There are so many different baby items out there that it can be completely and totally overwhelming for any mom when trying to decide what she actually needs for her new bundle of joy! In this post I’m going to break it down and let you know the items that I couldn’t have lived without with each of my children.
A Car Seat – Graco SnugRide SnugLock
When my first child was born I scoured different websites/stores for the perfect car seat. I looked at all the latest on trend (aka EXPENSIVE) models and after taking into consideration safety requirements, reviews, and cost, I settled on the very affordable Graco SnugRide SnugLock.
Not only is it stylish and comes in various color schemes, but it is also extremely practical. The single best feature – that I didn’t even realize was important until I saw other moms with different car seats – is the single button in the center that allows you to move the handle. As a mom, anything you can do with ONE HAND is a WIN!!!
Stroller Base for Car Seat – Graco Snugrider Carrier
Every baby needs a stroller. But considering that every baby already has a car seat, why would you even think of moving them from a car seat to a stroller and then back again – HELLO YOU COULD WAKE THEM UP!!!! No mama needs that!
Oh what was that? Your fancy travel system stroller has a feature that allows the carseat to snap in? TRUE! But if you’re not using the stroller seat portion of it why on earth are you lugging it around with you? Don’t you already have enough stuff to lug around with you.
Get yourself a stroller base that is compatible with your car seat and you can just pop it in and go. This is the one I used it’s so lightweight, folds up really small, is perfect for travel (hello 2 for 1 – stroller and carseat gate checked free on the airline). And there is a simple strap in the middle that you just pull up on and the whole thing folds up in a second. Once again, you only need one hand to open and close this!! WIN AGAIN!!!
Baby Swing – Mamaroo
I know I know – you’re sitting there saying that much money on a swing? Really? Is it worth it? Well the answer is a resounding – YESSSS!!!!! Now don’t get me wrong there are other models that lovely as well. I used a swing similar to this Fisher Price Snuggapuppy Swing with my first son and he loved it – he practically lived in it! However, for my second I sprung for the Mamaroo and never looked back. It’s sleek design took up much less space and it has stood the test of time. My son used it until he was almost 1 year old (I know crazy) and now my daughter is 6 months old and it’s still going strong. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product. It is worth it!
Crib – Graco Hadley 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Baby needs a crib. This crib is adorable, affordable, and the added storage for the extra sheets you’re going to need is a bonus. Some parents go with a co-sleeper or a bassinet in their bedroom in the beginning, and yes they have their positive points. Yes, it is easier to feed baby in the middle of the night when they are right next to you. However, from my own experience, your future self will thank you for establishing a separate room and a routine for baby from the beginning.
Crib Mobile – Soothe n’ Grove Baby Mobile
Piggybacking off the last item in my list, you should invest in a good crib mobile. Bedtime for babies is all about routine and cues. My mom told me that with my first but I didn’t listen and I regret it. My second and third child I listened to my mom and boy am I grateful. They both went to bed no problem at all and slept through the night. The key, the crib mobile. Turn it on when you lay them in their crib, after a few days they will make the association – laying in the crib and hearing music equals time to sleep.
Diaper Rash Cream – Sudocrem
Anywhere there is a diaper there is the potential for diaper rash. It’s just reality! There are a ton of diaper rash creams on the market and I’ve used them all. I was always partial to Desitin but my husband introduced me to Sudocrem and it changed my world. It is the most amazing rash cream I’ve ever seen. I love it (and heck I’ve even used it on myself)! Try it! You will not regret it!
Diapers – Luvs
You will need diapers. Two important things to note:
- Do not buy newborn size. They will grow out of them within days. Just go with Size 1.
- Don’t think you have to get Pampers or Huggies. I started using Luvs with my third child. They are half the price and just as good. She is 6 months old and I’ve never had a leak. I even switched my 2 year old son to them. They work.
Wipes – Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Wipes
Okay. Let’s be real. Wipes are wipes. Buy whatever kind you like just make sure you have a lot of them. I stand by Huggies wipes – in my opinion they clean better than Pampers. The Pampers wipes are smoother and glide across the mess while Huggies seem to actually clean it. Also, ordering the big box of them is key because you will forever be running out of wipes for the next several years so buying in bulk cuts down on the frustration.
Diaper Pail – Ubbi
Lots of dirty diapers need a place to go. You can’t throw them in your regular garbage unless you plan on emptying the garbage immediately. You need a diaper pail. This particular one is a bit more expensive than other well known models like the Diaper Genie but it doesn’t require special bags. That’s the biggest plus. You will save money in the long run. Also, check out how many cool colors and patterns it comes in.
Bottles – Dr. Brown’s Wide Neck
My first son was extremely colicky and suffered from acid reflux. This was the only bottle I could use for him that he wouldn’t spit the whole thing back up in a second. I didn’t even think twice about using them for my second and third. They are a little bit harder to clean because of the inserts but they are worth it.
Just Another Mom 