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Life with a newborn is wild and I am not sure anyone could fully prepare me. After a few weeks though I have slowly got into a routine and started feeling human again (thanks to additional sleep). From feeding, to diaper options, to all the things on the market just to put the baby in – there are SO many newborn items out there. Every parent is different and every baby is different too, so what works for your baby may not work for someone else’s. I loved reading about products other moms loved and I hope this post is useful for others as well 🙂
I am sure I will add to this list as our little one is only 9 weeks old, and changing by the minute. These items are “out of the gate” products that have helped with nursing, feeding, changing and all the in between.
Feeding
First let’s all agree that FED IS BEST. Not everyone can or decides to breastfeed and that is OK. Everyone’s journey is different and there is no shame in that. Motherhood is a lot and you need to give yourself grace in every aspect of it. I am currently breastfeeding, and these are my nursing/feeding products that I have loved.
Spectra Pump – I have no other experience with other pumps but I love this one. I got the S1 so I don’t always need it plugged in and I love that I can walk around with it or pump wherever – the battery lasts awhile. It is easy to use (and I was pretty intimated to learn)!
Pumping Bra – At first I didn’t think this was necessary but after many midnight pumping sessions during the peak of my exhaustion I ordered it and love it! I wish I had this right when the baby was born. Hands-free pumping is the way to go.
Milk storage bags – Another item I should have had on deck. You most likely will be pumping a lot in the beginning to get your supply up and freezing all that milk will come in handy in the future.
Haakaa – I am not the only person who will recommend this to you. It is an awesome way to save milk and build up an extra milk supply that could have gone to waste. I wasn’t a believer until I tried it.
Wabi Baby Sterilizer – This was a bigger purchase from our registry I wasn’t sure how much use we would get but we use it daily. We sanitize bottles, pumping things, pacifiers etc.
Sleep
When the baby sleeps well, YOU sleep well so I consider these essential items (ha).
A sleep course has been great for creating a day schedule (which in turn, produces great sleep at night) for the baby. I would highly recommend enrolling in some sort of course like this as a first time mom. Use it as a guide and what is best for your baby – it was helpful to feel like we were slowly getting in a groove.
Design Dua Bassinet – Seeing as we now use this every night, I thought I would add this. I love the Design Dua bassinets because they are beautiful, and can easily be used for stuffed animals etc. in your nursery after the baby outgrows it. I bought one of their bundles (a stand, liner and sheet) as well. My stand is not in stock but they do have other options (I purchased one that rocks, but had a stopper as well and I am glad I did).
Swaddles
A very overwhelming item to register for because there are so many – what will your baby like? I registered for a few, and so far have liked all the ones we’ve tried! Because Elias was so small, we actually had to wait to use most of them, but someone gave us these infant pod swaddles and they were so easy just need to zip it up (and fit him when he was tiny). His hands could wiggle a little out at the top but at least his arms stayed in.
The Ollie Swaddle is amazing, and we recently started using the SwaddleMe swaddles, and they have been great. Due to all of the swaddles we use being dirty one day, we also took out the Love to Dream swaddle (and he napped pretty well in that and is a great option if you want to keep their hands out of a typical swaddle). Currently we use SwaddleMe for naps and Ollie for bedtime as our go to’s.
Hatch Sound Machine – This sound machine you can use from your phone and also turn it on and off with one touch. We use it every night and for all his naps. On occasion depending where he is napping we use our travel sound machine (and bring it along on walks or car rides for when he is sleeping).
Diapering & baby care
Keekaroo – This is amazing for diaper changes because it is SO easy to clean. You can easily place it on top of a dresser (no need for a brand new changing table). I can’t imagine having to wash a sheet between diaper changes – this is a game changer.
Earth Mama Diaper Balm – This was given to me by my sister in law and we loveee it! helps the diaper not stick and has cleared up a rash. The smell is pleasant and I like that it has natural ingredients.
Oogie Bear & Boogie Wipes – Is it gross to say this is the most satisfying tool? Because it is haha. Baby’s noses are so tiny so the Oogie Bear is perfect to keep his nostrils clear. The boogie wipes have unbelievable reviews and after using them I get the hype! We use them for his face and they are a way better alternative to a normal tissue.
Diaper Genie – I think I remember someone saying this is not a necessity but I have to disagree. You change newborn diapers so often I would not want a bunch of diapers in an open trash can. The diaper genie locks in the smell and makes throwing out diapers extremely easy. It is worth it to have in your nursery and obviously we use this multiple times a day.
Travel/Home Gear
When I say travel gear, currently I mean walks and small trips for coffee to go (but I can’t wait for when this means jetting off to Europe).
Nuna Pipa Car Seat – The Nuna Pipa Car Seat is light and easy to use. So far we have had no problems with it and Elias always fall asleep in it in the car or on walks.
Baby carriers – Some type of baby carrier is necessary for your baby (in my opinion)! Although some infants I am sure don’t love or settle down in them. I have the Wildbird sling that I love, but there are so many out there. The K’tan is an excellent option if you are overwhelmed with learning how to tie a a wrap carrier (like me). We also have the Baby Bjorn carrier but haven’t used it yet since there is a weight minimum and again, our baby was small.
Infant Loungers – We have heard amazing things about the Doc a Tot and Snuggle Me (I have been so close to purchasing this) but ultimately decided to just get the Boppy Infant Lounger. He sleeps pretty well on his normal bassinet, so the Boppy is perfect for just hanging out on the couch with us. I like that he is propped up so he can see around him too, as opposed to laying down. Either way, it is nice to have something to lay the baby in when you are all hanging out.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer – Once Elias was a little older, this was used often for porch or living room hangouts. I LOVE that it folds flat and you can store under a coffee table or out of sight.
Stroller
Mockingbird Stroller – The hardest decision of them all. Why are some strollers $300 and include everything and the coveted Vista is $900 and you still need to buy the car seat and accessories?! Of course it comes down to how they were made, quality etc. but choosing a stroller took some thought. We were close to purchasing the Vista Minu (I still think this is a GREAT travel stroller) but ultimately went with the Mockingbird. WE LOVE IT! It has the same look that I loved with the Uppa Vista but it is more affordable.
Items we love that were extra:
The Carriage – We used in the beginning for him to sleep/nap in as well since he was smaller, and we love that it comes with a sun shield for our Florida walks.
Mosquito net – For our patio hangs, and because Florida bugs are brutal.
Parent Organizer – To hold my coffee, phone and keys.
Car seat adapter – We had to purchase this for our Nuna Pipa carseat and it is super easy to use.
They have a few amazing cold weather accessories for the stroller as well, but we aren’t in need of those 🙂
A few others newborn items…
Pacifiers – Pacifiers are a hit or miss in this house but they have been useful for naps or fussy car rides. We love the BIBS pacifiers as well as this pacifier clip (can also be a teether)!
Development Gift Set – I love this set as he starts to engage more with us and for stimulation.
Amazon Subscribe & Save – We have our diapers (Mama Bear), Babyganics wipes, diaper genie refills, Boogie Wipes, and baby shampoo all on Amazon subscribe and save. You set how frequently you would like each item to arrive and using this program you get at least 5% off (up to 15% when you order 5 or more items) and this way you won’t forget to purchase your baby essentials.
What are your go-to newborn items that you love? Let me know!
Love always,
Katherine
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