So, here are the items I have LOVED so far. Some were gifted and some we bought ourselves, but all are SO helpful and SO necessary.
WoombieAir | DayDreamer | Swaddles | Wrap | One Line a Day | Burp Cloths | Sophie | Boppy | Ubbi Diaper Pail
Why I LOVE each of these...
THE WOOMBIE:
This thing is a-flippin-mazing. If I could choose just one item I literally could not broach motherhood without, this would be it. We brought ours to the hospital and had ordered another for backup before our stay was over. I like the Woombie Air since it's ventilated and eases my mind on overheating. I tried the competitors when Jacob was first born and none worked like this. Plus, the fabric allows for a safe, easy swaddle that doesn't constrict baby's hips or arms to the point of developmental damage. The hype around this thing is no joke. It's ESSENTIAL!!
DAYDREAMER:
Ok, so I don't use this thing all day, every day. I use it for one very important thing...showering. I put this in my bathroom, strap her in, and I can get a solid 15 minute shower, at minimum. It's also great for carrying from floor to floor or room to room when I'm trying to get things done. She doesn't nap in it, like the product is suggested for, but she lounges like nobody's business in this thing.
ADEN+ANAIS SWADDLE BLANKETS:
Again, the hype is there for a reason. They're large, breathable and soft. They're perfect for laying down on the floor for tummy time or just a light blanket around the house. We use these more than any other blanket we own.
SOLLY BABY WRAP:
If you're going to wear baby, this is the way to do it. The fabric is amazing, the colors and patterns are great (I have the coral, but am dying for the stripes), and she is so cozy and secure when I'm wearing her in this! I like this wrap better than a ring sling because I know she's not going anywhere when I have this on. Her head is secure, she feels incredibly snug and she doesn't even move when I have to bend over to pick something up. If this is your 2nd+ baby, this thing is a necessity for getting anything done around the house. And who doesn't love feeling their baby so close all day long? It's literally the best thing in the world.
MOM'S ONE LINE A DAY:
With Jacob, I failed miserably at keeping up a baby book or scrapbooking. I was gifted this little book at my sprinkle and writing in it has been one of the best parts of my day since Sadie was born. I love that there's enough room to write a little about each of my babies, and it's easy to remember since I keep it bedside. Also, each page is a different day with 5 entries per day, so it's meant to be looked back on as a 5 year comparison. I know next year, as I write that day's memory, looking back at the year before will be just as special as commemorating the present. The gold foil lettering on the cover doesn't hurt either ;)
GERBER FLANNEL BURP CLOTHS:
My girl is a puker. All day, every day, I'm pretty much covered in spit up. It's an attractive look, really. So, burp cloths are a hot commodity in this household. These gerber flannel burp cloths are thick, absorb well and actually last all day, unlike most of the other burp cloths we have. Unfortunately, we only have four. I really need to go buy some more...
SOPHIE:
Because how cute is she?! She squeeks when you squeeze her and Sadie thinks she's fun to stare at. Soon, she'll be grabbing and then she'll be knawing. I can already see that this little toy is going to be a favorite.
THE BOPPY:
I had this one with Jacob and it still follows us through the house with Sadie. It makes nursing comfortable and is also great for propping her up in on the floor while I dry my hair or put away clothes. If you're nursing, there's no way of getting around it. You need this.
THE UBBI DIAPER PAIL:
With Jacob, we went for cheap. And then we had to get another one by the time he was a year, at which point we upped our game just a little. But, by the time he was ready to potty train, that thing was still pretty smelly and ready to be thrown out. This time, I did some research and decided to try the Ubbi (If i's good enough for Tori Spelling, it's good enough for me ;) ). Since it's steel, it doesn't absorb odors like plastic, which is obviously pro #1. It has an air sealing knob that keeps all the odors in, takes any kind of trash bag and has a clean, amazing design in a selection of gorgeous colors.
What are your favorite essentials for your newborn? Anything else I should try? And sound off in the comments if you've tried any of the above items!
