WHY ARE THERE 27 CHOICES FOR ALL 1,346 things that a baby evidently needs. Seriously they are so small. How can this be? I have done this twice now, and while that doesn’t mean I know it all- I have learned A LOT. You really do not need much… and sometimes more “stuff’ is just more overwhelming. Really, they just need YOU! Here is the list of things I really did/do love for my own babies. Congrats mama!!! The best is yet to come!
Burp Cloth – Anything muslin is good. You just don’t want something narrow or small. Wide is better. Honestly, these cloth diapers make GREAT burp cloths too if the look doesn’t bother you!
Pacifiers – Every baby is different and will have their preference, but both of my boys were breastfed and would only take MAM bottles and pacifiers. Orthodontics friendly and nursing friendly nipple. They also have glow in the dark ones to find easily at night!
Bottles– These are the same nipple as the pacifier. They don’t have small or hard to clean pieces. Anti-colic and have been great! My suggestion is do not use above a newborn or size one nipple even as they get older to control the flow of how much milk is coming out of the bottle. Too fast equals gassy upset tummy.
Sterilizer – I would say yes, you need one of these for sure. Boiling all the parts to bottles and pump pieces every time is a lot… especially if you are pumping daily. Extra parts! You just fill this thing up, add water, and turn it on. I know everything is clean and sterilized and don’t have to spend time doing it. I was with soap and water before sterilizing (no matter what method of sterilizing you choose!) and ta-da… easy clean and ready to go.
Bouncer – YOU NEED THIS. It is inexpensive and like top three items for me. I carry it all over my house. It has an incline to help with possible gas and reflux. Has a vibration setting they love. They buckle in and stay safe. Take supervised naps here. It is so versatile!!!
Crib Mattress – I used this 2-in-1 transition mattress with an infant side and toddler side, but now the Newton has been developed and I’ve heard great things!
Crib Sheets – These Burts Bees sheets have been my favorite. So soft. Washed hundreds of times and hold up great. Haven’t had to replace one!
Crib Mattress Protector – You need two! One to put on while the other is in the wash.
Pack and Play– Leave it up at home, baby sleep in it in mom & dad’s room, on vacation, to grandma’s house… you name it for safe sleep and play.
Magic Merlin Sleep Suit – At about 12 weeks we had our boys in here (we had big babies so they were ready according to weight), and it helped tremendously!!
Swaddle – Anything muslin is great and breathable. We also used these– SUPER stretchy and very big by CopperPearl. They used swaddle blankets well until they were 2+ at naps.
Sound Machine– MUST have for me. We have three Hatch Sound Machines in our house… all controlled from the same app. It’s amazing.
Portable Sound Machine – This one gets used all the time!! In the car, stroller, on a walk… you name it. Holds charge for a while too.
Baby Monitor– We opted for something that wasn’t wifi driven for added layer of privacy. We have three cameras connected to this one monitor screen.
Diaper Pail– We had the Ubbi that everyone raved about at one point, and it always STUNK. This one was good for us.
Bath Time – All natural and super gentle on baby skin. I have very sensitive skinned boys and this was the best. At about one year I transitioned to use grapeseed oil after bath.
Baby Lotion– Also the Earth Mama brand like the baby soap. SO good.
Hooded Towels– Have used these washed multiple times a week for almost four years.
Zipper Onesies – Target Cloud Island, Old Navy, and Kyte Baby (more of a splurge) are my favs. I prefer footed when they are little. Socks do not stay on.
Newborn Hats – So soft and stay on! Many of them don’t. Honestly… the hospital bay hats are so good too!!
Highchair – Has a very high weight rating and was most sturdy to me with two big dogs that run around… the thought of something that would be knocked over easily freaked me out. Also easy to clean and take a part to wash. Like that the top tray doesn’t have deep compartments. Easy to wash! They also sell the seat insert separately if you want another color.
Clippers and Nail Scissors – I used scissors when they were little. Sounds scary but actually gives way more control. We still use this set today years later.
Infant Sleeper – We tried the Halo and the Chico bassinet… neither worked well for us. Post c-section bending over wasn’t great. This isn’t the prettiest thing, but kept the boys safe and next to me for the first 4 months. We did have a Dock-a-tot and a Snuggle Me Lounger, but these are not firm enough to be rated for safe nighttime sleep. I wouldn’t say these are essentials.
Haakaa – Nursing moms you need this!! SO helpful in catching milk from the opposite side. SAVE IT ALL. This one is good too and can sit in your bra.
Nursing Pads- These are super soft and washable. I went through like 5 sets a day in the early days.
Nipple Cream– This is the best one! I tried them all!
Nursings Bras– These I have had for years. They are good! I would say size up for postpartum.
Humidifier – Especially for winter babies! Humidity helps with their breathing and skin.
Infant Carseat Insert – Keeps its’ shape and washes easily. Good neck support.
Breastmilk Storage – I lay the bag flat to freeze then stand them up in here! The Lanosil bags were the most durable. Most other brands I tried would rip or leak when thawed.