It’s nap time. My three month old is asleep and I see him snoozing away there on the baby monitor. I’ve got to pick up his big sister from preschool in about 30 minutes so let’s get down to business, shall we? 🙂
What I am sharing here is a very whittled down list. These are the baby must haves that we have used and used especially these last three months. It’s not an all-inclusive list, but just the top ten things that we have found super worthwhile. These top ten baby must haves will make your life with a newborn (and older baby) so. much. easier.
1. Miracle Swaddle Blanket
This little miracle blanket lives up to it’s name. It keeps baby comfy, swaddled and happy. They don’t bust out either! We called ours the baby straight jacket…in a very loving way, of course. It’s so simple to swaddle that I could do it in my sleep. Oh, wait I have. 🙂 Makes you look like a swaddling pro.
*Note: babies shouldn’t be swaddled once they start rolling over (around 14 weeks give or take). You can then transition to something like the Miracle Blanket Wearable Sack.
2. Bouncy Seat
Nothing fancy – just a simple design. It DOES have an automatic bounce option and some soothing sounds/music, but no swinging or anything. The perfect little place for baby to perch.
3. Boppy Pillow
There are so many nursing pillow options out there, but this is the one that I used with Alisa and Evan. Simple and straightforward. It was also very helpful when I was recovering from my c-section. Somehow, having that around my middle was comforting. I could hold on to it when I needed extra support (or when someone would make me laugh – bittersweet after a c-section!).
4. Nose Frida / Oogiebear
That’s right. A snot-sucker. Gross, but super effective at helping clear the nostrils, which baby can’t do on his/her own yet. Ya gotta get that stuff outta there! Works wonders. Also, the Oogiebear works better on the dried out stuff (okay, boogers) and the Nose Frida is more for the wet mucus-y stuff. Oh, the joys of parenthood.
5. Babywise
If I could recommend one single thing, this would absolutely be it. This is an “infant management” book that helps you establish good routines and schedules for your child and gives them (and you!) the gift of nighttime sleep. It also offers tons of other helpful suggestions and guidelines. Basically, it’s a how-to manual for babies. 😉
I used the Babywise “eat, wake, sleep” method with Alisa and she was sleeping through the night at ten weeks old. Evan is very, very close to sleeping through the night. He is still sleeping in our room and only wakes up one time and goes right back to sleep. Both children are able to go to sleep on their own and in their own beds. Can I get a whoop, whoop?!?!
Of course, every child is different, but this is absolutely worth the read. Also, I want to say that I am not an advocate for “cry it out” or a strict “sleep training schedule”, but this book/method has really helped me and given me the freedom as a mother to plan my day and know what to expect.
The book is based on Christian principles and is just super helpful. They also have other books in the series (Toddler-wise, Potty-wise, Preschool-wise, etc) and I recommend every single one of those as well. If you have any questions on Babywise, message me. Chronicles of a Babywise Mom and Journey of Parenthood are also great resources on this topic.
I have rambled on about this, but it is hands down one of the best things that I have done for my children, our family, and for myself as a mom.
6. TinyBeans
A very second close to Babywise is TinyBeans. One of THE BEST apps I have ever put on my phone. Keeps the gazillion pictures you’ll take of your new baby organized, dated, backed up, and you can share with only friends/family of your choosing. Full blog post on it here.
7. Motorola Portable Video Baby Monitor
The monitor is awesome not only because it has a big video screen, reaches a good distance, has a camera that can move around, can zoom in and out, but also has a built-in white noise machine.
8. LAND Diaper Bag
Love this (hands-free) backpack style diaper bag and love the under $30 price point even more!
9. Bathtub
My favorite thing about this lightweight bathtub? The hook it has that allows for easy storage. We hang it on the wall beside our towels. It’s the little things. 😉
10. Chicco BravoFor2 Double Stroller
This double stroller is phenomenal with two kids. It’s super versatile – the older child can sit or stand, the Chicco infant carrier is designed to fit in here, and when baby is older, there’s a seat option for him/her too.
Easy to maneuver, fairly light for a double stroller, folds easily, and under $300? Yes, please!
Those are my top ten baby items for newborns. Feel free to pin for later or share with a new mom or mom-to-be that you know. Off to pick up my biggest little one.
As always, thank you for being here and thanks for reading!
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