Let’s talk baby essentials. Registry lists can feel overwhelming, and with the amount of information out there, it’s hard to tell what’s truly helpful versus what will end up collecting dust in a corner. Now that I’m nearly 12 weeks into life with our sweet second baby, I wanted to share five things that have earned MVP status the last few months.

These are the items I reach for every single day – multiple times a day – practical, well designed and extremely useful, especially when you’re deep in the newborn trenches.

If you’re prepping your nursery or looking to gift something that won’t end up in the corner, unused, read on

 

1. 1. Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad: I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll mention it again. The Keekaroo is gold. No covers, no laundry. Just wipe and go. Which, let’s be honest, is a dream if you’re dealing with early morning blow outs. It’s sturdy, and the peanut shape basically cradles the baby in place.

1. 1. Lovevery Play Gym: Yes, this item is a cult favorite, but for good reason. The hype is real. I had this play mat with my daughter (7 years ago) and it’s only gotten better with time. The play mat is truly thoughtfully designed. I love how it grows with baby; from tummy time to batting toys, to exploring colors and textures. All while looking pretty in your living room. It’s not overstimulating and I’ve used it every single day.

1. 1. BabyBjörn Bouncer: This bouncer is my saving grace when I need to take the worlds fastest shower. It’s lightweight, easy to move around the house, and it folds up nice and flat (easily!). Baby boy loves the gentle bounce and I love that no batteries or plug in is required.

1. 1. Hatch Rest Sound Machine + Light + Clock: This little gadget is everything. Another item we had with our daughter, that has since been upgraded for the better. We use the sound machine every night, and the soft light is perfect for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes. Having a soft clock to track those late night feedings is also helpful for this mama.

1. 1. Oilo Studio Drew Glider: This nursery chair checks all the boxes, comfort, function and style. The high back offers amazing support (seriously helpful when running on fractured sleep), not to mention it reclines, glides and swivels. And, let’s talk about the generous scale of this chair. there’s plenty of room when big sister wants to climb up and cuddle too.

These five newborn essentials I use and LOVE and have made the first three months feel a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable. If you’re building your registry or wondering whats truly worth it, I hope this guide helps steer you in the right direction. You truly don’t need THAT much and these few items will definitely get you through the first few months.

Special Shout Outs to two more items I absolutely love, but don’t necessarily use every day.

Doona Car Seat + Stroller: The Doona is a game changer. This item did not exist with our first born, and now, as a suburban mama juggling multiple kiddos, this item is legit. It goes from car seat to stroller in seconds which is beyond helpful when I’m doing drop off with big sis or running errands solo. No dragging around a heavy carseat or having to wake up a sleeping baby makes my life so much easier.

Artipoppe Baby Carrier: Babywearing – but fashionable – the Artipoppe is definitely a stylish and functional piece in my mama must have toolkit. It’s incredibly easy to use, even one-handed, because lets be real, when you’ve got a 3 month old, items that are usable one handed are essential. The fit is supportive for baby and comfortable for mom, making it perfect for a walk with the dog, grocery shopping, or just up and down the stairs in your own home trying to get something – anything – done.

Any questions about these? Or want me to share more baby gear favorites? Leave a comment below!

And, for mamas freshly postpartum, check out the few items that saved me after giving birth.

The post 5 Newborn Essentials On Rotation The First 12 Weeks first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

After we got home from the hospital, I quickly realized I was missing a few key items – cue the late night breast feeding panic orders. A handful of must haves arrived quickly (thank you Amazon) to help me take care of myself and my newest little sidekick.

Hydration Support – Breastfeeding has me constantly thirsty, so having cute water glasses nearby keeps me sipping all day. They’re a great reminder to refill and recharge. And let’s be real, if something is out of arm’s reach while I’m nursing, it might as well be on the other side of the house because I cannot get to it.

Wipes Warmer – Our baby boy is not a fan of diaper changes. I thought a warm wipe might make the experience a little more pleasant – for everyone involved. Bonus: the box gives off a soft glow, which makes those middle of the night changes a bit less of a circus (have I mentioned how different changing a baby boys diaper is compared to a girls!)

Belly Band – Postpartum recovery is no joke and with an older child in the mix, that means I’ve been needing the extra support – literally. A good belly band has helped ease the strain on my healing body and allows me to move around much more comfortably.

Daily Log – Keeping track of feeds, diapers and naps is so much easier with a daily log. Sometimes I cant even remember the last time I ate – let alone what time I started feeding baby last. When the days blur together, having it all written down lifts a huge mental load.

Foolproof Swaddles – Swaddling is not a one parent job – and not every parent can get the hang of it. When my husband found these velcro style swaddles, we knew we had to try them. Now even he can wrap baby up perfectly, every time.

Friday Mom Cooling Gel Pads – These have been a breastfeeding lifesaver. Quick cooling hydrogel relief when things get sore, and I can keep going without bracing for every latch.

Each day is bringing a new rhythm, but these few things help me feel a bit more prepared. After all – it’s been many years since we were in the newborn stage! Whether you’re a first time mom or doing it all over again, having the right support makes a difference.

What item saved you in the newborn days?

For even more motherhood content, click here.

The post Saving Me Right Now: Newborn Essentials for Baby #2 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Five back to school essential items to ensure your preschooler is ready for their first day of school.

Whether or not you’re emotionally ready for your children’s first day of school, it’s around the corner so ensure they’re ready with everything they need to have the best first day.

• Backpack Toting all of Wesleigh’s supplies each day, a lightweight and appropriately pint-sized sized backpack that fits your child’s frame is essential. Did you know, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a filled backpack should not be heavier than 10-20% of your child’s weight?

• Lunchbox Wesleigh stays at school through lunch, but because she’s generally having too much fun to finish her whole meal, we have found that bento type lunch boxes are ideal.

• Water Bottle Equip your child with a sturdy and spill proof water bottle that’s filled at home to keep your kid hydrated throughout the day. Bottles that are BPA free and hold at least 12oz are key.

• Labels It’s amazing how quickly clothing can go missing, even at the most responsible of schools. Kids can easily forget what belongs to them versus their friends so having labels with your child’s name on it are super important and should go on clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, you name it. Use code LINDSEY10 for 10% off your label order at Mabels Labels.

• A Change of Clothes Most schools and daycares will require a change of properly sized and seasonable clothes for your child. Spills happen, messy activities and water play happens, and so, it’s always good to be prepared. Store the extra set of clothes in a reusable bag to keep them clean and dry. Tis the season for back to school sales and shopping

And since we’re dealing with new variants of Covid, be sure to pack travel-size hand sanitizer and a few extra masks with a chain or lanyard to keep your little one safe.

The post The Ultimate Back to School Guide for Preschoolers first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Every day feels more or less the same. Each day involves a lot of activities, arts and crafts and therefore a lot of cleaning. Wesleigh is generally pretty good about putting her toys away, but sometimes they don’t land as neatly as I’d like them to so I’ve implemented a few ways to keep her toys organized.

Since I mostly care that Wesleigh is making the effort to maintain her space and put her toys away when she’s finished playing rather than keep everything perfectly tidy, I can’t complain. After all, she’s not even 3 years old.

I’ll let you in on a few of the simple ways myself, and a handful of other blogger mama’s have found success in keeping a playroom organized.

Implement an Organized System

Baskets, Bins and cubbies are your best friend. I’m the biggest advocate for a storage system, specifically one that uses baskets because they are a great solution to keep items out of sight. Yet, close enough to access when needed. They’re perfectly suited for children as well – whether that’s pulling toys out by the handful or cleaning up and putting them back where they belong. To keep it simple, both for parents and children, keep your kids toys organized by sorting items by type and grouping like items together.

“Be Practical – Kids will be kids and their rooms won’t stay clean and organized forever. Organization systems will assure that their things won’t get lost easily and they have a safe space to play. It will also encourage them to clean up after themselves and maintain clean habits.” Paula, Thanks Mommy Blog

Purge Often

It can be easy to go overboard with toys, between birthdays, holidays and spending so much time at home, new toys and games seem to make their way into our homes at a rapid rate. I value sustainability and quality over quantity. To ensure your child doesn’t get overwhelmed with the amount of options they may have at their fingertips. Keep kids toys organized by removing the clutter.

• Broken toys or toys missing pieces that you no longer have a use for – throw away.
• Worn out but not damaged toys, consider donating.
• If a toy is no longer age appropriate or has not seen the light of day in far too long, sell or donate it. Special keepsake items, you could save and display it on a shelf.
• Here’s another tip, involve your little one in the process. I purge through clothing and other household items at least once a season so my daughter is familiar with the clean out and make room process.

“Being intentional about what toys and activities you choose to make available to your child can change their world! By choosing simple things like blocks or pattern shapes you can encourage transformation and imagination that helps your child grow. The fact that they can also be used in many areas of play and creation cuts down on clutter!” Steph LeBlanc, The Inspired Mrs. L

Toy Storage Solutions

In an effort to ensure our family room doesn’t turn into a preschool, we keep a wicker storage trunk filled with books, games, costumes and toys. We spend so much time in our family room, having these toys within an arms-reach comes in handy, especially when I’m preparing meals or flipping a load of laundry. This trunk is the perfect solution to store toys in a practical and sophisticated way. If you don’t have a designated play room and instead, have toys stored in a few rooms in the house, a storage ottoman or bench is a great alternative to concealed soft storage.

“You have to make a big mess to get it all clean. When I’m organizing, I pull everything out and group items together. Then I can put everything back in a more organized way. It’s my process, but it looks like a disaster at first lol!” Misty, Life Between The Dishes

Toy Rotation

Between holidays, birthdays and a stay at home order, it’s easy to pull out every toy to keep your child entertained. Especially, when all those toys are available and accessible to your child. In following the Montessori’s minimalist approach, display fewer objects within reach. Toddlers who are offered fewer toys engage meaningfully with the objects, spending more time exploring versus toddlers who are offered dozens of toys. To that, limit how many of each type of toy there is out at a given time. Rotate these toys to not overwhelm your child by keeping certain toys out on certain days. Watch as your child deeply engages with these toys rather than grabbing the newest shiny object after a few short minutes.

“My best tip for toy organization is Toy Rotation, which basically means removing some of the toys to a place where your child can’t access them and periodically switching out those toys with the ones they currently play with. I’ve used several different methods to do this throughout the years including placing toys in a plastic bin, using fabric bins on a closet top shelf, and a fabric bin organizer shelf in our basement. I currently use a locked closet to house our toy rotation system. My kids love it because it feels like Christmas when we switch out the toys and they discover old favorites. I love that my kids’ rooms are easier to clean and maintain!” Crystal Garman, Simply Full of Delight

Coordinate and Zone Your Space

To keep your playroom organized and efficient, create different play zones, or areas. Pick themes of play your child enjoys and plan your room accordingly.

• Calm Reading Nook
  • Perfect for relaxing and reading, an area to unwind.
  • Suggested Materials: Cozy rug and playmat, tent and cushion, lounge chair, bookshelf
• Messy Arts & Crafts Zone
  • Encourage sensory, tactile play with various materials.
  • Suggested Toys: Kinetic Sand, Water Beads, Playdough, Rainbow Pasta
• Play Zone
  • This is where the building, imaginary play and engagement happens.
  • Suggested Toys: Legos/Magnatiles, Bricks, Musical instruments

The post Simple Ways to Keep Kids Toys Organized first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

We have not taken photos yet, but I have started building Wesleigh’s winter wardrobe. She has grown so much recently and was in need of a few new items. Just in time for the holidays.

We will be hosting the holidays this year. Although we are not getting gussied up, we won’t be in our day to day athleisure wear either.

When shopping for Wesleigh, one of my go-to brands is Janie & Jack. They have the cutest pieces year-round but really step it up for the holidays.

Earlier in the season, I snagged a few special items and pulled together a few looks that will be perfect options for the upcoming festivities – even if they are shared via Zoom.

I however, will be recycling some existing pieces. Since we have not gone anywhere special this year, I’m excited to wear some items that have not been worn in a long time.

I’m a huge fan of knits and will most likely be donning this Veronica Beard embellished sweater (sold out but available on sale here and here) or this dreamy pearl cardigan with a pair of faux leather leggings or stretchy jeans, a strategic decision to wear during a big meal.

The post Four Festive Mommy and Me Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

So, we paused. We both needed the break, because at the time, potty training was not working, for my child, or for me. It was a constant struggle.

Recently though, we started potty training again and it’s been a much more pleasant experience. I took the pressure off, knowing in the back of my mind, my child will not be in diapers forever, it will eventually click.

A few tips I have found to be helpful include:

Scheduled potty breaks

Half the time, my child needs to be prompted, the other half, she’s completely proactive and knows when she needs to use the bathroom. We have two toilets, this one from Summer Infant and this Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck travel one.

Hygiene

We don’t shelter Wesleigh in terms of words. We are direct and clear, using terms of body parts and functions. Although, we do use one, that I am grateful for, especially when we are in public. My Nana coined the word ‘jobby’ to be used in place of ‘doody’ and candidly, I’d much rather my child say she needs to make a jobby than scream the latter at dinner or at the park.

Dump the diapers

Instead of going from diapers straight to underwear, this time, we transitioned to training pants. I was recently introduced to Nest’s plant-based training pants and have quickly converted to a huge fan.

I’m eco-minded and always try to support and introduce brands that are family-owned, whose mission I can truly get behind; “Nest aims to redefine the ‘eco-friendly’ baby diapers category by developing a line that truly reduces the long-term impact on the environment while meeting the highest safety standards”.

Nest’s training pants are composed of plant based, sustainable materials, free from harmful chemicals, and are even compostable. We have not yet tackled overnights sans training pants, but Wes (and I) can rest easy knowing the plant-based fibers are soft, breathable and super absorbent.

In addition to Nest Training Pants, we use a few other helpful items:

These vegan friendly Bamboo wet wipes from Public Goods

Made with aloe, vitamin E and cucumber extract, the scent is clean and not too strong. The wipes are sturdy without being too thick and never leave a sticky residue.

This perfectly proportioned Summer Infant My Size Potty

It has a storage area for wipes and flushes with a realistic sound. Great for positive reinforcement.

A Stool

We received this adorable WESLEIGH personalized stool as a birth gift and it has come in very handy. It’s perfect for Wesleigh to climb up and access the sink to wash her hands.

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel

This travel potty opens quickly and easily for any bathroom emergency and folds compactly to fit under your stroller. OXO also makes these potty refill bags for ‘jobbies’ on the go.

With appropriate gear, a positive mindset and a lot of patience, potty training does not have to be so messy.

The post 5 Essential Supplies For Potty Training first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Winter accessories aren’t just about looking cute but also protecting your little ones from the elements.

Since most of our socialization these days is limited to the outdoors, it’s important to keep in mind the gear we buy is not just fashionable but performs as it should.

When making these purchases, take note of the materials with my quick guide:

Wool – Resists water and sweat, will keep your child’s head warm while allowing the scalp to breathe, but, all this typically comes at a higher price.

Cotton – Generally more affordable than wool, also a natural material, and machine washable, though, you should avoid cycles at high temperatures which can shrink items.

Acrylic – Least expensive option, not a breathable material so expect your child to get sweaty.

After testing out quite a few hats, my current top pick for Wesleigh is this adorable balaclava from Skokico. A female founded brand led by three moms in Toronto, Canada, these women created a solution to modernize traditional children’s garments in a functional, eco conscious and stylish way.

Their combination of conscious craftsmanship, high quality fabrics wrapped into one seriously cozy and fashionable item sets Skokico balaclavas apart from the rest. Not to mention, the balaclavas can grow with your child season after season, making them well worth the price.

If you love their pieces, Skokico is offering the HWTH community 10% off your purchase with code: Harrisons10. Be sure to let me know if you try their balaclavas and tag us in your photos!

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The post Winter Hats To Keep Your Child Cozy And Stylish first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Coco & Lala | Darien, CT

Owned by local mom Shannon Doherty and with a second location in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Coco + Lala offers a delightful selection of children’s clothing and accessories (for mom too) within a happy and fun environment.

Wee Mondine | Darien, CT

With a focus on clothing with organic or natural fabrics and sustainable manufacturing processes, Wee Mondine boasts a lovingly curated selection of apparel for baby and children up to eight years of age. Sourced from local and international designers, in addition to clothing, the shop offers beautiful baby gifts, homeware and accessories all housed in the cutest shop that is most definitely swoon worthy.

Plain Goods | New Preston, CT

Mentioned in my Home Guide, Plain Goods also carries a beautiful assortment of children’s clothing and gift items, each of which share the unique and distinguished aesthetic of Plain Goods.

Wiggles & Giggles | Darien, CT

An independently owned children’s clothing shop that carries a well-edited selection of clothing from newborn to age 14 from brands such as Rachel Riley, Busy Bees and Dondolo as well as unique children’s gifts and toys.

The Piccolina Shop | Greenwich, CT

A community based shop with an assortment of children’s gear and gifts, each hand selected by a group of three moms.

Hoaglands | Greenwich, CT

A premier destination in Greenwich since 1937, for tabletop, home accessories, luxury gifts and wedding registries, Hoaglands expanded their offerings to include children’s goods. Nestled in the lower level of the shop is a curated selection of children’s clothing, gifts and books.

Darien Toy Box | Darien, CT

Stocked with unique and innovative toys, the Darien Toy Box is an independent retail store in downtown Darien.

New Canaan Toy Store | New Canaan, CT

Owned by a CT native, the New Canaan Toy Store offers a fun selection of toys, games and giftable childrens items in the oldest continually operating toy store in New England.

Our Green House | Sandy Hook, CT

 A family first company, Our Green House offers a curated assortment of socially conscious and eco-friendly items for babies and children.

The post Children’s Stores | Local Guide first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

This year we will not be hosting our Halloween at the Harrisons party and instead, social-distance trick or treating with a select group of local friends. As we prepare Wesleigh for what would normally be spookiest night of the year, we have gotten her into the spirit with a seasonal rotation of not-so-scary books. Think toy rotation, but with books; it’s a great way to introduce and build their understanding of traditions and holidays.

 

Join in the fun and treat your munchkin with these diverse Halloween books, some with characters you may recall from your childhood.

The post Multicultural Children’s Books about Halloween | Friday Five first appeared on Lindsey Boova.