While Hubs is on work travel in the Middle East -- Gosh, I miss my partner in crime -- Sav and I have been staying at my mom's in my hometown of San Diego! Only the most beautiful city in the nation -- Not that I'm bias ;- )
As grateful as I am for this season, believe you me, it was no easy task condensing a nursery and a master bedroom into a guest room at Gigi’s! BUT where there’s a mama, there’s a way! Amiright?!
So whether you’re downsizing, heading to the parentals’ for an extended stay, or making space in your current home for more babieeeessss, you might want to check out these must haves I now swear by:
Delta Children Portable Mini Crib in Dark Cherry
This crib has been exactly what we needed during this season! Great quality, sleek, classic design, functional, and affordable. Its more narrow and a smidge shorter in length than a regular crib, so its perfect if you don’t have a whole lot of room, but your little babe is too big for a bassinet. Plus, it folds up easily, and guess what, its on wheels!!! Super easy to move for cleaning or storage purposes or to provide a little movement and comfort to a screaming baby in the middle of the night. (Been there) Oh, and it comes with a mattress! All for $100! Yes please! (Comes in multiple colors) https://www.target.com/p/delta-children-174-portable-mini-crib-dark-cherry/-/A-11540923?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=1014297&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&ds_rl=1241788&gclid=CjwKCAjwndvlBRANEiwABrR32DcV4472aSb-Tr-azTdssRL8BYiYswCxLpmtwrZ7blbRkCsPlnARjxoCik4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Soft Fabric Dresser Drawer Organizer Set
Now, if you know me, you know I’m probably the furthest thing from Marie Kondo, ha but as I've learned, when you're in close quarters, you've gotta tighten up! As for fitting our clothes into one dresser and one closet, these drawer and closet organizers have been my saving grace, especially for teeny tiny baby cothes! They're less than $20 on Amazon and make a world of a difference. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=drawer+organizer&i=baby-products&ref=nb_sb_noss
Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper, Special Edition
When we moved to Gigi's, Sav was almost 8 months old and we knew she it wouldn't be long before she'd be trying to stand. Between steps and furniture, we just don't have enough flat space here for her to safely use a walker, but I still wanted something she could sit/stand in to strengthen her leg muscles -- the Baby Einstein Activity Jumper has been great! Aside from the muscular benefits, it also counts, sings, and talks in English, Spanish and French! It allows her to play, learn, and jump up and down with out moving around the floor. Plus, it flattens out and can be stored under your bed or in a closet! I mean seriously! In full mom-life disclosure: If we didn’t have one of these, I’m honestly not sure how I would have showered in the last 5 months. https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Einstein-Neighborhood-Friends-Activity/dp/B00JU949AE/ref=pd_sbs_468_1/140-8971666-1233604?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00JU949AE&pd_rd_r=808960fa-61e6-11e9-9672-417ebf68296c&pd_rd_w=5gCjk&pd_rd_wg=nn1DJ&pf_rd_p=763ccc93-bfa2-47be-85ae-0cdd7e00b3da&pf_rd_r=Q2M90M9SVQ72FQVB1Q9G&refRID=Q2M90M9SVQ72FQVB1Q9G&th=1
So these are just a few of the staples that have gotten us started. As Angel Baby grows I'm going to have to come up with some more creative ways to best utilize our space. So I'll be sure to update this list in a few months! In the meantime, please, let me know if you have any favorite travel/extended stay/downsizing must-haves for baby!
UPDATE!
Savvy Girl is 16 months old right now! She's everywhere, in everything, and she's SO MUCH FUN!
As promised, I'm sharing more of my favorite items and life-hacks that have helped me keep my mom's house from looking like Gymboree and my bedroom (which I share with Sav) from looking like something from an episode of "Hoarders".
Plastic Tubs
Walmart has these tubs in various sizes for as low as $4/each! I bought two small ones to hold all of Sav’s shoes. I also have a couple medium ones on the top shelf of our closet (as our dresser is filled to the brim) to hold her clothes that she doesn’t quite fit yet and two larger ones up there that hold my work out clothes. https://www.walmart.com/ip/IRIS-USA-6-Quart-Plastic-Storage-Box-Clear-1-Pack/54515538
Mainstays Turquoise Flexible Tub
These were $5 each at Walmart and I’ve seen similar products at Target. I bought two of these tubs to hold Savvy’s toys. We've tucked the bins behind a reclining chair in the living room so they aren’t in the way. They’re a nice pop of color and they make for easy toy access for Sav. She actually enjoys picking things up and putting them in her bins! (As long as we sing the clean-up song of course). And If I can’t find my keys or phone, I generally find them in one of these bins. Ha https://brickseek.com/p/mainstays-25-liter-turquoise-flexible-tub/7490601
Repurposed Bookshelf
As you know, Angel Baby and I have turned Mom’s guest room into our little living/sleeping space. She has a beautiful, old, wooden, floor to ceiling bookshelf in the room filled with classic reads. Pure magic. As much as I loved the history and character the books hold in their pages, a girl had to make room for her footwear! I recently cleared a couple shelves, boxed up the books, put them in the garage, and lined the shelves with my shoes! A vintage piece that's a space saver, allows for quick/easy to access, and its FREE?! Perfect.
I'm keeping a running list so I'll be sure to update this as Sav grows and our space doesn't. ;-)
Love Always.
Jas
P.S. This is not an ad or endorsement, just sharing these #momlifehacks from one mama to another because that's what #momfriends are for :-)
Sending you love!
*Pictures taken by San Diego photographers: www.thisxthat.info