Okay you obviously need a car seat, diapers, burp cloths, clothes, etc… But these are not so common items, that I can not live with out!!
White Noise Machine – in the beginning we used the CD Happiest Baby on the Block, track 4 on repeat! But since then we have gotten the Cloud B giraffe and lamb they are cute and functional! My kids have always been great sleepers and I attribute that to white noise. Fussy baby in the car? Bring the white noise maker with you or turn on a static station…works like a charm!!
Wrap/Sling or other carrier – I love a good wrap for the first 4-5mos. It is so secure, baby gets that ‘in the womb’ feel, and goes right to sleep every time. It’s also a lot easier on the back than a sling (in my opinion). There is a learning curve for a wrap, if you can find a local baby wearing group, and have some one help you that is ideal, but there are also YouTube videos and some come with their own instruction DVDs. I won’t like I also like having baby attached to me when we are out b/c it limits the number of people who ask to hold her and the number of germs she comes in contact with. My first wrap was a Moby, but for baby number 4 we are in Hawaii, and the Moby Wrap is hot! So I researched and got a Bali Breeze GyspyMama Wrapsody and love it. It’s not as stretchy, but so much cooler!
After the 4-5mos timeframe I prefer a soft carrier like an Ergo. I’ve used the Ergo the most, but there are other similar wraps. Just research them, try them on (ideally) and see what you like best. It’s best to avoid carriers like the Bjorn (aka crotch danglers) not only are they not good for the babies hip development, they are also hard on momma’s back! Carriers like Ergo are also more versatile; they allow for back and typically hip carry also.
Muslim Swaddle Wraps – This is something that was new to me with baby #4. But being in Hawaii the Muslim Swaddle Wraps were ideal b/c they are so light weight! The are larger and make swaddling so much easier – those darn receiving blankets never stay put when you swaddle with them!
Boppy and Covers (even if you are not breastfeeding) – Boppy is even great before baby comes…I use it for a pillow…LOVE IT! It is also great for propping baby at different stages. Covers are important because it is not easily washed. You will want at least 2 covers.
Wabbanubs – Okay, Okay. Some people are anti-pacifier, but as a mom to 4, I can say taking the pacifier was much easier than getting my thumb sucker to give up his thumb!! Wabbanubs are not really a necessity, but they are super cute! They also are handy, it helps the pacifier stay in place, it makes it much easier to find in the middle of the night. It says for only up to 6mos, but my kids have had them until 2yrs (at which point I took them away). Just keep an eye on them, make sure they have not chewed through the nipple or anything. But you do what you feel is best for you child! There are lots of cute animals to choose from though!
Honorable Mentions:
Babylegs – Babylegs make diaper changes easier, while still keeping baby’s legs warms. You don’t have to pull the pants/tights off each diaper change, they protect baby’s legs when they start crawling too! They also help keep socks on! (Those teeny tiny socks slip off so easily!) They have prints for boys and girls, or neutral gender.
Cute Diaper Covers – So if you don’t cloth diaper, this probably doesn’t appeal to you, but one of the benefits of cloth diapering is having cute prints. Especially for me, now that I have my first girl!
Essential Oils – more on that next week, it deserves a post all it’s own.
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