Must Have Baby Items
We all look forward to online window shopping in order to build a registry with all the necessities, along with items that simply make you say “awww its so cute” . This can be a super overwhelming task - especially for first time parents - and I hope to simplify it a bit with this list of items I cannot imagine having gone without. Now, I tend to lean into a minimalist mindset when it comes to baby gear, you do not need as much as you’d think - but, I also see the great benefit in items that only serve a single purpose or that are only used for a short time because your sanity is worth it. A few of these suggestions come down to the specific brand itself for its quality compared to other brands for the same type of product. This list is by no means exhaustive but handful of items we love. Every mom has different version of this list, but here is mine - and I hope you find it helpful!
HAAKAA BREAST PUMP I suggest this in addition to an electric pump, but is an absolute life saver when it comes to the mess of breastfeeding in the early days and is so handy beyond that if you have a heavy let down. This tool is a quick and easy way to build your freezer stash and relieve engorgement (also handy if you are out and about and baby does not want to nurse but you need relief).
MUSLIN BURP CLOTHS Theses are the softest, most absorbent cloths you could ever ask for.
OOGIEBEAR Your baby is going to have a lot of boogers, and earwax too. This tool is simple and low stress for mom and baby because its a bit less invasive of a sensation compared to the Nose Frida tool (which I do also love) and it has the guard so that you wont insert too far - which is risk when using cotton swaps.
BABY WRAP I love this Tuck and Bundle brand wrap as its a momma owned company and designed to bee cool and comfortable which was is great because the postpartum heat flashes are intense and who wants to disturb a sleeping baby?
MUNCHKIN LATCH BOTTLE The search for a bottle that a breastfed baby will take on occasions is not for the faint of heart! Every baby is different but this seems to be a winner for many moms. When I finally got to this one my baby took to it so fast - and thats after so much screaming with others she refused. It has give like a breast does and actually extends when baby suckles, a flow that baby has to work for which is what a BF baby is used to, and has an anti-colic valve to reduce air intake.
WASHABLE BREAST PADS You will go through a lot of disposables should you choose them and that can be costly. You’re already going to be doing tons of baby laundry so this is a simple solution to saving money and limiting your plastic waste. These also breathe better than disposables.
VITAMIN D DROPS. These are really important, especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding. Breast milk lacks absolutely nothing your baby needs…except Vitamin D… and since we here in the PNW do not get as much sunshine as needed to properly absorb this valuable nutrient - it is important to supplement. Note - if you are formula feeding, that will already be fortified with Vitamin D.
BREAST FRIEND NURSING PILLOW This is one item that is ‘worth it’ to buy. It is a struggle to constantly be adjusting a pillow and an improper position can lead to frustration for mom and baby. This also hold its shape and hight over time, unlike other name brand nursing pillows.
SALT LAMP I discovered this gem by accident. I did not have a bedside lamp so I took this from another room in my house and its PERFECT for night time feedings. It has an adjustable brightness so you can have enough light to see, but keep the room dim enough that your baby is not overly stimulated. Believe me - you want to make night time as boring for them as possible to help baby create solid night time sleep routine
SNUGGLE ME ORGANIC For when momma needs to get a few things done! This lounger perfectly simulates being snug in your arms and its made of organic material which gives me so much peace of mind. Worth every penny. The infant lounger is designed to fit baby till at least 9 months of age.
LOVE TO DREAM SWADDLE Many babies turn out to be little escape artist and manage to break free from traditional swaddles. This allows them to have their hands by their face but still be snug as a bug - best of both worlds. This also unzips from the top AND bottom for easy diaper changes while they sleep.
BABY GOWN Speaking of diaper changes, gowns are the bees knees for the first few weeks since you change a diaper about every seven and a half minutes it seems. No hassling with zippers and buttons with these.
CAR SEAT COVER I love this milk snob brand stretchy cover because it does not interfere with the handle and can be used as a nursing cover as well.
PORTABLE NOISE MACHINE White noise is so valuable for creating strong sleep habits for babies. This is a portable unit that clips onto a carseat for successful naps on the go.
BAMBOO BATH TOWEL believe it or not - not all baby bath towels are created equal! We have several and this is the only one we like to use. it actually absorbs water which sounds like a no brainer but none of the others we own do the job well.
SCALP SCRUBBIES These do a fantastic job keeping cradle cap under control. Bonus - my little one loves to chew on these and is entertained by it in the bath.
BRAIDED PACIFIER CLIPS Silicone straps are all the rage right now but I have found they are too heavy and pull the pacifier right out of babies mouth, especially new borns who are still strengthening their suckle. I am telling you, these are the better option!
TEETHING BIB These are so convenient. Teething toys wont be dropped every other minute and they of course catches the drool before ya even know it there.
NEWTON MATRESS The safest baby mattress on the marker. Completely breathable and it can be sprayed with the hose to clean so no reason to fear blow outs or or throw up over the years.
SEEDLINGS WIPES These wipes from Young Living are the best of the best for your babies bum. They are larger and stronger than any other brand and smell heavenly as they are scented with pure essential oils. For a better deal on these items buy direct form YL.
FLEECE BOOTIES Socks constantly fall off and baby shoes are cute, but not practical and tough to keep on their feet! fleece booties with Velcro or snaps around the ankles stay on and keep little toes warm.
WINDI I defiantly thought this product was a joke until I used it. If baby is fussy due to gas or constipated this does the trick! I will advise, use over a chucks pad or blanket you are prepared to wash because it really gets things moving.
HIGH CONTRAST BOOKS Black and white pictures are incredibly interesting and stimulating for little ones. Starting an interest in and love of books early is great for growing minds.
CRINKLE PAPER This is such a simple toy and little hands (and mouths) love to play with this stuff and will entertain them for quite some time. This entertains my babe in the car seat for quite some time.