Growing a human is no mean feat – and we should know, because here at The Tot, it’s pretty much all we talk about, day-in and day-out. So when one of our own is pregnant, we take their advice for new mamas and mamas-to-be very seriously. Right now, our co-founder Nasiba Adilova is expecting her second child – and when Nasiba talks, we listen. Here are her top ten pregnancy must-haves, from all-natural skincare to the best maternity jeans ever (yes, ever).

Stretch mark oil: Starting from second trimester it’s good to get your body prepared and ready for all the stretching, growing and adjusting it’s going to do! Personally, I swear by stretch mark oil. I used it twice a day, all through my first pregnancy and truthfully, I never got any stretch marks. I used Erbaviva’s Stretch Mark Oil twice a day morning and night. I also used the oil all over my body after showering – just apply to wet skin and then towel dry it off. You will feel amazing, trust me. I also love the stretch mark cream from Erbaviva – try both and see which works best for you. You’ll need to stock up as you’ll no doubt use them morning and night, like I did! I love this gift set from Erbaviva.

We don’t sell make up yet on The Tot, but I love the organic and natural brand RMS.

If you’re travelling, or you’re pregnant through summer, you’ll definitely need a natural bug spray. You want to keep bugs away, of course, but you also don’t want to put any toxic chemicals on your body. I love Erbaviva’s Buzz Bug Spray. Pack it in your travel bag and rest easy.

It might sound a little OTT, but regular toothpaste is full of toxic, yucky crap. During pregnancy, I think it’s always best to be safe than sorry, so I opt for natural toothpaste.

When it comes to maternity style, I am all about comfort – but of course, I do want to look good, too! At The Tot, we sell the best pregnancy leggings and tops by blanqi. They’re versatile, chic and honestly, the most comfortable pieces of clothing I’ve ever worn. I literally bought five pairs of the leggings and jeans, and that’s what I live in right now. I practically live in blanqi’s Belly Support Leggings. The Belly Support Tank is also great for lounging around in. If you’re after cool pregnancy denim, try DL 1961’s Emma Maternity Jean. They are super soft and comfortable but also really flattering.

 

There’s nothing an expectant mama needs more than her sleep, and right now I love sleeping in my Recliner Tee Dress. It’s made of bamboo jersey, so it’s super-soft and so comfortable. I’m also obsessed with Recliner’s Lounger Robe. It’ll be perfect for when I have my baby and spend long days on the couch nursing.

 

The more research I do about radiation, the more concern I have about the effects it has on my health and that of unborn children. Luckily, Belly Armor founder, Aileen Chen, felt the same and embarked on quite the journey to create a blanket you can drape over your belly while working on your computer or scrolling through your phone. Made with RadiaShield® Fabric, it provides a convenient and unobtrusive way to protect your child within against the risks of everyday radiation.

 

 

Image: Thank you to D Magazine