momma Archives - Aly Dawn Photography

I’m going to be 100% transparent with you for just a second. I’m a horrible mother. No really, I am. And here’s why: I don’t do anything by the ‘books’. But you know what? My son seems to be happy to me, so I’m happy! He’s almost 8 months (oh my, where did the time go?!) and I still haven’t started him on solids and I also am terrible at putting him down for naps.

But you know what? I have cherished every single snuggle I’ve gotten over the past 8 months. And he definitely gives me snuggles. I’m one of those moms who doesn’t like the idea of ‘cry it out’. If you use that method and it works for you, then good for you! But it just hasn’t worked for me and my son. For most of my sons life, he’s been held when he sleeps. And it’s totally my fault. My favorite thing is to hold a sleeping baby. And it’s of course my favorite thing as a mom. I love holding him when he’s asleep. I don’t regret holding him. Not one bit. But I am starting to find a method that works for me.

This past month I have been actively trying to put him down after he’s asleep. And it’s been working! That’s a win for me. To hold him while he falls asleep and then put him down if I need to. I usually put him on the couch, since that’s normally where I am. (He’s on my bed in the pictures, I was hanging out in my room cleaning while he slept). He’s even asleep right now as I type this!

why this works for me…

I really do hate hearing him cry, especially when I know it’s because he wants me. I will never do the cry it out method.
It’s actually allowing me to be less stressed. I’m able to put him down when he sleeps, as opposed to stressing about letting him cry it out.
I still get my snuggles in, which I crave.
He gets better sleep.

He’s still pretty young, so I’m not extremely worried about teaching him how to fall asleep on his own, although I know that it’s fast approaching. I’m actually getting more things done now that I’ve tackled this method of naptime. And believe it or not, I’m less stressed!

I still have a goal of getting him to sleep in the crib. But for now, this works and this makes me happy. And I think that’s really all that matters! If you do use the cry it out method and love it, I’d love to know why in the comments. I probably will never use it, but it’s always interesting to read why it works for someone else. All babies are different and they need different things. And for my son, he needs comfort. And I’m totally OK with giving it to him…

Being a new mother can definitely be overwhelming. There’s so much information out there about how to care for your baby, what products are best, when to start on solid food, breast feed or formula, the list goes on. I’m here to say one really important thing for all new mothers: do what’s best for you and your baby. Don’t judge other mom’s because they mom differently than you. Help them, support them, lend them an ear. Moms & women in general can be so hard on themselves. They don’t need anyone else bringing them down or judging how they parent their child. Now that I’m off my pedestal, on to the real reason for this post – my favorite baby products!

check out my 5 Reasons to Convert an Image to B&W post

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These products worked the best for me & my son. I wouldn’t recommend these products if I didn’t LOVE them. If you try them out & love them, let me know! It’s important to find things that work for you and your child. Welcome to motherhood!

my favorite baby products

1. burts bees rompers

Ok, seriously, aren’t these the cutest?!?! I have four of them right now and I can’t get enough. My son looks so stinkin’ cute in them. They’re great because he doesn’t have to wear pants with them (I wish that were the case for me, I hate pants!). They are also super soft. I believe they are made out of cotton? You must try them. I just love the way they look and feel.

2. banana toothbrush

This toothbrush has been a lifesaver once the little one started teething. I’m not even kidding. He just chews on it and is much happier. You can also pop it in the freezer for a bit – instant relief on their little gums. A must have.

3. lavendar chest rub

This stuff is great. Whether it actually calms babies or not, I’m not sure. But it did help when my son got a stuffy nose. And it makes him smell sooooooo good. You know how kids kinda start to smell when their sick? This definitely helps with that. Haha! But I love this chest rub, smells good, and helps their poor little stuffy nose.

4. saline wipes

This is a must have in winter/flu season! Let’s be real: babies can be so gross! Especially around the mouth and nose area. I like to keep saline wipes in my diaper bag, you know, just in case boogers happen on the go. And again, let’s be real: boogers do happen! I should make a t-shirt for mom’s that says that…

5. diaper bag

Of course a diaper bag is a must, at least for me! I love my diaper bag. I even have a matching iPad case to go with it! This diaper bag has everything I need. It’s the right size, super cute, and it has lots and lots of pockets. Love love love.

6. stroller & carseat

I gotta say, my stroller and carseat from Chicco are hands down the BEST stroller and carseat combo ever. I love that the carseat just clips right into the stroller. This was a life saver right after I had my son. I was able to go on walks right away with him.

What are some of your must have baby products? I’d love to know! I’m always on the lookout for products that have worked for other mothers.

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A Boy and His Naptime