BABY SHOWER HAUL *first time mom* 🍼 trying to keep it minimal & with links!

[@lindsayfoster4759]

Omg. I use the portable sound machine daily. You need it lol Stroller rides, trips to doctor/elsewhere , car rides. Etc. you’ll use it!! I use it even when at the grocery store Our girl sleeps amazing with the sound machine.

[@allydohdiy3220]

New mom with a 3 month old here - I’d highly recommend getting a wall pump! (I have the blue spectra so it’s actually not a “wall” pump, I carry it around). I’m EBF but my son wasn’t latching well in the hospital (super common unfortunately) so I needed to pump the first few days while I worked on his latch. If you’re pumping more than once a day you need to use a stronger pump since the portable ones won’t drain you as much and it’ll screw up your supply. Once I got his latch figured out I just use the portable once a day and breastfeed the rest of the time! I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have the stronger pump at home waiting for me. Would have been a very stressful stop at the store on the way home from the hospital 😅 I have a friend who only used a portable and ended up having to quit breastfeeding due to low supply so I try and warn others!

[@evahechevarria6488]

Something i didnt know at the beginning, sound machines should be 7feet away from baby and 50decibels max to protect their hearing. I have a travel sound machine but i barely use it, i think its most likely used when baby is sleeping out of the house or maybe if you go on a trip

[@luannesantana9430]

It’s so nice to follow Rachel’s journey! I admire how practical you are, which reminds me of my auntie which is one of my favourite people on the world that I aspire to learn from and be like 🤗 I love the buy as you need philosophy rather then stocking up stuff just because you might need it!

[@Forbeslegacy]

I love my wipe warmer for nighttime changes when they’re newborn, during the day I use normal wipes.

[@gamblekatie]

Regarding sound machines, we used the hatch in our bedroom when our babe was little and then the portable/travel one in his nursery. It was convenient having multiple sound machines, especially when living in a multi-level house. We also took the portable one on walks and connected it to the stroller. Sometimes we used it in public, but it doesn’t have to be as loud as you think it needs to be. iPhones also have a sound machine option. Fun fact I wish I would’ve known about!

[@natalymcmillan2572]

So thrilled for you!! Have been following your TTC journey for a long time (fellow TTC couple that ended up doing IVF, and are now 18 wks pregnant). You are radiating joy, Rachel!! Hope that the last few weeks of pregnancy are going well, and sending you all the positive energy for your coming birth.

[@KWilliams22]

I didn't like the boppy for a nursing pillow but has been great for tummy time and practicing sitting up. I recommend an electric nail file as their nails get sharp all the time (and clippers are too difficult)and a thermometer for the bath water. That style of bib didn't work well for us. So maybe get one pack of different ones...you need a lot of bibs as they get a little older...lots of drool!! One tip for changing....if they do a poo put a puppy pad down on top of the changing mat...as it gets messing and you can just throw away afterwards rather than having to clean the mat. I also got a little wheeled 3 tier cart which is put all the diaper things, burp cloths, bibs, little bits and pieces and it's fantastic as you can wheel from room to room ❤

[@KelliDW]

We used a portable sound machine at grandmas house, on the car seat when baby was tired but needed help falling asleep, traveling, and when the power went out at home and we needed a battery powered option!

[@s.murray0505]

Ended up buying the spectra pump blue one doesn’t have to plug in after others didn’t work as well I breast feed and pumped for 10 months. I always wore a bra where the parts could just stay in to make it hands free. It got hard when baby got teeth in so I did pump more. Power to all the mamas who can handle the biting. With work eventually I just wanted to stop pumping since I pumped every two hours. Used freezer stash the last two months. You don’t need a big sterilizer they also sell bags you can just sterilize in microwave after washing. That’s what we used. Baby came at 35 weeks. But congratulations yours almost there!

[@katen9346]

I’ve heard that the wall pumps are best for establishing milk supply versus the hands free pumps. I purchased the Elvie through my insurance and then plan on buying the cordless Spectra myself. When I start pumping I’ll use the Spectra and then eventually (especially when I start working/driving to and from daycare/etc) incorporate the Elvie hands free pump. I’m also a new mom, so haven’t tested my plan out yet, but that’s what was recommended to me by fellow experienced moms!

[@alissaerind]

So, so refreshing to hear you talk about more affordable options. The portable sound machine is great to have when you're out and about -- you can attach it to the stroller. And truly the more baskets the better. The ones from Target are durable and look cute.

[@KatieMovchan]

Hi Rachel 😊 My baby is 6 months old, here are some things we ended up using. 1. Hands up swaddle 2. Dishwasher to wash bottles we only used bottles for the first 3 months and then switched to nursing on the breast only because she stopped taking the bottle. We had a sterilizer but I think it wasn’t worth it since she didn’t use the bottles for too long. 3. Wipe warmer wasn’t necessary, was on the go half the time and ended up using cold ones. Although I did use cloth wipes for 2 months of her life since she got a diaper rash it helped then switched back to wipes. 4. Definitely used the Hakka until my milk regulated and didn’t get as much let down from the other side. 5. Stored a ton of milk from pumping and she doesn’t like it and wants only fresh. 6. We use the dreamland baby weighted sleep sack and we love it. She doesn’t flip onto her tummie while sleeping in it. 7. Baby monitor was a game changer especially when we did sleep training at 5.5 months. I wish you all the best on your delivery, May God bless you 🥰🤭

[@shellylopez214]

A portable sound machine works for when you’re traveling

[@hildapatrick6359]

Yes or for when baby sleeps at someone else's house.. when visiting family or when at childcare:)

[@alissaerind]

Or when the power goes out!

[@sara17007]

or in the car.

[@michaelgarcia2973]

Hi Mom....happy baby shower

[@jessiruu6087]

Wow Rachel! I’m so excited for you and AJ! 🩵

[@silviajaner550]

Can't believe your pregnancy is almost to an end. How fast time goes by 😮😮😮 I became a mom myself in April and I can only tell you you life is going to become so complete once the baby is here. You will be asking yourself where was this baby all your life !! 🤣

[@brooklin_bernek]

Rachel, mom of 5- and I promise gripe water is amazing and is really nice to have on hand/ it does feel overwhelming with all “needs” but for me with my 4&now 5th a bedside cart was so nice fonmake for myself and don’t worry you’ll find a wonderful way and it will be perfect for you and babe ❤❤❤

[@bearsb0930]

I ended up exclusively pumping, and between pump parts and bottles I still hand washed everything. Dishwasher by itself just doesn't cut it. Breast milk is so fatty that I never felt like they got as clean if I didn't hand wash. I also used the Phillips Avent microwave sterilizer after. Super easy and fast to use after I hand washed and fit a ton of pump parts and bottles.

[@lindsayfoster4759]

We got those swaddles as a gift and we use them more than we thought we would!! They’re amazing quality, and super soft!

[@aliciamitrowitz3122]

Very practical baby shower haul. The my Brest friend pillow is my favorite for breast feeding. My baby is 4 months. He now knows when I put the pillow on, it’s time to eat and he smiles at me. For bottles, I recommend the microwave sterilizer bag. I use the dishwasher after pumping at work to wash the bottles quickly but for pump parts and occasional bottle, the microwave bag is awesome. My lactation consultant told me about them.

[@KaylaJuravle]

We use the portable sound machine for when we are gone all day and they need to take a nap in the stroller. Or when we travel. Or when we had a newborn, we would turn it on in the car softly so it could be easier transfer. It comes in handy so much! I still use our portable sound machine for my 1 year old

[@jillnelson4154]

Both of my babies loved the Ollie swaddle! The Velcro works really well to get the swaddle tight enough so that their arms don’t break free.

[@kristahall8186]

I am so excited for you! I just had to tell you, I am going through fertility treatments right now as well. We just had our first IUI (last month we did the oral medication followed by the trigger shot and timed intercourse.) I have been praying for a blessing for years now and I am ashamed to admit my faith has been shaken with each passing month and the answer being “No” each month. I got on KZbin this morning to look up a recipe but your video of your first IUI was in the main page. So I watched it. And I just feel like God brought me to your page so that I would be reminded I am not alone in this! And that it might take time, but He will move in my life the way He has moved in yours! I have been sitting here, watching your videos about each step you went through and I have cried with you, for you, and am now crying with Joy for you and your family! I just wanted to reach out to say thank you for sharing your journey! God has used your journey to help others like myself! I feel like even if in a few days from now, when I test, if it is negative I will be upset for a time BUT I can come back to your story and be reminded that there is still hope! It might take time, I might have to keep going through the next step… but it WILL happen for me as well! Thank you! God Bless!

[@RachelVinn]

God bless you 🩵

[@lindsayfoster4759]

Pampers are honestly the best in my opinion and we also love honest for a Cleaner brand! I also have pampers pure and really like those. Financially, I like to have all different varieties for diapers because in the mornings, as a newborn, my girl would go through like four diapers in 30 minutes sometimes. It was consistent enough where I would use the cheaper diapers during those hours. !! Then at night I use a more expensive diaper bc she’s in it for longer hours! Just a little tip!

[@estefanyquiroz9277]

We are like a week apart! My due date is Oct 22nd but my C-section is scheduled Oct 15…. Eeekkk!!!! We are entering our delivery month 🤩🤩so exciting ❤❤❤❤ I been following you for a while now and ur Vlogs have been so nice to watch! Ty!!

[@micaelablankenship9807]

you will likely want more of the frida mom underwear! I LIVED in them for a few weeks postpartum.

[@Simplyryanne]

A lighted nail clipper was one of my favorite things! Looks like you are well prepared ❤

[@nadiadragonchuk4733]

Speaking from experience of having four kids I would suggest to use button up swaddles because babies dont like the zipper up ones because it can be too tight or uncomfortable

[@KaylaJuravle]

I would skip the mirror and grab a camera for the car. It’s not expensive, I think only a couple more than the mirror. I had it for my last baby and it was so much better because there is also night mode and I didn’t have to turn my head to see better. Or stop to readjust the mirror.

[@alexmongello6205]

Yes! I was about to comment this. The car camera is one of the best gifts I received. And the one I got is only around $20 on Amazon. We have the car mirror too, but now that she's 5 months, she uses it to occupy herself.

[@laurenbendahoffman]

the dishwasher will work PERFECTLY! we just rinse our bottles and put them in the dishwasher right away! we run it every night.

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Hi Rachel how are you happy Monday afternoon and this was amazing video I enjoy your channel and you are amazing supporter

[@brennascheidemantel283]

I used the Medela Quick Clean micro steam bags and worked great. I found that I needed bottles much sooner than what we ran the dishwasher

[@cbethea456]

I’ve had good experience with Pampers but I’d like to recommend Millie Moon diapers. I was gifted some and fell in love with them! They are unbelievably soft and very good quality. And the last time I priced them they were cheaper than Pampers (at Target at least)

[@imperial.dermatology]

You will bring the sound machine when you bring him to our house. By the way, we already have a pack and play so you don’t need another one, if you want to return it.

[@Vrsenese1095]

My baby loved the Embe swaddle! Helped when he wanted his hands free eventually

[@jessssalemme]

Everything looks good, doesn’t seem like you got anything too extra. I have a 3 month old and gave breastfeeding a try, ended up liking it! I use my haakaa like all day every day (I actually have 2 which I think is nice to have) almost there mama!!

[@eddiemartinez7555]

Yay can’t wait for baby shower Rachel 😅🎉😂❤❤

[@dannywatson3539]

very nice and good luck for birth of your baby 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤

[@KaylaJuravle]

Warm wipes for night time changes and regular temp for daytime changes

[@AllThingsJadene]

The wipes warmer you can store the wipes in for day to day use you don’t necessarily have to store plug in it that’s what I do

[@mansoor3159]

Rachel I am so so so glad that I Have Found your KZbin Channel and your contents are just wonderful and what a cute cute bags🥹💗💫

[@SugarSprinkles81]

Deff get another pump with stronger suction!!! Most insurances should cover all costs if not most! The spectra s1 or s2 is great! Blue doesn't need to be hooked to wall all the time, but the pink does need to be plugged in.

[@SugarSprinkles81]

ALSO!!! SUPER important to measure ur flange size with a nipple measuring tool. This was something I didn't know for months and was not understand why barely any milk was coming out. Once I saw a lactation specialist she told me all about it. When I change my flange size the milk came out so much!

[@emilyzomer8539]

You really cannot and should not rely on a wearable for pumping you truly need a wall pump. Wearable is great for an as needed basis but wall pumps are most effective. Just is the nature of the beast! Portable sound machine is a lifesaver and quiet enough where it’s not a big deal. You should not be cranking it all the way up anyway but you’ll find it’s a wonderful tool to have!

[@brooklin_bernek]

Yes!! I did this and failed miserably I do wish there were so much more doctors that give us this info because I had no idea for my first baby

[@KayRang]

I only had a wearable pump… it was fine

[@brooklin_bernek]

@@KayRang not saying it wouldn’t be fine, but I can promise Rachel if she does any kind of research and doesn’t have a super easy swing into breastfeeding she will need a wall pump 100%, if you only used the wearable and had no issues breastfeeding on demand also with no issues that’s why. But most women do have a little bit of a struggle esp with their first baby it’s all new, and that wall pump will be a life saver emptying . Of course all just my opinion as a mama of 5.

[@KayRang]

@@brooklin_bernekbreastfeeding on demand usually does better than any pump anyway. Baby is more efficient than a pump. Unless baby themselves has an issue like a tongue tie.

[@KayRang]

@@brooklin_bernekfirst baby does not equal more likely to have issues either.

[@wasterdays]

my baby shower is this saturday!!

[@MrJustCallMeMclovin]

My son hated to be swaddled but i think he wouldve slept better with it. So dont give up! Lol i plan on using a velcro one with this baby. I plan on taking my portable sound machine to the hospital with me since people are constantly coming in and out. We used the portable one for walks and for car rides! Alsoooo i dont recommend silicone plates or cups because mine absorbed the soap taste and smell, regardless if i did dishwasher or washed by hand. He started eating better once we threw them away. I felt so bad i cried ☹️ Alsooo lol a bottle drying rack we loved! Super convinient.

[@brooklin_bernek]

Rachel get the hakka on the go it’s a life saver !!

[@AllThingsJadene]

My OBGYN recommended continuation of my prenatal vitamins and that helps so much with postpartum hair loss can’t say I’ve experienced much. My baby is 16months and I still take prenatals

[@RachelVinn]

Good to know!

[@brooklin_bernek]

So did mine! It really made a huge difference

[@jessicaw.1631]

I did not use a wipe warmer, and I personally would not use one. I have heard stories where bacteria grows on the wipes since they’re naturally wet and then you are warming them up. Who knows if that actually can happen since I only heard of it. But it freaked me out nonetheless!

[@ryanrowe1975]

Can't wait

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

Love you haul, Rachel!❤

[@123heartslove]

You can get a wall pump with your insurance!

[@brooklin_bernek]

Yup! The spectra 2 is amazing it’s what I got

[@123heartslove]

@@brooklin_bernek same!

[@Stephanie-nk9oh]

She got the m5 with her insurance so she can’t get another

[@DuseDesign]

I'm So Happy for You

[@bregrkn]

Hi, I'm a first time mom with an almost 5 month old. The swaddle up is awesome! I'd recommend the swaddle me by ingenuity pod for the newborn phase. The swaddle up was a little bit too big for my baby at first, so her arms didnt stay up. The swaddle me was the perfect newborn size and she couldn't break out of it. Other must haves in my opinion are... Snuggle me organic baby lounger - my baby slept in this until she started rolling. It made her feel secure and kept her on her back. Baby Merlin's magic sleep suit - a great transition for sleep once you stop swaddling Mam pacifiers - much easier for baby to keep in her mouth. The Phillips ones seem to stick out far Crinkle books Laninsoh breast pads for leaking. They are pretty much like panty liners for your bra. Don't get cloth ones, they're horrible Silverettes for your nips. So healing and so much easier than putting cream on

[@brennascheidemantel283]

I second the silverettes!!!

[@brittanywood4796]

I don't think I would be able to breastfeed without my haaka! I noticed it helps my supply every time I have a dip! So I've started using it every single feed & It's the only way I have a stash in the freezer. I get 3oz on the breast he's not nursing on. Love my haaka. Grab a boon trove for on the go! It fits in your bra & does the same thing.

[@ukeleleladysadie86]

My hospital supplied everything that was in that postpartum Frida box which most nurses will load you up with extras of all that specially if you ask ❤️❤️

[@brooklin_bernek]

Yes!! Save your kit for at home for sure. It’s paid for so take it home !!

[@ukeleleladysadie86]

As far as sterilizing the EASIEST and FASTEST way is just boil water with an electric kettle then toss your stuff in like a big cooking pot and dump the boiled water on top sometimes the dishwasher gives the bottle Nipples a funky taste and smell

[@Heather-nw1yw]

But u can’t put plastic things into boiling water!

[@olgatwiggy1531]

​@@Heather-nw1yw you can, I've always boiled all my plastic baby bottles

[@Heather-nw1yw]

@@olgatwiggy1531 u can, if you want to feed your baby with microplastic, and toxic chemicals dissolving from plastic.

[@olgatwiggy1531]

@@Heather-nw1yw ok, then how do you sterilize your bottles?

[@julianneackerman8172]

Love this! I also have hardly bought anything at all and I think everyone thinks I’m crazy. 😂

[@RachelVinn]

Right?!

[@alimueller2514]

My baby did best being swaddled with a receiving blanket, like copper pearl blankets! Then once he was too old to be swaddled we loved kyte baby armless sleep sacks. Portable sound machine could also go in car… honestly I wouldn’t be too self conscious to use in stroller either… better than a crying baby lol

[@blanchehart7]

Awesome! What diaper bag are you using? Thats a hard one for me to pick😅

[@TWF2427]

Yes to the wall pump! It’s not as convenient but it really empties your breasts because it’s hospital grade. I only got mastitis once and I know many friends that got mastitis multiple times with the wearable pumps.

[@cssquared3]

The ladybug by Haaka works way better for catching your letdown from the opposite breast you’re not feeding from. The pump one you have is great but takes up way too much space. The ladybug slips in your bra and catches so much. I started a huge freezer stash with it.

[@nicolettaporceddu794]

Hey Rachel, if you are planning to breastfeed I recommend buying the silverettes!! They will save your nipples I promise you ☺️

[@lindsayfoster4759]

Buy the better stroller fan. I don’t know how that black one has so many good reviews, I have it and think it sucks. and especially in Florida… you need the better one lol I’m in Ohio and we got to about 90° this summer which I wouldn’t really take her out for a walk, but I thought the black one just didn’t have enough power

[@KitKat-ve2em]

Find if your insurance will also cover milk storage bags, I got a bunch for free!

[@annakoretchko688]

baby time

[@brennascheidemantel283]

My frozen milk ended up having a lipase issue so even tho it was safe it tasted GRoSS and baby refused to drink it, just as a heads up because no one warned me that was a thing. I had so much frozen milk that he refused to drink.

[@acvidkid1392]

■ definitely invest in good electric pump. great to have on hand.. can do both at same time ✔ i about lost my mind doing the manual pump.

[@brooklin_bernek]

You absolutely NEED to a wall pump , it’s so important to establish breastfeeding before using the hands free one , because the hands free don’t empty the breast the way a wall pump does

[@lisa704]

I had a question

[@DuseDesign]

I just heard you say Babies due date is October 30th .. My Son was Born on Halloween Night

[@RachelVinn]

Spooky!!!!

[@jaidonsmommy77]

I recommend getting premie size nipples for dr brown bottles

[@lanamichalski3208]

I asked in a previous video, and didn't receive an answer...where is Roman? (her dog).

[@dresden6310]

She answered this in a previous video though I don't remember which one. Roman was rehomed and she talked a little bit about his new place and shared photos.

[@lanamichalski3208]

@@dresden6310 Why was he rehomed?

[@nijahlynch1589]

​@@lanamichalski3208Why does it matter? He was placed with a family better suited for his needs. He's happy and thriving. That should be all that matters.

[@lanamichalski3208]

@@nijahlynch1589 Because I'm a dog lover. Aren't we defensive....

[@HeavyInYourArms12]

​@@lanamichalski3208looks like they were not ready for a dog. So it is better for the dog to be at a home that can provide for his needs ( especially attention and affection) than to be unhappy in their home. It was a Very responsible thing to do

[@jasminschuler2383]

that is definitely not minimal 😅

[@cakroncakron4851]

How are you Banyuwangi Indonesia Romi 💘🇮🇩

[@life.together.6750]

I have a 4 month old so I have lots of fresh opinions! Your insurance should provide you with all of the breast milk bags that you need, as well as some breast pads so you don’t leak into your bra. Also, I’d recommend getting a bottle sterilizer or the washer/sterilizer combo. You’re going to need to wash bottles WAY more frequently than you run your dishwasher. You’ll also probably want to get a hospital grade wall pump - the portable ones are great for on the go, but they aren’t always strong enough to keep your supply up or empty you fully. I would absolutely NOT use nail clippers on your baby - get one of the electric dremel type of nail file. It is SO much easier, and you can’t hurt your baby. It will break your heart if you accidentally clip their little skin! You are going to need WAY more burp clothes than you think - I’d recommend 30+! LOVE that portable sound machine - we leave it in his diaper bag and my parents / in laws use it at their houses. We also just had to evacuate for the hurricane and used it at the hotel as a light for night feedings and sound machine - it lasts all night and works being plugged in or not. You do not need the Doona. I hope this helps!! You’ll use the My Brest Friend Nursing pillow every day, and I’d HIGHLY recommend a Snuggle Me or DockATot - we used ours every single day, multiple times a day, for the first couple months. I have the Keekaroo Peanut Changer and I think it’s worth it! You’ll want something that’s easy to clean and just wipe down, you won’t want to be washing more laundry and keeping more covers for things than you need!

[@4321pogis]

This isn’t even giving somewhat minimal. I have a 10 month old and he did not need over half of these things, and he’s completely happy and healthy. The problem is moms are made to think we need all these things when we don’t. It’s wasteful but go off. Lol

[@RachelVinn]

Good for u

[@4321pogis]

@@RachelVinnat least I can have a baby naturally

[@jennydelorbe2305]

I just realized what happened to the dog?

[@nijahlynch1589]

Re-homed like 2 months ago.

[@jennydelorbe2305]

@@nijahlynch1589 my gosh did they say why

[@nijahlynch1589]

@jennydelorbe2305 Yeah. It was at the end of one of her videos in June or July, I think. They just decided to place him with a family that could better suit his needs. I think the family he's with now has cared for dobermans before.

[@brooklin_bernek]

Rachel start blocking people

[@jennydelorbe2305]

@@brooklin_bernek how about you mind your business you have way too much time in your hands