A Tokyo Girl At Heart's Top 10 Baby Picks

Hello dear friends. Here we are again. It may be wedding season, but honestly all I hear about is baby, baby, baby. From close friends expecting their first to those doing it again for the third and fourth time. From reality stars to the British royal family, it seems like everyone has baby on the brain. And my friends, yours truly is not immune to baby fever. My husband and I have been discussing adding to our own family, but that's a whole other post in itself. I'm here to talk to you about some of my favorite baby products for all those new and repeat parents out there. These are all products that worked for me and I just had to share them. If you're still looking for a last minute gift or just curious about the world of baby, you've come to the right place. And remember, its all about what works best for you and your baby. Be open and willing to try new things. Plus, if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Leave me some feedback about products you love or if you have any questions about the products I have listed, leave those too. Here we go and enjoy!

Love Malinda xoxo

1. I loved these organic Kimono Wrap shirt from Little Sprout. When we brought Masaya home from the hospital, it was in the middle of winter, so the heat was blasting in the house. We would leave him in the kimono and the swaddle him. That way he wouldn't be too hot and Kenji and I had easy access to change him if needed. PLus the material is so light and soft on babies skin. You can find these at www.babyearth.com

2. As an adult I love Aveeno, so when my mother suggested I register for the baby line, I jumped at it. Its great for dry skin (which my son and I both have in common) and I still use the lotion on Masaya in the winter to this day. Plus, you can find the set at any major retailer here in the USA and for those of you overseas, check out www.amazon.com

3. Now, this was something we ended up getting way after Masaya was first born, but it was well worth the wait. The Bugaboo Chameleon in denim is an AMAZING stroller. It came with the bassinet attachment for the very early months and then converts into an upright stroller when little one is bigger. The rotating wheels make for an easy handle and the accessories, like storage under carriage and cup holder make strolls through the park a treat. Now this was a limited edition and retails for about $1059 at www.bugaboo.com . However, never under estimate the power of Ebay. We got ours used for a WHOLE LOT LESS.

4. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether was my son's best friend for about 9-12-months. This was by far the best teether we had found and we tried several. Not only is it made from natural rubber and food paint, but it is also a sensory to as well and encourages early development. Unfortunately, around those last few months, Masaya not only bit off Sophie's nose, but her ear ear and right antler too. At least we know she's in a better place now. Tis product can be found at any major baby store in the USA or if overseas try ww.amazon.com

                                            

5. I cannot begin to describe how absolutely wonderful this crib/stroller blanket feels. The Kaloo Leaf blanket was a gift from my dear friend Carolyn while we were both still living in Japan. The moment I touched it all I could do was think of ways to actually steal this from my own baby. Horrible I know, but tis the power of the blanket. I won't even go into the little bear booties in the same material. You can find it at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com

6. One thing is for sure, you need a soft carrier. There are so many out there and I actually used two kind when Masaya was an infant. A classic Baby Bjorn and the Maya Sling shown above. Now, I loved both, but the sling was so easy to put on, wash, and it made chores around the house so easy. I would actually breastfeed Masaya while he was in the sling and cook dinner at the same time. Talk about multi-tasking! This particular sling can be found at http://www.wishpot.com
                             
7. The classic Moses Basket was another great gift. Now, my son didn't really care for the swing we had, but he loved this basket. It kept him clam and relaxed and we never really heard anything out of him when he was in it. Once he was too big for it, we used it as a storage container for his blankets and a few plush toys. There are many varieties out there but this one can be found at www.babiesrus.com

8. This swaddle/ receiving blanket was another awesome gift and a god-sent from my friend Tina. Swaddle Designs makes some fantastic products and one of the first things that they teach you in the hospital, swaddle your baby. My husband really became a pro at it. Now all babies of course are different and a few just don't liked to be swaddled in the traditional way. Masaya actually liked his arms out, but his legs swaddled. Other babies are the opposite. Its all about being open and knowing what's best for your little one. Visit www.swaddledesigns.com for more product information.

9. And look! Swaddle Designs is on the list again. This time for their security blankets. My son is 3 and  a half years old and he still has his Lovie. So soft, this small blanket gives your child comfort when you are away. It is recommended that you and/or your partner sleep with the security blanket first so that your own personal smell is on it. This is what creates the comforting feeling along with the touch. and FYI, I would invest in two if you can. We lost one and there was hell to pay, so had to run out and get another. This product can also be found at www.swaddledesign.com

10. Lastly, I am all about smelling good. The luxury baby and children store Jacadi, makes signature fragrances for boys and girls. The scents are very light, alcohol free and will not harm baby. Its fresh, crisp and makes baby smell absolutely yummy. In fact, in the summer, I actually spray myself with Masaya's cologne all the time and get so many compliments. Once again, stealing from my wee one. You can find this and other fragrances at www.jacadi.com/en/collections/fragrances-1.html