My son is now 15 months old, but I still wanted to share some must haves that worked for us when he was an infant. I can't really remember the exact timing we started using all of these items, so we are going to do Baby's First Year Must Haves broken up into different topics... today we have The Basic Essentials.
1. Aiden & Anais Swaddlers - We tried a few different swaddling blankets and these were the best. I did like another one we had that zipped up and swaddled his arms, but left his legs free like in a sleep sack. However, these came in handy for so many other things as well... a light blanket when it was a little chilly, to throw over the infant carseat when it was sunny, and even today he loves to snuggle with them when he sleeps.
2. Sleep Sacks - These were a must for us in the beginning since he didn't want to be swaddled for long. I loved these Aiden & Anais ones because they were the perfect weight during summer (he was born in May), but we also had a few others that came in handy. Cotton ones were good for fall & spring and the fleece ones were perfect for winter.
3. Dr Brown's Bottles - My son had slight reflux and he would guzzle causing gas. These were the only bottles we found that would help him slow down and not spit up as much. They also have a wide mouth version that is supposed to be closer to the breast.
4. Rocker/Bounce Chair - My son hated the bumbo with a passion and wasn't a fan of being propped up to sit. However, he loved this and so did I! It was a life saver for me when he had reflux and was a little collicy due to it... I was able to sit him in this to get some chores done.
5. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether - Like most babies, he also loved this. I highly recommend this teether, it's soft, durable, and will even help entertain them a little with the squeaking!
6. Swing - We originally had the 4Moms mamaroo, but he despised it. Would scream when put in it, but he loved the Fisher Price snuggle bunny swing.
7. MAM Pacifiers - These pacifiers are super soft and have a great shape to them. He hated the ones with the flat side to them.
8. Taggie - Some kiddos aren't a fan of these, but my son loved his taggies. They helped sooth him when he was cranky because of the different textures. Bonus, their size... easy to bring with you! It wasn't until a few months ago that he gave them up for his A&A muslim swaddle blankets.
9. Receiving Blankets - These were my go to for burp rags. I tried actual burp clothes and even the white rectangle cloth diapers, but these worked so much better for us. Especially since we would sometimes go through two or three a day. They're big, soft, and cheap.
10. Activity Mat - This was another must have. Great for entertaining them for a little while, helping them focus, and encouraging them to grasp and lift their heads during tummy time.
11. Pack and Play - Most of you know that pack and plays are great for travel, but we actually used one a ton for the first few months when diaper changes were every hour (at least it seemed). We left it set up downstairs with some diapers, wipes, and cream. I was able to lay him in the bassinet part if I had to do something real quick and not worry. It was especially great those first two weeks when I was healing from my c-section.
12. Sound Machine - I know that studies are now suggesting not to use these, but if you don't put them right by the crib and don't turn them on high they are fine. We still use this at night and during naps. It's perfect to help drown out our noise and the dog's barking.
13. Portable Sound Machine - This was great when on the go with him those first few months. It helped when we were out walking, in the car, visiting family, or shopping. I swear it gave him a sense of normalcy since it was routine at home.
14. Crib Soother - This was great as he got older and he loves it now. He'll hit the little star and watch the little animals move. If he wakes in the night and is restless he'll turn it on as well and watch it to go back down.
15. Diaper Genie Elite - Helps keep the smelly diapers at bay and it holds quite a bit. I know some people complain that it's a waste of money for the bags, but we don't have to buy them too often and they aren't overly expensive.
16. Boppy Pillow - This is great for nursing mamas, but we also loved it for tummy time. He wasn't a huge fan of tummy time at first, but he would lay on this and it helped him build his neck muscles to start enjoying it laying flat.
17. ERGObaby with Infant Insert - The ergo was a godsend... no joke! I used this so many times... for taking the pup out for a walk, shopping, doing chores, you name it. If you plan on using this for a newborn make sure you get the infant insert to help support their hips and prevent hip dysplasia. The great thing was that my husband could use it too!
18. Baby K'tan Breeze - This was my go to during the summer when he was a newborn because it was light, easy to use, and he was able to curl up close to my chest. Perfect for the mamas on the go and in my opinion easier than wraps.
19. Portable Changing Pad - A given... laying newborns down on the changing tables in public places is gross. I also used this for the car changes too!
20. Baby Blankets - Can never have too many snuggly blankets when they are little. Aside from keeping them cozy, lay them down anywhere and they turn to play mats, changing tables, etc.
21. Silicone Teether - My son loves this teether! Its soft and massages his gums!
22. Stroller - We have the conventional 4 wheeled stroller that comes with an infant car seat that matches it. However, it was a pain in the butt to use. We did our research and wanted one that was light weight, easy to put up and down, and wasn't expensive. The Britax B-Agile was perfect and we don't have any regrets about getting this one.
23. Covertible Car Seat - I would have bought this one to begin with if I was thinking before buying the infant seat. This works in both directions, easy to install, and it is secure and comfortable for him.
24. Infant Toothbrush & Gum Massager - Perfect for when your babe is cutting teeth to help massage them and sooth their pain, but also good to help get them used to brushing their teeth. We used this without toothpaste of any sort and he loved it. He actually still likes to chew on them when he is teething.
25. Nosefrida - Forget those gross nose bulbs you get in the hospital that hardly work and impossible to clean. The nosefrida is amazing. It may seem gross, but I swear you won't get snot in your mouth. One there is a filter and two you would have to suck incredibly hard to get it go that far. It's easy to use and super effective.
26. Changing Pad Liners - With a boy or even a girl, these are a must to help prevent the multiple changing of the changing pad cover.
27. Waterproof Crib Pads - Another must. We continue to struggle to find diapers that prevent my son from leaking at night and these have saved us from ruining his crib pad and mattress.
Aside from all of these there are some things that you may not think of that were essential... I will list them below:
- saline nose spray/drops
- infant tylenol
- diaper rash cream
- a&d
- vaseline
- anal thermometer
- gas drops
- gripe water
Anything else you would add?
Until next time... xx
