This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx. All thoughts are my own.
I’ve been a teacher for about 12 years. Each of those years has posed its own unique challenges, but I really didn’t know how much my life would be stretched and my heart would grow until I became a teacher mom. In 2020, we had our amazing daughter, Davis June. I have loved every second of being her parent, but going back to work as a teacher mom made me realize what a blessing and a heartache it can be to carry both titles! We are beyond blessed with quite possibly the best nanny (who happens to also be our next door neighbor!) that has ever existed. I am way more at ease these days knowing that while I am teaching other people’s children throughout the day, my daughter is being cared for by a dedicated person who has access to quality toys and products that I am confident in. In January 2023, I am becoming a mama AGAIN to baby #2! I am so relieved to have some tried and true, quality products that I already trust in our family toolbox. If you’re also carrying the title of “teacher mom” and have a tiny one at home, here are some products that have eased my mind and heart and supported our family.
TN Dickinson’s Witch Hazel
As if giving birth to a living, breathing human isn’t enough, we are then tasked with keeping that tiny human alive while recovering from birth/delivery. I would have been even more of a hot mess in those first chaotic (and lovely) weeks without Witch Hazel products from TN Dickinson’s. I used the witch hazel pads multiple times per day to help encourage healing and tame irritation and discomfort from my stitches. It is a relief to know that it’s all natural and as clean as it comes. The witch hazel astringent was a gift to me that I just continue using daily. It’s great for bumps, bruises, skin irritations, and the lovely post partum acne/redness I had literally all over my face for months. I would recommend this simple, clean product line and brand to any teacher mom. In case you’re curious, I already have my witch hazel ready to rock for when Baby 2 makes their entrance in January!
CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo, CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion
I have always been a big fan of CeraVe products and always have their lotion in my teacher desk. I also love their makeup remover balm and have been using it for years! When I learned about their baby line, I knew we needed it in our home. All of their baby products were developed with pediatric dermatologists, which helps ease the mind of this teacher mom.
Davis is a huge water baby, but for some reason, this gal hates baths. This means the quicker the better, so we are naturally big fans of the CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo. The fact that this product is two in one makes bathtime fly and is way less stressful. It contains vitamin E and three essential ceramides, lathers nicely, and cleans without drying out baby skin.
Luckily, Davis is all about post bath pampering (who isn’t?!). We have been using the CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion since she was a tiny infant. We love how it provides all day hydration and maintains a healthy skin barrier for her. Also it is thankfully not greasy at all and is soothing for our hands, too!
Lamaze Developmental Toys
I have yet to meet a teacher mom who isn’t incredibly picky about the toys their kids engage with. I think it’s built into our DNA! Play and connection is so crucial to babies brain development, and these toys are perfect for scaffolding play depending on the age of your little one. For babies around 3 months, I love the Puffaboo Elephant. When you squeeze the cute little toy, it squeaks and gives out a puff of air. So fun for cause and effect and sensory play! As little ones grow, the Soothing Heart Panda is the sweetest toy. Around 9 months, this sweet panda toy is the perfect engaging and soothing sidekick. When you press the heart, it rotates through 4 bedtime melodies and vibrates to the rhythm of a resting heartbeat. Literally the sweetest.
I love the Wacky Giraffe for a first birthday gift. One year olds love swinging and bashing just about everything, and this adorable toy gives them the perfect outlet. Every time they wack the giraffe, they hear a silly sound. Extra perk: the sound feature has an off switch!
Philips Avent Bottles and Soothie Snuggle
There are few things that stress out a mom more than feeding and sleeping. It’s impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of an infant who is noticeably hungry and tired, yet can’t seem to eat or sleep. With Davis, we found a LOT of comfort in using Avent products. Since bottle feeding was fairly easy for her using the Avent bottles we were gifted at our baby shower, we decided to stick with the Avent brand and used their pacifiers, too. This made life way easier for me as a new teacher mom! Why Philips Avent? The Philips Avent Anti-colic bottle with the AirFree vent is designed to reduce feeding issues, colic, gas and reflux. The unique AirFree vent keeps the nipple full of milk, not air, and supports upright feeding—even when the bottle is held in a horizontal position. This made it REALLY stress free when someone else was watching and feeding Davis – I didn’t have to worry. Also, the AirFree vent is detachable, and the wide neck allows for easy cleaning and assembly. NO ONE, literally no one, has time for complicated cleaning of bottles and gadgets when they’re a sleep deprived new parent!
As far as pacifiers go, you’ve probably seen the adorable infant pacifiers that have lightly weighted stuffed toys attached. Philips Avent Soothie snuggle is just that. Plus, the attached pacifier is used by healthcare professionals to calm newborns in hospitals. The Philips Avent Soothie snuggle is designed so that the Soothie pacifier and plush toy detach, making it easy to separate for cleaning or pacifier replacement. Easy and stress free, just that way we like it.
Stonz Baby & Toddler Footwear
Davis would literally live outside if she could, and keeping her warm in the chilly winter months of Chicago is super important. The Cruiser Baby shoe was perfect for Davis when she started walking in springtime. They have a wide opening which makes them really easy to slip on, plus they’re literally designed to support early walking. When it’s frigid outside, the Toddler Bootie was the answer to many prayers. They are SO easy to get on because of the incredibly wide opening and the toggles to adjust to fit snugly around your kiddo’s ankle. They are fleece lined with non-skid soles and make trekking around in wintertime an activity you can actually do with your toddler. I am so happy we already have these quality shoes to pass on to Davis’ new sibling.
Oilogic Linen Mist & Essential Oil Vapor Bath
I have always loved essential oils for myself, and have been consistently hesitant to introduce them to Davis. My teacher mom, research-loving brain knows the benefits of tapping into the olfactory senses, but I am also nervous of how essential oils may impact her. After discovering the Oilogic Slumber & Sleep Essential Oil Linen Mist, I have found my match! It uses real essential oils that are specifically formulated for babies to relax and calm. Since diaper changes are a frequent activity in nurseries, having clean and fresh scents around is pretty needed. We use this mist on pillow cases, the nursery rocker, stuffed toys, pajamas, bedding, you name it! It’s so soothing and relaxing for Davis and I know it’s now a sensory cue that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
One of the most heartbreaking moments as a new mom was when Davis caught her first cold. She seemed so miserable and was too little for conventional medications. The Stuffy Nose & Cough Vapor Bath from Oilogic was such a nice surprise to find, and be able to give Davis’ nanny to use when I was off at work. This vapor bath is a natural way to open up airways and calm coughs using essential oils.
What do you think? Have you found some new goodies to add to your teacher mom wishlist? What else would you add? Comment below and let us know!
