Baby Necessities 9-12 Months

Since Max is past his first birthday I thought it was time for 9-12 month baby necessities.  Of course these are only my opinion on what's worked best for us and things that Max has really enjoyed these past few months. In case you have littler ones be sure to check out 0-3 month necessities and 3-9 month necessities.

Activity Play Station- I did research on some toys for Max in this age range and I found that a lot of people recommended something like this.  My brother and Marla got Max this for Christmas and he LOVES it.  It did not disappoint. He enjoys pulling himself up on it, pressing all the buttons, dancing to the music and maneuvering around all the sides to check everything out. This is a must buy in my opinion and the price really isn't bad (you should also check consignments for this one).

Sippy Cups- Max has a variety of sippy cups that he uses every day.  One for smoothies (with a straw), one for almond/coconut milk (with a straw) and a water sippy.  I have been wanting to try the lola cup, but it keeps saying out of stock.  I do not have a magic sippy cup that will help your child magically drink from, but my best advice would just be to get a variety of kinds and offer them early on.  I think Max was drinking from a sippy at 8-9 months and using the straw by 10 months.  He just loved water and didn't care what he was using to get it out of.

Disposable table placemats- Whenever we go out to eat now we are ensured a messy table.  Max only eats if you let him feed himself with his fingers.  This requires us to put food down on the table (if we used a plate he would pick it up and fling it around).  This clear place mat has been great.  You peel the plastic to reveal the sticky part and stick it to the table.  It comes off very easily, too.  We've thought about putting one down on the floor because frankly half of Max's food ends up down there from him "feeding the dog" or saying he's done, but this would require a tarp size one.

Big Legos/Mega Blocks- Max is a stacker  He has been stacking dog cans for a few months now.  He has gotten as high as 4-5 cans, which is quite impressive in my opinion.  He is also pretty good at putting lego pieces together.  He has these mega blocks which are just big legos and are fantastic for him to play with.  They aren't choking hazards since they are so big and he is interested in all the colors and shapes.

Puzzles- These wooden puzzles are great for coordination and fine motor skill development.  They even have ones that have fuzzy animals so your baby can touch and feel as well.  Max likes to just stick them in his mouth usually and picks 1 shape (circle) to bang around, but he does get that one to go back in it's proper area.

Shoes- We've been trying to get Max to wear shoes for a little bit, but he just doesn't love them.  He's a tippy toe walker most times so we're trying to flatten him out.  He wants to walk/play outside, but he must keep his shoes on.  He's been rotating between his new Toms and we had a gymboree pair.  I just got him some cheap ones at walmart and of course he is really liking them (always the cheapies, which I shouldn't complain about). I would start around 11 months (or whenever your little one starts standing/walking) to get them used to having something heavier on their feet. I've heard good things about stride rite, but we tried some on and they just didn't seem like anything special.

Tooth brush- Our pediatrician recommends that we try and brush Max's teeth basically from the time they are fully in. We really don't use tooth paste (fluoride free) but we're trying to get him interested.  He likes to mimic me but he usually ends up brushing his tongue.

Ball popper toys- Max has really been loving these ball popper toys he has received for his birthday.  He loves putting the balls back in where they go and watching them come out.  His favorite is a hand-me-down toy from one of David's former co-workers.  It has a spot to insert the balls and then they go around a track while playing music. He's able to stand up and watch them go down. It's similar to the one I pictured.

Car wagon- This is also a must on my list.  Since the spring is coming and the weather will hopefully warm up soon, one of these is fun.  We've been using it in the house for a few months and have taken it on-road a few times.  Max loves to get in and hold the steering wheel. He would let you push him around for hours on end and just sit there.  It also has a fun beverage holder for adults that is essential for neighborhood evening strolls with a reeb (spelled backwards).

Pull Along Frog- Max has an obsession with pulling things on a rope, string, dog leash, child harness, whatever.  Don't ask about the harness, no we don't use one for Max (although...) but he found one somewhere in our house and won't put it down.  He wants us to throw it and pull it back in a fast motion.  He then will just walk around like he is pulling something.  If you try and take it away he gets very upset.  He got his fun froggie string toy at Christmas from my sister's sister-in-law and he loves dragging it around.

Bath toys- We put Max in the real bath tub around 9-10 months and he loves to just play in there.  Mom has gotten him some cool toys and he loves the strainer type ones where he can pick up water and it comes out little holes like a strainer.

That's all that I can think of from the top of my head.  If you have any other suggestions leave me a comment!

Baby Necessities 3-9 Months

I really thought I had done a 3-6 month baby necessity post, but I can't find it so I guess I didn't. If you missed the 0-3 month necessities click here. This one is probably more on the 6-9 month side as I have a horrible memory these days and won't be able to recall that far back. I know these were helpful to me and I will want to look back so better late than never. Please comment on this post if you can think of anything that you love that I don't have.

Baby Food Maker- I started making my own baby food for Max around 5 months and this really saved a lot of time. I used the Beaba  and it has worked really well. Sure you can do it the old fashioned way by steaming or cooking your veggies on the stove top and using a blender of some sort but this was easy, fast and a great all-in-one tool.

Baby food storage- If you are reheating your frozen baby food I'd recommend either using ice cube trays so you can pop them out when frozen and store them in ziplock bags in the freezer. Or I'd use glass jars so it's safest to microwave them right from the freezer.

High Chair- Max has been great and started sitting in his around 4-5 months when we started rice cereal. One thing I love about ours is that all the pieces and straps can come off and be washed, this is super important later on when he's 9-12 months old because he makes a mess! Also a great feature is has a portable high chair seat part that comes off and it can be strapped to any chair instead of having the full size high chair. We have done this while traveling via the car to have this with us.

Jumper/Excersaucer- When little ones start to support themselves more and you want to get anything done around the house (say make dinner) having a jumper/exerciser is ideal. We purchased this Rainforest ones from a consignment sale and it has extremely great reviews. Max didn't utilize his to the full potential, he mostly spun around to all the stations and didn't really jump, but he still stayed in there for a little bit without screaming so that is a plus in my book.

Walker- I am sure I've said this a million times, but this walker has been a lifesaver. He LOVES it. We have the Combi Adventure Walker. We have seen it at some consignment stores and even got one for my sister (for Max to use when visiting once). He loves that he was able to get around and chase Molly around the house. Make sure you get one that it has full range of movement. There are some that let them go forward and backward and then it's hard for them to turn.

Teethers- Max was a drooly bucket months before any teeth showed up so he really liked the teethers that you could put in the freezer and then he chewed on them.

Bibs- Speaking of drooling. Enter the bibs. These were much needed for said drooling. I would recommend something that absorbs well like terry cloth as the cotton ones just got disgusting so fast. When they are older and eating baby food I would recommend one that you can rinse off as they get dirty so fast!

Bottles- If you're going back to work or using formula you need bottles that your baby will use. I have had good luck with the Playtex Nursers with the liners. They have been great for clean up. You just throw the liner away when you are done and just have to clean the nipple. I also don't heat it up in the plastic (not allowed anyway) but even in plastic bottles I use warm water and put the milk bag/bottle in there. Next time I might try glass bottles and I have heard great things about Dr. Brown bottles so just experiment with different ones and don't buy the kits that have a bunch in them until you know what you're going to use.

Shopping Cart/High Chair Cover- Once Max started sitting up in his stroller and could sit up on his own he loved everything about going to stores and restaurants (thank goodness!) So it's a must have to get high chair covers for restaurants or shopping carts. If I had someone with me I'd just use the stroller but it's easy and more convenient to just bring one of these with you.

Durable Books- Max puts anything and everything in his mouth including lovely books that are for reading and looking at only.  Even the wooden books he puts in his mouth and damages them. I would invest in some plastic/crinkly books.

Moms On Call- If your baby is still having sleeping issues like Max did I would highly suggest using/reading Moms on Call. Max had become dependent on using his swing for napping (had to do it to get him to stop crying) and having me go in NUMEROUS times during the night to feed him until about 6 months when I really couldn't take it anymore. MOC gave me my sleep back and it's still going SO well (he's almost a year now). I did the online course, but would get the book to have as reference as well.

Noise Machine- Going along with the sleeping subject, Moms On Call recommends a noise machine that stays on ALL night. I am a firm believer that this really helped Max. They recommend this one that is very reasonably priced on amazon.

Push Walker- When Max was learning to stand up and start moving around with assisted walking this toy is a must. We got one at a consignment sale for $10 and I cant' find the exact one, but his has a cart where he likes to put random toys and take them out. This one I found on amazon is highly rated and looks pretty good too.

I will be back soon with 9-12 month necessities since Max is already 11 months old (today!). I'd love to hear from you on things I've forgotten since my memory is permanently horrible these days.

0-3 Month Baby Necessities

Our little guy is quickly approaching 3 months old. I have been jotting down things that we use every day and I thought this might help those that are expecting. These are in no particular order.

Swing- Since Max was a wee little baby he has always loved his swing. He loves the swinging motion and takes a majority of his naps still in the swing. I put the pic of the plug-in swing (snug a bunny) as we have the battery one (lamb) and let's just say we've used quite a few batteries so far.

Cuddler bassinet with pack and play- At night time we had been using the cuddler bassinet (on left in pic, its removable) from the pack and play and putting it bedside for him to sleep in. We tried other bassinets, but he didn't like being so flat. He liked having the sides snug up around him. He literally out grew it so we had to make the change to the crib a few weeks ago.

Wubbanub- Although Max isn't a huge paci baby, he does prefer these soothie pacifiers. I just love the animals and it makes them so easy to find when we have misplaced them.

Swaddle Blankets- We really loved the summer infant velcro blankets when he was really small, most everything else was huge. He then out grew those (the do make bigger sizes) and we have been rotating between the miracle blanket and muslin blankets (which have been great in our hot georgia weather).

Boppy- I love my boppy. I couldn't breastfeed without it. I'm sure the other ones that are similar are good too, I've just never tried them. It has been great for him to rest on to get to the right height to eat and it's also perfect for propping him up with.

Changing pad liners- This was a gift at my shower which is very handy so you don't have to wash your changing pad cover as often. You just put this down incase there are accidents as you are changing.

Pampers Swaddlers- We really have only tried this brand of diaper. We have had no reason to switch as we hardly have any leaks (only when he eats sometimes and is laying down it comes out the side sometimes) or blow outs. We buy them in big packs at Sams or diapers.com

Huggies Wipes- I've mentioned these before too, but we love the huggies natural care wipes.

Stroller/carseat combo- I am so happy with the car seat/stroller combo we purchased. I would highly recommend the Aprica model we have. It is one of the most light weight strollers so I can easily get it out, break it down and lift it myself.  Make sure you try whatever one you buy out at the store. The car seat snaps in to the car base so easily and I love the colors.

Sheet Savers- I got a couple of these and use them all the time. I put one on the changing area of the pack and play and one in his crib to catch any little spit up mishaps. I like the terry ones and they wash easily.

Cloud B Sheep- We use this to get him to sleep just to drown out other noises. He seems to like it, it isn't magic, but definitely helps. We use the travel one as it's nice to velcro it to the crib or take it with us in the carseat.

Breast Pump- I have really gotten my money's worth out of my medela pump and style breast pump. I use the pump and style bag. I pump after the morning feedings still (when I have the most milk) just to have some for reserve. I also used it when my supply was low to build it up. You really have to get the double pumps for ease of use.

Breast Pump Hands Free Bra- This one is a must-have to go with the pump. I tried the medela ones, but this one is WAY better. I purchased via amazon and it really is the best. This one is adjustable.

Button or zipper (non over the head) shirts- These are great for middle of the night diaper changes so you don't wake baby up as much.

Activity Mat- Max still loves his activity mat. He plays on it after we feed him as one of his awake time activities. He loves the lights and sounds. We have this exact one.

Ergo Baby Carrier- I really like this carrier. The material is super nice and it's pretty easy to get it on by myself. He does get a little sweaty in there so it might be a bit toasty for the summer. I do still like my moby wrap, but I haven't perfected putting it on. It requires an additional person, I think I just need to watch some youtube instructional videos.

Mirror for the car- enough said. I am super paranoid so this is a must for me to make sure baby boy is doing okay. We don't have a middle head rest so ours is a bit tricky to set up, we have it on the side head rest angled down.

Bath Tub- We use this tub nightly during Max's bedtime routine and although it's a bit large, it fits nicely on our bathroom counter so we don't have to bend over. We just fill it up with a big cup and set him on in it. He loves it. The tub has 2 sides, one for 0-6 months and the other 6-24 months.

Boon Drying Rack- Since I have been pumping a lot after feedings and what not I like to use this to put my pump supplies and bottle equipment. It is plenty big and super cute!

Motorola Video Baby Monitor- There is no way I could leave Max in the crib without this. I am pretty sure I watch it all night and don't really sleep, but I'm getting better. You can see very clearly even at night. I love the screen size (we have the 3.5") and the pan tilt views.

That's all I can think of for now as my necessities. I do know that some babies hate their swings and people prefer bouncy seats so this list is just what Max is in to and not guaranteed for all babies. Hope this helps!