As you approach impending motherhood, what is more enjoyable then imagining playing with your little one. Nurturing him or her to develop those skills that will help them become the “strongest, smartest, and happiest” child is just part of your job. Right? My first thought was that I needed props. Of course, after a few weeks, I realized that my son only really needed me and whatever handy object he could see or reach for the first few months. However, I did find that there was one item that made my job so much easier. I loved the Boppy nursing pillow. It allowed him to lounge independently while I sang or read to him. As he got older, it also supported him as he gained the muscle tone to sit. We thought of it as his armchair.  Now that he is 19 months, he still chooses to sit on it for reading time. (Of course, that means I need a new one for our youngest as he flattened this one). The Boppy comes in a variety of cute prints. A slipcover has become absolutely necessary as he has spilled milk and juice repeatedly on it and allows for a quick cleanup. You can find the Boppy pillow at any large retailer that sells baby items.