seems to work so, we're fans! The only suggestion I have is to take it off at night. It is recommended to stay on 24/7. I find that a safety issue. Do as you choose, however.

 

 

4. Burts Bee (anything): We use Burts lotions, washes and creams. I love the way they smell, I love that they are 99.9% natural and I love that my baby's skin is so soft! (If you remember, I used Burt's creams all through my pregnancy and I didn't get ONE stretch mark!)

 

5. Sophie! I don't even know where to begin where "Soph" is concerned. Sophie goes EVERYWHERE with us. E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E! Toby has loved her since he was about 2 months old and he has given her so many lovies that her spots are rubbing off. Seriously. She is one loved (and gnawed on) little giraffe!

 

 

 

6. Super Baby Foods (Book): If you plan on feeding your baby anything other than something that comes in a bottle, buy it. Read it. Swear by it.

 

7. First Year Calendar: For my shower my girlfriend got me a "first year" calendar. It's exactly what it sounds like; a little calendar to insanely record every single thing document milestones. I keep the calendar with his food/diaper journal and it's easy for me to jot down adorable little things he does. At the end of every month I transfer the information into his baby book/scrapbooks.

 

8. Mirrors: This is novel and completely free. Every house has a few reflective surfaces. Babies loooovvve to gawk! Lug the child into the bathroom and talk to them in the mirror. They will love you for it.

 

9. Books: You've seen Toby's stash. I won't reiterate; it just embarrasses me how many books that little rugrat has. Read to your kid.

 

10. Music: Pandora Kids, Christmas, Jewel's Children's CD, School House Rock Rocks! Me, singing made up songs about what we're doing, "We're wiping your poopy bummmmm-beyyyyy." (Sung to the tune of "On top of old Smoooookkkkeeeeyyyy.")

 

11. Pictures: It's a great way for Toby to learn recognition. We go through his little photo album at least a bazillion-freaking-times twice per day.

 

There you have it folks. These things work for us. There are probably more but they aren't coming to mind (read: I'm getting too tired and lazy to drum up more material.)

 

So, quid pro quo. Help a Mama out; what item(s) do you LOVE?