Spices n Secrets

So, lets begin with "Top 10 Baby Products That Turns Out Most Useful in the First Year".

When you have a baby suddenly time gets shortened, you have to be alert, swift and safe. Imagine your baby needs a diaper change or the milk you were feeding gets spilled and if a cloth or bib is not at an arms reach, havoc will take place.

In such situations, get yourself some baskets like I did and place them on bed-side table.  Keeping baskets also ensured that my room was not disorganised and looked clutter-free. Earlier all our medicines, syrup bottles, thermometer, handkerchiefs, etc. remained scattered and the room seemed very untidy. Moreover, the lids act as a good protection from dust to settle on baby products and clothes. Being made from plastic, the baskets are super easy to wash whenever you feel like.

Babies love motion. Why? Because they are used to the feeling of movement and jerks from being in your tummy for 9 months. And I saw its proof, when I kept my baby in a stationery place like bed and when I put her in a swinging cradle. She quickly loved the feel of cradle and slept far more better in it than in a bed.

I bought a Swing Cradle and was sorted for 5-6 months. It was only after she started to sit up on her own and wanted to crawl, the cradle became unsuitable and we stopped using it. Prior to it, my baby loved this cradle. She slept in the afternoons in it. While, it would have been good if there were wheels but being lightweight, the cradle was somewhat okay to shift from room to room.

Cot is a baby bed which some of my friends have found most useful after their babies turned 6 months. A Wooden Cot is a good choice as the baby sleeps comfortably and after adding the cot bedding to its sides, the problem of baby trying to get legs and hands out was also solved. After the baby starts to gain strength in their legs, the high railing provides a good motivation for them to stand on their own. With a few adjustments, the baby cot can be easily attached to the parent's master bed and you can co-sleep without feeling a lack of space.

I was very clear on the kind of bath tub I wanted. So, when I saw the Bather. I knew I have to buy it. My prime demand was that I don't want the baby to sit throughout bath time in the dirty soapy water. I wanted something in which the water continues to drain out. This chair-cum-tub turned out the best and I still continue to use it.

Prams are great for outings in park, shopping malls or in tours. They are foldable, easy to carry and assemble, and provides comfort and safety to your baby. 

While, buying we understood a difference between pram and stroller. Pram is more cushioned than stroller. And, stroller is suitable for slightly elder ones, say 8-9 months or more. Pram specially can be made into a bed, given a shade and baby can sleep like in a cradle.

Feeding your baby is a chore. But, you can ease it by putting them on a high chair. However, keep in mind that baby is ready for high chair or anything to sit in upright position only when they have a strong neck and head control, and can sit stable for long on their own or with a back support. Before this, do not force your baby to sit in anything besides your lap or pillows during meal time.

I and my friends bought High Chair and began using it after my baby turned 7 months. A feeding chair like this gives her an idea that its mealtime. Also, using such practices will develop good eating etiquettes from an early stage. The tray in front is detachable and washed, so at times you can place bits of fruits and veggies for them to eat on their own.

One of the biggest problems we faced was keeping mosquitoes away from baby. The repellent vaporizers are a complete no-no because they are poisonous and should not be inhaled by newborns. Same goes for repellent creams and lotions on baby's soft skin. 

We found that a good protection net is best. The baby was protected from the germs and bugs of hotel beds and while you are sleeping and baby takes a turn, baby will not come out of the confines of the net in any case.

Baby carriers are quite travel friendly. We used carrier till my baby turned 7 months. After that the baby begins to gain much weight and carriers put a lot of pressure on the guardian's shoulders and back. But, prior to that stage, baby carriers are great because it frees the hands and arms. I could easily carry and have a walk in the park, go to grocery store and shop in malls without anyone to carry my baby or shopping bags. The Baby Carrier is a good option as it has a lot of safety belts to harness the baby, pockets for keeping knick-knacks and baby can sit facing you or out.

These are special musical mats for babies that have not started to crawl but are very active with legs and hands. Playmats can be used as soon as you feel the baby is ready for laying down on floor and is making a lot of kicks. The dandling toys and piano keeps the baby engaged for hours. The mat itself is made of plastic and so it is washable.

After 7-9 months when your baby has begun to crawl, keeping them unattended is impossible. And, while you think you can engage them with toys or musical items, they will try to get out your way and hurriedly explore the whole house. Which is okay. But imagine you have some household chores then what? In such situations, keeping the baby/toddler in an enclosed area along with toys and other things of their interests, is a good idea. 

A playpen is great for placing both indoors and outdoors. Infact, two or more kids can be kept inside and they can safely play without getting out of your vision.

So, these were my top 10 baby products that I have found most useful for babies below 1 year. Each item eases the life of the parents and other caretakers, and doesn't let the safety and comfort of baby compromised.

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