Normally I’m not much of a “stuff” person. You’re much more likely to find me dropping off items at Goodwill than shopping for them, and my toddler’s never-ending collection of trinkets will one day land me in the mental institution.
But when you have a newborn, a few products are essentials. And now that I’m onto my second child, I know exactly what baby stuff is necessary to keep me from pulling my hair out. So in case you’re a soon-to-be parent or just shopping for one, here are the items I absolutely can’t live without.
*Photos link to Amazon. Because Amazon is awesome opossum. But I’m not paid by anyone to recommend these products.
A swing. Front-to-back, side-to-side, with music, various speeds and a mobile. It keeps Charlie happy while I shower, do the dishes and prep dinner.
A diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag. I have this one in another color and I love all the pockets, the shoulder strap, the nylon fabric that wipes clean, and the changing pad. Plus it’s big enough to carry all the toddler snacks and toys necessary for happy outings.
The “Brest Friend” nursing pillow. I call it my BFF, and it’s just that—I can nurse easily while sitting, standing, walking, and even typing (not that I’m doing that right now…*whistles*).
The Moby Wrap. Super comfy and easy for when wee ones don’t have great neck control. This handy piece of fabric allows me to get chores done with minimal baby fussing.
The Miracle Blanket, or as we call it, “the straitjacket.” A bust-proof swaddling blanket for even the trickiest Houdini baby.
A fully automatic Medela breastpump. Because a nursing mom needs time off, and there’s no easier way to get it. Hand dad a bottle, grab your purse and head out for dinner with the girls.
An easily portable rocking/vibrating chair. I can tote it from the bathroom to the laundry room to the kitchen to have a convenient place to keep baby happy and in sight.
Glamourmom nursing tanks. Incredibly comfortable and great for layering so you don’t always have to wear an easy-access top. Keeps my belly tucked in and undercover because nobody wants to see my post-partum flab. Seriously. I don’t even want to look at that.
An Ergo baby carrier. Unlike its competitors the Ergo is super easy on your back, simple to put on and adjust, and painless to get baby in and out of. An infant insert is available to keep wee ones warm and cozy. Great for long walks and trips to the grocery store.
A co-sleeper. This handy bassinet hooks onto the side of my bed so baby sleeps safely but is still close by for nighttime wakings.
And finally, a Bebe au Lait nursing cover, because I ain’t one for flashing my boobies all over town. This brand is my favorite because they’re bigger (and therefore less prone to accidental peep shows) than others and come in pretty patterns.
Oh, and I can’t forget an awesome husband who doubles as a great dad. But sorry, ladies. He’s already been scooped up.
Now tell me—what are your must-have baby items?
-RDG
A baby!! Lol
A lovey!! Just a simple little stuffed animal that they can sleep with (once they are old enough to do so safely!). It means instant comfort when you lay them down in their crib. Rabbits are very popular at out house. We have Mr. Bunny, Happy Bunny (who looks like swiss cheese at this point) and Blanket Bunny.
As a nanny I loved the hallway jumper! Couldn’t get the babe out of it. Big hit!
And yes! Lovies. Gotta have em.
I second the previous comment of a lovie! The bunny has been my daughter’s best friend since she was an infant.
For Seattle-ites, I feel I must include Birth and Beyond (http://www.birthandbeyond.com/) as a “must have”, even though it is a store and not a single item. They have all the necessary stuff, and the kindest, most helpful staffpeople ever. Some favorites I discovered there are:
- Rear Schmear(http://www.birthandbeyond.com/rearschmear.html). Seriously prevents diaper rash. Awesome.
- Birth & Beyond Burp Cloths (http://www.birthandbeyond.com/buclbybiandb.html). They’re large, inexpensive and super soft. We now use them for solid food cleanups now that the little one is older.
- Havlu towel (http://www.birthandbeyond.com/havlutowel.html). Large, soft and hooded! Also dries quickly due to the bamboo content.
Amazon.com in general is also a “must have”. Their Amazon Mom program (www.amazon.com/mom) is great because you can set up recurring orders and you get 30% off of all diapers and wipes. PLUS they deliver them to your door. FOR FREE! Another couple of favorites:
- The Snotsucker (http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305057502&sr=8-1). Gross, but so necessary.
- Phil & Ted’s Me Too chair (http://www.amazon.com/Baby-High-Chairs-Booster-Seats/dp/B003FI3OV6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1305058031&sr=8-2). Awesome, because it’s light and folds up easily so you can take it to restaurants, friends’ houses and you can use it at home in lieu of a high chair.
Wow, great list Brooke! I had no idea about the Amazon program. Consider me signed up
Thanks!
I think we share several similar ideas when it comes to must-have baby items. I posted my own and wanted to share with you and your readers.
http://middleclasskeith.blogspot.com/2011/08/10-must-have-baby-items.html
Great post, Keith. I forgot to put a camera on mine! Duh. It’s a must-have.