Although I’ve mentioned it on some of my social media platforms, I haven’t written too much on the blog yet about our new baby on the way! (Surprise if you’re just finding out now!) Little boy #4 will be joining our family in early March, so we’re in the homestretch now! Although this baby isn’t my first rodeo (so to speak), it’s been a few years since we prepared for a newborn around here. Must-haves and new mom essentials are always changing, so I’ve busy researching, learning, and stocking up on all we’ll need. Keep reading to check out some of my favorite new mom essentials for the new year!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com

NEW MOM ESSENTIALS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Peace Of Mind

I know, a post about new babies really doesn’t need to get too heavy. And I promise, I don’t want to drag any of you down. But we’ve got to talk about something a little serious, because, let’s face it- starting a family can be serious stuff. No one wants to think about it, but the truth is, now is the perfect time to start researching life insurance. Hear me out, here. I know, you’re feeling young, and pretty healthy right now, and thinking the need for life insurance is years away. But the benefit of purchasing now is that it’s easier to obtain coverage, and rates are lower when you’re young and healthy.

And although new babies make budgets tight (all that stuff certainly adds up), I’ve actually learned that life insurance coverage is not nearly as expensive as I thought. You and/or your spouse may already have coverage through your employer, but often, that policy ends if your employment changes. Policies through work also not likely to cover as much as you need- it would be heartbreaking for your family to be left in a financial lurch at an emotionally devastating time.

When we first started to consider our life insurance options, my husband and I were SO overwhelmed. Luckily, we found Nationwide! They’ve been so helpful and informative throughout the entire process. The Nationwide website has tools and calculators that helped us consider cost, coverage, and how we could make the purchase work. Don’t let the figures or facts stress you out- it’s time to adult a bit, and Nationwide can help. Head online to check out information about a life insurance policy, or grab a life insurance quote!

A Little Self Care

Listen guys. Pregnancy is hard. The newborn stage is hard. And motherhood itself is, well, hard. There’s nothing wrong with finding products you love that allow you to indulge in a little bit of practical self care. (I’m not talking about spa days and mani/pedis here my friends!) During this pregnancy, I’ve been adding a little bit of luxury to my usual skin care routine, and it’s the perfect little touch of self care to help me feel better about my skin (without feeling guilty about taking time away from my kiddos). I know it’s going to be just as helpful when the next little one arrives as well.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream is an amazing gel moisturizer that has been SO rehydrating during this harsh winter weather. It’s the perfect day time moisturize for normal or combination skin, and lasts around 48 hours. The Aqualia Thermal Night Cream delivers similar benefits in an overnight product, and I couldn’t love it more. If you’re interested in trying these refreshing, paraben-free products out for yourself, Vichy is offering 15% off + free shipping until 02.28.2019 when you use discount code ‘Babble19’. Be sure to grab yours soon!

Nursing Essentials

Guys, I discovered Bamboobies brand nursing goodies when I had #thelittleone 3 years ago, and quickly became obsessed with what they had to offer. (Those heart-shaped nursing pads are seriously LOVE!) I’m lucky to already have a good supply of pads at home, so for number four, I’m thrilled to have a new Open Nursing Shawl and their Boob-Ease USDA Organic Nipple Balm.

The nursing cover is incredibly versatile. I can use it while holding or wearing the baby, and because it’s black, it matches nearly everything, no matter how casual or formal. This shawl is knit from soft bamboo rayon, so it’s lightweight and comfortable. I love that it won’t scratch or irritate either of us. The nipple balm is certified organic, and also lanolin free, so it’s totally safe for nursing without needing to be cleaned off. It works double duty for chapped lips and patches of dry skin as well as cracked nipples- multi-tasking at it’s finest!

And bonus! Bamboobies is offering my readers a 10% off  coupon for an Amazon purchase of a 2-pack of nipple balm. (While supplies last; ends 02.06.19; limit 1 coupon per customer.) If you’re looking to stock up, be sure to grab yours from the link above!

Some Serious Support

Every mama knows that our bodies undergo some major changes throughout pregnancy and the post-partum period. Aside from the obvious belly transformation, our breasts are in a constant state of flux for at least a year. That’s why it’s so important to have a supply of supportive, comfortable nursing bras available. These Playtex nursing bras are some of the best I’ve come across in years of trying to find the right bras.

The Playtex Nursing Pretty Shaping Foam Wirefree Bra is definitely my day-time go-to. The light foam keeps me fully covered. Plus the absence of underwire is so important when I’m engorged with milk. The ‘quickstrap’ openings make it easy to feed baby on demand. A comfortable bra for bedtime is so important towards the end of pregnancy, and early in the post-partum period. The Playtex Nursing Sleep Bra is a new mom essential for me, as I can sleep comfortably with breast pads in the hidden pockets until my milk supply has fully regulated. Both styles are constructed with Cool Comfort™ technology, so you’re always cool and comfortable.

Feeding Foundations

I know, it seems like there’s still a long time until my newest squish will be ready for ‘real’ food. The truth is, those first 6 months fly by in a flash! With my oldest, I researched feeding options before he was even born, so it’s really never too early to start thinking about it. Whether you opt for traditional purees or decide to try out baby led weaning, there’s a place for Sprout Stage 2 Pouches in your pantry!

These organic baby food options are full of plant powered protein in a variety of interesting flavor combinations, to keep little foodies happy and healthy. Flavors like apricot banana chickpea fig and strawberry apple beat red beans mean your little ones get plenty of healthy protein (2 grams!) from organic sources, with no added flavors, colors, or sugars. The pouches are convenient to tuck into a diaper bag, making them the perfect choice for feeding on the go. Keep your eyes peeled in 2019, because Sprout is gearing up to launch a ton of new products for babies and toddlers.

What other new mom essentials am I missing from my list? Let me know about any other ‘Must-Haves’ in the comments below!

Few topics are as hotly debated among parents as the issue of screen time. Do you control it? Let kids make their own choices? Find some happy medium? We’ve all seen countless reports contradicting one another. Some suggest strict limits, and others suggest parents lean in to their kids tech-y interests. At the end of the day, I believe each family needs to make the decision that works best for them. (After all, we’re all just doing the best we can!) We take a pretty middle-of-the-road approach to the issue of screen time, and so far, it’s working well for our family. Today, I’m sharing the 3 simple tips I use to take control of screen time at home without totally losing my mind! (And how our Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablets are helping with the task!)

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Amazon as part of an Ambassador Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

TIPS TO CONTROL SCREEN TIME WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

Keep Screen Time Rules Simple

We’ve all seen the Pinterest-worthy screen time systems that use charts, tickets, tokens, and more. I have to be honest. I have some Pinterest-mom-envy about the people who can make these work. But the truth is, it’s too complicated for my home. We need systems or rules that are easy to implement, and simple to enforce. So we’ve set up some very broad, simple screen time rules, that so far seem to be working for us. If you’re not up for an elaborate system, check out the easy rules we use to make screen time work at home.

Our SIMPLE Screen Time Rules

1. No screen time after dinner.
   1. We eat dinner as a family, and generally, screens go off for the last hour or so of our night. This gives the boys time to unwind, play together, talk to us, and get settled for bed. There are exceptions of course, for occasional movie nights, etc.
2. If mom or dad say screen time is done, you listen.
   1. The boys know the rules. If behavior is poor, chores are ignored, etc, mom and dad reserve the right to stop screen time. If they want to head back to screens later, they know it’s time to listen without an argument.  9 times out of 10, we’re pretty successful with this rule. (Everyone whines occasionally, they’re kids!)
3. Family gatherings are not a time for screen time.
   1. Yes, we love the flexibility of Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablets to help the boys stay busy on car rides, in waiting rooms, etc. One place we do not encourage screen time is at family gatherings. Generally, screens are left in the car or the diaper bag during get togethers, to encourage our kids to truly interact with family without distractions.
4. Rules change seasonally.
   1. We tend to limit screen time less during the school year, and more during the summer. During the year, the boys are at school, actively learning and working hard all day. We see less of an issue with an hour or so of screen time in the afternoon, if they choose it then. We’re more careful during summer break to be sure we’re breaking screen time up more. No one needs to be immersed in a screen for days at a time!

Focus on Screen Time Quality

Let’s face it- there’s an ENORMOUS variety of screen time options out there for all ages. I’ll admit, I’m as guilty as anyone- some nights, I want to chill out with some mindless programs too. When it comes to my kids, it’s beneficial to focus on the quality of their screen time- and not always the quantity.

If my 8 year old is immersed in quality children’s literature on his Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet, and spends a solid hour reading, I’m going to call it a win- and not a screen time failure. If the 3 year old logs a half hour ‘playing’ a game that is actually helping him review phonics skills, I’m thrilled. That’s one of the reasons we love our Fire Kids Edition tablets so much. The included 1 year subscription to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited gives kids access to quality content, including over 20,000 books, videos, Audible books, educational apps, games, and more. No more screen time guilt, because I know my boys are spending their time with engaging, quality options.

Control Screen Time Behind The Scenes

Sometimes, the simplest way to maintain peace is to remove the perception that mom and dad are making the choices. That’s one reason we love the Amazon FreeTime parental controls. My husband and I can set time limits, content filters, control web access, control in-app spending, and review the content our kids are accessing totally behind-the-scenes. I don’t know about your kids, but mine take time limits, etc. much better when they’re coming from someone other than mom or dad. Although they’re usually pretty good about it, this behind-the-scenes adult control definitely cuts down on power struggles- there’s no arguing back with the Fire Kids Edition when time is up!

Do you have rules or systems in place to control screen time for your family? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!