2. Smart Trike. My parents gave us this bike for Gabriella and she loves it. It is a 4 step bike that she can grow with. Right now we have it on the lowest setting so she doesn't control the peddles or the steering and we push her along. She is strapped in a 3 point harness and is very secure. We bring her for walks all the time with this bike; she feels like she isn't trapped in a stroller and is so happy.
3.Nancy Tillman books. Pull out the box of tissues when you read these sweet books by Nancy Tillman. They are the sweetest books and I promise you will love them. We just purchased the Spirit of Christmas and it is just as wonderful as her others. My friends and I joke that if you read them when you are at all hormonal, be warned that you will be crying an ugly cry :)
4. Baby moccasins/soft leather shoes. These were recommended to us by both Gabriella's physical therapist and pediatrician. There are a million and one different brands. We have used 2 different brands (1 purchased from zulily and the others were hand-me-downs) and have loved both. Gabriella wears them daily; they are comfortable, soft, easy to clean, and durable. Because the bottom is soft, they are recommended so that babies can learn to walk properly and not on their tip toes.
5. V-Tech walker. We were given this walker by friends when Gabriella first came home. We first pulled it out when she was doing tummy time; the face plate is removable and we would put it on the floor in front of her. As she started sitting, she could sit in front of the walker and play and now as she is standing, it is the walker that she used to take her first steps. The wheels have a 2-step feature so she can stand with it and no go flying across the room. It is the only toy that I can honestly say we have used for a full 8 months, almost daily.
6. Solly Baby Wrap. Gabriella is a baby that loves to be wrapped. The Solly wrap is lighter weight that other wraps so I found it to be easier to tie and not as hot to wear. We started baby-wearing when she was 8 pounds and it helped SO much during her colicky reflux days. There were days that I would wear her from 4pm until 9pm. It can be used up to 25 pounds and there are still occasional days that I will still wear her. It has helped with teething and whiny days when she doesn't want to be put down.
7.Boppy Lounger. In my opinion, this is an absolute must-have for new babies. We used it every single day for months. Non-rolling babies can be swaddled up and kept cozy in the lounger wherever you need. We would rest Gabriella on the couch with us, on the table or floor while we were in the kitchen, on our bed when I was putting away laundry. It was also great to use for tummy time. She outgrew it by the time she was rolling but we used it constantly up to that point.
8.Munchkin brand mesh teethers. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law introduced me to these teethers and they came in handy not only with teething, but with teaching Gabriella to hold things and bring them to her mouth. We put everything from plain ice cubes to avocado to frozen mango in ours. We used them almost every night when we were away this summer; we actually were able to sit down and eat dinner with everyone because she was kept busy in her high chair with this teether filled with ice or fruit. She still likes them now!
9.Todd Parr books. Another favorite author of ours is Todd Parr. His books are bright, colorful, and simple. He has a book for every topic possible... everything from feelings to families to peace to underwear :) Gabriella lights up at the bright colors and I love how the messages in the books can grow with her.
Now it's time to run around and get some work done around the house... the baby is napping after a morning of craziness with two top teeth cutting through and her learning to say the word "no". It's been a really fun Tuesday :)
xo,
Mary
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