I've had a lot of people ask me what things have been the most useful for me with a newborn, whether it's been because they've been creating their own registry or wanting to purchase something of good use off of someone else's registry. I understand that my "essentials" are going to change month-to-month as Ty grows so I'll continue this every few months or so but the following 10 things have by far been the most helpful when caring for our little new baby.
1. Muslin Swaddle Blankets - I had originally registered for some of these but didn't receive any. Instead, I was gifted about 10 packs of flannel swaddle blankets so originally I thought that those would do the trick. By chance I ran across some Aden & Anais muslin swaddle blankets at TJ Maxx and picked them up. While flannel blankets are certainly useful, they don't develop the softness and flexibility that the muslin blankets have until many, many more washes. Also, the muslin blankets are much larger and truly do swaddle so much better. Not to mention, they're a lighter material for those warmer days.
2. MamaRoo - My MamaRoo is a God-send. It is one of the only things, aside from his carseat, that Ty will sleep in. I love that I can just plug into the wall (no batteries!) and it will sway at any speed to any movement I set it to. Ty prefers the fastest setting and the highest elevation since he likes to be able to see everything. I just haven't found any other swings/bouncers that have as many options for newborns.
3. Gas Drops - I wish I had stocked up and had these at the house already when we first brought Ty home. When Ty is gassy and simple burping isn't doing the trick, these cause his little belly almost instant relief. We have 3 bottles - one for his diaper bag, one for home, and the third in case we lose one of the first two. That's how essential these are.
4. Right Height Bath Tub - When I first registered for this tub, I was a little hesitant... the reviews are 50/50. But I, personally, love mine. The infant seat is cushioned and perfect so that Ty can never be too deep in the water and I love how it has the option to be raised so that this tired mommy doesn't have to strain her back.
5. Soothie Pacifier - Ty initially refused to take a pacifier. Everyone would always tell me how great that was... until he needed to be pacified. We have tried every pacifier out there and this is the only one Ty will take for extended periods of time.
6. Zip-up Onesies - Whoever invented buttoned footed onesies must have never changed a diaper at 3 a.m. The zip-up onesies are sooo much easier when you're changing diapers in the dark with one eye open. So much so that Brandon and I almost avoid putting Ty in any button-down onesies simply because it takes three times the amount of time to change him.
7. Tommee Tippee Bottles - While searching for bottles I was so overwhelmed. I knew I wanted to breastfeed but also knew that it was inevitable that Ty would eventually need to drink from a bottle if I ever had to leave him for longer than an hour or two... but I was so worried about causing nipple-confusion. These bottles are amazing. Not only did they not cause nipple-confusion but they also have a built in heat indicator so that Brandon and I can be sure that we're not giving Ty a bottle that is warmed too hot. Plus, they don't seem to cause any excess gassiness.
8. Timi & Leslie Diaper Bag - This diaper bag is awesome. Not only does it have a ton of room and plenty of side pockets for storage but it's also super cute and looks nothing like a diaper bag. I am constantly getting complimented on it.
9. Car Mirror - This was another item I wish we would have had before bringing Ty home. It took one too many times of me reaching back to check his breathing (crazy mom alert!) and stretching my neck at red lights to see how he was doing before we finally purchased one. It's so nice and gives so much peace of mind being able to see Ty in his carseat while I'm driving.
10. Wipe Warmer - I don't even think I registered for one of these but my wonderful sister-in-law purchased us one anyway. Now I don't know how I'd change a diaper without it. Let's just put it this way... Ty at home with the wipe warmer = no meltdown during diaper changes. Ty anywhere else with cold wipes = meltdown.
Honorable Mentions:
- Our Boppy: Great for breastfeeding and setting Ty up.
- Burp cloths: so necessary that I almost didn't mention them but we have, like, 100 and I swear we use every, single one of them.
- Puppy pads (or changing pad liners as they're actually called): Ty pees everywhere almost every time we change his diaper. VERY helpful on my laundry loads.
- Diapers: Duh, right? But make sure you find a diaper brand you like and then STOCK UP! Only once did we run out of diapers (they go quicker than you realize and you may think you have another box full in the closet when actually... you don't) and it was like sheer panic in this house. Now I keep a full inventory.
So there you have it! My list of must-have's for Ty's first two months! There have been many, many other things that have been very helpful as well but these items have made my day-to-day much easier!
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