My Twelve Motherhood Necessities
Motherhood requires a certain amount of gear. I remember being intimidated in my first pregnancy by the amount of stuff needed prior to bringing a baby home. But, as you move through your parenthood journey, you realize you need far less than you think and there are certain items you cannot live without. I pulled together a list of the items I see myself grabbing the most and the helped me get through my first two years as a parent.
A Vitamix: When I was pregnant with Fiona, Jon and I listened to Launching Rockets by Rob Bell in preparation for her arrival. One of Bell’s tips for parents is to invest in a really good blender and I completely agree. As our kids’ independence grows, so does their authority over their own diet. Blend up a smoothie with hidden veggies or make my Super Simple Waffles (with spinach!) to ensure your little ones are eating their greens.
Veja Tennis Shoes: I’ve never worn a sneaker so much in my life! I love how these are comfortable enough to go on long walks, but pair well with a sundress. They’re easily my most worn shoe. Tip: I suggest sizing up.
Matte Hair Clip: There is something about the ease of putting your hair up in a clip. This one is super cute and makes me feel a bit more polished than throwing my hair in a messy bun.
Permission to Parent by Robin Berman M.D.: I loved this read about parenting your children with, “love and limits”. Berman perfectly articulates the challenges of setting boundaries for our kids while loving them through the ups and downs of life. Also, her stories as a family and child psychiatrist will make you laugh at how crazy parenthood can really be.
Rachel Comey Fanny Pack: Once having my daughter, I realized how important it is to be hands free. I use this bag from Rachel Comey all the time to store my phone, credit card and some lip balm so I can be ready to roll with my toddler.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Balm: This balm has saved us time and time again. My daughter has eczema and very temperamental skin, so I keep this balm in the diaper bag and bathroom to rub on dry spots, irritated skin and when she was a baby, I applied it to her entire body.
Ekobo Kids Set: I love these kid-friendly dishes because of their colorful hues and sustainable ethos. They feel grown up and have helped Fiona graduate from the suction cup plates and bowls.
Burp Cloths: One of my biggest tips to first-time moms preparing for baby is that you can never have enough burp cloths. Put them in every room so you don’t need to hunt for them when it’s feeding time. The more you have, the less laundry you’ll need to do!
Yoga Mat: There are many days as a mother I can’t get to the gym because of time, so I often exercise at home. Sometimes it’s the quiet moments on my yoga mat that make me feel calm for the first time, all day.
Large Linen Bag: You can never have too many carry-alls as a mom. You can throw baby items in here for an overnight, or pack swim gear and a change of clothes. I like to pack it to the brim with toys and snacks when we go on a playdate or to the park.
Gathre Mat: Once your baby starts eating solids, this is a must have. We kept a mat underneath Fiona’s highchair to make for easy clean up with a messy eater. As she’s gotten older, we use it underneath crafts or outside for a picnic.
A Babysitter: This is perhaps THE necessity when becoming a mother. We need a network of people we trust who we can depend on to help with taking care of our children. They say, “it takes a village,” and it’s true. It can be family, friends or a nanny, but spend time building relationships with those who love to help take care of your child when you need a break.
