My Favorite Products as a Mom of Two
I cannot believe I’m writing a blog post about being a mom of two. I still have to take a second, daily, to remind myself that I have not one, but two dependents. When did this happen?? What I will say is, it has been a wonderfully beautiful, hard, incredible, tear-filled, inspiring, and emotional journey thus far. I’m not going to lie, the 1-2 kid transition has kind of rocked me. If you’re like me and you’re “in it” - I see you. If you’re about to be like me and are prepping for your second, remember that everything is temporary and it is a bit of a game of “survive and advance” in the beginning. The lows are definitely hard, but the first time your oldest child decides to randomly walk up to the baby and give them a kiss on their head, your entire body will melt with love (this happened this week for us and I started immediately crying).
The hardest things for me during this transition have been the feeling of not being able to be in two places at once and missing the solo time I once had with only one child since we were able, as a couple, to tag-team versus be in “man-to-man” defense. With that, it has greatly impacted the products I am using and heavily relying on daily. So, here are some of my favorites for specifically a mom of two (although they’re amazing for any parent).
First and foremost, I must highlight the brand that has been a staple for me during both postpartum experiences, but an absolute game-changer for the second time around: Elvie (code CAMERONR20). I would be lost without my Elvie pump (code CAMERONR20). I used it constantly with my first and, to no surprise, am putting it to good use again with my second. Being on the go a lot more this time around, with everything we fit in with my toddler’s schedule, I have relied on the pump so much.
Yes, there have been multiple occasions where I have pumped on my way to, or even at, the park. Also, even just in the house, I love using it because it means I am not attached to a wall. I can go about my day while pumping and tend to the needs of both of my children. It is the smallest, quietest, and smartest wearable breast pump that has saved me in so many occasions. With three customizable suction patterns, “Multi-Switch,” “Slow and Gentle” and “Express and Collect,” Smart Rhythms empowers you to discover your perfect rhythm, ensuring you never miss a beat in your pumping journey. Might I also suggest the Elvie Stride (code CAMERONR20) if you are looking for a hospital-grade breast pump! Yes, if you can believe it, it is also hands free.
And, while we’re talking breast milk, the true unsung hero product for me is the Elvie Catch (code CAMERONR20) - discrete milk collection cups to keep you leak-free. If you’ve seen my stories you know that I am a bit of an over-producer and leak very easily, so I heavily rely on these. They are slip-proof and designed to sit sleekly in your bra. Plus, they are washable and reusable!
On the note of all things “hands-free”, I am a big proponent of the wrap/carrier life. With a newborn and a toddler, it is extremely difficult to tend to both of their needs simultaneously and it seems they always happen to need you at the same time. Because of that, I find it easiest to strap on my newborn so that I always have access to my hands to help do whatever my toddler needs. Some of my favorite carriers are Solly Wrap, Baby Bjorn, and Artipoppe
Since, as I mentioned, I am on the go a lot more with our second than I ever was with our first, that means he is having a lot of his naps on the go. With that, I am relying heavily on our Hatch Rest Go for a travel sound machine. I am a big fan of Hatch’s products in general (we have one in every room with a bed in our house), so it was a no-brainer to keep my brand loyalty on our travel one. We have one permanently clipped to his car seat, his stroller, and an extra in our diaper bag to make sure we are never left without one. I love that there are different sounds to choose from, volume control depending on how loud you want them, and it is super easy/convenient to clip on and off wherever you’re using it.
This is more relevant to me specifically since our second child was brought home to a house versus an apartment, but for anyone who is living in a space with two floors, I cannot recommend this enough. We set up a diaper changing station on our first floor so that we didn’t have to walk upstairs to his nursery for every change and it has been an absolute life saver. Yes, it is helpful given the stairs and all and the simple ease of changing a diaper on our main floor, but especially with having a toddler it has been so helpful so that you do not have to leave them unattended while changing the newborn’s diaper or try to convince them to come upstairs with you (because lets be honest, negotiating with a toddler is simply not fun).
For anyone in this transition or approaching it, I am sending you all the strength, love, hugs, and coffee. WE GOT THIS!