The last few days at playgroup, they’ve had a WaterWheel Play Table set up for the kids to play at. Ava has a BLAST with it! Her shirt has been sopping wet every day when she’s done, but she really loves scooping and pouring and everything. It’s like a playing in the bath, but not being in the tub, so why wouldn’t she love it?

I’m thinking about getting one of these this summer. I’m definitely waiting for summer, though because there’s no way I can have one of those things in my house. You would have to commit me…I just couldn’t handle water all over the place all the time! No way. But if we wait for summer, we can have it out on the porch and she can make as big of a mess as she wants and I won’t care!

Does anyone else have a water table? Do you have a specific one you’d recommend?

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I’m sure every parent feels like they need 8 hands in order to get anything done! In fact, I’ve heard someone say that evolution can’t possibly be true because if it was, mothers would have more than two hands. Amen to that!

Seriously, the Peanut Shell is the best money I ever spent! The one in these pictures is the Peanut Shell Sling - Chocolate. It wasn’t as necessary when I only had one child because I could still get things done during her naptime. But we all know that when you have more than one child, they never sleep at the same time. Ever. Add to that having the second child wanting to be held all the time and you have a recipe for a condemned house and crazy mommy!

Not only does the Peanut Shell help me get things done, but it’s a very important component of attachment parenting, which I believe in 100%! There are so many benefits that come from babywearing, including more secure baby-parent bonding, happier babies (honestly, Kelvin cries when I take him out of it), happier parents, less risk of a “flat head” and earlier independence (a securely attached child is more confident, allowing them to become independent sooner).

And on top of all that, isn’t he adorable in it?

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The other night I bought a Peanut Shell for when the baby comes!  I’m really excited about it.  I really hope babywearing goes better with this baby than it did with Ava.  I used a Moby Wrap with her and she never seemed to like it much.  I could get away with maybe 5-10 minutes with her in the wrap.

I also hope that the Peanut Shell is easier to use than the Moby Wrap.  I’ve heard that the Moby is more comfortable, but that the Peanut Shell is easier to get on and off.  With the baby coming during colder weather, I’ll probably want to be able to wear him while running errands and I want something I can get him in and out of quickly.  I’ll probably still use the Moby Wrap at home when I’m going to be wearing him for longer periods of time, though.

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It’s understandable to want to be completely prepared for your new baby. There are a few baby items that you won’t need until your baby is a little older, though. If your budget is tight, wait to buy these products. This way you can save up to get what you really need and want!

Here are some products you can hold off on for a few months at least:

Childproofing Supplies

Newborns aren’t mobile, so it’s perfectly fine to put off purchasing outlet covers, baby gates, and cabinet locks. Be sure to revisit this when your baby is about 5-6 months old, however.

High Chair

Your newborn doesn’t need a high chair until it’s time for solid foods. Some families use a high chair for baby to sit near the table at mealtime. If you do this for your newborn, be sure the chair reclines completely.

Supplies for Solid Foods

Don’t worry about having feeding equipment until baby is ready for solid foods (about 6 months). Bibs might be useful, however, once the drooling phase begins.

Larger Sized Baby Clothes

If you run into bargains, it’s good to stock up on a few baby clothes items in larger sizes. Be careful about buying too many things, though. You may end up with too many outfits in sizes that don’t match the seasons.

Jogging Stroller or Umbrella Stroller

It’s recommended that babies under six months not ride in jogging or umbrella strollers due to lack of support.

Upright Activity Center

Newborns need to develop strength and torso control before they are ready for an upright activity center – usually around 4-6 months of age.

A Larger Car Seat

An infant carrier car seat should be useful for about a year or until your baby outgrows it by weight or height. Car seats are being updated often so its wise to wait to buy until you need this item.

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