Episode Highlights

[01:26 ] Most Obsessed-Over Baby Product

• Melissa spent the most time researching the stroller, car seat, and baby monitor.
• Haleigh was obsessed with searching the car seat, bassinet, baby monitor, baby bath, and mattress.

Melissa: “People think that just because we work in baby, the decisions might be super easy, but actually it's so much harder because we know all the options and all the advantages that different brands and products have and trying to converge all of those best of the best into picking the ultimate solution that works for your family is so difficult whether you work in baby or not.”

[04:28 ] Top 3 Most Used Products in the First 30 Days

• Haleigh used the BabyBjörn Bouncer and a portable sound machine the most.
• After nine months in the womb, a newborn is still not used to silence, so a sound machine can provide great comfort to the baby.
• Haleigh experienced getting an emergency C-section, and the Skip Hop Diaper Caddy helped move essential items, even when changing floors.

Judith: “We're making this happen because these products exist to help you. They're [not] as crutches or as a hindrance. You get to choose how you want to go about this.”

Haleigh: “I think about it from the baby's perspective, too. They are used to being in the womb. That's all they've ever known so, of course, there's gonna be quite a shock to them coming into the world. As much familiarity as you can provide them with as possible to ease the transition, I was all for it.”

• Don't spend so much money on cute baby outfits since the baby will be in sleepers most of the time.

[11:28 ] Best Swaddle or Sleep Sack for Newborns

• Melissa and Haleigh recommend the ErgoPouch Cocoons.
• Haleigh used the ErgoPouch Cocoon in the baby's first three months. Once the hands and arms were out, she used the Woolino Sleep Sack and rotated three sleep sacks.
• Get the ErgoPouch Cocoon at 0.2 TOG at cooler temperatures.
• Melissa uses three sleep sacks: one actively used, one in the laundry, and the other one as spare if the first one gets soiled by the baby.

[13:48 ] Diaper Pails

• Melissa has the Dekor Plus Diaper Pail, which has a convenient foot pedal and a continuous bagging system.
• Haley uses the Munchkin Diaper Pail because it is good at containing the smell and can hold up to 80 diapers.
• The Ubbi Diaper Pail doesn't need a specific diaper bag to go with it — you can even use grocery bags.

[20:13 ] Baby Monitor

• Haleigh uses the Nanit Baby Monitor, which helps her husband see the baby even when travelling. Its insights can also help parents give the baby a better night's sleep.
• Melissa used the Vtech Baby Monitor because of its handheld device and Wi-Fi. It also has an app that enables her to check her baby even when she’s out.

[24:52 ] Breast Pumps

• Melissa rarely used the pump with her first son, but it became essential when she had her second baby.
• When the baby was in NICU, Melissa needed to pump both in the hospital and at home. She was glad to have a personal pump in the first few days before seeing the lactation consultant.
• Haleigh's baby liked feeding on the bottle, so she needed to pump out milk for storage.
• Haleigh used the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump, which was game-changing for her because it's very portable.

[30:32 ] Top Advice for Transitioning Mothers at Home

• Do not wean yourself off of Tylenol and Advil earlier than is required.
• Melissa relied heavily on her diaper bag while her baby was in the NICU.
• Have a car seat manual ready, so you don't have to rely on a nurse for help. Even if you're exhausted, getting it right the first time is important.

About the Guests

Melissa Kriz is the Director of Marketing at Snuggle Bugz and a proud mother of two. 

Haleigh Ryan is the Social Media Marketing Manager at Snuggle Bugz. She’s happily taking care of her six-month-old baby, which she birthed with an emergency C-section. 

Both moms are passionate about all things baby.

If you want to reach out, you can connect with Melissa and Haleigh on LinkedIn. 

Resources

• Use our 10% off discount code (PODCAST10) when you order online at Snuggle Bugz! Valid until the end of summer.
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• Read our complete list of Baby Registry Perks
• BabyBjörn Bouncer
• Skip Hop Diaper Caddies
• 40 Weeks to Forever Episode: Good Night, Sleep Tight!
• ErgoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bags
• Bugaboo Stardust Play Yard
• Frida Mom Disposable C Section Post-Partum Underwear
• Woolino Sleep Sack
• Diaper Pail 101
• Dekor Plus Diaper Pail 
• Diaper Genie
• Ubbi Diaper Pail
• Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer Pad
• Natart Matty Baby Changer 
• Natart Matty Baby Changer vs Keekaroo Peanut Changer
• Nanit Baby Monitor
• How to Install Your Nanit Baby Monitor
• Nanit Pro Complete Baby Monitor Review
• Vtech Baby Monitor
• 10 Items to Keep at the Grandparents’ Place
• Medela Freestyle Flex Double Electric Breast Pump
• Medela Breast Pump Overview
• Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump Product Review
• 40 Weeks to Forever Episode: Car Seat Safety 101 - Protecting Your Precious Cargo
• What to Pack in your Hospital Bag
• Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray
• Bugaboo Stroller
• <a href="https://www.snugglebu