Tiny humans require a lot of stuff. In reality, they don’t really need all of that stuff, but some of it is really nice. As a first time mom, I know how hard it is to know what you really need and what you can wait on. Today I wanted to share my picks for those things I used all the time with my newborn. Keep in mind, a lot of these things aren’t huge or expensive but they made our lives so much easier.
We had a winter baby and having a winter baby includes a few extra challenges. The end of the list has a few winter specific items. Please note, this post does contain some affiliate links. These are my favorite products and I only get paid if you click on them. The companies do not pay me to promote these products.
Anyone that has a baby knows it is impossible to keep socks on a baby. It’s almost impossible to keep shoes on a baby too. In the winter you really need shoes on at least when you go places to keep those little toes warm. After some research I found these Zutano Booties. Let me tell you, I love them! Everyone compliments them and they stay on her feet. The only thing I wish is they had more gender neutral ones in the spring/summer line and more in 6 months plus.
The concept of the NoseFrida is gross. But, it works. There are days Calli is so stuffy and with the help of some saline we can get everything out of her nose. I have to say, there are many amazing options today for bugger removal. Leave those bulbs at the hospital!
Sleep Sacks
Having a preemie, we got lectured about keeping our precious baby warm. That means we were quite obsessive about it and our house isn’t always warm. Sleep sacks were our saviors. The best part is the versatility. Even ones that swaddle can be worn with arms in or out. The ones without the swaddling panels are the perfect blankets that a baby cannot get out of. Yes, they are pricy and for us I found the perfect number is 3 in each size. This is definitely an investment, but after Calli I have found they look barely used so I know they will hold up for as many kids as we will have. Also, they make fleece ones for the winter and soft, cotton ones for the spring and fall!
Gripe Water/Gas Drops/Colief/Probiotics
If your baby has tummy issues one of these products just might be a savior for your sanity. I know these aren’t one size fits all but don’t be afraid to try these. Honestly, I would suggest having them all on hand in the beginning. You will be desperate and the last thing you want to do it run to the store with a screaming baby or have your spouse leave with you with a screaming baby to go to to store. At least one of these is always in any baby shower gift I give.
Your baby will have diaper blowouts. You will have a blowout happen in public. That is when this bag will save your butt. These bags are big for families that cloth diaper. They let people use cloth diapers when they’re out and about and not have to carry around stinky diapers in a plastic bag. We do not cloth diaper but this bag has saved me many times and it will continue to save me for a long time.
These things are definitely a life saver. This goes along with the winter thing and trying to keep a baby warm. Hands are really hard to keep warm and these onesies are great. I actually wish they made them bigger because sometimes Calli still wakes up with cold hands. I wish I could use them just at night while she’s sleeping.
It is a pain to try and keep a blanket from blowing away in a blizzard. Sometimes when it’s really cold, just a blanket simply isn’t enough. I love this JJ Cole Bundle Me and the one over the car seat is safe to use as well. This thing was a lifesaver throughout the winter.
What were some of your favorite products for your newborn?
I’m using the Kiinde Twist pumping system for my son Fletcher. It’s been incredible, and I don’t have a million bottle parts per bottle to wash/sterilize. Also, it works out fantastic for daycare, because i can bring the frozen bags of breastmilk and whatever doesn’t get used can be brought home, because it’s frozen. But here (at least in Michigan), in order for (licensed) daycares to feed infants, all bottle have to be premixed (formula) or breastmilk already in bottles, and then they reheat. But with the Kiinde bags, its a bottle/storage bag in one.
http://www.kiinde.com
That’s great! I love products that make our lives easier. I hate dishes so this definitely makes less of those!