When I was pregnant the first time and shopping for my first baby girl, I definitely got overwhelmed by all of the options out there when it came to baby supplies and gear. The first time around, I not only purchased several items that I didn’t use but I also bought items I didn’t like and therefore had to spend more time and money getting what actually worked. Basically what I am trying to say is I have done all of the trial and error for you now that I have made it through the newborn phase with two babies and wanted to share the newborn baby items we can’t live without. This is a list of items that I couldn’t have made it through one day without but it doesn’t include all the essentials, such as a crib or diapers. If you want to shop ALL of my newborn essentials, click HERE.
Shop the images with just a click, or keep reading below for an explanation of why I love each item!
SLEEP
COPPER PEARL SWADDLES | I love to do the old fashion jersey stretch swaddle blankets with my newborns. I am able to wrap them nice and tight as well as use the blankets throughout the day to keep baby warm. With Genevieve I have however had to switch to the Ollie World Swaddle because when she hit 12 weeks she was starting to wake herself up at night by getting her arms out. I like it a lot and definitely recommend it, especially if you are intimidated by the classic swaddle.
OWLET SMART SOCK | I know this is expensive but I truly don’t know if I could sleep though the night without it. The peace of mind it provides has no price tag.
HATCH SOUND MACHINE | I use this sound machine starting night one to promote good sleep. I use it on the static setting and nearly as loud as it will go so that it will not only imitate the womb but it will also drown out any outside noise that might wake baby up. I love this one in particular because I can change the settings on my phone and set different programs for babies and I’s needs. For example I have it on lullabies during out bedtime routine.
BABY MONITOR | We have had this monitor since Charlotte was born and simply just added a second camera. It is super nice because you can set it on “scan” mode allowing it to rotate between the two cameras. I love this setting when I am working out or in the shower so I can keep an eye on both girls.
SOLLY BABY WRAP | This wrap was a life saver from week 4 to about week 8. Genevieve starting fighting evening naps and this wrap was the only way I could her to take her evening nap. Now, I will say she did fight it sometimes at first but once I got her asleep, she would sleep for hours. I highly recommend getting this if you have a baby who fights naps and don’t worry it won’t make your babe a bad crib napper. I transitioned her from the wrap to her crib around 8 weeks and she did just fine.
TRAVEL
TRAVEL SOUND MACHINE | I had this exact machine with Charlotte and I swear by it. I use the “shush” mode to help Geneveie settle into her carseat as I put her in as well as to put her to sleep. I then switch it to the waves in order to create a consistent noise thus preventing outside noises from jolting her awake. I DO NOT go anywhere without this.
STROLLER | I like to use my babies nap schedules to my advantage so typically my babies are sleeping in their carseat when we are out of the house and in stores. I leave right at nap time, allowing the car ride and sound machine to put Genevieve to sleep and then I carefully transfer her to the stroller when we get to the store. This works because it is a smooth transition. This stroller is the best because it fits both girls and can fit three in the future.
MULTI-USE COVER | This is an absolutely must-have if you are nursing mom. It is so handy because it protects baby in the carseat but can be easily pulled off to cover mom and baby while nursing. I love it!
FEEDING
DRYING RACK | Whether you are nursing or bottle feeding this is an everyday essential. I use it daily to dry my breast pump parts and love that it isn’t an eye sore on my kitchen counter.
MUSLIN BURP RAGS | I am sure it is no surprise but I am super picky about burp rags and hated some of the “pretty one’s” I had with Charlotte. I decided to give these a try and I absolutely love them. They are large, but not bulky and super soft.
HAAKAA | These little things work like magic. Not only was I able to collect over 50 ounces of milk in just 3 weeks but these helped with my engorement tremendously. I was so much more comfortable this time around than I was nursing Charlotte because these provided me with so much relief. I used them every time I nursed up until about 8 weeks and have now started only using them in the evening before bed. I have the cheaper version but if I were to do it again I would definitely spend the extra money to get the suction cup on the bottom. I will link those HERE.
PROBIOTIC DROPS | I really wish I knew these existed when Charlotte was a baby because these have made a world of a difference for Genevieve’s built up gas. The drops took about 2 weeks to kick in after using them consistently and once they did Genevieve became a different baby. She was just so uncomfortable that she was fussing the entire night and these took it all away. I cannot recommend enough.
ELVIE BREAST PUMP | With this pump there is definitely a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it is so convenient. With this pump, I am no longer stuck to a wall, wasting precious time. I can make Charlotte breakfast, do the dishes, and put away laundry all while pumping. I definitely think these are worth it if you are busy mom on the go!
BATHING
ANGELCARE BABY BATH | This is the second bath we bought after having Charlotte because our first one sucked. I love this one because it holds baby upright, doesn’t allow her to slip around, and is easy to clean.
ALL OVER OINTMENT | This ointment is a clean ingredient, miracle baby acne eraser. This is the only lotion I will use on my babies faces.
SUPER SENSITIVE BODY WASH + SHAMPOO | I love this shampoo, body wash combo for so many reasons. It has clean ingredients, no fragrances, has a great EWG rating, and it has never once irritated either of my girl’s skin.
EARTH MAMA BODY LOTION | Once again, this lotion contains no fragrances and is very gentle on newborn skin.
MISC
BABY SWING | I LOVE this swing! Because it reclines to almost completely flat I felt a lot more comfortable with Genevieve sleeping in it when she was brand new (supervised of course). She fought naps like crazy and this swing helped me get her last nap in for the day for several weeks in a row. The vibrating feature was also a big game changer when Genevieve was experiencing built up gas. I really don’t know how I would have survived without this thing. Not that she is bigger, we use it just as a seat with the vibrations on. Most days she prefers this seat to even being held. Definitely worth every penny.
Happy Shopping!
If you are interested in seeing a detailed list on all the items I purchase to prepare for a new baby, click HERE.