A Nostalgic Bathtime Routine
We all have those things that make us nostalgic. They are usually little things that take you right back to a memory. A smell… a song… an item.
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JohnsonsLovesBaby #ChooseGentle #CollectiveBias
We all have those things that make us nostalgic. They are usually little things that take you right back to a memory. A smell… a song… an item.
One of those things for me, is JOHNSON’S® Baby.
You can pick up ALL your JOHNSON’S® Baby essentials at CVS Pharmacies! Click the image above to shop online or see what your store carries.
I was so excited when I saw the opportunity to work with them and write this post, because their products are the first thing I think of when I think “baby smell.” This brand holds such a sweet place in my heart, and it’s a brand I’m loyal to. In case you hadn’t heard, JOHNSON’S® products are new and improved - inside and out. They nixed 50% of their ingredients, making them simpler and even more gentle than before.
I was the youngest of seven kids, so I don’t necessarily think of JOHNSON’S® Baby when I myself was a child (as I wouldn’t really remember), but I know my mom used it. For me, the nostalgia is attached to when I became an aunt. As the youngest, my older siblings got married and started their families when I was still in grade school. I was only thirteen years old when my first niece came along. I would visit their houses and JOHNSON’S® Baby was there by the sink or tub. They would come visit grandma and grandpa’s house and I would watch my mom bathe her grandbabies in the kitchen sink and watch over her shoulder. I watched her go through the motions with such ease - as if it were just muscle memory. What else was always a part of that process? JOHNSON’S® Baby - particularly their Head-to-Toe wash.
One of the sweetest moments after we brought our son home, was his first sink bath. My parents were here, helping with everything, while I continued to recover. I asked my mom to give Silas his first bath because I wanted her to re-teach me (since it had been years since I really watched her), and he was so little I was nervous! Seeing my mom, the old pro she is, give my baby his first bath using that nostalgic smelling soap was beyond precious. Let me break down how baths work around here...
My mom always encourages sink baths because they’re just the right size for a baby, it saves your back from bending over a tub, and it’s super easy clean-up.
Bring the water to a lukewarm temperature so as not to scald sweet baby skin or frighten them with hot water, and fill the sink with just enough water to comfortably cover them.
Then, she taught me to wrap baby in a thin receiving blanket to keep him contained and give you a better grip as you bathe him.
Slowly lower their wrapped little body into the water, allowing them to adjust to the temperature and feel as you lower.
Unwrap one arm, and gently wash that shoulder, arm, chest, and neck (get in those rolls!) using JOHNSON’S® Head-To-Toe Baby Wash on your fingers. Make it a calm, quiet environment. I typically dim the lights and put on some calming music. Also, I’d just like to mention how awesome it is to have a pump on the bottle. With one arm holding Silas, that little feature makes a huge difference.
Re-wrap that arm, and do the same on the other.
Then move onto the hair, gently massaging the scalp and getting behind those little ears. Rinse gently.
Using a soft washcloth, I wet it and get just a drop of soap lathered in before gently wiping baby’s face, and then going over it once more so as not to leave any soap behind.
Then I move onto those little leg nooks and crannies, private areas, and in between his little toes.
Lastly, I carefully drape his arms over my arm, and get him crouched on his knees while I clean his back and bottom.
He spends a few minutes playing, splashing, and kicking and then I wrap him up in his towel and bring him to the nursery.
This is my favorite part…
On his changing table, I make sure he's nice and dry and we giggle and smile all the while. We get his diaper on and then do a relaxing baby massage using JOHNSON’S® Bedtime Lotion. Again, the smell is just so sweet and calming - it's that perfect baby smell! He happily lets me work from legs, to tummy, arms, and back while we listen to soothing music and smile. This lotion is enhanced with relaxing Naturalcalm aromas to help soothe baby before bed. It’s specially designed for babies who are ready to start sleeping longer.
Finally, I use the JOHNSON’S® COTTONTOUCH™ Newborn Face and Body Lotion on his sweet face and top it all off with some kisses on that baby soft skin.
If you haven't checked out JOHNSON’S® products lately, I encourage you to do so. They are new and improved - inside and out, 100% gentle, free of parabens, phthalates, dye free, sulfate free, and worry free. Even with all their new improvements (50% fewer ingredients!), they still take me back to those little baby days of my nieces and nephews. It’s so precious to use those same products now on my own baby, and it fills me up to see him adore bathtime.
I picked up my JOHNSON’S® products at CVS because it's so convenient. Isn't there always a CVS planted right where you need one?! Right now you can save so much - Buy 1, Get 1 50% on JOHNSON’S® Baby + Spend $20, Get $5 ExtraBucks. You can buy your baby's entire bath time and bedtime hygiene routine and save! Win-win! Plus, I always seem to find something else there that I’m in need of at home, so I’m grateful they also serve as a one stop shop for all sorts of needs! You can check out all their JOHNSON’S® products here: JOHNSON’S® at CVS.
How do you do bathtime at your house? Did your mom/grandma/sister/friend teach you any helpful tips to make the transition from bathtime to bedtime a cinch? Did your mom use JOHNSON’S®? I’d love to hear your stories!
Our Favorite Products for the Newborn Phase
I know, I know - my content is very baby focused these days. We're really in the thick of this "new parent" thing, lately, and we're discovering what works for us…
I know, I know - my content is very baby focused these days. We're really in the thick of this "new parent" thing, lately, and we're discovering what works for us and what doesn't, so along the way I'm taking note of what's been particularly helpful in terms of products.
To be honest, when we started looking for baby stuff, I was super overwhelmed with the amount of products out there. Seriously... there has to be at least a gazillion different carseats! I had to do a lot of sifting through to find what was necessary, minimalist, and useful. I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the new products on the market! I say "new products" because I think I had in my mind that I'd use the same things my parents or my older siblings used for their kids. But some of the latest products are pretty amazing!
In this post I'm simply going to list off all the products we've found to be worth mentioning and why in this 4th Trimester (as they call it.. for good reason). The prices vary from a few bucks, to a little more expensive, but they all have a place in our home during these first months, so maybe you'll find them to be helpful in your home too!
I'll link all these products at the bottom of the post, so if you want to skip my commentary, scroll on down.
1. LugBug Carseat Handle
This was one of those serendipitous blogging moments. Tom and I had been talking about how ergonomically awkward carseat handles are, and I kid you not, two days later LugBug reached out to me asking if I'd like to try their carseat handle and share it with you. This is a game-changer, guys! It's simple, but totally solved the carseat handle dilemma in seconds. Since, I'm short (5'1"), it doesn't help me a whole lot because it makes the distance from the carseat to the ground a bit close (just being honest), but Tom is our carseat-carrier, so it's perfect for him! He loved it immediately.
2. Carseat Fan
Silas (like a lot of babies) is such a little furnace. Plus, Nashville gets super hot in the summer, so to help keep his temperature regulated, I picked up one of these fans on Amazon. It's been SO helpful and a lot of older people stop us and comment on what a smart thing that is to have. It's rechargeable, has a controllable blade speed, it rotates in any direction, and clips on easily to his seat. As a bonus, the sound of it soothes him!
3. Calmoseptine Ointment (for diaper rash)
A nurse friend gave me this stuff and it's a miracle worker. Seriously. Clears up diaper rash or irritation super fast.
4. Diaper station
I like these wood cubbies because I can move them around however I need. They could even get screwed onto the wall and used for a different purpose later on. Multi-functional and nice looking!
5. DockATot
Read my review on it here. Pictured above. We love this thing and use it all day and night. It's worth the price, people. Our baby lovessss this thing.
6. Diaper changing mats
They are just cheap, waterproof, machine washable mats that save you from having to wash your changing pad covers all the time. Believe me, you'll run into some messes and be glad you had one!
7. Sleepers with bottom zipper
Target carries footie pajama sleepers (Cloud Island brand) that have the zipper connect at the neck so that to unzip, you start at the feet. It makes diaper changes much easier.
8. Freezer meals
Okay, not really a baby product, but I'm extremely happy we made so many freezer meals before Silas arrived. We have yet to actually cook something for dinner, and Silas is inching towards two months old! We finished our freezer meals MINUTES before my water broke. Talk about timing! I put them off a little longer than I should have - haha
9. Water bottle
Breastfeeding or not, I'm so glad I have a big water bottle with a straw. It's with me everywhere I go and reminds me to stay hydrated. Since I do happen to be breastfeeding, I get parched pretty fast, so it's important to always be sipping some water.
10. Coconut oil
In the hospital, they gave me some olive oil to use on my nipples for breastfeeding, and while it's good, it's obviously super liquid-y and it's sort of annoying if you drip any. Coconut oil has been amazing for chapped or dry nipples, but also for Silas's chapped lips! Bonus that it's a natural remedy (and has that hint of coconut smell)!
11. Netflix
Need I say more? Feedings happen a LOT at this stage, and sometimes it gets pretty boring to just sit there with only one arm free. Netflix (or other streaming services) have been a must.
12. Moses basket and rocking stand
Not only is it aesthetically really cute, this set has been amazingggg at night. The height of the basket is right up to the edge of the bed which made it so much easier to grab him in the night while recovering from surgery. At this point, he does all his sleeping in it, and being able to soothe him with a little rocking motion is really nice.
13. Touch lamp
Such a lifesaver next to his changing station. When your hands are full, being able to tap the lamp super quick is really helpful.
14. Lorena Canals blanket
Tom wanted me to mention this one specifically from his opinion. He's pretty picky about blankets, because he really likes a good heavy blanket for weight and warmth. This one from Lorena Canals is woven/knit. He's normally not a fan of those types of blankets because they tend to be too breathable, but he said he loves this one. It's the only blanket like that, that he honestly sleeps under really comfortably. Plus it's plenty long (he's 6'4") so he can cozy up under it, and rock Silas (and himself) to sleep with ease. We both love having an adult sized blanket for the nursery, and it never leaves the chair. It's also machine washable, eco friendly with natural dyes, and handmade. It's absolutely beautiful and gets BOTH Tom and my stamp of approval for being a great nursery asset! Lorena Canals also carries other home and children's room pieces, including machine washable rugs. Isn't that amazing?? They have these really gorgeous rugs that you can actually wash! Anyways, like I always say, I'd never tell you guys something was great if I didn't truly think so, and this blanket is no exception. I weirdly look forward to using it every chance I get :) This blanket was sent to me courtesy of Lorena Canals.
15. IKEA baby gym
You know me, miss minimalist! I like this baby gym because it's soft, simple, but still has tastefully colorful toys. There are also cute little tee-pee style wood set baby gyms, but for once I decided to go with something more colorful, yet still minimal. The bottom is well padded, which is also really nice. It easily folds up and can be put away when not in use. Plus, it's on the cheaper side of most baby gyms at only $30.
16. Muslin blankets
We've used these light blankets for just about everything. They've caught spit up, been used as swaddles, been used as a nursing cover, a blanket to hold Silas in the bath, and more. They're an awesome multi-purpose product, and I'm glad we got so many as gifts!
17. Diaper backpack
I'm honestly not one for big totes, so way before Silas came along, I knew a backpack would be the best route. Plus, Tom doesn't look weird carrying it. The one we have is meant for use as a diaper bag, so the compartments are perfect - I love this thing! Plus, you can't beat the price.
18. Dapple bottle soap
Seems unnecessary, but one of my friends suggested this soap and I have to say it's actually really nice. Cleaning breastmilk or formula out of bottles can be difficult as they sometimes leave a film. This soap has left all my breast pump parts sparkling clean with just a quick wash.
19. Small dish basin
Haha okay. My mom made me steal this from the hospital and I was really embarrassed about it, but she swore I'd use it all the time.... and as moms usually are, she was right! I use it for washing all the bottles, pumping parts, etc... It's been a really handy little thing! It's smaller than most dishwashing basins, but that's what's particularly nice about it. It's cheap and flimsy, so just steal one from the hospital, otherwise I linked what looks like the exact same one below.
20. Nose Frida
Yup. It's true. This dang thing is everything people crack it up to be. It's a million times better than the bulbs, and believe me when I say I'm a HUGE skeptic about most popular things. Worth every.single.penny.
I know there are plenty more products we love right now, and will love in the future depending on Silas's age/stage... but these are our current favorites. Scroll on down, and I'll link them below!
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What's The Deal with the DockATot?
If you've had to make a baby registry in the last couple years, there's no way you could miss the DockATot. It's everywhere you look and seems to…
I received the DockATot compliments of the company
If you've had to make a baby registry in the last couple years, there's no way you could miss the DockATot. It's everywhere you look and seems to be the new most coveted baby product. Why, though? It doesn't seem like anything super groundbreaking, does it? Well, I honestly had some of the same thoughts. It's got to be overrated, right? Especially for the price...
Nope.
Guys, this thing is amazing.
(If you know me, you also know I never give my stamp of approval on this blog unless I wholeheartedly mean it. So this is my honest review of the DockATot).
When you're looking for items to add to your registry, of course you need to find products that give you the ability to safely put your little one down. Whether it's for them to take a nap, for you to rest your arms, or just a place they can be alert and you don't need to worry about them rolling off a bed or couch. Even a place for some supervised tummy time. The DockATot hits all the marks. It is the primary place of sleep for our little guy. He loves it! We have another very popular product for setting baby down, and he'll choose the DockATot over that thing every time (and when I say "choose" I mean, he'll settle there far easier than the other product).
It comes in two sizes - The Deluxe (0-8 months) and Grand (9-36 months). It was designed in Sweden and is handmade in Europe. It has been tested for breathability and is OEKO-TEX certified. It can be used as a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper, and playtime lounger.
The other big thing for me, when creating our registry, was finding products that weren't ugly as sin. If you read my minimalist modern registry post, you'll know that I tried to find the least "baby-ish" baby items I could find. I wanted products that were very useful and functional, but would fit into my home's aesthetic. This was honestly really hard (blah - so many ugly baby things!) but I think it ended up being a success in the end. The DockATot obviously fits into that requirement as well. However, for those who like patterns, it does have lots of options for covers.
When do we use it and how?
Day and night. I lay him down for naps in it and place it either on the couch in the living room, or on our bed. This allows me to get work done, and if I choose to nap when he's napping, I know I won't roll over onto him. We also use it at bedtime and it's where he sleeps. In the mornings, he wakes up very alert and happy, and we let him kick and flail in there while we talk to him and interact for a while. For tummy time, we gently rest his arms and head on the side, and let his body curl up in the rest of the DockATot while he practices holding that head up.
Would I recommend the DockATot?
Yes. 100%. Even my mom, who has her old school ways and tried-and-true mindset on the old versus new products, loved it. When she and my dad were here in the first couple of weeks, she used it constantly and talked about how useful it was. I thought that had some meaning!
I suppose it would depend on what you'd use it for, though. It's our go-to spot for setting him down, but if your baby prefers a bouncy seat or swing, perhaps those would be better for your particular child. We just happen to use it for so many functions that I would say it is worth its weight in gold :)
So that's the "deal" with the DockATot you keep hearing about. It's minimal, functional, and my four week old baby loves it (and clearly so do lots of other babies, considering how popular it has become!). There you have it. My honest review!
Comment below if you have any questions for me regarding the DockATot, or if you also have one and love it too!
