Staying active while pregnant is easier said than done. With my first pregnancy I felt like I still had some control over my schedule and was able to carve out time for exercise, balance my workload better, and still have time for solid rest when needed. But this time around having an active toddler, working, and managing the home, rest is a word no longer in my vocabulary. Fortunately for this second pregnancy I found a handful of items that definitely made staying active a little easier. I compiled a list and showcased how I used them most.
Airplane Travel and Exploring New Cities
I travel quite a bit, at least a couple times every month, mostly for work but also for fun and when the family is in tow, that means extra gear. I was thrilled to learn about the UPPAbaby MINU. At just under 15lbs, this lightweight travel stroller is perfect for trips. It was so easy to navigate through the airport and it even has a one-handed, one-step fold — it’s genius — so very easy to open or close on the tarmack or in the terminal. It has a built in carry handle and shoulder strap and a storage bag is included. We also found it so easy to get around town on our recent trip to a family wedding in the Monterey Peninsula. The features made it perfect for when we needed to use uber or just walking the coastline. I’m also super excited for when baby girl is due as well because UPPAbaby’s MESA car seat can also be used with the MINU which means when taking baby on trips, she can keep the comfort and safety of her car seat, and we can still bring the lightweight stroller along with us.
Lightening the Load
With the second pregnancy I definitely feel like I popped sooner. By the end of the first trimester my baby bump was not only making an appearance but so the discomfort began. I wanted to extend my pre-pregnancy jeans and clothes as long as I could but also have support surrounding my growing belly. That is when I found BLANQI supportwear. Their support bellyband is truly one-of-a-kind as it is the only maternity band on the market with a knit in, seamless targeted compression band to lift and support the belly. The support band wraps low around the belly extending 60° around the body to be anchored by stabilizing X-shaped back support. The result is reduced pressure on the pelvic floor, decreased abdominal strain and less stress on the lower back.
I have both the black and the white and wear them ALL the time and notice a definite difference. Being in media, I am on my feet a lot and have events that require long days. I’ve worn the bellyband exposed over jeans or shorts like when I went to the Castle Hotel opening at Legoland, or under clothes as we spent two days as a family at Disneyland. I’ve worn it under dresses, like on the red carpet interviewing celebrities and having the needed extra support to make it through the day. I also own the pregnancy support leggings and they are amazing. I usually am always in them on flights as the compress and support as I make my way cross country in the air.
Keeping Organized & Clean
It seems the “stuff” I need to be continues to multiply and this is only with a toddler, I can’t imagine how it will increase adding a newborn in the mix. This is why the Itzy Ritzy Triple Threat Convertible Diaper Bag is ideal. It easily converts from a satchel to a messenger bag to a comfortable backpack, depending on the adventure of the day. There are tons of pockets — 13 in total. Nine internal and four external including two insulated bottle pockets. It can fit everything needed from my wallet and car keys, to change of clothes, drinks, snacks and more. And speaking of snacks, Itzy Ritzy has awesome snack bags and designs and I especially love the Itzy Ritzy Travel Happens Sealed Wet Bags. These bags have so many amazing uses. I find myself using them most as we spend time at the beach or pool. They are perfect for holding the dry change of clothes and then once out of the water placing all the wet swimsuits, rash guards and goggles. But I definitely used all the time during our potty training days too. They come is a bunch of fun styles and I always have one in my car, bag or nearby… an absolute must have in our daily routine.
Comfort for Baby
A couple items that I haven’t used yet but I’m looking forward to the mobility it will afford me while still keeping baby comfortable are the Boppy Luxe Feeding & Infant Support Pillow and Boppy Newborn Lounger. The Boppy Pillow not only lifts babies to a more ergonomic position for comfortable feedings, but also transitions to support them as they grow. Which is great when it comes to tummy time, playing, sitting or just discovering little fingers and toes. As a multitasker, and soon-to-be mom of two, I’ll need both hands free as much as possible so I love that the Boppy Newborn Lounger is the only baby support pillow uniquely designed with a recessed interior perfect for a baby’s bottom, which allows for them to rest, freeing up my hands. They have fun patterns, textures, and designs to choose from too.
SHOP THESE ITEMS
**We were gifted UPPAbaby MINU and MESA, BLANQI belly bands, Itzy Ritzy diaper bag and wet bags, a Boppy and the Boppy Newborn Lounger but the thoughts and opinions are our own**
