He Fell On His Face, But My Baby Also Crawled For the first time!

Being a parent is so cool. One day you're living your life, and the next, a baby enters your world and completely changes it for the better. Barrett is almost 8 months old now, and we experienced another baby milestone- crawling!

Whenever my husband and I asked fellow parents about their favorite baby milestones some said, "When they take their first steps." Others said, "When we brought them home from the hospital." Whoever said their first poop was their favorite milestone is a sicko though.

My husband, Rob, and I have the same favorite milestone. We loved when Barrett started smiling. Smiling is the window to our baby's soul. We can feel his love through his smile. He even has two bottom teeth now!

This isn't an April Fools joke, but on April 1, 2023 Barrett crawled for the first time! He had been showing signs of wanting to. Quickly getting up on his hands and knees and rocking back and forth. His shoulder strength was getting pretty good too! So we knew he would be crawling any day now.

At 6:05pm on April 1st, Barrett decided he was ready. Thank goodness I was too! I had my phone right by me on the counter and I looked out of the corner of my eye to see Barrett on all fours rocking back and forth. This time it looked different. He looked in control and he looked determined to move forward. I grabbed my phone and started filming.

My mother, Gail, was there to witness the big moment! Barrett took three baby crawl steps forward, and then as you can see in the video, he fell flat on his face and onto the hardwood flood. But don't worry, no babies were harmed in the process!

https://fb.watch/jH5RP3X0QV/

Now that I have a baby, I can confidently say that the kid has way too much stuff! When I got pregnant I was so excited to start his registry, and I put all sorts of things on it that I hoped he would like. But the reality was, most of the things were either never used because they weren't practical, or he just didn't like them. So to help all of the parents out there, I have compiled a list of things that have been a GAME changer in Barrett's life (and mine too).

On this list you'll find breast pumps that I swear by, things that will help your baby fall asleep, binky and diaper preferences and more! If you have any questions or want recommendations, feel free to reach out to me!

https://www.magicsleepsuit.com/

Oh my gosh... our cousin got us the Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit from our registry and it's been the BEST sleep by baby (and we) have gotten. There's got to be something about the warmth, marshmallow effect that it gives the baby. He's slept like a charm. We began putting him in this at 3-months old.

https://www.copperpearl.com/collections/swaddle-blankets

We were gifted many swaddles, but the Copper Pearl swaddle is the best. It is made of stretchy material so you can swaddle your baby up really tight and he/she won't be able to finagle out of it.

https://www.target.com/p/burt-39-s-bees-baby-174-organic-cotton-5pk-burp-cloth-set-cloud/-/A-53334590

Let's be honest, sometimes babies spit up more than we want. Whether they don't like the formula, or maybe there's too much milk in their bellies, sometimes they projectile vomit. My friend Danielle bought me these large burp cloths and I like them a lot more than the small ones.

https://momcozy.com/products/momcozy-s12-pro-wearable-breast-pump

There are a few portable pumps on the market but many of them are overpriced and the pump doesn't have great suction. (Just read the many reviews). But my friend Lindsey told me about the Momcozy portable breast pump. It's so easy to use, clean and take with you everywhere you go. I don't go anywhere without it!

https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Rechargeable-Electric/dp/B00DBKFFJM/ref=pd_lpo_1

I don't know where I would be without the Spectra. When I was pumping in the hospital they told me to try the Medela. My sister in law also had some left-over Medela breastfeeding items that she let me try (the double pump and the hand-held pump). All of those were awful with bad suction and fit. It just felt cheap. The Spectra S1 had so much suction and actually extracted my breast milk. It's rechargeable and lightweight. I've brought it everywhere with me since giving birth.

There's strollers, and then there's UPPAbaby. I've never experienced such a seamless transition between my baby's car seat, to his stroller, to his bassinet. All of the parts are compatible with each other. And as your baby grows, the UPPAbaby stroller grows with him/her. This is the "Cadillacs" of strollers. I was able to customize my stroller at the UPPAbaby HUB location in Boston. It was an amazing experience!

https://bibsworld.com/en-us/products/bibs-colour-ivory

I know all babies have their preference on binkies, but our child LOVES the Bibs Binky. There's something about the round end on the binky. It stays in his mouth and never falls out. We've tried all sorts of other pacifiers but the Bibs is what he loves the most!

https://diapergenie.com/products/diaper-genie-complete

The diaper gene has been a game changer with the stinky diapers! It has a flap inside that traps the stinky smell down below. When the bottom is full, there's an easy clip where you can cut the plastic and then create a new stinky diaper holder. We love this and don't know what we'd do without it!

https://babybrezza.com/products/formula-pro-advanced

THIS! My sister bought me a Baby Breeza for Barrett and has been a game changer! To all of the parents who only use formula, this is like a Keurig for formula. It mixes, warms and prepares your formula. All you have to do is select the setting and press "start." As a mom who could only partially pump, this was a great way to supplement.

https://snugglemeorganic.com/products/infant-lounger-natural

Your baby will constantly want to be held, but sometimes you just got to get things done!! We've found that this lounger is a great way to keep your baby safe on the couch, or kitchen counter, or anywhere in-between. He/she won't roll over either!

https://www.lillebaby.com/products/lillebaby-complete-airflow-in-navy

We bring baby Barrett everywhere in his baby carrier! From outdoor hikes, to strolling the beach, he loves being held. He's pressed up against your chest and babies love that close contact. Plus, now you have TWO hands to do things with when he's on your chest.

https://www.huggies.com/en-us/diapers

We've tried them all, but really love the Huggies diapers. I know the hospitals give you the Pampers, but I found that those were awful and every time our baby had a poopie, it would become a blowout and come out of the top of the diaper. With the Huggies, we found that didn't happen nearly as often and there was more fabric around the booty area to keep in all of the poops and pees.

https://www.amazon.com/Itomoro-Mirror-Crystal-Baby-Easily-Observe/dp/B07VFWLRLS

I can't begin to describe how awesome it is to look in the camera and see my little guy smiling, or sleeping in the car. HIGHLY suggest!!