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The world of babies is overwhelming, especially when it comes to must-have baby items. Although it seems like you need to have everything off your registry put together, washed, and ready, there are very few items that a baby actually requires during their first few months of life. All they need is a safe place to sleep, diapers, a baby car seat, basic clothing, and milk. However, there are things that you as the parent may need to help make taking care of a newborn easier.
RELATED: Baby Registry Checklist – Essentials for Baby (1st Three Months)
To get you started, here’s a list of baby essentials based on my experience with my now three-month-old daughter.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding, whether you’ve done it before or starting fresh, these are things that were useful to me to help make my breastfeeding experience go smoothly.
Mother Love Nipple Balm – In the beginning, I’d say the first few weeks, breastfeeding is tough on your nipples. They are sore and they get chapped. The Mother Love Nipple Balm was the best I’ve used. It healed my nipples quickly and made breaking into breastfeeding a lot less painful. Plus, I like that I didn’t have to wipe it off prior to each feeding.
Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pad – The last time I breastfed, I used disposable nursing pads. This time around I’m being more environmentally friendly and using reusable ones. The Lansinoh pads are amazing. I like that they’re thin, but that doesn’t stop them from soaking up milk leakage. I am amazed at how dry it keeps me. I need more.
Motherhood Wrap Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bra – When your breasts are engorged and you’re constantly whipping them out to nurse your baby, you’re going to want something that’s lightweight and comfortable. I absolutely LOVE this bra. Out of all of the ones I have, the three Motherhood Wrap Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bras I own are in heavy rotation. For me, since I’m home, they’re perfect for all-day wear.
Bathing & Grooming
From previous experience with my oldest daughter, I’ve developed the belief that scented products shouldn’t be used on babies due to their sensitive skin. My oldest daughter’s skin would react to everything when she was a baby, so this time around I didn’t take any chances. I chose unscented baby washes and ointments for bathing and grooming. I also considered the pH of the baby was I use. The ideal pH for baby wash is 5.5. Too high of a pH can cause the baby’s skin to become dry and irritated.
Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo – It leaves my baby’s hair and skin soft and moisturized. There’s no irritation and it’s tear-free. Sometimes splashing can lead to a speck of soap flying on the face so a truly tear-free formula is necessary.
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment – This is great for dry patches and even healing diaper rash. Just a small amount is needed to cover the entire baby’s body. A little bit definitely goes a long way.
Angelcare Baby Bath Support Seat – This compared to the bath I used 9 years ago is pretty awesome. It is great for giving baths. The soap and “dirty” water just wash off into the tub and away from the baby. Although, storage-wise, it doesn’t fold, which can be seen as an inconvenience if you’re looking to save space. However, I do love the fact that it has a hook that allows me to hang it on the back of my bathroom door.
Diapering
Pampers Pure Diapers and Wipes – With my oldest daughter I used the Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive diapers and Sensitive Wipes They were the only ones that didn’t cause a chemical burn and diaper rash. This time around, since the Swaddler Sensitive is no longer available, I opted for the Pampers Pure line. Both the diapers and wipes have been great. My baby hasn’t experienced any chemical burns from the diaper or sensitivities from the wipes. The diaper also holds well throughout the night, too.
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FridaBaby Windi – This is great if your baby is fussy due to gas. Although it can be messy, the Windi quickly relieves baby’s gas.
Safe Sleep
One of the most important things for babies is having a safe space to sleep. This can include things like swaddles, a bassinet, or crib.
Happiest Baby Sleepea Swaddle – Babies like to feel like they’re in the womb, which is why it is recommended to swaddle them. I suck at swaddling, which is why the Sleepea Swaddle works for me. The two-way zipper makes it easy to put on, as well as make evening diaper changes a breeze without waking the baby. If your baby is like mine and prefers to leave one or both arms out, the Sleepea allows you to do that, too. There’s mesh material at the legs and upper body to prevent the baby from overheating.
Halo Swivel Bassinet – A bassinet is a great choice for the first few months of a newborn’s life. It makes night feedings and diaper changes easier. It’s a great way to practice safe co-sleeping. Studies have shown that when babies sleep in the same room with their parents the risk of the baby succumbing to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) decreases.
Learning, Development & Play
Tiny Love 6-in-1 Here I Grow Play Yard – I keep this in my living room. It is great for the baby to enjoy sensory play while I’m changing her or having her do tummy time, which she doesn’t enjoy. The play yard is also great for quick naps. Read my review here.
4moms mamaRoo – This comes in handy when my arms need rest and need to keep my baby entertained. My daughter’s favorite part of the mamaRoo is the toy balls, especially the reflective mirror ball since she can see “another baby”. The crinkle and rattle balls are being used more and more now since she’s getting older and grasping onto things.
Newborn Congestion
Since not having a baby in the house for years, I was a bit freaked out when my newborn was congested. However, her pediatrician reassured me that it is normal for newborns to become congested and pretty easy to remedy. He suggested a drop of saline – I used breastmilk- in each nostril per day to keep thick mucus from building up, and if necessary, aspirate.
Breastmilk – I used breastmilk versus saline because breastmilk didn’t seem to “burn” as the saline did.
FridaBaby NoseFrida – I used this with my first daughter. It worked wonders when she was congested. Using the Nose Frida in combination with saline or breastmilk helps relieve the baby of congestion so she can breathe freely. Plus, there’s less stress on me because I know she’s breathing well.
Air Purifier – This is a must-have to help free the air of the things that can make the baby sick. This includes dust, mold, pollen, etc. Just make sure the filter is HEPA. The one we are using has a medical-grade H13 True HEPA filter.
Humidifier – A humidifier is good for congestion. My doctor suggested that when the baby is stuffy, either use a humidifier or sit in the bathroom with the shower running. We opted for a humidifier because it is more economical to use because we’re not wasting water.
Getting Around
Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Car Seat – This time around we opted for an all-in-one car seat versus an infant seat. Why? Economically, it made sense. We didn’t want to waste money on having to get two infant seats, and then spend money on another set of seats once she grew out of the infant one. The Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Car Seat is great because it will grow with her from birth until she’s about 100 lbs. It also works because if we travel, and need to take her out, I can just wear her or place her in the stroller.
RELATED: Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Maxi-Cosi Lila Modular Stroller System – If you read my review (read here) you’ll know how much I love this stroller! Especially the privacy screen.
