Our 2 most used baby products of Ava’s first year

I’m still getting use to saying this but, our baby is ONE! I can’t help reminiscing about the past 12 months… It’s been magical, emotional, amazing and hard – all at once. Sharing our journey with YOU has been a new experience and so unexpectedly wonderful. We have also come across so many fantastic new brands and baby products. Ones that made Ava’s first year a lot easier. The 2 most used baby products (except diapers and wet wipes) in our home has to be our Nordic Nuss sleep nest and Ubuntu Baba Baby carrier. We use both every, single day!

The Nordic Nuss Sleep Nest  / Pod

From her first day home this has been Ava’s little safe haven. Easily taken along wherever we go. Indoors, outdoors, room to room. We co-slept for most of the her first year and our sleep nest made things easy and safe. You can read our full review here.

It’s been invaluable during the transition from our bed to her cot and finally her own room. Ava feels safe and secure (and sleeps like a dream) as long as she’s snuggly tucked into her sleep nest.

We still haven’t used our old camp cot when away. The sleep nest is compact and ideal for travel. Over the months the nest has grown with Ava too. Our once oval shaped pod now works fantastically as a cot bumper.

Creating a familiar sleep environment, anywhere. This is an essential we can’t do without and a must for every baby.

Other great products from Nordic Nuss…

• Quilted Play Mat – Grey Woodland

With a custom print as cute as the signature Nordic Nuss forest theme, they had to make a play mat. We couldn’t love it more. It’s beautiful and being padded it’s comfy too. Perfect for tummy time, outdoor play and mommy and me chats. Now that Ava’s older, we use it as a warm winter quilt too.

Easy to take care of. Just pop it in the washing machine and it’s ready for more memories. We have ours handy at home and in the car.

• Buddy Long Dog

Meet Buddy, Eliana and Lia’s favourite cuddle friend. It’s a fun and playful toddler bed bumper that has kept Lia from falling on the floor countless times. He’s also their guard dog, keeping “monsters” away.  They simply adore him.

Buddy also doubles as a maternity pillow, a tummy time pillow and a cot bumper. The whole family will love him.

An Ubuntu Baba Babycarrier (or two)

Our next “can’t do without”, most used baby product from Ava’s first year… Our Ubuntu Baba babycarrier. This has become a massive everyday essential. We rely so much on ours, we have two. We have one at home and one in the car. No need to use a stoller.

These carriers deliver on their promise. Simple. Breathable. Comfortable. We first put Ava in one when she was only 6 days old and there she’s grown.

I’ve tried a few different carriers over the years, local and international brands. Nothing comes close to the Ubuntu Baba. I can babywear for hours on end with fantastic back support and the softly padded waistbands and shoulder straps provide comfort, lessening strain and pressure. Made from breathable hemp means Ava stays cool and comfy too.

My favourite extra feature: The hood, perfect for discreet breastfeeding and extra head support during nap time.

As a mama of more than one I can’t stress how life-changing baby wearing has been. It has given me sanity when I’m being pulled in all directions. Provided loads of precious bonding time between me and Ava and most importantly given me the freedom to still be a hands-on mom to our other 2 girls.

Mr. Perfect loves our Ubuntu Baba carrier too. It was a lifeline for our family during those first newborn weeks after Ava’s birth. (Read more here.)

Alec’s favourite extra feature: The handy zip pocket. Big enough to fit all the most important bits and bops. A nappy, wet wipes, bum cream, keys, bank card… Anything he might need.

Moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents… Any shape and size. These carriers work for everyone and not just because of the classic, simplistic look but also because of it’s easy adjustability. Lengthen and shorten the straps to fit securely, making baby (and mom) snug and comfortable.

We will never be able to thank Ubuntu Baba enough for making our transition from a foursome to a family of 5 so much easier and filled with the best loving memories. To many more months (no years) of baby wearing!

“The Ubuntu Effect.”

We want to make your baby’s first year a little easier too…

Win your own Nordic Nuss sleep nest (in the design of your choice) and a Stage 1 Ubuntu Baba Baby carrier (in the colour of your choice). What awesome additions to an already great prize!

How to enter?

Find this adorable photo of our cutie-pie on our Instagram (@justamamma) and make sure to follow the instructions below it.

SOMETHING EXTRA!!!! For an extra entry leave us a comment below telling us which design you would like for your sleep nest or which colour Stage 1 baby carrier you prefer. Visit our previous post, “Turning 1: Celebrating with a cake smash and giveaway” for full terms and conditions regarding this competition.

Remember to follow both on Instagram @nordicnuss and @ubuntubaba

And give them some love by liking them on Facebook @nordicnuss and @ubuntubaba

Gain 3 MORE entries by leaving a comment on these giveaway posts too:

3 EASY WAYS TO DOCUMENT BABY’S FIRST YEAR

PURE BEGINNINGS, ONLY THE BEST FOR YOUR BABY

TURNING 1: CELEBRATING WITH A CAKE SMASH AND GIVEAWAY