Baby 3 to 6 months

3 to 6 months is such a great time for new Mommy's, you'v mastered the diaper change, and can make a bottle in your sleep (if your child lets you sleep). Your baby has grown out of that awkward cone head, wrinkly old man stage. And you'v now realized that yes, in fact your adorable baby DID look like that, cause lets face it, every baby does. Since my baby girl is 8 months now my memory is a little fuzzy of the milestones they hit, but here is a few of my favorite that my fried Mommy brain can remember, as well as a few of my picks of what to buy.

Milestones:

1. Laugh.  I think Paige was about 4 months old the first time she truly laughed. We had gotten a few small giggles out of her before, but the first true laugh was about 4. And it was glorious! There are few things better than the laughter that comes out of that cute little bundle of joy. Still, months later I cant help but giggle myself when she laughs.

2. Rolling over onto side. My determined little girl did this really early, for most though it happens around 3-4 months. And while they may not be rolling across the floor yet, make sure your not putting them alone on the couch.

3.  Razz berries. My little girl spent countless hours sticking her tongue out making razz berry noises and then laughing about it. She would end up covered in drool because of it. Now is the time to break out the bibs.

4.  Sit like a big kid. By 6 months your baby should be a pro, with a few tumbles every now and then. And another milestone they have most likely grown to love (or be obsessed with) is standing with help from Mommy or Daddy.

What to Buy:

What to Expect the First Year  Its a great book to have on hand, because it really does tell you almost everything.  I try to read one to two months ahead so I can prepare myself for whats coming, or at least pretend that I'm prepared.  Thankfully I also have a great friend that bet me to the baby making game, her son is almost two now. So I go to her for help for EVERYTHING. Lets face it, things have changed alot since I was a kid, so while grandparents mean well, they might not always know, or remember what work's.

Bumbo: They come in lots of colors and and even have little high chair like trays you can put on the front and cute little cloth covers you can buy.  My wonderful Mom got Paige a used one when she was about 3 months old. At first I thought it was kind of a waste because she would out grow it too fast. 5 months later though it still gets used all the time. The are great for those early days when baby is just getting used to sitting up, allowing them to see the world a whole different way.  They are also great as mini highchairs. I take it with us on day trips to Grandma's house as a travel highchair, And recently even packed it in my suitcase for our week long trip to Colorado.  They can be a little pricey in my frugal opinion, so I recommend keeping an eye out for them used.  But even paying the $30+ for one might be worth it because you will get some use out of it.

Sophie the Giraffe:  This was purchased by my wonderful boyfriend, after I hinted for weeks, about how much I loved it (Boys are so smart)  I love Sophie for her vintage charm, Paige loves her for her loud squeaks  and lots of chew-able parts. As funny as it might sound this is one of the few silly "splurge" items we have. It usually costs about $20, which is a lot for basically a chew toy. However I might not recommend this if you have dogs that like similar squeaky toys. You might end up with an over priced chew toy, for doggy. But hey, I guess that all Baby's used it for, maybe they can learn to share!

Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair:  There are a few reasons I picked this chair over a traditional high chair.  Just like the name says it saves space. It attaches to a dining chair you already have and on many tables even with the highchair it will still tuck in under the table out of the way. That right there alone sold it for me!  But if you want more features, it also transitions as baby grows. It reclines for ease of  feeding little ones, and sits upright for older babies. And, for when the day comes when your Baby turns to a Toddler, the tray can be set aside and you can use it as a booster seat, sliding the chair right up to the table.  The price is comparable to most high chairs (about $50) and it can be found just about anywhere baby products are sold.  Oh, and another added bonus? The tray is dishwasher safe and the seat cover machine washable.


Ok, now what not to buy.  A crib bedding set  really this is the only thing that sticks out in my mind that I wish I wouldn't have wasted my money on, thankfully I got a brand new set from craigslist for dirt cheap (from another mom that realized how silly they are.)  I know, I know they are hard to resist, so cute and fluffy. and they really make the nursery feel complete. But are also a complete waste. Now, Im not one of those paranoid moms who thinks kids should never touch dirt and baby proof ever square inch of my house and turn it into a padded cell at Fort Knox.  My reasoning for never actually using a crib set is this:
1. The blankets that usually come with them are often stiff and, well, not cuddly for baby. They are more for show, something to hang over the crib when friends come over so they can Oooh and Awww about how cute the babies room is.
2.  Bumper pads, while pretty, are still dangerous.  Maybe it was just my kid, but as soon as she learned to roll, she was ALL over that crib in her sleep. I often wonder if she will be a sleep walker when she gets older, but thats besides the point. The point is, that there was several times I snuck into her room at night to watch her sleep (yes parents really do that) and her cute little face would be smashed against the crib bars, fast asleep. While She might not have smothered herself in her sleep, Id rather not risk it. I'll take the red marks on her smiling face in the mornings any day over the sleepless night of worrying.
3.  It doesn't take long before they figure out how usefully their finger are. And all those pretty strings used to tie the bumper pads on are going to be their favorite new crib toy.
4.  As mentioned above, sometimes you cant resist the urge to go check on your little one and watch to make sure they are sleeping soundly. Without the bumper pad obstructing your view of the crib your able to see how your little one is doing from the safety of the doorway. No risk of trying to sneak into their room and hoping not to wake them. If you have a particularly light sleeper you'll really appreciate that!
5.  Less laundry. Trust me, you'll have enough of that without all the extra bedding. Between the spit up/vomit and pee/poop on you and your baby, you'll have plenty to keep you busy.
6.  My own bedding set didnt even cost $150! And we will use that for YEARS. Why does crib bedding cost upwards of $100?! Because Moms everywhere think its a must have while in nesting mode. Yes Im guilty too. I didnt know any better. But now you do. Your Welcome.