I have written a post about the perfect baby shower gifts, however, I have been wanting to write a post about the 15 Newborn Essentials Brooke used in the first month or so of life. As a new mom, I know how overwhelming it can be to determine what you really need. Here is a list of the things we couldn’t live without the first month!
We wrapped Brooke up in these during the day or just used them as a light blanket. We have used these everyday since she was born and she is almost 4 months now, so they are a good investment for sure.
Don’t stop, pass go and buy this ASAP! Once we started using our Ollie Swaddle at about 3 weeks, Brooke slept longer and longer (we only waited that long because Brooke was a preemie). It keeps her all cozy like in the womb and helps her not wake herself up. She loves her hands by her face, so she constantly wakes herself up if she doesn’t sleep in it.
3. Waterproof Changing Pad Liners
These things are amazing. They are from target and come in a pack of 3 for so cheap. We have two sets. We use them throughout the house and in Brooke’s diaper bag. I keep one permanently on Brooke’s changing pad so that if she has an accident, it gets on this pad instead of the nice one. And, we have one downstairs that we use on our couch for when we are hanging out downstairs and don’t want to walk upstairs. You can just throw them in the washing machine when they are dirty and reuse them!
4. Car seat
…because its a law. Getting a Nuna Pipa carseat was the one thing I was super picky about. I did a lot research on carseats and I knew I wanted this one. Let’s just say, I would pay double for this thing. It is super light, sleek and so easy to use. It is perfection.
5. Burp Cloths
We go through a million burp cloths in our house. Brooke is a spit up queen and these are a must in every room in the house because you never know when she is going to spit up. Witts End Design makes my favorite ones.
duh. lots.
7. Boppy
So, I used the boppy more for myself than for Brooke, but its comfy and great for when other people are holding her, especially little friends or cousins. It will ease your mind for sure. Buy one, I still use it to sit her in and I am sure I will for several more months.
8. Blanket
A good thicker blanket is necessary too. We have a lot, but this one from Nordstrom is my favorite. It is soft and perfect to lay on the floor for when Brooke does tummy time. The nurses in the NICU had us start tummy time immediately, so we have always used it for that. I am sure we will use it even more as the winter months come.
9. Playard
A lot of people told me, get a bassinet. You need a bassinet. However, I read an awesome blog that suggested using the top part of a playard for your baby to sleep in as a newborn instead of buying another gadget. It was the best advice ever, because then you have a changing table on top as well. It was perfect. I highly suggest this instead of a bassinet. It is so functional and cost effective.
10. Mamaroo
I love our Mamaroo so much. Brooke didn’t use her Mamaroo until around two months, because she was so little when we brought her home, but I pulled it out as soon as I thought she was big enough.
11. Baby Clothes and Socks
Brooke goes through about 2 outfits a day on average, because she spits up a lot and blowouts are going to happen every now and then. Onesies really are the easiest when they are this small. We had a few dresses for special events, but besides that, Brooke lived in onesies the first two months. She has more “outfits” now.
12. Headbands
Okay, so I know this doesn’t apply if you are having a boy, but I had to add it in (because, well, it is an essential in our house). I love headbands and Brooke has a ton. One of my favorite headbands right now is from Lauren Demarco Handmade.
Lauren DeMarco Handmade is a small fabric hairbow business, established in 2014. She turns 100% Kona cotton solids or designs from her own original paintings into bows. The colors in her line are inspired by nature, food, and culture. She hand-folds every bow into a classic and uniquely designed shape to lay flat on the your child’s head; her design is classic and simple with bold color as the leading variation. The quality of her bows is extremely evident when you see them, they are extremely well made and you can tell she puts care into each and every one. You can find her on Instagram @laurendemarcohandmade or on her website! Make sure to enter below to win a headband from her shop!
13. Baby Bathtub & Essentials
We hate our baby bathtub, so I am linking the one I wish we would have got. I still might breakdown and buy it, but Brooke has almost grown into the one we have. Buying a good non-slip one is important because babies are super slippery in the tub and can’t hold themselves up, so it can be difficult if the tub isn’t properly designed.
14. Pacifiers
We love our wubbanubs and Avent pacifiers. Brooke has taken one since she was born on occasion and they work great! Plus, seeing her hold her wubbanub is the cutest thing. They are bbfs.
15. Mom Essentials
I thought I wouldn’t need these things, I was so wrong. Buy a good pump, nursing bras, and reusable breast pads before your baby is born. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is go try on nursing bras when your milk comes in (been there done that, it was awful).
Bonus: Stroller! We didn’t use this until around month two, but I thought I would include it. Brooke loves her Nuna Pepp stroller and so do I. It is light and easy to fold up and down. She fits in it perfectly by herself but you can buy an adapter for the carseat too.
Don’t forget, because Lauren Demarco Handmade is so awesome, she is giving away the same headband Brooke is wearing in the picture above! Enter here:
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