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Hali'a Therapeutics
Your infant specialist
&
pelvic floor therapist!
Baby Shower Registry Must-Haves from an Infant Feeding Occupational Therapist
Your baby needs less than you think!
Labor-Ready Pelvic Floor Birth prep Course
This online course is jam packed with everything you need to know to prepare your body for birth. You will learn what to do during pregnancy to prepare your body for the best birth possible. Learn all about each stage of labor (yes there's more than just pushing!), and what positions work best for laboring. Learn how your partner can support you and what to do the first 2 hours after birth!
Non-Toxic Reusable Absorbable Underwear
Timeline and flow rate varies person to person postpartum but we can all agree that hanging out in a diaper for 6+ weeks is not a sought after experience. Not to mention that wearing a diaper that long can seriously deprive your vulva of much needed moisture and lead to itching, redness, and pain. I love the Saalt brand but there are other options out there as well.
Silverette Nipple Nursing
These are wonderful for any sort of nipple pain. They provide great relief to nipples with noticeable damage as well as nipples that are slightly uncomfortable due to a number of reasons. I loved these because I could put them in my bra and I wouldn't have to worry about ripping my nipple off of my bra later. I think these are particularly helpful for mamas that have babies with a shallow/ineffective latch troubles who are working on improving these functions.
Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow
This is another multipurpose item I love. It is great for stomach support while pregnant and can be useful postpartum. It can then be used for baby in tummy time, and to facilitate sitting posture later on. I love using this pillow as a prop for tummy time. If you baby tends to "superman" (lift arms) during tummy time, using this to elevate them typically encourages more core activation.
Pamo Babe Travel Crib, Portable Crib for Baby Lightweight Baby Travel Playpen, Foldable Travel Playard with Comfortable Mattress for Babies (Black)
This portable bassinet and pack n play is a game changer if you plan on doing any traveling in the first year (and even if you don't). Most people choose to keep their little ones in their bedroom for at least 4 months. This pack n play has a smaller footprint than a crib which makes it easy to fit into any space. It folds up small enough to be able to take on roadtrips or easily manage in an airport. The best part is that you can use the bassinet when they are newborns to keep them elevated next to your bed and make it easier on your body and biomechanics to help protect your pelvic floor. As they grow out of the bassinet you can use the zippered gate to lay with them as they fall asleep in the play yard. It makes it easy for you to sneak out and leave them in a safe sleep environment.
Evenflo Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 Rotational Car Seat
This carseat has one of the smallest footprints of refacing seats. But I really love it because the rotational component is great for protecting parent's body. mechanics, posture, backs and maintaining a healthy pelvic floor postpartum. It can be used for newborns through 65lbs and allows for extended rear facing (up to 50 pounds!). Healing your pelvic floor postpartum includes activity modifications and mindfulness of how you do everyday activities. This is an easy solution to one common habit.
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor, 720P HD Resolution 5" Display, Patent-Pending A.N.R. (Active Noise Reduction), Pan Tilt Zoom, and Interchangeable Lenses Bluetooth (NON Wifi)
I tried a few different monitors before falling in love with this one. It is easy to set up and does not use wifi which after hearing all of the stories of people hacking into other monitors - made me feel a lot safer. The active noise reduction makes it quiet unless baby is crying. You can add additional cameras if you have multiple kids. It is very transportable for traveling, the sounds is clear, and you can speak into the monitor to soothe baby. You can pan and tilt this model which is perfect for floor bed rooms.
Moby Wrap Baby Carrier | Classic | Baby Wrap Carrier for Newborns & Infants | #1 Baby Wrap | Go to Baby Gift | Keep baby safe & secure | Adjustable for all body types | Perfect for Mom & Dad | Pacific
I am a die-hard Moby wrap fan. Baby carrying counts as Tummy Time! AND you get baby snuggles AND you can still get housework done. Does it get any better than that? I think not. Perfect for motor development and help avoiding plagiocephaly or flat spots.
My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow
Elevated nursing pillow with lumbar support, adjustable waist strap, and pocket. I loved using this to place my phone or my extra bottle in the pocket (hello triple feeding mamas). I loved that I could move around the house with it on. Having an older child, I could easily get up from the couch to help him with homework, start dinner, or simple transfer my baby to their sleeping space after they fell asleep. As an OT I am in love with the fact that this pillow can be strapped to Mama's waist. It makes it so much more ergonomic to prevent Mom from having to hunch over to feed.
Evenflo Balance + (9oz or 6oz) Bottles
These are my favorite bottle overall. They are versatile for different feeding needs. They promote a wide latch with the gradual nipple slope, but still have a venting system built in to the nipple to prevent extra air consumption. The gradual slope allows us to use it with babies that still prefer a shallow latch but we can gradually get their mouths used to the wider gape. This is important for jaw and oral motor development even if baby is exclusively bottle fed.
Ninni Pacifier
Forget all of the other marketing. This is the only true breast-like pacifier on the market. It is soft and stretchy preserving infant oral motor skills and still providing soothing. The backside is clear so you are able to get an excellent view of the tongue motion. it is excellent for dental health as well.
Space Saving Bottle Drying Rack
Perfect for those that dont like a lot of items on the counter. I like that this one stores vertically rather than horizontally so it takes up significantly less space.
Cowiewie Natural Wooden High Chair for Babies & Toddlers 3-tier Remove Adjustable Tray and Highchair with Cushions, Easy to Clean, Portable
This Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair knockoff is half the price but still has the same customizable feel. I personally like the cushion better than Stokke's infant seat. The adjustable seat and footrest allows the highchair to grow with your little one even turning into a regular chair as they grow into toddlerhood.
Infant Oral Care Development Set
This set is great to start using right from birth! The small silicone finger tip options starts with a small brush area to start desensitizing your baby gums and mouth. When the grow you can switch to the large silicone finger brush and start incorporating the silicone teether brushes. Once they get teeth it is a good idea to use a soft bristle brush, but they can keep using these easy to hold brushes for improved oral motor skills, oral hygiene, grasp development, motor skills and more! The toothbrush will even suction to a mirror making it easy for storage and a great play option!
Upseat Baby Floor Chair with Tray
I am going to preface this by saying that of course it is always better to have your baby out of any sort of container. But for those moments where it’s unavoidable and you need to keep baby safe this is the best seated option. It was developed by a pediatric PT with hip and core development in mind! Other color options available
Straw Trainer - Squeezable Honey Bear Straw Cup
The classic Honeybear straw cup now has a leakproof travel cap that allows you to take it on the go. It is still my favorite valve-free straw trainer to promote oral motor skills
Lead Free: Baby Bowls with Non-Slip Silicone Suction Cup, Insulated Double-Layer 304 Stainless Steel Toddler Bowls with BPA Free Airtight Lids, Food-Grade Silicone Safe for Kids (Gray)
These bowls have everything you want: reliable suction, nonbreakable, airtight lid great for travel, and they are safe! They are lead free and easy to clean! The high sides and stability allow for utensil management teaching and optimal oral motor skill practice.
Lead Free: Grosmimi Eco Friendly 304 Stainless Steel Toddler Kid Feeding Divided Plate (5-Section+ Silicone Suction)
I am not always a huge fan of the sectioned plates (I think its good to have foods touch every now and again for sensory integration and development) but I understand the need to separate food is needed for developing motor skills and visual milestones. This is one of the most reliable plates that I have found. It is safe and the suction is reliable so you can focus on reinforcing oral motor skills in your infant and toddler.
Elk and Friends Kids 7.8” Porcelain White Plates with Silicone Sleeves | Divided Plates | Suitable for Kids/Toddlers | Microwave & Dishwasher Safe | Non Slip | Snack Dishes
If you dont like the look of stainless steel dishes or are looking for something a little more affordable then these are a great option!
Zarbee's Baby Nasal Saline Spray, Soothing Sterile Mist with Aloe, Newborns & Up
Closed mouth breathing starts with good nasal hygiene. Being able to breathe through your nose has to start with a clear nasal passageway. Using the suction bulbs/nosefrida can actually cause more irritation and cause more congestions over time. Saline spray is the best solution for congestion, runny noses, snot, etc.
Mustela Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel - Baby Hair & Body Wash - with Natural Avocado fortified with Vitamin B5 - Biodegradable Formula & Tear-Free - 1 or 2-Pack - Various Sizes
As a mama of two kids with VERY sensitive skin and eczema, I swear by this body wash! It cleared up my daughter's eczema easily and it helped loosen her cradle cap no problem.
Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Essentials Baby Carrier Wrap (7-25 Pounds), Ponte Knit, Cream
For more of a structured carrier this one is so comfortable and fitting! Also great for tummy time and head strength development
Baby Stroller with Organizer & Cushion, Mom’s Choice Gold Award Winner, Ultra Compact & Airplane-Friendly Travel Stroller, One-Handed Folding Stroller for Toddler, Only 11.5 lbs, Blue
This incredibly lightweight stroller is amazing for traveling or if you like to keep it in your car. It is only 11lbs, folds easily, has ample air flow/visualization, an adjustable leg support AND when folded is only slightly bigger than a laptop. I like to put this onto of my carseat in our carseat bag when we are traveling. While there isn't shocks on it, it maneuvers very easily adapts well to uneven terrain. Best yet, it is OEKO-Tex Standard 100 approved meaning it has passed rigorous standards to make sure there are no harmful chemicals.
Soft Silicone Spinner Toy
This BPA free, fully safety tested suction cup spinner is great to encourage eye gaze in the early days and promote motor development in tummy time, reaching in sitting, reaching in standing, walking, and so much more! These toys will last years.
Baby Rattle
This rattle makes the best noise! It is enticing to all babies and once they are able to start reaching they are encouraged to use a variety of grasp techniques and arm movements to maintain use. Great for hand-eye coordination, strengthening, auditory input, visual tracking, motor development and sensory development!
***Please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate so I do make a very small amount of commission on these items if you choose to buy them. However please rest assured that I have only added items to this list that I 100% believe in! If you purchase these items and do not like them PLEASE reach out to me to let me know. I want to make sure each item is useful for every person that tries them.
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