This list has been a long-time coming and I’m so excited to finally share part one of my newborn essentials list! To start out, I thought I’d hit a few of the bigger categories where I felt like the items I bought really made a big difference. I personally own and swear by every single one of these products as they got me through the newborn baby months when I was still trying to figure it all out.
Carriers:
I cannot recommend babywearing enough and I probably wore Dylan for 4-8 hours a day during those early months. Dylan didn’t like to be put down and wearing him was the only way he would stop fussing for longer than 30 minutes while I could get some work done.
- Baby K’Tan My absolute favorite carrier for when the baby is less than 6 months is the Baby K’Tan as it’s super quick to slip on and easy to put the baby in without worrying about lots of fabric like you would with a traditional wrap. I purchased mine in an XS and it fit my frame perfectly.
- Beco Gemini If you’re more into soft-structured carriers, then I love the Beco Gemini. I also purchased this carrier when Dylan was only a couple weeks old as Adrian didn’t like the idea of wraps but could easily strap this carrier on himself and help soothe Dylan (it’s also handy for when baby gets too big for the wrap). The best part is that this carrier can be used from newborn to toddler with no additional inserts or add-ons required. It’s also great on a more petite frame as the straps are highly adjustable and the carrier itself isn’t too big or bulky. The Beco also released the Soleil carrier after I bought my Gemini and while I don’t own it, it actually has many features that I sometimes wish my Gemini had — a pocket for storage as well as a top flap cover which comes in handy when nursing or the baby is sleeping. I personally think of it as kind of a mix between the best of a Beco Gemini and an Ergobaby! Definitely look into the Soleil too if you’re in the market for a soft-structured carrier!
Sleep is oh-so-elusive during those first few months but when you have a baby that’s happily sleeping away, it’s the best feeling in the world. A few of these items are my absolute favorites as I know I would have been an absolute zombie otherwise!
- Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets When I first bought these blankets I didn’t understand the hype but after having owned the for 2+ years, I cannot recommend them enough (we now own 8 of these blankets)! They really do get softer with each wash and we still use ours to this day as a light blanket whenever Dylan goes to bed. These blankets are can be used as swaddle blankets, nursing covers, burp cloths, stroller cover, crib sheet, you name it! They’re breathable, super versatile, and come in such fun prints (the Vintage Circus print is my personal fave)!
- Miracle Blanket These were a lifesaver for those first 3 months when Dylan somehow always managed to sneak an arm out of every swaddle we ever put him in. This one was super easy to use and was actually the only one that Dylan from startling himself. I was looking at this “arms up” swaddle blanket though and may consider getting it for baby #2 to try!
- Arm’s Reach Mini Cosleeper I had Dylan sleeping in our room next to my bed for the first 3 months. Barely even having to sit up out of bed, I was able to easily reach him whenever he cried thanks to this co-sleeper. I also would recommend this plush sheet to go with it as the original sheet is a bit scratchy.
- Naturepedic Organic Mattress I was pretty paranoid about mattresses as many of them contain fire-retardant chemicals that can be harmful for a young baby. This one met all my health requirements while still staying reasonably within budget.
- Waterproof Liner Dylan had quite a few times where he would leak out of his diaper and having this extra layer of protection against his mattress meant for easier cleanups. It was as easy as throwing this liner in the wash!
- Monte Grano Glider This is hands-down the item that I have spent the most time in and it’s my most favorite nursery item ever. Not only is the glider sleek and beautiful, but it’s incredibly comfortable and both Adrian and I have fallen asleep in it while putting Dylan to sleep. I use it with this grey pouf instead of the ottoman that it comes with and it’s perfect for those wanting a more modern rocking chair/glider option for their nursery.
- Sound Machine I found that Dylan slept better and longer when there was music playing in the background. I love that this machine has white noise options, Mozart, as well as the ability for you to plug in your own mp3s. It’s also portable which is perfect for those long car rides too!
- CDs: Mozart for Mothers-To-Be, Happiest Baby on the Block These were Dylan’s two favorite CDs and both Adrian and I had them loaded on our phones so that we could play them for Dylan in a meltdown emergency. The Mozart for Mothers-To-Be would help calm Dylan down for naps and bedtime while the Happiest Baby on the Block cd (just the first “vigorous” track actually) would almost always get his attention and stop his crying if he was fussy.
- Noggin’ Nest I noticed after the first month or so that Dylan was getting a slight bald spot on the back of his head where he would sleep. I started using this Noggin’ Nest during naps and bedtime and it really made a huge difference in helping prevent any flat head issues as well as fixing up his bald spot.
- Crib Bumper There were times when I would let Dylan lay in the co-sleeper while I got ready in the mornings and he absolutely loved looking at this crib bumper. The high-contrast black, white, and red images really held his attention and helped his eyes focus!
P.S. In case you missed it:
- HTC One M8 Harmon Kardon – A review of my first Android phone experience!
Sarah C says
Great list! While I don't have those specific brands, I did like everything you mentioned, I love our Bob and when we had two the double bob is a beast but so great to have around! What double stroller are you thinking about?
Prudence Yeo says
I am not a mother yet but this list is a great guideline on what to expect for me! Thanks for the tips!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Candice says
I'm so thankful for this post as it's very helpful to me since I'm a first time mom. We recently bought a Chicco Keyfit 30 as the hubby read that it was one of the top rated carseat's in 2014. I've added most of the items to my registry. Can't wait for your Part 2 and Part 3 post as my baby shower is coming up.
Kileen says
Hi Sarah! For the double stroller I'm thinking the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller (http://bit.ly/1sILNCn) but would love your recommendations as well!
Sarah C says
I think that's a great stroller. We used a sit and stand stroller very similar to that, and my son called it his chariot, he loved standing in the back. We had that and the double bob. The sit and stand one worked out great, it's light to go to the mall etc, and could fit the car seat in it. I'm not sure if that one does or not.
Kileen says
Yes car seat attachment included. Thanks so much for your help! Not sure if we're gonna get a double jogging stroller yet… 🙂
Tula Baby Carriers says
Great guide!! Parents will really find this helpful …thanks for sharing!