If you read my baby registry blog post, you may have noticed a lack of typical baby gear. A few years ago I came across a blog by an OT mama who was sharing about infant development and how baby gear can affect that. My youngest at the time had some muscle tightness and head shape issues that we had worked through with our chiropractor. I could instantly see though, how the gear he used and where he spent his time, affected him. I was shocked that nowhere else had I encountered such important information! He was out of the baby gear stage, but I decided that I would do things differently with the next baby.
Because of the issues we had with Colin, I decided to go ahead and get rid of some of our gear and look for alternatives. I got rid of our Rock N Play, swing, doorway jumper, jumperoo, and a few other things. On the plus side, this helped me clear out some bulky things taking up space in my attic. On the other hand, I sure hoped our next baby would be ok with this new plan!
We’ve worked hard at keeping Annette on flat surfaces and being conscious of where and how she spends her time. She is currently eight months old and I’m really happy with her development. She never had any head shape issues, did really well on her tummy, and is crawling and standing up already. You can read a day-in-the-life post I did here, detailing how it was all going. (will post that tomorrow)
If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, go check out CanDoKiddo.com. Read her blog posts and books, take her email courses, follow her Facebook page, and so on! The great thing about Rachel from CanDoKiddo is that she’s a mom too so she’s very understanding of the need to use baby gear. She has a balanced approach to things and doesn’t even tell you to get rid of your gear, but to limit baby’s time in it. I highly suggest checking out some of her posts on the topic though for more info.
This is what we decided to use and really liked for baby:
- DockATot – I loved this for helping baby sleep on her back from about 0-5 months. Worth the price tag for sure because she slept so well!
- bouncy seat – This is just a safe place to put baby. We limited her time here.
- Tiny Love Rocker Napper – I have one that lays completely flat, apparently not all of them do? This was our downstairs daytime napping place. I would also bring it in the kitchen and put her in this while I cooked or did dishes.
- Solly Baby Wrap – Sooo much better than other wraps because the fabric is lightweight and it folds up small!
- infant car seat – This stays in the car. I use a wrap to carry baby while inside places.
- Ikea baby gym – We love this! It is still out at 8 months for diaper changes and sitting up play. She can even pull herself up to standing and it doesn’t tip over.
- soft blanket on the floor – Pottery Barn crib quilts are nice and thick. I did use a Boppy pillow a few times to help with tummy time play too.
- Babyhawk mei tai – We graduate to this from the Solly Wrap.
- Ergo baby carrier – I use this after the Babyhawk, once baby has good head control. It usually stays in the van and is used in stores, church, etc.
- walker (no wheels, its just kind of a baby stander-upper) – Limited time in this, it kinda replaces the bouncy seat as a quick place to put baby as she gets bigger.
- Pack N Play – We co-sleep at night, but naps are in the Pack N Play so that she doesn’t roll off my bed.
- Floppy Seat – Once baby can sit up well this is great, we keep it in the van.
- Ikea Antilop high chair – My favorite high chair. We prop towels around baby at first because she’s so tiny, even though she does sit up well.
Notes: This might look like a lot, but it is literally everything that Annette has spent time in for her first year. I don’t even have all of this gear out at once either. The top row all gets put away by about 6-7 months (stored in the attic for future babies). The car seat, baby carriers, and the Floppy seat all stay in the van. The bottom row doesn’t get used until about 6 months on. We do own a double stroller, but with it being winter here, I’ve only put Annette in it once for a short walk. She didn’t like it and I ended up carrying her anyway.
Not pictured: mama’s arms, big sisters’ arms, and lots of time spent interacting with siblings! 🙂
Humbled by the Honor 