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Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

5 Things I Did to Go Into Labor Naturally

October 25, 2021

Today I’m sharing 5 things I did to get into labor with my first pregnancy.

Well, probably.

Let me start off by saying that it would be impossible for me to credit even one of these things with kickstarting the labor process. It might have been one of them, or all of them, or none!


Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional or doctor. Nothing on this post or blog should be interpreted as medical advice and should not be used as substitution for medical care. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your health, baby, or pregnancy. This post serves as my personal experience and opinions.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.


A baby’s birth is truly one of life’s greatest mysteries.

I remember having so many questions.

When would it start? How long would it be? Would my water break? Will I know what contractions feel like? Will I need an emergency C-section? How long will I push?

The list goes on and on.

I went into labor at 39+5

Although I found it brutally frustrating at the time, I will always remember everything after 37 weeks being an anticipatory blur.

Every ache and pain had me asking “is this it?”. My husband and I googled each and every physically feeling I had. If you read enough BabyCenter and Reddit forums, anything could be a sign of labor.

Like most moms, I was DONE at the end. I can’t explain it – if you know, you know. I was just done.

I was desperate to hold my baby in my arms. She was due close to a major holiday, so I wanted her to come before or after that date.

Again, I’m not sure any of the following techniques worked, but they gave me some feeling of control over the situation.


1. “Troubling” Foods

Point blank: I ate foods that made me poop. These no other way to put it. I guess it gets things going down there… Spicy foods made me throw up throughout my whole pregnancy, but I heard that those are an old wives tale that allegedly work too!

2. Bouncing

Nothing beats that bouncy ball! I had this one. I was a bouncin’ and a swayin’ on that thing every single day starting at 37 weeks. I would turn on the TV and very gently just sway back and forth.

3. Dates & Pineapple

I heard that eating dates and pineapple would help, so in desperation I ate (probably too many) of them! Apparently there’s an enzyme in them that helps with labor. Either way, they’re delicious!

4. Walking

I went to the doctor at 39+5 thinking I was going to get to schedule my induction for the next week. Instead, she told me I was 0cm dilated with no signs of labor and to just come back in a week and we could then pick a day to induce. I cried in the parking lot. Her only suggestion was to walk. So, I went home and I walked. I walked for an hour up and down my road, until a neighbor brought to my attention that I was pretty much invisible in my black coat at night. So, I did laps in my backyard. Looking back, I wouldn’t have walked for quite so long – I had a very long labor and I think this contributed to my exhaustion.

5. Leaving my house a mess

Okay, maybe this one is just my own superstitions. At the end of my pregnancy, I kept my house spotless in anticipation of having to rush to the hospital. One night, I was just so over being pregnant. I started crying to my husband how I just wanted my daughter to be here already and I wanted to feel better. We ate a hearty dinner of slow-cooked chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans. And then I left it all out. I left the dirty plates on the table, pots and pans on stove, and went to bed. My water broke a few hours later! I’m convinced that leaving things a mess and just letting go is what got my labor going!


What did you do to help labor start? How far along did you get in your pregnancy?
Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf & Steel
  • I Started a Sister Blog
  • How to Create a Portable Breastfeeding Station
  • 7 Unexpected Baby Shower Gifts for Moms
Resources
  • WebMD
  • BabyCenter

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 3 Comments

The Best Dog Books for Babies and Toddlers

October 18, 2021

Baby M is obsessed with dogs! She has no fear when it comes to the furry beasts. Since I was the world’s biggest dog fanatic as a child, I naturally supplied her with puppy books since birth.

Here are the best dog themed board books for babies and toddlers!


This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.


1. Doggies by Sandra Boynton

2. Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

3. Go, Do. Go! by P.D. Eastman

4. Puppy Love by Cottage Door Press

5. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

6. Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day

7. Touch and Feel Puppy by DK

8. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

9. Babies Love Puppies by Scarlett Wing

10. Snuggle Puppy! by Sandra Boynton


Does your child have an interest in dogs or a favorite dog book?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 8 Comments

Does Your Baby Need a Sleepsack?

October 13, 2021

If you’re working on your baby registry, you might be wondering if you need a sleepsack. I had never heard of one before I started researching what to put on my Babylist.

When my mother and mother-in-law first saw the sleep sack on my daughter, they were very confused. They did not have as much data back when we were kids. They didn’t know that putting baby in the crib with blankets led to an increased risk of SIDS.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

They also did not know that dressing baby too warmly, or providing too many blankets could lead to overheating and again, an increased risk of SIDS.

They were skeptical at first, but after seeing how my crying, exhausted daughter would instantly calm when she put hers on, they became belivers!

Now, getting in her sleep sack after a diaper change and fresh pajamas is a comforting part of her nighttime routine.

So, I’m here to turn you into a believer too! Here are some frequently asked questions about baby sleep and sleep sacks!

Does your baby need a sleepsack?

Yes, your baby will eventually need a sleep sack! Unless you live in an extremely hot climate, you will need one.

What is a sleep sack?

A sleepsack is a wearable blanket with arm holes that covers your baby’s body and is closed at the bottom. They are typically made of breathable cotton or thin fleece.

When does my baby need a sleep sack?

Your baby needs a sleep sack as soon as they show signs of rolling over. The last thing you want is baby rolling over while they are swaddled, unable to turn back over. This can start as early as 3 months. Some babies never like being swaddled and may benefit from using a sleep sack earlier. You can always consult with your pediatrician about when it is safe to start using a sleepsack.

Do babies like sleep sacks?

Yes! Babies like sleep sacks because they provide warmth, comfort, and an extra layer of security. With a sleep sack, you don’t have to worry about baby being cold or the covers getting throw off of them. You also do not have to worry about baby pulling the covers over their face and potentially suffocating, or get the blanket tightly wound around a body part. Sleep sacks give parents and baby a sense of security – and hopefully a good night’s sleep!

Is a sleep sack and wearable blanket the same thing?

Yes, a sleep sack and wearable blanket is the same thing.

Is a sleep sack and a swaddle the same thing?

No, sleep sacks and swaddles are not the same thing. Sleep sacks allow baby to have their arms out, while swaddles (typically) keep baby’s arms in. Sleep sacks are usually much looser than a swaddle. Babies like being swaddled in the beginning because they are used to being so cozy inside mama’s belly; they find the snugness comforting. As they begin to show signs of rolling, swaddles are no longer safe. That’s when you know it’s time to move on to a sleep sack!

Do babies like Burt’s Bees Wearable Blanket?

Yes! Babies love the Burts Bee’s Wearable Blanket because they provide comfort, style and the right amount of coverage without overheating!

From their website:

‘”Safer alternative to blankets for newborn and infants, baby sleep sacks are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS. 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified, breathable fabric to help prevent over-heating.” – Burt’s Bees

How long does baby need a sleepsack?

Your baby should wear a sleep sack at least until the age of one, when blankets are usually okay to give. However, there is no rush to ditch the sack! One of the many benefits of a sleep sack is that you don’t have to worry about the blankets being pulled off of baby. It may also provide a simple source of comfort for your little one.

Does baby need a blanket and a sleep sack?

No, your baby does not need a blanket and a sleep sack. Using a blanket and a sleep sack could lead to overheating and an increased risk of SIDS. Dress your infant in temperature appropriate, comfortable, tight fitting clothing for bedtime, followed by the sleep sack.

What are the best sleep sack brands?

The best sleep sack brands are Burt’s Bees and Halo. The Beekeeper Wearable Blanket from Burt’s Bees is breathable and comes in so many cute prints! Some Halo Sleep Sack can transform from a swaddle into a sleep sack, which saves money. They also have some pretty adorable patterns!

Are sleep sacks safe to use in a crib?

Yes, sleep sacks are safe to use in a crib.

Are sleep sacks safe to use in a bassinet?

Yes, sleep sacks are generally safe to use in a bassinet. Although, note that baby should transition out of the typical bassinet if they are rolling. If baby is not rolling yet, but would still like to use a sleep sack, they can definitely do so in a bassinet!

As with all things baby, always discuss with your pediatrician! They are the best one to guide you through making decisions for your baby. Please review safe sleep guidelines before putting your little one down for a rest. The best thing you can do is listen to your pediatrician and medical professionals, rather than survivor bias.


Does your baby use a sleep sack?

Do you have an item that your baby needs to fall asleep?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

5 Books to Read for an Easier Birth

August 20, 2021

Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin

The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. Buckley

Birthing from Within by Pam England & Rob Horowitz

  1. Spiritual Midwifery
  2. The Nursing Mother’s Companion
  3. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
  4. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: The Wisdom and Science of Gentle Choices in Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting
  5. Birthing from Within

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom

August 16, 2021

I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for 8 months now and I love it! I am so grateful that I’m able to be home with my daughter. There have been SO many sacrifices to make this work, but it’s been worth it.

It took me a while to figure out my rhythm and how to have a productive day. It took me even longer to see value in what I am doing. It really is a full time job. I am a nanny, a chef, a secretary, a personal shopper, a housecleaner, a milk factory, a teacher and countless other job titles.

There are people making a lot of money doing what I do.

I am also a wife, a daughter, a friend, a sister, a writer, and a member of the community.

I am so much more than a stay-at-home mom. That’s why it’s been important for me to take time every day to do the following 7 things!

Here are 7 things I do as a stay-at-home parent to stay sane!

1. “Work” Time

Being a stay-at-home parent means that I take on more work around the house, simple as that. I take time throughout the day to work on the annoying tasks that have to get done, like

  • scheduling
  • being put on hold for half the day by Verizon, Staples, etc.
  • forgetting to put 1 essential food item on my shopping list and then spending an hour going back to the store to get it
  • spending several days taking my 10-year-old printer apart instead of biting the bullet and buying a new one

2. Walk

Walking is the only type of “exercise” that works for me. I really do it to clear my mind and get some fresh air for me and the baby. We like to find little waterfronts to explore and we always play this checklist game.

  • LOOK for 1 dog
  • LOOK for 1 cat
  • LISTEN for 1 bird
  • SMELL 1 new smell (fresh cut grass, laundry)

And of course, say hi to anyone we pass, because becoming a mom has made me friendly. Or, maybe it’s just the lack of socialization in 2021 ha!

3. Relax

I relax for part of nap time. I have to. I “work” 24 hours a day. It took me a little while to see that it’s perfectly okay for me to take time to relax as a stay at home parent. I have no lunch break. I have no “decompression” time on my commute home. It’s on me to manage my mental wellness and realize when it’s time to be productive and when it’s time to put my feet up and scroll Instagram or watch TV.

4. Reach out

It can be mind numbing to talk to a baby all day. The narration, the “oohs” “aahs” and “yayayays” make me feel like a robot some days. That’s why I’ve made it a priority since my daughter was born to make a phone call every day. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay grounded in the insanity

5. Get out of the house

I hate this one, but I do it anyway! Maybe it was the events of 2020 that caused me to be comfortable with being a shut-in. Leaving the house can be hard. Leaving the house with a baby can be even harder. Every day, we try to get out of the house. Even if it’s just those waterfront walks or the grocery store, being in public and getting a change of scenery keeps me grounded.

Our new favorite place is the pet store, or what I like to call the “free zoo”. Baby M loves looking at the fish and kittens up for adoption. It’s a quick and easy way to keep her entertained out of the house. We’re always looking for fun, easy, free things to do together – if you have any suggestions, let me know below!

6. Work on my hobbies

This is the hardest one on the list. I struggle with finding the motivation to work on the things that fill up my cup. Writing, reading and working on my side projects sometimes get put on the back burner. However, I’ve found I’m a better mom and an all around better person when I’m carving out time to work on the things that bring me joy. After spending %90 of my day giving my energy to other things, this time is necessary.

7. Play!

The most important thing I do as a stay-at-home is PLAY with my baby! There’s nothing better than sitting down on the floor and reading my daughter a book or playing peekaboo. The sound of her little laugh when I pretend to eat her feet fills my heart with so much joy. I know that after food, a safe place to live, and clean clothes, my uninterrupted time is the most valuable thing I can provide for my child.


What do you think of this list? What do you do to stay sane as a stay at home parent?

Let me know below.

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 18 Comments

My End of Summer Bucket List for Baby!

August 14, 2021

Well, the dogs days are almost over! It’s August and although I’m so very excited to be done with this excruciatingly hot summer, there are still some fun activities I want to squeeze in!

Now that I’m a mom, I get this super fun thing called MOM GUILT. Ever heard of it?

As I was looking back at my photos from this summer, I know I did enough to feel like it was a “fun” summer. I say fun in quotes because my daughter is 8 months old and she thinks pulling the cat’s hair out and eating pasta is fun.

I still have a few things on my list that I want to do to make this summer feel complete. Due to the *state of the world* and heat wave after heat wave, it hasn’t been the summer I imagined. But, we’re making the best of it. As always. That’s part of being a parent, I guess.

It’s almost 100 degrees outside as I’m writing this. It’s just been too hot to really do anything. I’m looking forward to early September when things cool off a bit. For now, it’s been indoor picnics and early morning walks for us!

So, here are 10 things we’re doing this August/early September to conclude summer 2021!

1. Do a summer photoshoot

I saw these ideas on Pinterest and fell in love! How cute! I’m not sure if Baby M is going to be able to sit in a tub of milky fruit without eating it, but we shall see how it goes. I have one of these tin buckets and plan on using lemons and a big yellow bow like this one.

2. Visit a splash pad

We have a few of these on Long Island and they always look so refreshing. My baby loves water so I know she’ll love to romp in the huge sprinkler.

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3. Bring my baby swimming in the ocean

This is a must on Long Island. We’ll see how she does with the salt! Pools have been a summer favorite, so I’m really looking forward to safely bringing her into the waves.

4. Attend an outdoor event

Food festival, car show, sidewalk sale, whatever it is – I’ll take it! I would always pass things like this and be excited to go to them as a family, just as a free thing to do. Lots of main streets here close down on weeknights for outdoor dining, live music, etc. This is what summer nights are for!

5. Make popsicles

I have these DIY popsicle trays that I’m dying to use! I’ve been researching recipes that are safe for babies so that Baby M can partake in the fun. I’m thinking blueberry, watermelon, or peach mixed with water or breast milk!

New! Sprout Ware made from Plants

6. Make art outside

Baby M was given this paint set and we use it all the time. I usually tape down a piece of paper to her high chair and then let her scoop the paint off of a plate and smack it down onto the paper. I’ve learned that I can only successfully do this if she has a pacifier in her mouth – otherwise she ends up with a mouth full of paint!

7. Take a sunset stroll

This one is super easy and speaks for itself! My UppaBaby stroller is racking up miles from our morning walks….but I’ve been meaning to squeeze in an evening stroll during one of the beautiful sunsets!

8. Have an picnic in the park

There’s nothing like throwing down a huge blanket and eating dinner in the park! Now that Baby M is sitting up it’s super simple to bring her out for things like this. All we need is a blanket, a good meal (even takeout), and a cute basket like this one.

9. Go on a road trip

Since we won’t be getting on a plane any time soon, a road trip is in the works. We made it to our favorite place, Cooperstown (see my travel guide here), in May. So, we’ll take a short weekend trip to Lancaster to round off the summer. I have my packing list for a road trip with baby here.

10. Get an ice cream cone

It sounds simple, but we rarely go out for ice cream anymore! Baby M tried her first few bites of ice cream last month and fell in love.


What’s on your August bucket list? Is there anything you’re trying to squeeze in before the leaves start to change?

Let me know below.

O.

More from Leaf & Steel
  • Surviving a Road Trip with an Infant
  • Baby’s 12 Summer Essentials
  • Packing My Diaper Bag in 2021

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10 Quotes about Motherhood

June 2, 2021

Here are 10 quotes about motherhood:

1. “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Loren
2. “…my job is to give them the space to explore and develop into the people they want to be. My hope is that, sometimes as parents, we do for our kids what we can’t find to do for ourselves.” – Michelle Obama
3. “I don’t go by the rule book. I lead from the heart, not the head.” – Princess Diana of Wales
4. “Mother’s love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved.” – Erich Fromm
5. “Having kids—the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings—is the biggest job anyone can embark on.” – Maria Shriver
6. “The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.” – Jessica Lange
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7. “God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” – Rudyard Kipling
8. “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” – Agatha Christie
9. “My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
10. “There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.” – Jill Churchill

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 2 Comments

10 Things I Wish I Did While Pregnant

January 4, 2021

My husband and I always knew we wanted kids. I’m not sure if it’s something we ever discussed, it’s always been a given. We could always be found helping out with friends’ babies or strolling down the baby aisle in Target.

I knew that having a baby would be the most important thing I would ever do. I had my doubts about whether I’d be a good mom and how I’d handle the sleepless nights.

Some blog posts may use affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission  off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you.

I wanted to feel prepared. 

I read What to Expect Before You’re Expecting on our honeymoon. I bought onesies and burp cloths years before our daughter was a little lima bean. I felt ready.


In March I found out I was finally pregnant. 

Let me tell you, I was woefully naive about pregnancy. Looking back I’m not sure what I was expecting – maybe some nausea and tiredness.

I was only 4 week when I started to feel like I had been hit by a train on a daily basis. Then came the nausea, and then the vomiting. And the aching. Everything hurt. I had a few “good” weeks in the second trimester, but overall pregnancy was WAY harder than I had anticipated.

I would tell my husband over and over again that I am not cut out for this. 

The last few weeks felt so long. I was so swollen and cranky and tired of peeing every ten minutes.

I was a whopping zero centimeters dilated at my 39 week exam. After a good cry and a nap, I walked, pumped, bounced, and cried some more until my water broke in the middle of the night.

I remember saying several times during labor that I was so excited to not be pregnant anymore. 

And then I wasn’t. My baby was here.


On our first night home my husband took the baby so I could get some rest in our room after three nights in a hospital bed. I vividly remember pulling my knees up against my stomach and crying because I could. I was relieved to have my body back to myself but I was also incredibly sad that she was out.

For the first week I would cry when I thought about her being in my stomach. I would instinctively rest my hand above my belly button, waiting to feel her kicks and punches.

It’s like I know that pregnancy was physically miserable, but I can’t remember it. 

I miss my big ol’ belly.

I miss being pregnant and I can’t wait to go through the miraculous process again.


Looking back, there are some things I would tell my past self to have a more enjoyable pregnancy.

  1. Buy the pillow before you think you need it.

I bought my pregnancy pillow at around 23 weeks, but looking back I would have gotten it as soon as I was in the second trimester. Not only did it help prevent aches and pains, it kept me sleeping on my side, which is essential later in pregnancy. I got mine off of Amazon and it has kept its shape so far.

I was told to get rid of it after the baby was born or else it would ruin my marriage. 6 weeks out I’m still using it. I love it. I might never stop sleeping with it.

  1. Get as much done as early as you can.

Get the shopping, organizing, nursery done as early as possible. Like I said, the end can be extremely trying, so having a full pantry and finished nursery before hitting 40 weeks 

  1. Make your calories count.

When the nausea took over all I did was sit in bed watching The Great British Baking Show and eating saltines. If I have morning sickness (let’s be real – all day, all night sickness) with my next baby, I plan on eating more efficiently. I hope to have more nutrient dense snacks instead of relying on my prenatal to do all the work.

  1. Get maternity clothes that double as nursing tops.

I bought three of these. Target also has a great maternity line. Buying maternity tops that’ll last into the fourth trimester is a great bang for your buck. Remember to bring them to the hospital, you’ll look a few months pregnant for at least a week.

  1. Take lots of pictures.

This one is self explanatory – you can never have enough pictures, even when feeling like a whale.

  1. Enjoy the silence.

Just sit in it. Do nothing. Soak it up.

  1. Nod and say thank you – but don’t take all the advice.

The best advice I received was to say thank you, but to be wary of taking everyone’s advice. I now see that the least helpful advice came from those who didn’t have children. There are so many opinions on epidurals, cosleeping, exercise, etc. Most of the time our advice is formed from our own experiences. What worked for your great aunt’s sister’s baby might not work for yours. Also, a lot of things that were practiced thirty years ago are outdated, neglectful or dangerous.

  1. Accept that you can’t do everything before.

This may seem contradictory to #1, but it’s true. You can’t do everything before. Your baby might have an allergy to the laundry detergent you bought or breastfeeding might not work out. Prioritize what can be done now and what is going to be determined by your little stranger.

  1. Go out to eat.

I gave birth and was in the postpartum period during the pandemic and so the amount of help I had was limited. I ate all my meals and drank all my cups of coffee cold for the first few weeks. Let yourself go out to dinner and be served warm food on a plate that you don’t have clean.

10. It’s okay to say you need space.

The kindest text I received was “I’m sure you want to be left alone right now, but I’m here if you need me”. There was nothing more I wanted than to be left to my Netflix and nesting and groaning. So many people were asking how I was feeling or if the baby was here yet. There’s nothing wrong with just saying “I’ll let you know when they’re here”.

There is no end to alone time, quiet cups of coffee, or long drives without a crying baby. Although those nine months seem eternal when you’re in them, they really are just a blip before life changes in every single way.

If you could go back to your pregnancy, what would you do differently?

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

10 Items You Can Buy During the Two Week Wait

April 10, 2019

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…or before the two week wait, or whatever.

There’s a part of my brain that’s incredibly messy and spontaneous, and then there’s also a part that loves to be ahead of the curve. I had my wedding planned before I got engaged and here I am again, researching babies before having one.

 

Just as a clarification – I’m not pregnant or trying to conceive. Let me say that again, I’m not pregnant or trying to conceive.

I’m 25 and I have some sweet time before moving onto the next chapter of my life.

I do, from time to time, purchase small ticket items from Target or pick up gently used onesies while at the thrift store.

Now, I know this title will be met with one of two responses, “wait for the shower” or “you’ll jinx it”. Both valid reactions. My husband thinks I’m nuts.

But, I know there’s a small sliver of you out there, like me, who can’t wait.

Here’s my justification: I will have a newborn one day. Come hell or high water. Whether it happens naturally, assisted by science, or through adoption.

Buying these items gives me some weird sense of security, or hope. Maybe it’s because I’ve been told so many times that everything related to pregnancy and motherhood is so innumerably uncontrollable.

Either way, I like the little “hope chest” I have for that little miracle someday. I would suggest telling your partner what you’re doing, or they might be a bit concerned/freaked out if they find out.

I have searched for lists like this endlessly online and can’t find any that aren’t tailored for a registry.

So, here’s a list of 10 things you can purchase early, whether you’re in the two-week wait, or in the two year wait, like me:

  1. Books. Baby books are just the sweetest! Whether it’s Good Night Moon or Stellaluna, we all have our childhood favorites that we’d like to pass down onto our own children.
  2. Newborn diapers. One pack. Maybe two. Your little one might not even need them, have an allergy, etc. Do you research here.
  3. Pacifiers. I know there are many shapes and kinds of pacifiers, but I’d pick up some of these from Philips Avent.
  4. Muslin cloths. Muslin cloths are perfect for burping, spit up, slobber, swaddling and more! Check out cute printed ones from Little Unicorn or aden + anais.
  5. Gentle laundry detergent. Do some research here on what would be best for your family!
  6. Baby thermometer. Our (adult) thermometer broke this winter, so I replaced it with this one, which works for adults and just so happens to work for babies too.
  7. Nail clippers. Little ones need special clippers for their nails. Add these to your cart on your next Target run or Amazon Prime binge.
  8. Safety items. Electrical socket covers, child locks and stove covers will come in handy down the road.
  9. That expensive toy. Or clothing item, or book. For me, it’s this onesie I saw in California. As a Cali girl at heart, I’ll have to snatch it up.
  10. Sale items. Hit up a clearance section for discounted shampoo, washcloths and more.

Remember that some items expire and safety guidelines change all the time. Always consult with a doctor or check out americanpregnancy.org for more resources.

Did you purchase any items before you found out you were pregnant, try to conceive or in the two week wait?

If you have a baby of your own, what would you add to this list?

O.

10 Items to buy during the two week wait

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

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Leaf and Steel is a collective on all things motherhood, growth, and living. Read More…

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2023’s word of the year is “peace”. The purest, simplest way to incorporate peace is by being in nature. We are incredible excited to try to spend #1000hoursoutside this year. ❄️🌻🌲 #getoutside #leafandsteel #nature #toddlerlife
Never have truer words been spoken…
Up on the Blog: Here’s Why Christmas Season is the Best
Not ready for the pumpkins to be gone 🎃🫤
Blogtober is almost here! #blogtober is a writing challenge where writers publish one post a day for the month of October. I did it last year and it was definitely…a challenge! 🎃
Up on the Blog: Dying for #Fall but I can’t help but feel antsy about summer ending! There is still so much left to do 🌊 head to Leaf and Steel to see what’s left on my end of summer bucket list. #leafandsteel #summer #fall #bucketlist #toddler #baby #blog #sahmlife #todo #wordpress #longform #watermelon #beach #summerbucketlist #pool

Recent Posts

  • Playing in the Rain with Your Toddler
  • Spring Gifts for Newborn Babies
  • Surviving Sleep Deprivation as a Stay-at-Home Mom
  • 101 Motherhood and Lifestyle Blog Post Ideas
  • How to Survive Your Toddler’s Blood Test

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