As you all know, I absolutely love sharing my favorite things. I’ve been in the stage of pregnancies, births, and babies for the last nine years — and a list of the best items from this (near) decade of my life has been floating around in my head for months, asking to be written into a post. So that’s exactly what I’m doing today — simply and straightforwardly sharing what has saved my life through four pregnancies/babies!
Pregnancy Favorites
I feel like a dinosaur when it comes to pregnancy. In one decade, the popular trends and tools have changed so much. I know I’m not on the cutting edge of maternity fashion (even though I sometimes wish that was the case) but I didn’t want to unnecessarily spend money this time around, knowing it’s my last baby. And I for sure know I’m out of the loop on the most up-to-date baby products. For what it’s worth, here are some of the things that have made the biggest difference for me during my four pregnancies!
These leggings by Blanqi have been my ride or die for pregnancies two, three, and four. I splurged and bought two pairs back in 2018 which meant dropping $100+ from our clothing budget in one fell swoop, which felt like a lot. But I’ve never regretted this purchase. If you calculate price per wear, they have been well worth it. But I don’t believe you need to spend an enormous amount of money to find quality leggings. This brand from Amazon have been a fantastic addition to my wardrobe during my current pregnancy. A friend passed along two pairs of Spanx maternity leggings to me last month and I’m floored by how perfect they are. If I could go back to baby number one and invest in some greeeeeat leggings, I might have dropped some serious cash on these and these. I’m enjoying both pairs during these last weeks of pregnancy! Feeling spoiled.
YOU GUYS. Why did it take me until my fourth pregnancy to realize that maternity shapewear was a thing?! What a game changer with dresses!!! Supportive, smoothing — you get the idea. This Amazon pair has been perfect. I’m sure these are even better and honestly a great price point if you’d wear them often.
I do my best to keep my growing belly moisturized during pregnancy. And while I’m not under any illusion that creams, butters, and oils can totally prevent stretch marks (I think it has more to do with your skin type and genetics), I faithfully apply in hopes they’re doing something. I ended up with some stretch marks around my belly button after my first pregnancy and they’re the same ones that have flared up each time since. I’m currently using Bio-Oil, which has been my favorite!
From what I’ve seen on my Instagram ads, pregnancy pillows have come a long way since I bought my first (and only) one nine years ago. Back then, there was one popular brand so that’s what I went with. This pillow has seen me through somewhere around 1,000 nights of sleep over four pregnancies and I wouldn’t have been as well rested without it. I don’t know if I can give a pillow complete credit, but I sleep very well during pregnancy (up to the very end), which feels like a luxury — knowing many moms deal with prenatal insomnia!
Baby Favorites
Something new I’m trying this fourth time around is a baby supply/nursing supply cart next to my bed. I have seen this idea all over Instagram and I knew it would greatly simplify our first couple months with baby while she’s in our room. This IKEA utility cart is quite popular and while I live only 20 minutes from the nearest warehouse, I ordered this option on Amazon to limit the need for running another in-person errand. It was so easy to put together! I stocked it with diapers, wipes, pacifiers, burp cloths, extra sleepers, swaddle sacks, and nursing and pumping supplies. It’s sitting next to our bed by her bassinet so I can easily access what I need. I’m stoked to have everything in ONE place!
Some of my tried and true baby products are as follows: Hatch Rest sound machine/night light, Swaddle Me sleep sacks, Zutano booties, Earth Mama Nipple Butter, this simple backpack (used as a diaper bag), Chicco LullaGo Bassinet, and hair bows from Little Poppy Co! These are my favorite nighttime nursing bras.
Some new items I’m trying this time around: Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine, Parker Baby 4 in 1 Cover (a new brand to me — my old cover was worn), Baby Hair Brush/Comb Set, these cute NUK orthodontic pacifiers (hoping she takes them — my boys never did), and fresh sets of muslin burp cloths and bibs. We were gifted this gorgeous organic cotton gauze baby blanket from Willaby and I’m IN LOVE. I grabbed this cute lounge set from Amazon to wear after baby! Fresh clothes are a must after months and months of the same leggings and sweatshirts on repeat.
I enjoyed rounding up some of my favorite pregnancy and baby items for you! What would you add to the list?