🫄Arielle, UX/UI and Marketing Designer, is 7 months pregnant with her first. She already has some tips, and some products she says have been clutch during pregnancy, and some she has her eye on as her due date approaches.
Must-have Baby Products blog series, Product Recommendations for Parents, Babies, and Kids
Arielle recommends:
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Pregnancy Pillow – It’s a total lifesaver for better sleep! It reduces back pain and pressure and is so comfy that I honestly can’t believe I didn’t start using it earlier. And I have no plans to stop, even after the baby comes. It takes up space, but worst case scenario, my husband can sleep elsewhere. Priorities 😇
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Weleda Stretch Mark Oil – I got advice to moisturize everywhere that would stretch (which, let’s face it, is everywhere) from DAY ONE. This keeps my skin hydrated and elastic, smells amazing, and gives me that spa-like feeling every time I use it. Which is hard to achieve during pregnancy.🪷
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Headspace App for Meditation – The focus on our bodies is great, but mental health is important as well! I use Headspace for guided meditations, and they even have a pregnancy and birth prep program. I’m sure I’ll need this even more when I become a parent. Because kids are not stressful at all…🤭For now it helps me stay centered and focused and build mental wellbeing into my routine, and the practice of meditation is handy when I need a second to remind myself to breathe.
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Maternity Pants – I wear these almost every day. They have an adjustable waistband that grows with my belly, making them super comfy and flattering. Best purchase ever! They’ll help in the time after delivery where I want to be comfortable, and are high enough quality to hold onto for any further pregnancies.
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Physio Ball – I use it for exercises from YouTube tutorials to practice labor positions and relieve back pain. My friends with small kids also use them for bouncing, shushing their kids to sleep (or trying), burping, and even exercise.
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Water bottle - So often when we think we’re hungry, or tired, or have a headache it is because we’re actually dehydrated. During pregnancy (and breastfeeding, and well, always) it’s even more important to stay hydrated and drink lots of liquid, and water is the best choice. I carry around a reusable water bottle with me at ALL times. After trying out a bunch, this one is my favorite. The straw is practical, it’s the right size, keeps my water the temperature I like, and it’s sleek, which for a designer like me still matters.
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Music! – OK, music isn’t a product recommendation. But it’s a tip on how I stay sane. Whether I’m in the car, at work, or at home, music always lifts my mood. Plus, studies say it’s good for the baby’s brain development (they say classical music is best, but I think Ed Sheeran works too). I use AirPods to listen and isolate out other noise at work because the sound quality is good and I’m an Apple person so they sync up with the rest of my products. And at home? I blast the music so baby feels the rhythm too. I recommend subscribing to Spotify to access all their best features and skip commercials, too.
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babyark convertible car seat - You best believe I already have one of these ready to be installed in my car. I chose the Smart, and am excited to show it off once baby is here and I have an excuse to use the step-by-step installation guidance to put it, and baby, in my car!
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Diaper bag - This feels like a huge decision that will impact every day of my future for the next few years, not to be dramatic. But from what I’ve heard from friends and family, it actually IS. I want one that will seamlessly fit in with whatever I’m wearing, and wherever I’m going. Of course, it needs to be PRACTICAL, and fit what I need. Backpack straps that convert or come off and can be clipped to a stroller are a clutch feature, as is machine washability. The one I’ve been obsessing over and eyeing is lululemon’s, because we all know they have the combination of sleekness and usability with well-chosen features DOWN.
**Update! Arielle gave birth to her beautiful baby boy, and was excited to let us all know her first additional recommendation as a Mom!
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Solly Baby Wrap Carrier - frees up my hands and allows me to live an almost human-like existence despite making the transition from couple to family. I got many recommendations for carriers, and this is the one that made me understand why people fall in love with the wrap way of life. He and I are both comfortable, and (convenient, like babyark) it doesn’t take a physics degree or an extra set of hands to get it on or put him in. Motherhood can be divided into before and after discovering the utility of carriers, for sure. It’s that much of an upgrade.
Wondering if your favorites will make it onto our next list? Drop your must-have products or any other observations, suggestions or questions in the comments below or on social!
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