Life
/ April 2017

25 Things I Can’t Live Without

This is probably going to feel a little all over the place, but today I wanted to share with you 25 things that I can’t live without since baby number two. I say things – but they aren’t all physical things. Alone time for example. The difference between one kid and two has been huge for me. Balancing two kids schedules, feedings, naps, etc. has made me a lot more particular about what I need in order for the day to go smoothly.

When I was pregnant with Zander I was so busy ‘nesting’ and getting everything ready for him to come. I was doing baby product round ups all over the place on my blog. But I realized I haven’t really done a follow up to share what things I actually use all the time since he was born. So these are just a few things I can’t live without with two kids. For those of you getting ready for baby number two, these are the things I need, hope it helps!

25 Things I Can’t Live Without After Baby Number Two

There isn’t really an order here, I am just going to make a list as things pop into my head. They are not all necessarily baby products either. These are just things that help life with two kids go so much smoother. They aren’t even all products… I am putting ‘a vacation’ somewhere on this list for sure.

1. iPad

Zoey’s iPad is packed with educational apps to alleviate my mom-guilt and it has been a life saver when I need to nurse in peace or get some work done while Zander is napping.

2. Bouncy Seat

Pictures of that here… It has been so great at containing and entertaining my little explorer who officially is getting into EVERYTHING. I use this one.

3. Noise Machine

I can not over emphasize how life saving this little device has been with two kids. It allows Zander to nap, and us to continue life as normal. I have even been able to record music videos while he is napping since I started using the SoundSpa – which is AMAZING!! It is so hard to record songs when the kiddies are awake.

4. Plum Puffs, Veggie Straws & Apple Sauce

5. Endless Diapers & Wipes

Can never have too many diapers on hand! There is actually a coupon for $1 off Luvs at any grocery store right now, so I just stocked up. You can print the coupon here.

6. Baby Toys

7. Library Card

Reading books together is one of the number one ways Zoey and I connect and spend time together.

8. Baby Bath That Goes in the Sink

I got this bath because my back did not like bending over the bathtub and it has been SO nice. It fits in the kitchen sink perfectly, no bending over required.

9. HOT TUB

You guys have heard me rant about this plenty. I couldn’t live without it.

10. Humidifier

We have had toooooo many colds lately so I am giving this humidifier from Homedics a try! We will see how it works. I haven’t been using it long enough to tell yet, but I have heard so many good things.

11. Craft Table

Zoey is stocked with stickers, glue, paper and kid scissors constantly. Her craft table is another thing that will really entertain her when I am desperate for some me-time.

12. Sibby Stroller

I literally couldn’t go out in public without this!

13. Vacations

Since Zander was born we have been to Niagara Falls twice and Florida as well… It is harder to find time to connect as a family with two kids, school and work. Family getaways have been SO nice.

14. Foot Massager…

No explanation needed. I use this baby several times a day (in fact I am using it right now while I type). The combination of heat and pressure is just what my tired mama feet need.

15. So Many Soothers

(because we lose them all the time…)

16. Black Out Curtains

17. Fizzy Water

Cravings are STRONG when I am nursing. I drink fizzy water to curb them a little. It is basically just water, but for me it satisfies the craving for a treat.

18. Alone Time

19. Hobby

Getting back in to my music has been really great for my mental well being since baby number two. It gives me a sense of self amid the chaos.

20. Baby Gates

Zander is crawling EVERYWHERE guys!! I use this gate and love it. It opens easily, stays shut, looks clean and modern! Perfect fit for a stylish and baby proof home.

21. A Comfortable Mattress (for moi)

Need a good nights rest! Our cheap Walmart mattress days are WAY over.

22. Raised Bassinet

This is a protection from Zoey! Her and Zander share a room, and so I love having a bassinet that puts Zander just out of her reach. I use the Arms Reach Sleigh Bed and can’t give it enough praise. It is a safe co-sleeper which makes night nursings a breeze, and easily turns into a bassinet and ultimately when they outgrow that, a little reading bench!

23. Freezer Meals

24. My Vitamix!!!!

Frozen fruit smoothies are another healthy beverage I love, and when I don’t have time to prep a meal (which is all the time) they are a quick fix. Not to mention the Vitamix is great for making baby food!

25. Date Night

We are still working on this, but the hot tub has really helped! We can have a date night once the kids are in bed without even leaving the house – in fact I am going to share a post all about this in a couple days, so stay tuned! And I already shared one post about making date night easier with two kids here!