I do not purport to be an expert on things baby-related. By any means. I am a new mother, and all I know is what worked well for me, and what was a waste of my money. When I was pregnant and putting together my registry I found myself wishing I could find a reliable source (i.e. not the store) to tell me what I really needed. I'll be compiling monthly lists of products that we used, and loved. These were my essential items for Month One.
1. Avent Reusable Nursing Pads 2. 3 Sprouts Hooded Towel 3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bib 4. So Young Charlie Diaper Bag 5. Kushies washcloths 6. Aden + Anais Bamboo Swaddler 7. Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm 8. Medela Swing Breast Pump 9. Bright Starts Bouncer 10. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags 11. Earth Mom and Baby Bumboo Diaper 12. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle 13. Prince Lionheart Wipe Warmer
So why are these things considered essentials? Allow me to explain.
1. These nursing pads are super soft and stay put. You WILL leak as your body calibrates how much milk your baby will need. These are a must. They come with a nice laundering bag as well and you can totally toss them in the dryer.
2. This organic hooded towel is my usual go-to shower gift. It's soft and super-cute, and the hood is great for keeping baby's wet head warm.
3. This bib is great and highly absorbent. It will help you avoid the dreaded "cheesy neck."
4. I did not have this diaper bag to start out with, but you have to watch the video attached on why it is so amazing. A full, detailed post on my diaper bag is to come!
5. Washcloths are great for use as baby wipes. These are thick and soft. You can make your own wipe solution, or you can simply use warm water. Commercial wipes are actually not recommended for newborn skin, so these are a great alternative, especially when used in combination with the wipe warmer.
6. Swaddling is essential in my opinion. These are incredibly soft, large and stretchy- not to mention adorable! I wear them as scarves, also.
7. This diaper balm is all natural and safe for use on cloth diapers. I rarely use diaper balm (only at night and I would if she ever got a rash, but she hasn't yet) so this tiny jar has already lasted four months and is going strong.
8. You will need a pump if you plan to breastfeed and ever be apart from your baby. It's a good idea to have a bit stored in the freezer for emergencies. Also, engorgement is no fun, and pumping will help to alleviate that pain. I'd recommend buying used if you're comfortable with that. You can buy all new parts and just reuse the motor for about 1/4 of the cost. Medela doesn't recommend that on their website...for obvious reasons. Buy, buy, buy people!
9. This was the cheapest bouncer on the shelf, and the least garish. That's why I bought it. Turns out it's pure awesome. She loves sitting in it, napping in it, watching us eat dinner in it...yeah, she's in it a lot. It's nice and soft and the cover is easy to toss in the washer for quick cleaning.
10. I love these milk storage bags. They're heavy-duty, easy to pour and have a double lock on them. That being said, always thaw breastmilk bags in a bowl just in case they leak. Whomever said "Don't cry over spilled milk" never pumped 25 mins for an ounce of breastmilk and then spilled it!
11. I love, nay, ADORE these diapers. They're soft, super absorbent and fit my mini-skinny newborn like a glove. I pair them with a Bummis Super Whisper Wrap and she is good to go for the entire night. No leaks ever, no harsh chemicals and no diapers to throw away into a landfill. They'll stay soft after several washings if you just toss them in the dryer for 10 mins to fluff them after drying.
12. These bottles are great. I recommend starting to use bottles intermittently once breastfeeding is effectively established. You will want to leave your baby at some point to go out...you may not believe me yet, but it's true!
13. I love this wipe warmer for several reasons. It's made to be used with reusable wipes, it's anti-microbial and it has a nightlight on it, which is a godsend for night time feeds.
If you have any questions about any of these products feel free to post a comment below.
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