While I am thick in the throes of newbornism, I
thought I would put together a compilation of things we have used on repeat
during Hadley's first month.
I'm not including the obvious things like diapers,
wipes, car seat, and whatever sleeping arrangements you will use (crib,
bassinet, co-sleeping).
Summer Infant Monitor- We registered for this Summer Infant Monitor because
it came with two cameras. We thought it would be nice to have one that we
could mount on the wall above her crib in the nursery and then have one that we
could set up in different areas of the house. We also like to do game nights
with family and friends so we wanted to be able to easily take one with us. Then,
ultimately, we'll leave one over at my in-law's house when her Nana starts
watching her during the day as I will be going back to work (cue the waterworks
for having to leave my baby!).
Angelcare Movement & Sound Monitor-
You
probably could make this your only monitor system if you really wanted to as it
monitors movement- even when they are still and swaddled, it picks up their
breathing movements- and sound. We just took extra comfort in being able to see
her in her crib as well, so we have both of these monitoring systems. Tommy
jokes that we need a generator just for her gadgets!
Solly Baby Wrap-For the first few weeks I
didn't use it, as who can resist cuddling with a newborn all day long?! But,
unfortunately, real life happens and you need to get things done around the
house! This is perfect for a hands-free way of still carrying her around with
me. She loves being wrapped up tight against me in it, like being swaddled...
or back in my belly. This leads me to the next item...
SwaddleMe swaddles- Real talk; we
messed up big time on her first night home from the hospital. I got it in my
head that because she liked having her hands by her mouth that I would keep
them out of the swaddle so she could do that throughout the night. Big mistake.
Huge. I don't think we slept a full hour that night! On top of that, she was
having gas (see Mylicon). These were a middle-of-the-night lifesaver after
that. So much easier than trying to figure out a regular blanket swaddle at 2
a.m., and then again at 4 a.m.... and 6 a.m...you get the idea. The only thing
I am already seeing about these is they seem to be losing their grip where the Velcro
pieces attach to the garment so these SwaddleMe Pods might be a better option
to try!
Long-Sleeve Kimono Tops-These little
shirts have also been a saving grace the first month. We snagged two of these
type of shirts from the hospital- but, not nearly enough. #newbornlife. We
liked these shirts over any similar style onesies or gowns the first few weeks
because, no pants. With the number of diapers you are changing...and let's be
honest, really learning how to change, this makes it a little easier on
ya! Plus, the built in hand covers were a must because our ninja baby could
pull those stinkers off within minutes (she would kick out of her socks in that
amount of time as well).
BabyBum Brush- Okay, saying this is a
must have may be a stretch. Saying it's a must have if you want any chance of
daddy applying butt cream may be more accurate! ;) Seriously though, one less thing
to get on your fingers during a diaper change? Winning.
Butt Paste- Rash happens. Even while
we were Johnny-On-The-Spot with changing diapers and patting her bum dry EVERY
TIME, she still got diaper rash! Apply using Bum Brush. Apply often. I found
that this stuff cleared it up in a few days. Definitely get the big tub with
the flip top!
My Little Lamb: Cradle 'n Swing-A
swing is a great way to get a fussy baby to calm down... or to sleep quickly.
This one will allow you to rock them from front to back or twist it to rock
them from side to side. It also has nursery melodies or nature sounds, and a
turning mobile. However, it is really a large, stay-in-one-place kind of swing.
We also have the 4moms rockaRoo which has been nice to
move from room to room and even take with us on occasion.
Mylicon Gas Relief-Flashback to that
first night home from the hospital and Tommy was running out to CVS at 3 a.m.
to get this! We double-checked that this was fine to give <month old with
our pediatrician and he gave us the go, but check with yours if you're not sure
about giving any kind of medication to your baby.
Dreft Laundry Detergent- You're going
to be doing laundry a lot when the baby comes, if you haven't already
started... This is the go-to detergent for infants but Tide and other companies
now have hypoallergenic options available now that would probably work just the
same.
Crane Drop Humidifier- We live in
Florida so we have a dehumidifier running a lot- but always at night. We've
gotten used to it as a sound machine now too, so we have this cool mist
humidifier running all night in the nursery. Overall, we just liked the
space-aged, streamline design of this one, and that it is large enough to run
all night on full blast.
Next,
I put together some things that have been great to have as the mama!
Boppy Pillow- Probably one of the most
obvious newborn must haves these days. I put it under mama must haves because,
at this stage, it's saving mama's arms and back while feeding. There are so
many fun covers for, and versions of, the Boppy to match to the nursery or your
home decor!
Medela Tender Care Lanolin- This is
the lanolin the hospital gave me, and I really liked it. I received Lansinoh lanolin as a gift at my baby
shower, it's a little thick for my comfort to use on a regular basis but I use
it before I get in the shower to really seal any cracks.
Medela App- This app is great for all mamas regardless of how you are feeding
your baby! It tracks breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding times/ounces,
as well as diaper changes, sleep time, weight, and height.
Yeti Rambler- As a new mama it's super
important to make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Whether you are
breastfeeding or not, and whether you had a C-section or vaginal delivery, the
fact that you are up during the night and exerting so much energy into lifting,
dancing with, and overall just caring for your babe, can dehydrate you. This
Yeti rambler is amazing and keeps your water cold all day. Like, really
cold.
Nursing Bras-A must have if you are
breastfeeding. I just ordered mine off of Amazon and didn't really splurge for
anything fancy. Not really sure if that was a good decision or not yet- might
not know what I'm missing!
LUGBUG-
We got this as a gift, I think it will be a wrist saver- just make sure you
have it on super tight before trying to tote your babe.
Nursing Pads- Again, you will
definitely want these if you are nursing. Not only will it save you from
leaking through your shirt(s), but they kind of feel better on the nips than
the cloth of your bra.
Milk Snob- I like this car seat cover
to keep out well-meaning, but still germy, strangers from touching your sweet
babe. It also doubles as a nursing cover. Score!
Primally Pure Lip Balm- Back to the whole
dehydration thing... you're going to want lip balm and this stuff smells great
and goes on so smooth.
What have been your must haves, Mama?
