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When preparing for a baby, there’s always that question of what what you need and what things you can do without. Even with Piper as my fourth baby, I asked around to find out what were the best newborn items that were a must to be added to our list. It’s amazing what they’ve come up with in just a few years! I also included a few postpartum items that have been extremely helpful! Now that she’s nearly two months old, I’ve compiled a list of things that I’ve determined as your must have items for either mom or baby.
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Haaka
One of those too good to be true items! Since my days are very busy with running around kids and appointments and everything, there is little time to fit a pumping session in there too. My sister in law gave me her old Haaka and it’s been a lifesaver! My freezer supply is increasing quickly thanks to this simple product. I’m telling you, you need to try it if breastfeeding!
Becoming BabyWise
Back when I was pregnant with Scarlett a mom let me borrow her copy of this book and it was an absolute Godsend. It provides and awesome framework for what to do with babies! While I don’t always follow it exactly, having a general idea (and a reminder, in my case!) of best practices for a newborn is incredibly helpful. Having an idea of what to expect with Piper is really helpful especially since I need to plan her feedings around the other kids’ schedules. Every baby and parenting style is different so obviously do what feels best for you, this is just what works for us and our family!
Car seat/Nursing Cover
Anything that can pull double duty is a double win in my book! This car seat cover comes in many colors and pattens (solid or patterned) and is comfortable and lightweight.
Portable Sound Machine
Add this to the list of things that didn’t exist when I first started having babies, but is a game changer! Especially since Piper basically lives in the car for her siblings’ school runs, this helps her not get woken up by all the noise and sleep deeper. The charge lasts a really long time on this also which is a huge perk for a mom constantly on the go.
Ergo Baby Carrier
I’ve had this carrier for all my babies and it is the BEST. Easy to strap on or off, baby is nice and comfy on you and you have your hands free! This one can also be used in a back carry position which is fun for when they get a bit older. For the newborn stage you buy an insert so they’re in the correct position.
Solly Baby Wrap
If you are more comfortable with the fabric wrap type, I love the Solly wrap. The material is super soft and lightweight which makes is a great option for summer baby wearing! Baby can get super snuggly against you which is just the best feeling.
Portable Fan
Another this I didn’t know existed- these have been a lifesaver for warm days! The octopus legs allow it to stick on anything and oscillating fan head let’s you point it where baby needs it. Brilliant!
Postpartum Leggings
If you’ve followed me during my pregnancy you’ll recognize these! I actually wore them through most of my pregnancy and it gave my belly a nice hug. They were great for postpartum also for sucking it all in! I highly recommend, especially though the cooler months with the thicker fabric.
Belly Bandit
Speaking of sucking it all in, this belly compression band was a lifesaver! Our bodies are magical and performed an amazing miracle, but tools like this are helpful to help it go back to a normal (and less wiggly) shape.
Stanley Thermos
Dustin got me this water bottle last month and I’m in love! It’s easy to grab with arms full of a baby and many other things. It’s really important to drink a lot of water while breastfeeding so it’s helpful to have a lot nearby always!
Uppababy Mesa Car Seat
Having a car seat that was functional, lightweight, and easy to transfer was high on our list. The base is super easy to install if we need to switch vehicles for some reason, The Uppababy system as a whole (below) was an awesome option for what our family needed!
Uppababy Vista V2
This stroller system is on the pricier side but worth every penny! It pushes like a dream and folds/opens with little effort. I love to go on walks while the baby is little, so the bassinet attachment was so ideal. And the large basket underneath is positioned well so your things are shoved and easily accessible. I have the color tan/Declan.
Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad
Traditional changing pads are gross and you have to change the cover often, so this eliminates the hassle! You can easily wipe it down, the harder molded sides keeps baby from rolling off, and it’s much cuter to look at.
My Brest Friend
I had the boppy for previous babies so I wasn’t necessarily looking for a new style nursing pillow. I was gifted one and I’m so thankful I was because it has been a newborn gamechanger! It actually props the baby up high enough for proper feeding location and straps on so you can move around with it on. Do not miss out on this one!
Travel Wipes Case
I’ve never had a travel wipes case that works and I actually like until now! This one is easy to use and simple to open and close. It’s the little things…
Window Shade
These sun shades pop right onto the window and don’t leave any residue. They are easily adjustable and perfect for the bitty baby age where they can’t avoid the sun!
Car Mirror
On the subject of baby car things you need, this is one of them. It gives me peace of mind to be able to see Piper to know if she fell asleep or is crying because something is wrong (Scarlett had a headband over her eyes once and I didn’t have a mirror in that car so insert all the mom guilt).
I’ve tried them all, I swear. I’ve used receiving blankets and tried all the ways, but nothing works like these swaddles! My babies seem to find a way to break out of every swaddle but this one makes it more difficult.
Hip Support Brace
I used this a lot during pregnancy when it felt like my hips were coming apart (thanks, relaxin!). But postpartum I’ve needs it as well to help pull everything back in. It was also helpful to double up with the Belly Bandit to help cinch everything in when it all felt really loose.
ToteSaavy Diaper Bag Insert
Large totes are amazing for fitting lots of items in, but the downside is they are easily lost. Dustin, being the researcher he is, found this tote insert and it is incredible! It converts any tote into a functional and organized diaper bag. I can find anything I need without hesitation, holds an impressive amount of things, and it comes with a portable changing pad. I have mine inside my LV Neverfull MM tote for reference.
Aquaphor Lotion
This is one that blew my mind: Piper had a very active digestive system (read: she pooped a ton), so she had nasty diaper rashes early on. When I asked her pediatrician what her preferred diaper cream was, she actually recommended Aquaphor above all else. Her reasoning was that it creates a protective barrier so that when another poop comes, it doesn’t further irritate the bum. Try it, it works!
Windi Gas Reliever
I’ll admit, I was a super skeptic on this one. Piper was on the fussier side, so I ordered this is a panic late one night. I used it as soon as I receive it and the way I can describe it is “alarmingly productive.” if you have a gassier baby this might be a godsend for you!
Nursing Bra
While a bralette usually does the trick for me, this nursing bra is so good if I’m wanting a little more support with my outfit. The cup removal clips are seamless and the bra itself is surprisingly comfortable!
I hope that helps!
If this isn’t your first rodeo, what are your favorite newborn or postpartum items?
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See my favorite pregnancy items here. And one from deep in the archives with some items you can wear during and after pregnancy.
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