Mommy Must Haves: Halo Sleepsack Giveaway! {closed}

When I became a mom a little over a year ago, I remember being overwhelmed by all of the baby gear out there. I had such a hard time figuring out what was essential and what was just fluff. How is a mom supposed to know what baby gear is essential? I think the best way is to learn from other moms' experiences. So without further ado, I give you MY mommy-must-have list!

1. Sturdy Crib -- The CPSC recommends not using a crib more than 10 years old, one that has been broken or modified, or one with a drop side. If you choose to buy new, make sure you fill out your product registration card so the manufacturer can notify you if there is ever a recall on your crib.

2. Carseat & Stroller -- There is a huge range of features & prices, so find what features are important to you and go with it. I loved having a carseat that snapped into my stroller, so the little one could stay sleeping while I ran my errands.

3. Diapers -- Lots and lots and lots of diapers! Many people told me only to buy one pack of Newborn size before the baby was born, and then to wait and see as she grew. WRONG! Leaving the house was the last thing on my mind in the first week or two of The Bambina's life. I say buy plenty of little sizes, and exchange them for bigger sizes later as needed. (Even Rite Aid will exchange sizes without a receipt!)

4. Front Carrier -- I'm a huge fan of the Ergo & Belle, but try on a few front carriers & find one that works for you. Front carriers are a great way to have your hands free around the house, and I used mine a lot while traveling and going on walks.

5. Carseat Cover/Bundler -- If your baby will be little during the cold months, a carseat bundler or cover is definitely essential. They keep your babe warm, prevent others from touching (bonus!), and are much safer than simply using a blanket.

6. Nursing Cover -- If you plan to breastfeed, a nursing cover will allow you to be part of the action instead of having to leave the room when your baby needs to feed. And they're essential in public places where you don't have the option to leave the room! I kept one Hooter Hider in my pump bag at work, one in my diaper bag for on the go, and one hanging my coat rack at home for when guests came to visit.

7. Itzbeen Baby Care Timer -- This gadget is a lifesaver when caring for a newborn. No more looking at the clock in the middle of the night and trying to figure out how long it's been since the last feed or change. This keeps track for you! (And if you're breastfeeding, it even keeps track of which side you last fed on.)

8. Bravado Nursing Bras -- I've said it once and I'll say it again - these babies are worth every penny. I now own 4, and they're by far the most comfortable and functional nursing bra around. (I was actually sad to go back to my regular bra when I stopped nursing!)

9. Halo SleepSacks -- What do newborns, babies & young toddlers all have in common? They can all wiggle out of their blankets at night like it's nobody's business. Halo SleepSacks keep your babe warm at night without any risk of SIDS. And if you live in an old house like mine that's drafty, it's the best way to keep them warm at night!


If you're a new mom, check out more discussions here and here and here to see what products other Mommies have on their must-have lists!

And now to the exciting part...

Win it!
Halo has offered one lucky winner a SleepSack in their choice of color & size! These would make a great baby shower gift!

How To Enter:

• Visit Halosleep.com and fill out the form below. Follow Halo on twitter or facebook for extra entries!
  

Disclaimer: This was an unpaid post, and all opinions here are expressly my own. Halo Innovations offered one lucky reader a Halo SleepSack free of charge. Giveaway ends on 2/28/11 at midnight MST. Winner will be notified via email.