When I was pregnant I spent hours and hours searching "mommy blogs" and reading customer reviews to find out what I needed to buy and register for. Having a baby involves a lot of "stuff" and I didn't want to spend money a bunch of things I thought I needed just to find out they're total crap.
I wanted REAL opinions. I wanted to know what was working for REAL moms and not just what the manufacturers proclaim.
With that in mind, I thought I'd add my two cents.
This is a list of items that I've found indispensable during Calvin's first year of life.
These are things beyond diapers, wipes and wash clothes. The stuff you might not think about right away. These are our VERY favorite items that we cannot imagine life without and should definitely make their way on to all new mama's baby registry wish lists.
I'm going to do this particular post in 3 parts.
I wanted REAL opinions. I wanted to know what was working for REAL moms and not just what the manufacturers proclaim.
With that in mind, I thought I'd add my two cents.
This is a list of items that I've found indispensable during Calvin's first year of life.
These are things beyond diapers, wipes and wash clothes. The stuff you might not think about right away. These are our VERY favorite items that we cannot imagine life without and should definitely make their way on to all new mama's baby registry wish lists.
I'm going to do this particular post in 3 parts.
- Newborn
- Later months
- The whole year
With that, I present to you...
Part 1: Newborn Stuff
These are the items that made being brand new parents just a little easier for us.
It's a small list as your kiddo may outgrow these items in a month or two but don't let that deter you. A month or two seems like an eternity when you're sleep deprived.
Expect the next two lists to be larger.
These are the items that made being brand new parents just a little easier for us.
It's a small list as your kiddo may outgrow these items in a month or two but don't let that deter you. A month or two seems like an eternity when you're sleep deprived.
Expect the next two lists to be larger.
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| Calvin spent the better part of the first month of his life in his Rock N' Play. |
We used this instead of a bassinet until Calvin started sleeping in his own room. We have a small bedroom and this fit perfectly on my side of the bed so I had easy access for night time feedings. It keeps the baby in a reclined position to help with reflux and it's super light weight and folds flat for storage or travel.
The Bunny version was the only one available when Calvin was born but now there are several others out there. I do recommend however, that you spend a little extra and make sure to get the "deluxe" model. There's more padding for baby's head so they're less likely to develop a flat spot on their soft little noggin's.
Calvin loved this thing. I have countless pictures of him laying on it. You can hang different different toys from different heights, it has a baby-safe mirror and you don't have to worry about them rolling off it. When he got older he thought it was hilarious to kick the legs and have all the hanging stuff shake like crazy. It's not very expensive and it's great to use while traveling. We brought ours on a trip to Seattle and used it in the hotel room.
Brica Fold n Go Travel Bassinet
If you are going to travel with your baby you MUST get one of these. I wish the kiddo still fit in his. It's a tiny fold-up bassinet that weighs nothing and fits newborns to 3 months(ish). Just put it on the floor next to your bed. If the floor was hard, I'd just put it on top of a folded up blanket and he was good to go. Soooo much easier to travel with than a super heavy pack n play.
This came with us to Seattle when Calvin was a month old, and it fit in our check bag... did you get that? IN OUR CHECKED BAG! when we flew to California when he was 3 1/2 months.
Puj Tub:
Baby's are extremely slippery when they're wet and soapy. Having him in the sink was so much easier on our backs (and nerves). The Puj Tub is made out of a molded foam that's super light weight, takes up almost no room and easily hangs to dry.
Baby's are extremely slippery when they're wet and soapy. Having him in the sink was so much easier on our backs (and nerves). The Puj Tub is made out of a molded foam that's super light weight, takes up almost no room and easily hangs to dry.
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| Yep, he's in there. |
Baby K'Tan Carrier:
I wanted a wrap carrier without having to deal with 18 feet of fabric. This is 2 fabric circles and super quick and easy to get on. When we went to the store I would wear it in the car and pop him straight in from his car seat. It literally took 20 seconds. Plus, having less fabric made it cooler than a moby and Calvin always fell asleep in it.
I wanted a wrap carrier without having to deal with 18 feet of fabric. This is 2 fabric circles and super quick and easy to get on. When we went to the store I would wear it in the car and pop him straight in from his car seat. It literally took 20 seconds. Plus, having less fabric made it cooler than a moby and Calvin always fell asleep in it.
Gripe Water:
Baby's get colic. They start fussing and crying for NO reason at just about the same time every day and in some cases, all day, for weeks. Some get it worse than others. Gripe water is all natural and homeopathic for when those colicky moments strike. Just be sure to read the label, once opened this little bottle expires pretty quick. Totally worth it though.
Baby's get colic. They start fussing and crying for NO reason at just about the same time every day and in some cases, all day, for weeks. Some get it worse than others. Gripe water is all natural and homeopathic for when those colicky moments strike. Just be sure to read the label, once opened this little bottle expires pretty quick. Totally worth it though.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter:
I mentioned this earlier in my post about breastfeeding (here) but I feel it bears repeating... Moisturize those nipples! After every feeding, every pumping and every shower. It will help soooo much.
I mentioned this earlier in my post about breastfeeding (here) but I feel it bears repeating... Moisturize those nipples! After every feeding, every pumping and every shower. It will help soooo much.
What!? No breast feeding pillow?
Meh... I have this one. I like that it has a soft side and a firmer side and I did use it several times... but to be honest, I personally found it much more comfortable to just use a regular pillow.
However, some people totally love theirs, so it never hurts to register for one.
Meh... I have this one. I like that it has a soft side and a firmer side and I did use it several times... but to be honest, I personally found it much more comfortable to just use a regular pillow.
However, some people totally love theirs, so it never hurts to register for one.
Stay tuned for posts on the stuff for when your baby gets a smidge older and more mobile and my list of the ABSOLUTE must-haves for baby's first year.
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