Well, life with baby from 6-12 months was pretty flippin’ awesome. It definitely brought on its challenges though, like teething, eating, and colds, so we quickly got into a habit of having our go-tos near us at all times.
From left to right . .
Perfecting sleep:
1. Crane humidifier. We actually invested in this late in the game, but once we did, it made Jace’s sleeping habits even that much better. If you haven’t already registered for a humidifer, you need to. Get it as early on as possible. Helps when they get little baby colds, too.
2. Night light. We loved these little woodland creature night lights — just enough glow to make him feel safe. You might want a few of these little critters though.
3. Bedtime reading. For us, it was Good Night Moon and Aloha Honu on disc (Also, Lullaby and Goodnight and On The Night You Were Born, such sweet books!). Aloha Honu will crack you up, especially when one of the water colorings are of two sea turtles mating, but the music is relaxing and the children’s voices somehow soothing. We had the book on DVD, but I’m sure you could buy the CD of the music or stories . . or the actual book.
4. A soft security blanket. Jace is obsessed with his monkey blanket. Sleeps better with, won’t leave without it, has to know where it’s at, loves to chew on it, loves to snuggle in. It’s his best friend. Which reminds me, I need to buy a back-up of it online somewhere.
5. Huggies OverNites. The best diaper to go all night so you’re little one is comfortable and not disturbed by a little wetness.
Colds & Teething:
6. The Honest Co. Organic Breathe Easy chest rub. It’s one of the worst things in life to watch your little baby suffer from a stuffed nose, to hear them cough and struggle to breathe. This organic chest rub is seriously amazing. Clears and smears, and smells nice. Doesn’t irritate and truly helps baby.
7. Children’s Tylenol. Great for teething babies wanting a little bit of relief, or a fever you want to stabilize. We used it when it was needed. A must have for the medicine cabinet. But, I just read this, so now I’m a little scuurred. Definitely talk to your pediatrician and do your research on what’s recommended to give to your baby for teething, fevers or a cold.
8. Vick’s anal thermometer, the way to a true temperature. Easy to use and very accurate. We pulled this baby out a lot. With Jace getting sick a few times, it was most helpful to manage his temperature without calling our emergency Pediatrician hot line every hour.
9. Iced teething hand. Numbing the gums really helped our little boy. You definitely want to have a few of these clean and on hand, iced up and read for their gums.
10. Chewbeads. Jace LOVED these. I rarely wore it, I just threw at him to chew on. Best gift ever.
Eating & Play:
11, Puffs. ‘Nuff said.
12. This chair made it so we could always eat as a family. Secure and the perfect little seat to fit his cute little body.
13. Mesh pops. Or, whatever they’re called. We wouldn’t leave the house without these, with some fruit packed. You can basically put anything you want in these. But, steer away from blackberries; those suckers stain!
14. Mini basketball hoop. This entertained Jace for HOURS. Literally. Plus, it helps that his mom and dad like to play around with it in his bedroom ;)
15. Talking Tyler. We discovered this app early on with babe, but still use it to this day. He laughs, farts, burps, copies your voice in a helium-infused tone, kicks around a soccer ball, and more. Not very educational, but down right hilarious.
16. XBOX Remote. Of course he didn’t play, but he got so lost in pressing all the buttons! He would focus on what he was pressing, and then keep pressing it.
17. Scout. Another digital friend, yes, but he’s real-life cuddly, and calls Jace by his name, plays songs and bedtime music. He’s a sweet little friend and it’s so easy to go online and customize with your baby’s favorite foods and animals.
