Baby Registry Must Haves-

As a first timer in this pregnancy journey, there have been so many new things that have overwhelmed me. From the physical changes to mental and hormonal changes, it can be a lot! There are also a ton of opinions from well meaning people that can be overwhelming and confusing.

Creating a baby registry is no exception. There are so many products out there and it’s hard to know what’s a necessity or something that would truly make my life easier in regards to the baby. I really don’t want any unnecessary items, especially ones that make my house look like baby land!

I really strive to keep my home looking as clean, organized, and as clutter free as possible but of course want to make sure that we invest in some items that are helpful and important for us to have for our little one. So, I reached out to my followers on Instagram via stories to see what the current must-have items are for first time moms and MAN! I got sooo any messages with lists of peoples favorite items that they felt “saved their life” when they had their babies.

I cross checked all these messages to to be able to bring you guys a list of favorites as well as avoiding any items that seemed like pure clutter (which were seldom recommended anyways). These items are all on my registry. I put any items that were recommended to me multiple times on the list. I will do a separate post for favorite baby clothes brands as well as what’s in my hospital bag and postpartum must haves to keep it clear and organized. Take a look at the list below and please leave a comment if you have any must have recommendations that are not included. I would love to know!

Baby Registry Must Haves:

(I am not including clothes, swaddles, or blankets on here as design and colors are a personal preference.)

Transportation:

Artipoppe baby carrier - pricey but such a fun and stylish baby carrier. For a more economical option, the Ergo Baby Carrier was also highly recommended

Car Seat Cover

Orbit Baby Travel System

or

Uppa Baby Vista Stroller

Uppa Baby Mesa Car Seat - Compatible with stroller

Solly Wrap- Super Soft wrap to strap baby to you. same idea as the carriers but you have to wrap yourself. Many moms love this brand

Sleeping:

Snoo

Snuggle me Organic - Similar to but cheaper than a Dock a Tot.

Levo Baby Bouncer- Chic and design conscious baby bouncer from Charlie Crane

Baby Shusher- For on the go naps or sleeping at home to block out noise

Sleep Bag- For when baby is a little older

Baby Bjorn

Halo Sleep Sack

Pacifiers- BPA free and super cute neutral colors

Pacifier clip set- To keep Paci from getting lost and attached to baby

Nanit monitor

Hatch Baby Rest Sound, Night Light and Time to Rise

Crib Mattress

Mattress Cover

Crib Sheet - I LOVE this company

Humidifier - another type. similar to HATCH

Feeding:

Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair

Travel/table High Chair

Catch all Bib

Nursing Bra

Bottle Warmer

Como Tomo Bottles- Different sizes available

Bottle Brush

Hand Pump- If you decide to pump, I hear this affordable option is great for on the go

Medela Hand Pump

Nursing Pads

Nipple Cream

Nursing Pillow

Burp Cloths - some say you need them, some say swaddles can wipe up spit up just as good but I included them here in case you prefer to have the two separate.

Nursing Poncho

Drying Rack for Bottles

Hygiene:

Nose Frieda- Seems gross but people swear by it to clear their babies noses out

Baby Nail Trimmer

Thermometer

Diapering:

Diaper Pale- for dirty diapers

Diaper Pale Bags

Changing Pad

Diapers

Wipe Warmer

Wipes

Portable Changing Station

Diaper Rash Ointment

Bathing:

Bathing Basin

Organic Baby Wash

Hooded Towels

Misc.

Outlet Plug covers

I would love to know if you guys have any other recommendations! If so, drop them in the comments below!

xo, Kim

Stretch Mark Prevention

I am officially 33 weeks pregnant! It’s crazy to me that 8+ months have already gone by and soon I’ll be welcoming our daughter into this world.

Up until this point, I have gained around 23 or so pounds, and my belly has definitely started to stick out, but not nearly as much as I assumed it would by this point. I’m almost 6 feet tall, so it’s going to take longer for that pronounced bump to show up. Either way, my skin has been itching a bit and I have been diligent with putting on creams and oils at least once daily to relieve the itchiness and hopefully keep stretch marks at bay.

I truly believe that stretch marks have a lot to do with someones size and how much they grow during pregnancy, genetics, and efforts to moisturize regularly. I don’t think its just one of these items but rather a combination of things. However, I would have to assume like so many other things in pregnancy, that genetics plays a large role in whether or not one gets stretch marks or pronounced stretch marks. Either way, the discomfort from itchy dry skin is reason enough for me to find the most moisturizing oils and body butters I can find. Below are a few I have tried and really loved.

1: Matana Oil. I was gifted this oil in order to try and see how I liked it. I have been gifted a lot of items, and often times will never mention them because I didn’t really care for them or felt strongly enough about the product to recommend to my friends. I really liked this body oil though and the ingredients are quality which makes me feel good when putting it on. The oil is moisturizing but not too slick or wet to where it’ll stain or absorb into my clothes, which is key. It’s dewy and makes my skin feel so hydrated but it’s not physically cold to put on, so I use this when I’m not wanting that shock of cold after a shower.

2. Jose Maran Argan Body Butter- My girlfriend Stella uses this and highly recommended it and she is in her second pregnancy. She loves it, and I trust her recommendations so I also got it. It truly feels so good in the skin and is cooling and soooo moisturizing. I got a four pack of different scents and I have to say, I ran out so fast because I used it all over all the time. It’s a great product and your skin feels ultra soft from using it.

3. Mutha Body Butter- My friend Mandy, who is a skin EXPERT, recommended this body butter to me and it’s SO MOISTURIZING. The only down side would be that it’s pricey, but it does come in a large tub and lasts a long time. It also is super clean and smells amazing. I absolutely love it.

At the end of the day, stretch marks can happen to the best of us who are diligent about our daily routines, but I know that if they were going to happen, at least they will be minimized by using quality products that are highly nourishing throughout my pregnancy. After all we don’t know for sure if they are preventable for sure or are genetic, but I like to always do my part!

I believe in doing the best you can do with what you have and what you know. After that, we gotta roll with the punches! If I was genetically predisposed to stretch marks, regardless of my size, hydrating routine, and healthy eating, then I’ll have peace of mind knowing I did my part and my belly will look better than if I didn’t do those other things. Stretch marks are not the end of the world, in fact I have a bunch on my inner thighs and sides my booty from growing six inches in junior high in one summer. However, I always believe in doing my best for the results I want, and then go from there.

I really enjoyed these three products and linked them plus a couple others that came highly recommended by trusted friends. Check them out below and as always, you can shop the post.

Stretch Mark Moisturizers

Mutha Body Butter • Butter Shoes • $95
Josie Maran 6-Piece 4-oz Argan Whipped Body Butter Set • Butter Shoes • $66
Belly Butter by Earth Mama Organics (8oz Butter) • Butter Shoes • $19.95
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Complete Stretch Mark Care 4 Piece Gift Set • Palmers • $20.99
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter • Burt's Bees • $12.99

Let me know if you have tried any of these and which one you love!

xo, Kim

My Biggest Insecurities About Becoming Pregnant

xx, Kim

30 Week Pregnancy Update: Physical Symptoms, Meltdowns, and the Pregnancy Blues

In this video I am going over updates at 30 weeks pregnant as well as the physical symptoms I have been dealing with and some unexpected highs and lows. I am not very emotional in normal everyday life so having hormonal lows where I can’t talk myself out of it has been hard for me, but I feel lucky that they only last for a couple days at a time and then dissipate. Being pregnant has definitely been tough for me as I enjoy having energy and being active but I am only 8 weeks away (I filmed this video 2 weeks ago…editing takes me a while lol!) and looking forward to getting my body back and meeting baby girl!!

If you have been pregnant or are currently pregnant, what were some of the symptoms that were most challenging for you?

Love you guys, and thanks for watching! Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on all things life, home, and pregnancy.

xo, Kim

My Biggest Pregnancy Pet Peeve

Hello beauties!

I wanted to share this video with you from my YouTube Channel on one thing that I find to be so frustrating as a pregnant person. I also probably have more pet peeves because this is my first time being pregnant and I am not used to some of the odd or inappropriate things people say as soon as they find out that I am pregnant. To be honest, I am normally a pretty understanding person that gives people the benefit of the doubt, but with pregnancy hormones and a heightened sensitivity towards this new and overwhelming time, I have a much shorter fuse with negativity and rude comments. In my short video, I go specifically into things that have been said to me and why they bothered me so much. I would love to hear what you think as well! Did this happen to you or would you be annoyed? Or am I perhaps being a little too sensitive? I am open to your thoughts! Comment below!

Love you guys,

xo, Kim