Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: norwex

  • My Favorite Baby Products as a First-Time Mom ☕💛

    My Favorite Baby Products as a First-Time Mom ☕💛

    Hey there, mama (and all the wonderful helpers out there)!
    Welcome in — I’m so glad you’re here. When I became a first-time mom, I quickly learned that finding the right baby gear can feel like a full-time job.

    Every baby and family is different, but these are the products that made our days a little smoother, easier, and happier. Maybe some of these will make your life easier too — or at least give you some registry inspiration.

    So grab a warm cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in! ☕

    🍼 WillowGo Pump

    Oh, the WillowGo Pump — where do I even start? I wish I had started using it sooner. This cordless, hands-free pump gave me so much freedom. No more being stuck next to an outlet or tangled in cords. I could take walks, do laundry, or comfort my baby while pumping — total game-changer.

    Pro tip: Start with a regular (plug-in) pump when your milk first comes in, then switch to something cordless like this once your supply is established. The convenience is unmatched.

    It’s an investment, but my insurance helped cover part of it — and if that’s not an option for you, there are plenty of great, budget-friendly cordless pumps available too.

    💡 Bonus tip: Keep a manual pump by your bedside for those middle-of-the-night feeds. It’s a quiet lifesaver!

    🤱 BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One

    I wanted to love babywearing from day one — and once I found the right carrier, I did!

    I started with the Solly baby wrap, which was soft and cozy but tricky to tie when I was running on coffee and four hours of sleep. Eventually, I switched to the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One, and it made all the difference.

    It’s structured, easy to use, and has a removable newborn seat that adjusts as your little one grows (up to about three years old!). It’s comfortable for both of us and perfect for walks, errands, or just getting things done at home.

    Looking back, I probably would’ve gone straight for this carrier from the start. It’s that good.

    🧼 Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Baby Bottle and Pacifier Sterilizer and Dryer

    I wasn’t sure if I needed a sterilizer at first — but now I can’t imagine going without it. The Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Sterilizer and Dryer saves so much time and peace of mind.

    It sanitizes, dries, and stores bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts all in one cycle. No more towel drying or guessing if something’s really clean. It’s become part of my daily routine, and I love it.

    🛁 Soft & Snuggly Bath Time Favorites

    Bath time is one of my favorite parts of the day — baby giggles, splashes, and that sweet clean-baby smell.

    I absolutely love the Norwex washcloths washcloths. They’re OEKO-TEX® certified (meaning tested for harmful substances) and some of the softest cloths we own. It’s comforting to know that I can trust this product to be safe for my little one.

    For towels, I found a super soft, budget-friendly option on Temu that’s been a hit. Sometimes I toss it in the dryer before bath time so it’s warm and cozy — my baby lights up when I wrap him in it.

    🎹 Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

    This one was a surprise hit! My baby wasn’t into his first playmat, but the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym? He loves it.

    Watching him kick the piano keys and smile at the lights never gets old. It keeps him engaged longer than any other toy so far — definitely worth adding to your registry.

    🌿 Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath

    When my little guy came down with his first cold, the Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath was a lifesaver. I bathed him two or three times a day when he wasn’t feeling well, and it truly seemed to help ease his symptoms.

    It made those tough sick days a little softer — and gave both of us some much-needed comfort.

    💭 Final Thoughts & Little Extras

    If you’re building your Amazon Baby Registry, keep an eye out for sales and the 15% completion discount — I waited for both and saved quite a bit!

    If I could go back, I’d add an outdoor play yard (especially since I had my son in May — perfect for sunny days!), and of course, stock up on diapers, wipes, and baby Tylenol.

    Motherhood is messy, magical, and full of learning curves — and finding products that make it smoother is such a gift. I hope some of these finds help you too.

    If you’ve tried any of these or have your own must-haves, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Sharing what works is one of the best parts of this journey.

    Thanks for stopping by — and if you enjoyed this post, feel free to send me a coffee ❤ — it keeps the writing (and the mom-ing) going! ☕

    Send me a coffee ❤

  • My Pregnancy Favorites: What Truly Helped Me Along the Way

    My Pregnancy Favorites: What Truly Helped Me Along the Way

    I’m so excited to share a few of the things that made my pregnancy journey just a little smoother (and a lot more comfortable). Whether you’re expecting, planning, or simply curious, I hope my experience gives you a few ideas to tuck away for your own path.

    🌿 Ritual Prenatal Vitamins

    If there’s one thing I’ve stayed consistent with from pregnancy through postpartum, it’s my Ritual Prenatal Vitamins. They not only helped me feel confident that my baby was getting what he needed, but even my lactation consultant noticed them during my hospital stay! She was so impressed that she said she wanted to order some for herself — and honestly, I wasn’t surprised.

    I still take them now because they’ve become part of my daily wellness routine. The ingredients are clean, thoughtfully sourced, and backed by science — which makes me feel good about what I’m putting into my body.

    🧼 Norwex Cleaning Products

    I have to give a little nod to my Norwegian roots here — my grandpa was Norwegian, so discovering Norwex felt a bit like coming home. I love their mission to reduce harmful chemicals in the home. During pregnancy, it gave me such peace of mind knowing I could keep things clean without worrying about what I was breathing in or touching.

    I still use their cleaning cloths and products daily. They’re effective, long-lasting, and honestly kind of addicting once you get started.

    👟Dr. Scholl’s Leather Kiltie Tassel Slip-on Flats

    Oh, these shoes! I wore them constantly during pregnancy — and still do. The memory foam made them so comfortable, and not having to bend down to tie or buckle anything was a total game-changer. I loved them so much that I ended up buying three pairs (yes, three!).

    Sadly, this exact style isn’t available anymore, but Dr. Scholl’s has some similar slip-ons that are just as comfy and practical. If you’re expecting or chasing a toddler around, trust me — your feet will thank you.

    📖 Bringing Up Bebé

    This book was such an interesting read! While I haven’t put much into practice just yet, I found the differences between French and American parenting styles fascinating. One chapter that really stuck with me talked about how daycare in France is seen as a positive — a way for children to grow independent and social, not as something to feel guilty about.

    Now that I’m back at work after maternity leave, that perspective has been comforting. It’s a gentle reminder that independence can be a gift, even from an early age.

    Pink Stork Nausea Sweets

    If you’ve ever experienced morning sickness (or in my case, all-day sickness), you know the struggle. I came across Pink Stork Nausea Sweets early in my pregnancy, and even though I couldn’t use them as often because of my diabetes, they were such a lifesaver.

    They’re gentle, effective, and actually taste good — a rare combo when you’re feeling queasy. Keep a few in your bag, along with some trusty saltine crackers. Your future self will thank you.

    Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash

    During pregnancy, I developed the PUPPS rash (and wow, was it uncomfortable). This Aveeno wash, along with Benadryl, offered much-needed relief. It’s soothing, gentle, and helped calm my skin during those long, itchy nights. If you’re dealing with something similar, I hope it brings you some comfort too.

    🏊‍♀️ Fitness: Swimming

    Swimming was an absolute godsend for me during my pregnancy! I’d get in the water and feel my aches melt away.

    As a diabetic, I also found it helped regulate my blood sugar throughout the day, which was a huge plus. Whether you’re pregnant or just looking for a gentle way to move your body, I can’t recommend swimming enough. It’s restorative in every sense of the word.

    Every pregnancy is different, and what worked for me might look a little different for you — but I hope these little discoveries make your journey a bit easier. 💕

    If you have any favorite products, books, or tips that helped you, please share them in the comments below! I’d love to hear what’s worked for you (and maybe add a few things to my own list).

    Let’s cheer each other on and make this season as calm, joyful, and supported as it can be.

    ☕ Until next time — sending love, strength, and maybe a warm cup of tea your way

    Send me a tea ❤