My Favorite Baby Items 4 Months to 8 Months

      As Anna grows and gets bigger, the things we use for her change (and sometimes get bigger).  There are obviously things that she doesn't need anymore that didn't make this list.  However, there are a few things that will reappear.  (Once again, any links to the items will be attached to the pictures.)

Baby Connect (Activity Tracker) App:

      Yup, we're still using it.  In fact, when Ty got his new Android phone he made sure to get this app.  It's been so incredibly helpful.  We have been able to see how much she's eating, how often, diaper changes, reminds us to give her solids meal.  I also really like to be able to keep track of her weight and height and this app is a great way to keep those recorded.  It helps us know when she needs to go down for a nap.  That's probably the best part.  I'm really bad at remembering things and keeping track in my head so this app really has been a life saver. 

Arm's Reach Cosleeper:

      We used this up until about 6 months.  Mostly for traveling, since she transferred beautifully to her crib.  I would highly recommend it!  I'm so glad we have one for the next time.

Graco Pack N' Play Playard:

      Ours is a little more girly being pink and brown with flowers instead of plaid, but the same general idea.  This has been great as a travel bed for Anna, as well as a more contained play area when I need to take a shower, workout, or just get something done.  We bought ours at a garage sale and it's been well worth it.

BreathableBaby Breathable Mesh Crib Liner:

      When Anna started rolling over, we knew we couldn't have the crib bumper in the crib anymore so out it came.  Then, Anna started smashing her face up against the railing and getting her feet, legs, and arms caught between them.  Finally, we decided to get a breathable liner so that she wouldn't get her limbs stuck.  I sleep much better at night knowing she's safe and so does she.

Halo Sleepsack:

      This is a must have.  Anna rolls around and crawls all over her crib.  Thus making a blanket practically useless.  The sleepsack is great because it keeps her covered and warm.  The zipper starts at the top instead of the bottom, which I think is genius.  I bought mine from Amazon, but I would suggest watching babysteals.com (my favorite baby discount site) and waiting for a deal from them.  They've had a deal for them a few times in the last couple of months.

Sassy No Scratch Bottle Brush:

      This brush should have gone in my last list.  I really love that they clean the bottles (I use the Avent brand by the way) and don't leave them all scratched up.  In fact, I really think that they might clean even better than your typical brushes.  It does come with a small bristled brush for the nipple, so you can get into the hard to reach area.  I have noticed some of the little stringies will come off if pulled too hard.  That's mostly been at the top though and really not that bad.  Overall, I really like this brush.

The First Years Spinning Drying Rack:

      This probably should have been on the list last time too.  I was getting tired of just using a towel and the bottles not drying very quickly that way.  The bottles dry much quicker and better with this rack.  I take it with us EVERYWHERE because I like it so much.  I refuse to have to dry them by hand when it's so easy to use this.  It takes up less space and keeps it all organized. 

Evenflo Exersaucer:

      Once Anna grew too big for the bouncer and was able to hold her head up properly on her own, we wanted something we could put her in to preoccupy her whilst we were able to get things done.  I found an exersaucer on Craigslist for only $10, when I went to get it I saw how incredibly dirty and covered in stuck-on-food it was.  I felt bad and bought it, but I really regretted it.  I decided that it would just be a gift because the girl seemed like she could really use it, but I decided that I would say something the next time I was in a situation like that.  I just hate confrontation.  Anyhow, I ended up getting this one and have loved it.  At first, we had to take out most of the things because she would get so frustrated that she couldn't really pull them or control them, so she really was only playing with anything that spinned.  Slowly, we started adding things back to it and it was great to put her in it and walk into the kitchen without worrying about her.  Now that she is much more mobile, she prefers to pull herself up onto it and play with the toys on the outside.  She definitely likes her freedom.

Escali Baby/Toddler Scale:

      Yup, we're still using this beauty.  We actually try to weigh her about once a week to see how she's doing.  I think soon we'll be able to take the cradle top off and she'll be able to either sit or (gasp) stand on it. 

The First Years Jet Stroller:

      We actually have a stroller that was a packaged deal with our carseat at the garage sale we bought it at.  However, whenever we went somewhere, it took up a large portion of our trunk, which is small enough being that we own a sedan.  We knew we wanted a smaller stroller, especially one that would collapse nicely and take up little room.  After some searching and pricing, we decided on this stroller.  Since we plan on having more children (who knows when), we decided the black one would be best since it's a basic gender neutral.  The shoulder straps were the most important since when we first purchased it she still wasn't sitting up on her own very well.  Otherwise we would have gone with a regular umbrella stroller. 

Outlook Shade-A-Babe:

      With both strollers, we struggled to keep the light from her sensitive little eyes.  I got a deal on this for half the price on BabySteals.com.  I told you I loved that site.  This has basically eliminated the problem and helped protect her from UV rays as well as any bugs and bees that come near.  It's very easy to put on and also easy to adjust.  Another very highly recommended item.

        What are you're favorite items for this stage?  Did you use any of these or something different?  How did they work for you?