Lots of people stop us when we're out and ask us how we manage three infants. Its actually pretty easy if you have the right stuff! Here are a few of our favorite things...
Our Top 25
(Not really in any particular order; and to make this super easy for those who like what they see, just click on the underlined product links!)
#1 Our cradle swings are invaluable to us. Lauren sleeps most nights in hers and that's usually where the babies nap. We have three of the Fisher Price Aquarium swings and can't imagine what we'd do without them. (The travel swing is pretty cool too)
Lauren, Lathan & Logan (7-16-06)
#2 We use Boppies to feed the babies (and they sometimes took naps in them when they were really little). LOVE the Boppies!!!
Lauren (7-28-06)
Logan (8-1-06)
Lathan, Logan & Lauren (9-16-06)
#3 The Arm's Reach CoSleeper has been a perfect addition for us. Especially when the babies were on apnea monitors, it was so nice to have them all three right there and not have to worry about rolling over on them. Of course now, the boys sleep in our bed with us so the cosleeper is pretty much there to catch me as I fall off the bed if we run out of room! (It also has turned in to a little storage area for blankets and our morning books).
#4 The babies really enjoy the Baby Einstein Play Mat and Entertainer. We have other models/brands of both but the Baby Einsteins seem to be the best by far. The Baby Einstein Play Mat still keeps them entertained (the others got old too quickly) and on the other entertainer we have, the toys are too close to the middle seat so when the babies were little and extra wobbly it was easy for them to bump their heads on the toys.
Logan (9-11-06)
Lauren (11-29-06)
Logan (11-15-06)
#5 The Jumperoo has gotten its fair share of play these past few months. We have two of them and like to put the babies face to face and watch them interact. Seems like a lot of fun!
Lathan (11-10-06)
Logan Asleep in Jumperoo (11-11-06)
Dualing Jumperoos (11-7-06)
#6 The Diaper Dekor. This is another one that we have two of, one for each nursery. I researched diaper pails a lot and this one seemed to get the best response. I must agree...rarely ever does it smell and we don't have to change the bags that often!
#7 Our Space Saver Highchairs are perfect for us. First of all their color is neutral so they blend right in and secondly they attach to our kitchen chairs to the take up very little space. They also convert from an infant seat to a toddler booster seat so we're sure to get a lot of use out of them.
#8 The Bebe Pod chairs that we have are really handy. They are designed to let the baby sit up unassisted as soon as they are able to hold up their head. (These are the same as Bumbo's, I just like the Bebe Pod colors better). Even now that the babies are able to sit up more on their own, they still like to sit in Bebe Pod and play.
Lathan, Lauren & Logan (11-29-06)
#9 Our Baby Bjorn and my new favorite the Hotsling are great for carrying the little ones.
#10 When the babies were very little they really enjoyed their Baby Papasan's. Eventually they got bored with them but I pulled them out again the other day and it appears that they like them again. They seem incredibly comfortable...wish they came in bigger sizes!
Lauren, Logan & Lathan (7-11-06)
#11 The Podee Bottle system is FANTASTIC. Hands free bottles...perfect!!! And here are my other favorites in the feeding category. The Avent Bottles top my list. Lauren and Logan use/used the Dr. Brown's which were great for reflux but there are so many pieces and they just got to be a pain. The Avents have also been much more convienent as the babies have grown. They have handles to help them hold their own bottle and they convert to a sippy cup. For feeding "on the go" the Munchkin Formula Dispensers (got ours at Target) are very nice. You measure out your formula and separate it into three compartments. That way when your out there's no need to measure...just pour. Also, Bibsters (disposable bibs) are extremely helpful and convenient.
Lauren & Lathan (9-29-06)
Lauren (1-16-07)
Lathan (11-20-06)
#12 And of course as you can see from our last few posts, we are getting very attached to our highchair/shopping cart covers. Helps keep the babies comfy and germ free!
Lathan, Logan & Lauren (1-15-07)
#13 Speaking of germ free...we go through Purell like no other! A definite necessity for us!!! (Same goes for the Clorox Anywhere Spray and the Clorox Wipes...good stuff!)
#14 Baby bath tub with a hammock. The hammocks were really nice and kept the babies from slipping around (but still kept them emerged enough to stay warm) even when they were itty bitty. (We're just starting to graduate to the Safety First Bath Seats which seem pretty cool also!)
Logan, Lauren & Lathan (7-11-06)
Lauren, Logan & Lathan (1-17-07)
#15 Munchkin Mesh Feeders (available at Target & grocery stores) have been a great way for the babies to try foods that normally would be a choking hazard. Its nice to cute up a banana and throw it in the feeder so that it occupies a hungry baby while I'm feeding another.
Logan (11-20-06)
Lauren (11-21-06)
Lathan (11-20-06)
#16 Wipes Warmer. Not necessarily a necessity but just a plain courtesy to little tushies! We also have a warmer by the highchairs to wipe them down after meals.
#17 Slumber Bears. They have a device inside that makes sounds like in the womb. When the babies were in the NICU we took the device out of the bear and put it in the isolletes with the little ones. Then when they came home we put it in their beds to help them sleep. Helped us sleep too!!!
Lathan (5-3-06)
Logan, Lauren, Lathan (9-11-06)
#18 LOTS of blankets. We must go through 10 + a day. We put them down for tummy time, wrap the babies up when they're in the swings and use them to prop bottles. You can never have too many blankets and these Pottery Barn ones are some of my favorites!!!
Logan, Lauren & Lathan (7-19-06)
#19 Rechargeable batteries are a must! Most every toy that the babies have requires batteries (as do the swings) so we are constantly recharging! The chargers were like $20 a piece and have saved us a fortune!
#20 Dreft Stain Remover. Along with detergent we go through this stuff like no other. Not only does it remove every stain on the first try but it smells really good too!
#21 Britax Roundabouts...Comfy car seats that fit all three on one row. Combine that with our new DVD player and we're set!
Lathan, Lauren & Logan (11-25-06)
#22 Leap Frog's Tad and Lily are must haves. Tad put the babies to sleep many a nights and was so popular that Grammie went and got us two more. We now have one in the car, one in our room and one for play. Leap Frog (along with Baby Einstein) remain our tops when it comes to baby toys. There hasn't been a product that we've gotten from either of these brands that we didn't just absolutely love. And another toy that gets our vote, Fisher-Price Elmo’s Musical Peek-a-Boo Gym .The babies can play laying down or sitting up. The songs are cute and it always makes them smile!
Lauren & Tad (9-30-06)
Tad even went to the hospital with Lathan for his surgery (11-2-06)
Lathan & Lily (12-25-06)
Logan, Lauren & Lathan (12-25-06)
Lauren & Lathan (12-27-06)
#23 Lauren especially, has enjoyed the Fisher Price Infant/Toddler Rocker. It is a vibrating, rocking chair that she loves to sit in. I regret that we didn't get this when the babies were newborns but have had fun with it ever since we brought it home (November I think).
Lauren (12-5-06)
#24 Pottery Barn My First Anywhere Chair. These are so cute and just the right size for the babies. I also love that they each have something that is specifically theirs and no one elses. I imagine this is important very for multiples!
Lauren
#25 And last but not at all least, there is no way in the world that we could survive without the UNBELIEVABLE, INDESCRIBABLE network of family and friends that surround us. The other things just make things easier, our family and friends make this all possible!
P.S.
It sure does seem like I'm missing something. I'll update if I ever come up with it. Did I mention our camera??? It gets used quite a bit!!!
UPDATE: I know something I forgot...BOOKS!!! Pretty much the second I start reading a book I can look up and all three babies are eagerly listening! Favorites include: Dr. Seuss, Baby Einstein, Eric Carle.
Our Top 25
(Not really in any particular order; and to make this super easy for those who like what they see, just click on the underlined product links!)
#1 Our cradle swings are invaluable to us. Lauren sleeps most nights in hers and that's usually where the babies nap. We have three of the Fisher Price Aquarium swings and can't imagine what we'd do without them. (The travel swing is pretty cool too)
Lauren, Lathan & Logan (7-16-06)
#2 We use Boppies to feed the babies (and they sometimes took naps in them when they were really little). LOVE the Boppies!!!
Lauren (7-28-06)
Logan (8-1-06)
Lathan, Logan & Lauren (9-16-06)
#3 The Arm's Reach CoSleeper has been a perfect addition for us. Especially when the babies were on apnea monitors, it was so nice to have them all three right there and not have to worry about rolling over on them. Of course now, the boys sleep in our bed with us so the cosleeper is pretty much there to catch me as I fall off the bed if we run out of room! (It also has turned in to a little storage area for blankets and our morning books).
#4 The babies really enjoy the Baby Einstein Play Mat and Entertainer. We have other models/brands of both but the Baby Einsteins seem to be the best by far. The Baby Einstein Play Mat still keeps them entertained (the others got old too quickly) and on the other entertainer we have, the toys are too close to the middle seat so when the babies were little and extra wobbly it was easy for them to bump their heads on the toys.
Logan (9-11-06)
Lauren (11-29-06)
Logan (11-15-06)
#5 The Jumperoo has gotten its fair share of play these past few months. We have two of them and like to put the babies face to face and watch them interact. Seems like a lot of fun!
Lathan (11-10-06)
Logan Asleep in Jumperoo (11-11-06)
Dualing Jumperoos (11-7-06)
#6 The Diaper Dekor. This is another one that we have two of, one for each nursery. I researched diaper pails a lot and this one seemed to get the best response. I must agree...rarely ever does it smell and we don't have to change the bags that often!
#7 Our Space Saver Highchairs are perfect for us. First of all their color is neutral so they blend right in and secondly they attach to our kitchen chairs to the take up very little space. They also convert from an infant seat to a toddler booster seat so we're sure to get a lot of use out of them.
#8 The Bebe Pod chairs that we have are really handy. They are designed to let the baby sit up unassisted as soon as they are able to hold up their head. (These are the same as Bumbo's, I just like the Bebe Pod colors better). Even now that the babies are able to sit up more on their own, they still like to sit in Bebe Pod and play.
Lathan, Lauren & Logan (11-29-06)
#9 Our Baby Bjorn and my new favorite the Hotsling are great for carrying the little ones.
#10 When the babies were very little they really enjoyed their Baby Papasan's. Eventually they got bored with them but I pulled them out again the other day and it appears that they like them again. They seem incredibly comfortable...wish they came in bigger sizes!
Lauren, Logan & Lathan (7-11-06)
#11 The Podee Bottle system is FANTASTIC. Hands free bottles...perfect!!! And here are my other favorites in the feeding category. The Avent Bottles top my list. Lauren and Logan use/used the Dr. Brown's which were great for reflux but there are so many pieces and they just got to be a pain. The Avents have also been much more convienent as the babies have grown. They have handles to help them hold their own bottle and they convert to a sippy cup. For feeding "on the go" the Munchkin Formula Dispensers (got ours at Target) are very nice. You measure out your formula and separate it into three compartments. That way when your out there's no need to measure...just pour. Also, Bibsters (disposable bibs) are extremely helpful and convenient.
Lauren & Lathan (9-29-06)
Lauren (1-16-07)
Lathan (11-20-06)
#12 And of course as you can see from our last few posts, we are getting very attached to our highchair/shopping cart covers. Helps keep the babies comfy and germ free!
Lathan, Logan & Lauren (1-15-07)
#13 Speaking of germ free...we go through Purell like no other! A definite necessity for us!!! (Same goes for the Clorox Anywhere Spray and the Clorox Wipes...good stuff!)
#14 Baby bath tub with a hammock. The hammocks were really nice and kept the babies from slipping around (but still kept them emerged enough to stay warm) even when they were itty bitty. (We're just starting to graduate to the Safety First Bath Seats which seem pretty cool also!)
Logan, Lauren & Lathan (7-11-06)
Lauren, Logan & Lathan (1-17-07)
#15 Munchkin Mesh Feeders (available at Target & grocery stores) have been a great way for the babies to try foods that normally would be a choking hazard. Its nice to cute up a banana and throw it in the feeder so that it occupies a hungry baby while I'm feeding another.
Logan (11-20-06)
Lauren (11-21-06)
Lathan (11-20-06)
#16 Wipes Warmer. Not necessarily a necessity but just a plain courtesy to little tushies! We also have a warmer by the highchairs to wipe them down after meals.
#17 Slumber Bears. They have a device inside that makes sounds like in the womb. When the babies were in the NICU we took the device out of the bear and put it in the isolletes with the little ones. Then when they came home we put it in their beds to help them sleep. Helped us sleep too!!!
Lathan (5-3-06)
Logan, Lauren, Lathan (9-11-06)
#18 LOTS of blankets. We must go through 10 + a day. We put them down for tummy time, wrap the babies up when they're in the swings and use them to prop bottles. You can never have too many blankets and these Pottery Barn ones are some of my favorites!!!
Logan, Lauren & Lathan (7-19-06)
#19 Rechargeable batteries are a must! Most every toy that the babies have requires batteries (as do the swings) so we are constantly recharging! The chargers were like $20 a piece and have saved us a fortune!
#20 Dreft Stain Remover. Along with detergent we go through this stuff like no other. Not only does it remove every stain on the first try but it smells really good too!
#21 Britax Roundabouts...Comfy car seats that fit all three on one row. Combine that with our new DVD player and we're set!
Lathan, Lauren & Logan (11-25-06)
#22 Leap Frog's Tad and Lily are must haves. Tad put the babies to sleep many a nights and was so popular that Grammie went and got us two more. We now have one in the car, one in our room and one for play. Leap Frog (along with Baby Einstein) remain our tops when it comes to baby toys. There hasn't been a product that we've gotten from either of these brands that we didn't just absolutely love. And another toy that gets our vote, Fisher-Price Elmo’s Musical Peek-a-Boo Gym .The babies can play laying down or sitting up. The songs are cute and it always makes them smile!
Lauren & Tad (9-30-06)
Tad even went to the hospital with Lathan for his surgery (11-2-06)
Lathan & Lily (12-25-06)
Logan, Lauren & Lathan (12-25-06)
Lauren & Lathan (12-27-06)
#23 Lauren especially, has enjoyed the Fisher Price Infant/Toddler Rocker. It is a vibrating, rocking chair that she loves to sit in. I regret that we didn't get this when the babies were newborns but have had fun with it ever since we brought it home (November I think).
Lauren (12-5-06)
#24 Pottery Barn My First Anywhere Chair. These are so cute and just the right size for the babies. I also love that they each have something that is specifically theirs and no one elses. I imagine this is important very for multiples!
Lauren
#25 And last but not at all least, there is no way in the world that we could survive without the UNBELIEVABLE, INDESCRIBABLE network of family and friends that surround us. The other things just make things easier, our family and friends make this all possible!
P.S.
It sure does seem like I'm missing something. I'll update if I ever come up with it. Did I mention our camera??? It gets used quite a bit!!!
UPDATE: I know something I forgot...BOOKS!!! Pretty much the second I start reading a book I can look up and all three babies are eagerly listening! Favorites include: Dr. Seuss, Baby Einstein, Eric Carle.
I came to you by way of Jen at Amazing Trips. This post is awesome. I'm expecting baby #3 (I only get one at at time;)) and it is so nice to learn what is out there from someone who knows what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteAnd your babies are absolutely precious - what fun and how much work and what a time in your life!
I think it is important to mention that the babies have AMAZING parents! They would not be nearly as easy going and happy kids as they are without the way you and Patrick interact with them! They are a joy to be around because of you guys! Love you all so much!
ReplyDeleteAunt JuJu
Thanks for the list. I know I have people asking what you love and what you find helpful.
ReplyDeleteFound you through Amazing Trips...I love your list and I have to agree with most of the items on it. Great Post & Blog!
ReplyDeleteNicole
I have to agree with Julie. You and Patrick are just wonderful parents, and the amount of time and love you give to those precious babies is evident in their beautiful little faces!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post for anyone that's expecting. I honestly don't know where you put all of that stuff. But a LOT of it is truly a necessity.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have a whole new list of favorite things once those little dolls become mobile...enjoy it now!
You and your husband truly deserve to have those wonderful babies. You seem to be great at this parenting thing. Keep up the good work.
Love this post. We use practically everything on this list! I especially don't know what I would do without bumbo chair and all the stationary toys.. swing, bouncy seat, etc. I just wish my daughter would still sit in those. They grow too fast!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog! Love, love, love this list of favorites!
ReplyDeleteYour babies are beautiful... you must be exhausted! You are doing such a great job!
Great Post! I'm already changing my shopping list. I found your page through someone else's blog (a non-Texan) and ironically, my twins are at Women's Hospital right now (25 4/7, born 12/1/06) and I oohed and awwed over your Christmas card weeks back as it was posted on the door to the level III NICU!! Small World!! So glad and encouraged to see your Logan doing so well as one of mine has a severe IVH and we are facing so much uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes to you all,
Lindsey
Thanks Steph.....you need to write a book! This will be SO helpful.
ReplyDeleteLOVE to Team Guinn, nat