Today's post is for all those Mommies-to-be out there who are busy collecting all that baby gear, waiting for the arrival of your little one! We want to try and help by by sharing with you a list of our favorite MUST NEED baby items that we couldn't live without!
Before we begin, we want to recommend the Baby Bargains book which is a fantastic way to compare various baby products!
The boys - this time last year enjoying their very first trip to the pumpkin farm!
This list is different for everyone but hopefully this can serve as a starting point for you! We hope everyone who already has kids will also join in by sharing their favorite baby survival items!Before we begin, we want to recommend the Baby Bargains book which is a fantastic way to compare various baby products!
Kim's Survival List
Talk about EASY crib sheets! (Thanks Tricia!) - Clouds and Stars
Wubanub pacifiers - These were great for the first 6 weeks for Luke. He always wanted to suckle in between feedings and these have adorable little stuffed animals on them to stay in place while they sleep, etc.
Play Mat - We loved this play mat and so did Luke! He used this every day and will lay under this and play for ages! He usually played under this every morning while I had my breakfast, coffee, etc.
My favorite swaddling blanket: The Miracle Blanket
Baby carrier: Ergo Baby Carrier I liked this one because it can also be used as a backpack and side carrier AND it can hold up to 45lbs. Luke's almost 2 years olf and we still use this all the time while traveling and it has the great reviews for back support too. It has an infant insert for newborns, I didn't get this and start using it until Luke was about 4 months.
Books that got me through the first 6 months:
- The Happiest Baby on the Block
- The Secrets of The Baby Whisperer
- The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Le Leche League
- Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five by Penelope Leach
Jennie's Survival List
: SWADDLE! (can use the kind that is 
which makes it easier on you)- White Noise (you can put it on an ipod [or phone] and use a speaker so they can listen to it while out, in their car seat, or stroller. Drowns out outside noises etc.
Must Have Soothers!
- Paci, Swing
(the kind that plugs in saves batteries!! Cody lived in his the first few weeks!), bouncy seat with vibration, pack n play for portable place to sleep and I would get one with a changing table to save your back!
Tummy Time, Baby Massage class with Michelle Emmanuel at the CFEC!!!! AWESOME! You will learn SO much!
If Nursing You Can Find Private Places in Public: Babies r us has a room, Kenwood Mall by bathrooms has rooms with glider/ changing table/ sink, Sams has a family bathroom too.
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Other Must Have Baby Items:
- Paci Clip
- Sippy Cup Tether
(I used this for toys, cups, snack cups etc.)
- Dr Browns Bottles wide mouth
if nursing
- If nursing a good double pump
. Freeze your milk so you can get a break!
- Sleep Sacks
- Terry towels
for spit up, meal times and really everything!
- Clouds and stars zipper sheets
- Portable seat to keep in the car
(I am such a germy freak that I used this instead of high chairs.. and it helps because it has its own tray where you can put their food)
- Cart/ High Chair cover
(told you I was a germ freak!). You can attach toys to it to keep them busy at the store
- Video Monitor (this is soooo awesome! gives such piece of mind. the one I bought allows you to have up to 4 cameras attached to the one monitor!)
Diaper Bag:
- Keep stocked with diapers, wipes, antibacterial soap and wipes, change of clothes, paci, bib, burp cloth, snacks, a few toys, a little ER pack you can keep Tylenol, thermometer, nose sucker, diaper cream etc. Come Prepared!
Sleep:
- Babywise
(great book if you want to get your baby in a routine- does talk about CIO but you don’t have to do this part! We did not do CIO with Cody but this book allowed me to feel like I had a little control of my rather chaotic day with a newborn.).
- Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
- Dana Obelman (a gentle approach for setting up a plan to get your child to sleep and gives lots of practical advice!)
Nutrition:
- Super Baby Food
by Ruth Yaron
- The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood
by Dr Sears
Please join in by sharing with us YOUR favorite baby products when your kids were little!
