we are just shy of being a family of four for three weeks. mostly, it has gone by in a flash. in these past weeks i have relied heavily on a few baby items, especially once my husband returned to work (and school) after week one. i am not writing this because i am sponsored or will benefit in any way from these companies, but simply because they are the items we use and frankly, i don't know what i would do without them on a pretty much daily basis. also, i do not take credit for any of these photos, they were simply pulled from retail sights. so anyhow, as a mama of a toddler and newborn here are some absolute essentials (in my opinion). if you're expecting or hoping to be soon i hope this post finds you well. these items make our days loads smoother.

the beco baby gemini carrier: yes, a little on the spendy side, but comfortable for you and baby, no insert necessary for newborn, holds up well, and machine washable.

our clark is one snuggle bug and likes to be held/feel body heat nearly all the time. i use this and our boba wrap everyday to keep my hands free for my toddler and do house chores. any fussing on baby's part and i can feed him, strap him on and he is almost instantly calmed and dozes off for a nap shortly after. also makes chasing a toddler at the park (with infant in tow) do-able.

boba baby wrap: i switch off between our beco and this wrap. this one is soft and snugly, no snaps or clips and not at all bulky. our baby seems to love both, it is more what i am in the mood for.

baby zoom summer infant wifi monitor: so we purchased this a little early in preparation for the days when holland and clark share a room and positioned it so we can see both beds (in case big brother decides to fill baby brother's crib with 15 blankets or tiny toy cars or something like that) but it was actually super helpful in our older son's transition from crib to toddler bed, with a loudspeaker option and the ability to see if he was actually in bed it made the transition pretty easy. we can view the boys room from either of our phones (pretty neat right?) or a monitor and if need be loudspeaker to our holland to get back in bed. or of course we can always just go in his room once we see what he is or isn't doing, but the loudspeaker is sort of fun. ;)

and last but not least...

our city select baby jogger double stroller: this stroller does it all, from single to double, to a standing board option. we just purchased it and love it already and so does our toddler, who was sort of over the stroller to be honest. he sits up front facing out and loves to climb in himself and be up close and personal with the world at hand, while baby faces us for now. i just love how this stroller will be able to grow with our family. and if holland decides he is over the whole stroller thing, then we just convert it back to a single. no big deal. but for now, having the double and both kids strapped in makes getting us up and out of the house so much easier. i feel more confident as a new mother of two running errands and such with this. i even ditched the grocery cart the other day opting for the stroller, because let's be honest, with a toddler in the seat of a grocery cart and your infant in his car seat carrier in the basket, where do you put the food? on the bottom where the big heavy things are suppose to go? this stroller has a huge basket, plenty roomy for your milk, eggs, bread, diapers, and wipes staples.

have you found any items that make your days of caring for two easier?