first 2 weeks home with a newborn: the budget friendly newborn baby products we use the most

We have officially been home for two weeks with the new baby, and these are the products we have used approximately 1 million times. Most of these products are second purchases for us as we are still using them for our 20 month old, meaning they LAST even though these are the budget friendlier versions of the products.

1. Portable Bassinet ($59): This folds up and is lightweight and easy to move from room to room and set on the couch, counter, wherever we are hanging out, for the baby to sleep (because newborns sleep A LOT).

$136 savings vs. Dock a Tot

2. Baby Bouncer ($79): Adjustable, washable, collapsible (so easy to transport) and for all intents and purposes seems exactly the same as the Baby Bjorn bouncer. This goes everywhere in the house with us and is a great seat for her while I'm showering or using the bathroom too. 

    $130 savings vs. Baby Bjorn

3. Basic diaper brand: We use Pampers and I have the app that lets me use my phone to scan diaper packs for rewards. The key with diapers is that when we start experiencing blowouts or leaks, it is time to size up and NOT to switch to the most expensive brand that promises no leaks. **Remember to run your fingers along the edge of the diapers so the ruffles are out- this also prevents leaks and blowouts!**

$46 per box savings over the leading fancy diaper brand 

4. Changing pad ($31): We use this basic ass changing pad with a waterproof surface you can wipe anything off of, a buckle for the rollers, and grips that allow you to set it on any surface. Lightweight and easy to move from room to room.

$120 savings over the Keekaroo Peanut changing pad

5. Guava Lotus Bassinet + Travel Crib Bundle ($349): I love that this bassinet is part of the pack and play travel crib, so once we're done with it we can still use the parts for years. The bassinet rocks and collapses making it easy to travel with. Sidenote: the Guava Lotus Pack and Play is ELITE! Y'all may remember a few months ago when I was pregnant (with terrible nausea) and flew alone with my toddler + our suitcase + stroller + pack and play and it was zero issue because the p&p was so lightweight and easy to carry. I am easily frustrated by putting together anything (I outsource Ikea furniture assembly..) and it takes me less than 20 seconds to set this up. I'm not being paid for this, I just want everyone else to experience the ease that comes with a great baby product.

    $1,345 savings over the Snoo

6. Bassinet Sheets ($13): I completely forgot these were a separate thing we needed with our first and had to Shipt a pricey set from Target when we got home lol oops. 

7. Wipe Dispenser ($22): There are some not so obvious necessities when it comes to a wipe dispenser and this one has them. Need to have a weight inside that ensures you only pull out one wipe at a time (nothing more frustrating than moving as fast as you can with a baby releasing every possible body function simultaneously at 3 am and continuing to pull out a CVS receipt roll of wipe), tap to open, foolproof seal to close. We opt out of the wipe warmer because a warmer is not portable and they don't have it at daycare so our baby's gotta get used to a cold booty - sorry!

    $20 savings vs. wipe warming dispenser

8. Magnetic Onesies ($40): Ok these are a splurge so they make a good registry item but the magnets make chaotic changes easier and ease is something I'm willing to pay for. If not these I am also fine with the double zip onesies. Under NO circumstances do I EVER use a sleeper with snaps. I have a 3 snap maximum. 

Hope this is helpful!

ICYMI

Book list with reviews

My Birth Story

What they don't tell you about scheduled c-sections

first 2 weeks home with a newborn: the budget friendly newborn baby products we use the most

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Things I actually used in my hospital bag last time + what i wish i'd had (aka what i'm packing this time)

Somehow it's already time to pack the "bug out bag" as my husband calls it, or the hospital bag as I call it, just in case things don't go according to schedule. This is what we're bringing and what we learned we don't need to bring this time around. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 

My weekender bag: 

• 4 pair of comfy leggings/sweats (my MVPs for pregnancy and postpartum are Lululemon Aligns and Aerie Offline Real Me. Also packing maternity pants/shorts)
• 4 nursing friendly maternity tops (I brought non-maternity tops last time, did not use. Takes the tummy a bit to go down). I loved an oversize henley too.
• Nursing bras
• Pumping bra: I didn't have this last time, and due to Hall's unexpected NICU stay I needed to pump immediately. Holding a pump in place with an IV in my arm set off alarms every time and let me tell you - raging hormones + any extra stress = disaster. Please pack a pumping bra just in case - for your sanity.
• Robe
• Slides: Good for quick walks and showers. We're not bending over to put on shoes in the beginning.
• Post partum recovery supplies: the Frida Mom supplies were superior to what my hospital had.
• Frida upside down peri bottle: the hospital gave me what resembled a dish soap bottle which was not helpful for washing down there (can't use toilet paper in the beginning). Even the nurse was like "wow they should give these to all new moms!"
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer, all of it. Also, first shower is magical, do it asap.
• Delivery gown: this one from Kindred Bravely was great. The material is soft and breathable, the velcro gives you some dignity, and the openings in the front and back allow everyone all the access they need. Again, the nurses were like "wow this is so much better than the hospital gowns they should give these to all moms".
• Big insulated bottle: the hospital provided us water cups but I was desperate for ice and this kept our ice cold overnight
• Chapstick
• Snacks: you never know what time you'll actually deliver, and if the kitchen will be open. Pack protein bars, drinks, snacks. 
• 4 pair of socks
• Baby pod: I had a packing pod with a going home outfit (swear by these magnetic onesies, especially because I had a whole audience of NICU nurses watching me dress a baby for the first time and was so grateful for how easy this was to get on), hat, blanket, swaddle, and pacifier.

Harrison's rolling suitcase:

• Pillows
• Blankets
• Towels

Harrison's weekender bag:

• His clothes and whatever else he needs for a few nights stay (note from an L&D nurse friend to partners: please remember to pack sleeping pants or shorts, even if you usually sleep in your undies).
• All our chargers with extra long cords
• Tablet preloaded with mindless tv 
• Bluetooth speaker

Things I didn't need: 

• Pump (they have great ones at the hospital)
• Bottles (they provided these at the hospital)
• Formula (they provided at the hospital)
• Books (thought I would read, idk if it was hormones or what but I just needed mindless TV or sleep. Heard this from other reading moms too)
• Diapers/wipes (hospital provided)

The carseat: make sure you have this installed ahead of time and that you know how to tighten and loosen the straps. PRACTICE BEFOREHAND! Bringing a gigantic baby home in a snowstorm is not the time to learn the straps (speaking from experience). You will not bring the carseat carrier in until the baby is ready to come home.

Printable checklist:

Things I actually used in my hospital bag last time + what i wish i'd had (aka what i'm packing this time)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

my toddler son's curly hair routine

 

Y'all my toddler son has the most beautiful curls in the world and he has no idea. We have had a lot of trial and error to find what works for him, both with his routine and products. 

For context, his dad is Black and I am white with naturally curly hair and he has three distinct curl patterns in his hair. As someone who grew up hating their curls, it's important to me that my kids feel confident about their hair and know how to care for it. Here is our routine:

@lhtempleton sharing my toddler's curly hair care routine - it's taken some trial and error but this is what works for us. remember the key is to keep it moisturized! we love @Mixed Chicks Hair and @SheaMoisture products for him. #ftm #curlyhair #curlyhairtutorial #curlscheck #toddlerhair #toddlerhairtutorials #biracialhaircare #fyp #mixedkidshair #curlyhairtips ♬ original sound - Lindsay Templeton

Wash Day

While he takes a bath every night, we wash his hair once a week. Minimizing washes is important to not dry out his curls. He HATES getting his hair washed in the tub, and this suggestion from a friend to lay him out on the counter and wash his hair in the sink while Ms. Rachel distracts him on the phone has been a game changer. 

First we shampoo with a sulfate free shampoo. We use this Shea Moisture shampoo. 

After I thoroughly rinse out the shampoo, I apply this Deep Conditioner from Mixed Chicks, comb his hair, let it set for a few minutes, then rinse it out. 

Next I squeeze excess water from his hair and apply a small amount of this Mixed Chicks Leave-in conditioner (sample size here) comb, and let his hair air dry.

All in this takes less than 10 minutes and my son spends the entire time enchanted by Ms. Rachel. 

Non Wash Days

As part of his morning routine I wet his hair with a spray bottle (when he's in a bad mood about it I let him spray my hair first, he also enjoys spraying himself in the face 🤷‍♀️). 

Once his hair is wet I spray this Mixed Chicks Detangler all over, then apply this Cantu leave-in conditioner to the drier textured spots in his hair. Then I comb through his hair and let it air dry. 

Realistically we get to this 3 days/week. Mornings can get chaotic, toddlers have tantrums, and in this season of life nothing is going to be 100%. 

About the products 

I prefer using a wide tooth comb because it's easier and less painful on tangles.

While you can buy Mixed Chicks products from Target and Wal-Mart, I prefer buying directly from the Mixed Chicks site because they offer sample sizes of everything which is CRUCIAL when trial-and-erroring multiple textures in a kid's hair, and every order comes with a bag of free samples (bonus is that some products that don't work for my son do work for me). Shipping is fast and they have a points system that gets you discounts.

Dos and Don'ts

Curly hair takes trial and error, and it takes time to figure it out. I always get the smallest possible sizes to try, and think of the process as data collection. 

It's ok to feel frustrated, but we need to watch how we express this around our kids because it's not ok for them to feel bad about their hair because we are frustrated.

If you see kids whose hair is similar in texture to your child's, ASK the parents what they use! We're all in this together and happy to help!

Our goal is to retain moisture- that's what makes the curls so shiny and bouncy and prevents itchy/flaky scalps. 

NEVER brush your child's hair dry.

For tangles make sure their hair is nice and wet with plenty of detangler/cream and start with a small section of hair. Hold it at the base of the scalp, and comb starting at the very end of the section. Keep a grip on the base of their hair to keep from pulling on their scalp - curly headed kids can have tender scalps.

If they say it hurts, you don't need to power through. Take a break. Try smaller sections of hair. Let them know you believe them (avoid "it's not that bad").  

Use distractions: toys, screen time, books, whatever you need.

my toddler son's curly hair routine

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Flying with a baby and/or toddler

Travel stroller | carseat strap | window toys | carseat | pouches | magnetic tiles

We have successfully taken multiple flights (solo parent, both parents, international..) with our son who is now 18 months old and have learned a LOT. Did my best to operationalize this and share below! Buckle in - it's a long one, I tried to include the things that I needed to understand before getting on a plane!

Below you'll find:

1. Ticket options for babies/toddlers
2. Documentation for flying with babies
3. What to bring to the airport
4. Flying with baby: the process from start to finish

What are my ticket options for flying with a baby?

There are a 2 options for babies under 2, there are pros and cons to both and you should do what works best for your family:

1. Travel as a lap infant: There is an option to add your baby as a lap child to your ticket when purchasing. An important note if you're traveling with more than 1 lap child is that each row on the plane has one additional oxygen mask (i.e. if the row is three across, there are 4 oxygen masks), so you and your companion will need to split up seats.
2. Separate ticket: This is costlier but is how we have opted to travel with our son because we can bring his carseat and he knows what to expect/how to behave in his carseat. Also, hi have you met my anxiety - this feels safer to my anxiety haha.

What Documentation do I need to travel with a baby?

We always travel with a copy of his birth certificate just in case but have never been asked for it. The only time we have been asked for his ID was his passport when traveling internationally.

We followed these instructions for his passport and it was actually very straightforward and easy. 

What do I need to bring to the airport when flying with a baby?

Here is what we bring for the flights:

Carseat stuff

• Travel carseat: for kids up to 40 lbs, this is super lightweight (like less than 10 lbs) and incredibly easy to install in cars and airplanes (I can do it in 30 seconds). Here's an installation tutorial for nervous preppers like me. We bring the carseat on the plane but if you opt to check the carseat (free to check or can gate check), people love these carseat backpacks.
• Carseat Strap: We use this to strap the carseat to the rolling carry-on so it's easy to cart around the airport. When I travel solo, I check all bags and just carry the carseat while pushing the stroller, but keep this in the diaper bag for when I get my luggage.

Navigating the airport:

• Travel Stroller: We both like this stroller for how lightweight and compact it is, one-handed steering and one-handed folding, maneuverability, the extended sunshade, the footrest, and my husband is 6'1 and doesn't kick it when walking. This one fits in the overhead bin, but if your's doesn't you can gate check it.
• A baby wearing option: I preferred to wear my son through security before he could walk. However I ALWAYS brought the stroller because of reasons mentioned above.

Food and bottles:

*There are no limits to bottles and formula you can carry on, however I always allow extra time because sometimes they test the milk at security.

• Bottles (babies): I always bring enough for 3-4 extra bottles because delays. I like the Kiinde system because you only need one bottle contraption + nipples and the bags are really easy to travel with. I pack the milk bags in an insulated bag and get ice from the restaurants inside the gate to make sure the milk stays cold. I always keep one handy for takeoff and one for landing because it helps their ears with the pressure.
• Travel dish soap (babies and toddlers): In case I need to wash bottle parts or anything in the airport bathroom.
• More snacks than you think (toddlers)
• Sippy Straw cup (toddlers): fill it up once you're in the gate and don't forget to keep the straw open during takeoff -- otherwise the pressure builds up and when you open it you get a nice shower (speaking from personal experience)

Diapering:

*I always find the family bathrooms at the airport, and the planes have changing tables too (just ask the flight attendant which bathroom to use)

• Diapers: I size up one for the plane ride just to be safe. 
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Pouch to keep all the diaper stuff in so it's easy to grab
• Change of clothes for baby and parent (just in case)
• We dress him in easy clothes for changing (zipper onesie or pants and shirt)

Toys for the plane:

• Books: when he was smaller I just brought a few of his favorite peek-a-boo books (Llama Llama Hide and Seek was read 10x per flight). Otherwise he loved playing with the barf bags, safety guide, and magazines on the flight.
• Pacifiers: good for relieving ear pressure
• Sucky spinny things
• Magnetic tiles 
• Sensory toys
• Water color books
• Over ears headphones and tablet (if it's your thing!)

Pouches

Everything the baby needs on the plane goes into pouches in my backpack. I keep a toy pouch, snack pouch, and diaper supply pouch. Makes everything very easy to find.

Flying with a baby: the process from start to finish

1. The Drop-off: 

If possible, get dropped off at the curb. You will feel like a packmule and that is normal. 

2. Checking bags

• When traveling together we check one bag and carry on one rolling bag and each have a back pack. When solo I check everything except the stroller, carseat, and my backpack.
• If a pack and play is not available at our destination we check this.

3. Security: 

• If you have TSA precheck and/or CLEAR your kids can come through with you (I use both). Some airports have family lanes that are expedited lines. 
• If you're concerned about anyone you're traveling with getting through security because of disabilities, sensory issues, anxiety, mobility issues, etc you can use TSA Cares
• Before he could walk, I strapped him onto me before the security line and folded up his stroller right at the line. Once he could walk I stroller him all the way to the security line, fold his stroller at the last possible minute, and walk through security with him.
• Remember to empty sippy cups/water bottles before you get to the line

4. Before boarding the plane

• Purchase any snacks or drinks needed
• Fill up sippy cups and get enough water for any formula bottles
• Check diaper in the family restroom
• Get energy out!! A lot of airports have play areas, or just let them run around

5. Boarding the plane with a baby or toddler

• There is early boarding for families with kids. When possible one of us boards with that group to get everything situated and the carseat installed, and someone stays behind with the kid and boards with the last group to minimize his time on the plane.
• Gate check the stroller if needed
• If you have any issues installing the carseat flight attendants can help!
• I pull out my three pods and put them in the seat in front of me and open the sippy cup straws so the pressure doesn't cause a fountain after takeoff.

6. The flight

• Lower expectations. Survival is the goal. They might sleep and they might not - do what you have to.
• Pull out one toy or book at a time throughout the flight (NOT all of them at once)
• Use bottles, sippy cups, or pacis during takeoff and landing to reduce pressure
• Flight attendants have been really 

7. Deplaning

• I leave baby strapped in his carseat while I get my stuff together/get organized
• Once everything is set up and ready for me to grab I unstrap the baby and either strap him to me or let him stand up, unbuckle the carseat, and just make a run for it. It's chaotic and it's fine. 

Flying with a baby and/or toddler

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

understanding book bans: how they happen, why they matter and what we can do

via

If it seems like you're hearing more about book bans, it's because they are happening at a record rate. In 2022 the US had a record number of book bans which was double the previous record set in 2021. 75% of book bans were a result of organized advocacy efforts and/or government official pressure.

What is a book ban? 

A book ban means a specific book has been pulled from either classrooms (i.e. it was a part of a lesson plan and is no longer allowed) and/or the school library. School boards, state or local governments, parent groups, community groups, or administrators can "challenge" books based on content, which often leads to pressure from lawmakers to ban books. 

How do book bans happen?

Despite the fact that 56% - 70% of Americans don't support book bans (the results are non-partisan), organized efforts to ban books have increased. State legislatures have passed laws dictating what kinds of books can be included in school libraries, policies for reviewing current collections, and processes to add new books. In addition, parent led groups have turned up pressure to remove books. Libraries, school districts, and teachers have been instructed to exercise over-caution. 

In fact, a lot of y'all have told me personal stories of being required to remove all books from your classrooms, remove magazines, and getting reported by parents for displaying National Geographic magazines in your rooms. ?!?!?!?!

Why does it matter? 

First and foremost, teachers and school librarians have Master's degrees and often doctor level degrees in education, childhood development, library studies, etc and have had extensive supervised fieldwork to get their jobs. Their curriculum and books are selected based on research and years of education/experience. Do you know who doesn't have a degree in this area? Parents. School boards. State legislators. And those are the people making decisions on banned books.

As important, over a six-month period, 30% of banned books cover race, racism, or feature characters of color. 26% of banned books have LGBTQ+ characters or themes. This is a clearly targeted effort to remove representation and censor history.

What can we do? 

1) VOTE in local elections - school boards often get overlooked in local elections but this is somewhere we can really make a difference in book bans! Google your next school board election, email the candidates for their stance on book bans, share results with your community, and VOTE. Same goes for city officials (city councils, county commissioners) and state level elections.

2) See what's happening in your state re: book bans.

3) Show up to local school board meeting and city council meetings where bans are being discussed. There is power in numbers and showing up matters.

4) Learn how to tailor your message to your crowd. Understand that explaining how Black and LGBTQIA+ people are disproportionately impacted unfortunately does not resonate with a lot of people. Instead focus messaging like:

• The cost of book bans: lawsuits, town halls, tax payer dollar funded staff hours to review and remove books and edit policies.
• Parent choice works both ways, and banning books removes parents' ability to choose and their power.

5) Support your teachers and school librarians. Send gift cards, thank you notes, flair pens. Ask how you can support them. They are doing the best they can in a really really trying environment.

6) Check out and buy banned books.

understanding book bans: how they happen, why they matter and what we can do

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Going to the Pool (and beach and resort) with a Toddler

Y'all recommended a lot of helpful products and considerations for our first family beach resort vacation with an 18-month old. These were the items we used the most with our toddler at the beach and pool (thank you everyone for your recs!).

Rashguard: HL wore this or the short sleeve version to protect his skin every day of vacation. He's on the bigger side of 18 month olds and the 2Ts fit perfectly.

Sunglasses: These rarely stayed on but aren't they so cute? He loved putting them on when he saw us put on our sunglasses and wearing them for 2-3 mins each. These fit his head and make great gifts.

Slip-on Sandals: He LIVED in these, they're so easy to slip on and off - he can almost do it himself. The back strap is adjustable.

Hat with neck cover: To my surprise, he had no issue wearing this in the pool. He usually refuses hats, but I think it being wet (cooling) and giving him shade helped.

Swim trunks: Target has a lot of size/pattern options for under $10, although I did struggle to find trunks in his size that are not blue (a safety tip from a lot of parents was to have them in bright colors so they're easy to find in the water).

Swim diapers: I was confused by the concept of swim diapers and learned a lot on this trip (the hard way). I brought a reusable swim diaper and boy was I glad to have the disposables (sorry, environment!) - I'm not sure where I could have washed a poopy swim diaper at the pool or beach, and putting it back on him while wet would have been a huge pain. We learned that these diapers really do the job while IN the water, they don't provide a lot of protection while walking around/hanging out, so whenever he got out of the water we switched him back to a regular diaper. We had 0 leaks in the pool which was what really mattered. 

Float: This might be the best thing we took with us. He could sit upright in it in the water and he was very relaxed in it. Of course, we were with him at all times while he was floating in it but it is nice to have hands free. It folds up compactly to fit in the bottom of the suitcase and requires minimal inflation/set up.

Swim Vest: He wore this at all times when he was around the water, unless he was in the float. It keeps them upright in the water which surprised him when he was playing around, but this was great to have with us. We practiced wearing it at home so he was used to it by the time he got to the pool and again to my surprise he got excited to put it on any time I pulled it out. 

The Beach Bag

We carried a tote bag (just a regular one because it packed easier than a full on beach bag) around with us that had extra swim diapers, a dry change of clothes, wipes, regular diapers, toys for meal times (a few magnetic tiles and the spinny suction things were the biggest hits), snacks,  a sunscreen stick (I found this the easiest way to apply sunscreen), and his EpiPen. 

Going to the Pool (and beach and resort) with a Toddler

Thursday, June 29, 2023