There is so much technology on the market these days that is advertised towards parents, but what is really beneficial and what is just clutter in our lives? Here are some reviews and recommendations for technology that really can make a parent's life easier.
I spent the first year of Ollie's life with just an audio monitor and it was a world easier once we purchased a video monitor. Being able to look at him in his bed rather than get up to go check on him when you get that "mom gut" feeling something could be wrong was amazing. We have a BabySense Video Monitor which I really like.
This can be a free app on your phone or a more expensive Dhom sound machine, but I swear by white noise to help keep kids asleep longer. We are currently using a loud fan in Ollie's room since it is hot and the noise helps him sleep. I also have a sleep sheep from Cloud B that I will use for the baby when he comes.
4. A Baby Food Processor
You can definitely make your own baby food without a baby food processor by using a steamer, your oven, and a blender. BUT, if you are determined to make most/all of your own baby food, a specific food processor that allows you to steam and blend in one devise is time effective and easier for clean up. I have the Baby Brezza One Step and loved using it when Ollie was eating purees. I wrote a full review of the Baby Brezza and making your own baby food in the past that you can read for more information.
If we are talking about things that make mom's life easier, I can't leave out our Google Home which was gifted to us from Google. I use it mostly as a speaker, but I can also ask "Ok Google, how do I get poop stains out of white onesies" without lifting a finger- so convenient and easy to use.
We have this pacifier thermometer from Summer Infant (pictured on the right below). Oliver was always difficult when trying to take his temperature, so if your child will suck on a pacifier, this little piece of tech is a great thing to have on hand.
A few times I have made Oliver's bath water too hot or didn't realize that the water had heated up after my initial spout check and he has freaked out in the tub. Talk about feeling guilty! I don't have a temp spout cover, but I have it on my list of things to buy. The 4 Moms temp gage above has a nice sleek look that I like.
6. A Breast Pump
Whether you are planning to breastfeed or bottle feed, you should still have a breast pump on hand for so many reasons. Good news is MOST people get one free through the government or their insurance. My breast pump is this one pictured below from Medela and it worked perfectly for my needs. Read my article about how I got my breast pump free from our insurance if you are having trouble figuring out how to get yours.
Baby skin dries out so quickly and their little lungs are so fragile. A good humidifier or air purifier is definitely a good idea. We have a Crane Drop Classic humidifier that has always worked well, been easy to clean, and never had any issues with mold. I can easily recommend this make and model if you need a humidifier for you nursery.
The last thing I'd recommend is having a scale in your home. I didn't have one until Oliver was over a year old and I hated not knowing how much he weighed in-between check ups! You don't need a fancy baby scale - a regular bathroom scale works fine. Just weight yourself with baby in your arms and then without baby and subtract the difference to find baby's weight.