Becoming a mum was the most fantastic and exhausting thing I have ever done.
I mostly crawl onto the couch in the evening feeling like I have run three marathons. But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Sometimes I catch a glimpse of the girl I was before I had children and it reminds me of how important it is to try to keep your own sense of identity throughout your journey through motherhood.
When I found out I was pregnant I vowed I would try to extend that love of all things lovely across my life and into that of my little mini-me.
Now, this doesn't mean I don't mostly live in yoga pants the minute I put the key into the door after a long day (hello, fellow loose-pants lovers) but part of me gets a kick out of enjoying the things that spark joy in my life.
Here's our wish-list of things to help you feel like the ultimate chic new mum: And, yes, they are highly functional as well as being completely fabulous:
1. The crescent womb
Newborn's spend between 16 and 20 hours a day sleeping, so this genius invention can sure they have a safe place to sleep. It is basically a hammock for your baby.
The dad who created the crescent womb, James Spencer, says that it mimics the feeling of having someone rock baby to sleep. It is also claimed that this baby bed could minimise some of the factors associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This bed holds the baby in a foetal position rather than flat so baby's spine develops more naturally. It also looks completely awesome and... move over baby!
2. A lifesize pregnancy pillow
Speaking of sleep - I won't lie to you - I still invite my pregnancy pillow into bed sometimes because it is still so darn comfy! These maternity pillows will give you the ultimate comfort while you are growing Junior. Instead of shoving a thousand pillows around your body at night to position your new, oddly-shaped self, snuggle up to this giant body pillow to help you catch those vital zzz's. You can buy these Dream-Geni ones online or at most typical baby shops.
3. Star suit
This strikingly beautiful star suit is perfect for the brand new star of your show. It also comes in grey and is available here. We adore how cosy baby will be in this lovely little snuggle outfit. It is basically an upgrade on the onesie. WANT!
4. Fashion-forward buggy
Listen, our pram is basically an extension of ourselves which is why this is often the biggest purchase for newbie mums and dads.
I researched buggies to death to find the most versatile, aesthetically pleasing and best quality wheels for my little princess. The Quinny Zapp X ticked all those boxes.
The reason we picked this highly coveted buggy is because not only can you customise the colours and accessories to suit own style, you can also use it from birth as part of a 3-in-1 travel system with a matching carrycot or car seat. Win-win.
I just hope my son likes pink!
5. Personalised unicorn sign
We fell in love with this little beauty for your new baby's room. It is also a lovely idea for a gift for someone else who has just had a little one. It is pretty, unique and perfect for your sweet little creature. The magic starts here.
6. Pregnancy chime
The idea behind this is Just. So. Sweet.
These necklaces for mums-to-be or new mums have a really soft jingle effect which is positioned low beside the belly so baby can hear the little tinkle. It will help baby identifies that sound with mama. It was traditionally ancestral jewellery that can be found in many cultures across the world.
A gentle shake of the pendant releases a soft chime sound that brings inner calm and harmony and is believed to call the wearer’s Guardian Angel. They are also called bola's or harmony balls and we LOVE this idea.
7. Video monitor
This is a must-have for those mums who panic if they don't see their baby sleeping.
I only had a sound baby monitor on my first little girl but we got this as a gift for my son and it was life-changing. No more sneaking into the nursery to see if he was ok. We just watched him wiggle and snore on the monitor. Of course, a listening monitor is brilliant but we enjoyed the extra comfort of seeing his peaceful little face.
This Motorola one lasted us for our second daughter as well as my son and has been spirited off to another home via my new-mum friend.
8. Roll out mat
A good roll-out mat will change your life.
Do not underestimate the strange places you will be using this bad-boy; under the table at a festival, in the car at the side of the road, on your lap, while on the beach - the humble changing pad will be the most useful baby gadget you will ever find.
We are crushing on this pretty one we found online that you can personalise.
Now, how do you spell stink monster?
