Oh Baby Baby! Our Top Newborn Baby Items

What a crazy crazy past few weeks. Everyone is sharing their Day 5, Day 6 quarantine pictures and I am over here on week 8. I can count on one hand the number of times we have left the house with Kit since she was born and I myself have gone on only 5 or 6 outings without her. We are nailing this whole stay at home forever thing.

With everyone on lockdown and hospitals and doctor’s offices changing by the minute, I have had a couple conversations with pregnant friends lately. It is such a whirlwind navigating all of this I thought I would wrangle together all my top baby items that have saved us these past 8 weeks. Hopefully it helps to possibly give those gals a tiny sliver of comfort during a really difficult time. I by no means have all the answers (#firsttimemom) but I did do quite a bit of research while pregnant and have been pretty pleased with a lot of our purchases.

Everyday Items

1. SnuggleMe Organic – This is a baby lounger that is essentially a second set of hands. It’s very similar to the Doc-a-Tot which I’ve also heard people love. We set it on the bed while folding laundry, on the floor, on the couch, etc. It’s just handy to have somewhere comfy for her to lay if we need to be hands-free for a little bit. (We do not let her sleep in it unsupervised or overnight. We follow all the AAP guidelines for safe-sleep.) 
2. Nebraska Furniture Mart Rocker – This was a pricer purchase that we bought a couple days after we got home from the hospital. We didn’t have a rocker in our living room and quickly realized one would be handy. We bought the peacock color (it’s pretty bright but no regrets!!) It has the power recline, a USB charging port, and swivels – which works great in our open concept kitchen/living room area. Worth every penny! 
3. NailFrida Clippers – If you have been dreading cutting newborn nails we were right there with you. We had a normal pair that we were using and had an “incident” and quickly decided we were never going to cut her nails again and she would just have to learn to live like that. Enter the NailFrida – the way the blades are shaped makes it pretty impossible to catch their skin. We cut her nails after bathtime when they are soft or while she is taking a nap. 
4. Bathtub Support Seat – We had a couple bath tubs/seats given to us but they were both too big and bulky. My mom bought us this one after one disatrous bathtime and it’s a great option for tiny newborns. This one fits perfectly in our sink and the holes in the back make it so easy to rinse her off. 
5. DermaFrida Skinsoother – We love this FridaBaby product too. It’s so soft on her scalp and skin. Another great bathtime buy! 
6. MamaRoo – JR’s coworker sold us their used MamaRoo at a hefty discount and we are so glad Kit actually likes it – he said it was hit or miss with his kids if they liked it or not. It’s great as another “second set of hands” type product. I would definitely try and find a used one on FB Marketplace though since they are a bit pricey. 
7. Kiwi Co Panda Crate – I had a friend send us the “Bond With Me” box from Kiwi Co. and Kit has LOVED the little cards and toys inside. We set the tummy time mirror up in her crib and she talks and kicks by herself for quite a while. It’s tought to interact with newborns since their senses haven’t quite developed yet and this gives really great guidance and options to find ways to “play” at such a young age. 
8. Avent Pacifiers – I wouldn’t say I highly recommend these but these are the only pacifiers we have used. They are all one piece which is great so nothing breaks off in their mouth. And they are also super affordable and easy to find – win win! 

Nighttime & Sleep Routine

1. Taking Cara Babies Newborn Class – Out of all my recommendations this is my TOP TOP TOP pick! Cara’s class gave us such a great foundation for what to do and what to expect and a great outline for how to best format your day to day routine with a newborn. The class has great information and is really engaging. Our pediatrician recommended Babywise – which I have also heard great things about – but JR just is not a book guy. It not only helps with sleep but also feedings, naps, and an overal schedule. Highly recommend the class and also her Instagram @takingcarababies
2. Guava Lotus Bassinet and Travel Crib – This was our other splurge item and so far – no regrets. We pulled the trigger on Black Friday and JR was like a little kid at Christmas when it arrived. We did the conversion kit and the bassinet is what she slept in next to our bed the first 5 weeks. We travelled to Nebraska once and it was so easy to pack up and set up. I have high hopes for when she is ready for the pack-n-play option! 
3. Babyletto Hudson Crib – This is the crib we purchased for the nursery in the Washed Natural color. She transitioned to her crib at 5 weeks (some tears were shed – not Kit’s) and has been doing such a great job ever since. My mom has a similar Babyletto option at her house and she loves it as well. 
4. Rohm Sound Machine – This was a Taking Cara Babies recommendation that is a lifesaver. Honestly I would order two – one for at home and one for the diaper bag. She sleeps with this on during naps and at night and it seriously works like magic. Here is a little more info on babies and sound machines if you are interested. 
5. Halo Sleepsack – This was the sleepsack that was given to us through Kyleigh’s Gift Foundation. Taking Cara Babies has some other recommendations but this one worked so well we have been too scared to try anything else. When it comes to babies and sleep – don’t fix what ain’t broke! 🙂 

 

On the Go

1. Wildbird Ring Sling – I posted on my stories that we had tried quite a few different baby carriers and I was bound and determined to make this one work since it is so beautiful. I am happy to report that we have found our groove! This one definitely doesn’t have as much back support as some but is quick and easy and also looks great. Their instagram also has a lot of helpful resources on getting the right fit. 
2. Ergobaby Embrace – We haven’t used this one as much since we haven’t really been on any outings but after a lot of research I still feel confident this was a good pick. This one has a lot better back support for longer outings (ballgames, the zoo, etc.) and can be used up to 12 months. I liked that it had the look and feel of a wrap without all the…uhh…wrapping. If you are willing to splurge I have also heard fantastic reviews on this one (Meghan Markle even has it so it must be great 😛 ) 
3. Fawn Design Diaper Bag – I got this on major major clearance on Roolee and love love love it. I have the Navy leather color and it is so buttery soft and super functional. At full price they are pretty expensive so I would keep an eye out for sales. 
4. Walker Family Goods Diaper Bag – This was the first diaper bag I ordered and was a little surprised how small it was when it arrived. It would definitely be great for short quick outings though. I love that it unzips to be completely flat. 
5. Copper Pearl Car Seat Cover – This was a last minute buy – like the week she was born – and has been a lifesaver. It makes her car seat so cozy, blocks the wind on walks, keeps all the germs out and helps avoid people trying to get to close or touch her. It also doubles as a nursing cover and is super buttery soft too! 
6. Gathre Changing Mat – I got this on Black Friday as well and love this little mat. It folds so easily in the diaper bag and wipes down so well.
7. Baby Jogger Stroller – We were back and forth on a stroller and finally landed on the Baby Jogger City Select. It is a pricer stroller ($500+) that converts to a double but we thought it would be a good investment in the long run. We went to Buy Buy Baby to pull the trigger on Christmas Eve and found the Baby Jogger City Premier marked down on major clearance ($158). The second seat for the City Select is $178 so we figured why not go with the cheaper single version since the seat actually fits into the Select as well. Then, when we have our second baby we can just buy the City Select Stroller and use the Premier’s seat as the second seat. 

 

Breastfeeding Finds

1. Haakaa – BEST $12 I HAVE EVER SPENT. This thing is crazy handy if you plan on breastfeeding. You suction it on to the opposite breast you are feeding on and it catches your let down – the milk that would normally get absorbed straight into a nursing pad. I started using mine the 2nd week and was fully shocked at how much milk we had in the freezer so early on. LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. 
2. Aeroflow Breastpumps – This isn’t a product but its a great site to order your breastpump through. They run your insurance and then you can “shop” their site with the actual prices with your insurance factored in. 
3. Spectra Breast Pump – Every single lactation consultant I have talked to or read and article through say this is the best of the best for pumps. My insurance did not cover the cordless version (blue one) so double check if your’s does and definitely go for it if you can! 
4. Nursing Bras – I have tried almost every single nursing bra at Target and I think this one is my favorite. Honestly, I would go buy one of each and just try them all on. They have so many different fits and options and all women are different. This may be TMI…but I am a wear-a-bra-at-the-absolute-minimum so having to wear one 24/7 when nursing is pretty much the worst. Find what works best for you and role with it! 
5. kellymom.com – I cannot stress this enough but stay so far away from Google and the Facebook mom’s groups. Seriously…run! Breastfeeding is so tough and confusing and kinda weird at first and this site was the absolute only one my lactation consultant said was accurate and valid resource. This article was especially helpful after quite a few fussy evenings. Definitely reach out to your pediatrician office for lactation help and don’t be afraid to reach out to other breastfeeding mama’s you are close with for support (message me if you’d like!). My mom was so encouraging and kept telling me the first 6 weeks are tough but then it will be a breeze and she was soooo right! 🙂 If you are in KC, I highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Cauble at Priority Care Pediatrics and Kathleen at Libby’s Baby Station at Liberty Hospital.