Baby Must-Haves, Part I

As a new mom, I've found that having the right baby gear that makes my life easier is pertinent to my survival. We received so many gifts at my surprise baby shower, but it's not until baby is actually here that you realized what you need and what you don't. I've rounded up my absolute favorite items thus far. Whlie I could make a list that goes on and on, these are really the key items that I use all the time and really do make life easier for Sweet P and me (and Shaun too!). As time goes on and Penelope changes, I'll continuously update what we're using and loving (and maybe what we've found we don't need too).

clockwise from top left:

aden + anais swaddle blankets: I am obsessed with these. Nice and lightweight, these are perfectly large for swaddling, as a stroller blanket, or even to put down over the diaper mat for extra comfort for P. Oh and it doesn't hurt that they are dern cute too.

boppy pillow: I couldn't live without this for nursing. It came to the hospital with us and never left my side since. It's also great for propping her up during smiley playtime in the mornings now that she is bigger. Oh and I also recommend an extra slipcover!

dr. brown's all-in-one gift set: This has everything you will need for bottle feeding, including plenty of bottles, brushes, steam baggies, pacifiers and more. Seriously. Get it. I didn't need anything outside of this for bottle feeding, and I was totally confused by what I'd need before baby arrived. This was a life-saver!

fisher-price rock 'n play: We opted to use this in lieu of a bassinet and Penelope slept like a rock in it every night for 3 months. It takes up minimal space and is incredibly portable for weekend getaways or napping at the grandparents' houses.

aveeno baby soothing relief moisture cream: Penelope had/has incredibly dry skin and this is the only lotion I've found to get the job done. She would scratch at her snake-skin chest any chance she could get. After a few days of liberal application, her skin is soft as a baby's bottom and no more scratching.

eric carle chime set: My mom bought these for Penelope and hanged them from her car seat bar. As soon as she could see them, Pen would simply sit and smile at them, melting my heart in the process. She especially loves the elephant.

gerber short sleeve bodysuits: I always put one of these on Penelope under her outfits or sleepers to keep her warm. They are super lightweight and if it's warm, she can just hang out in one of these. I love having lots on hand as they dirty very quickly.

vera bradley ditty bag: I already told you about how much I love this, but it bears repeating. This bag is so great for corraling dirty clothes while looking pretty, and goes right in the wash with soiled clothes. Score one for Mom. (Note: this was also a free gift when I purchased Pen's diaper bag/carry-all, so check into that if you're in the market for a new bag!)

skip hop pronoto changing station: I love love love this thing! It's a nice big mat with plenty of space for Pen to relax and get changed. It has large pockets that hold 5-6 diapers, a tube of Desitin and a package of wipes. I also leave a receiving blanket folded up in it to lay over the vinyl part for a cozy surface for Penny's bare behind. I can also squeeze in an extra clean outfit. The whole thing wraps up and can clip onto the stroller or my purse, eliminating the need for a full diaper bag if we are just running out somewhere for a little while. I can't say enough about how much I heart this thing. Who woulda thunk it...

chicco cortina keyfit travel system: An amazing car seat and stroller combo. It's lightweight yet durable and so easy to use (my favorite part). No sweating, pulling, lugging or getting stuck. The car seat clips right into a base in the car and then fits right into the stroller. Once she outgrows this car seat, the stroller can also just be used as a regular stroller. It's genius, I tell ya. Oh and I absolutely adore the gorgeous blue Azura color.

So those are the products we're loving for baby these days.

What are your go-to baby products?

What products surprised you in what you loved or didn't love? 

I never thought a diaper changing mat would get me all giddy!

p.s.: these are products that I really use and love. No perks or product placement here, just sharing what works for our family!

Comments

[kitchen belleicious]

oh yes my friend- those swaddles blankets are a must and so is the rock and play cradle. My connor spent many of hours in something similar to that. Girl, i am sure you have plenty of people and friends to ask questions to but I know that with my first I was always wondering what other moms were doing at certain times or certain ages, etc.so if you ever have a question silly or not feel free to email me!

[alex]

great list!! I really wish we had a rock n play...will have to consider for next time!

[Hailey @ nakedcupcakes]

love the Aveeno baby lotion! we swear by it too, we have such insanely dry air here :)
and we are obsessed with those swaddle blankets too, they are perfect for everything (and wash up so well too)
I think our Sophie the Giraffe is a must-have too. I totally didn't see the hype, but now that we are two teeth in and still teething, that giraffe is a lifesaver!

[Presley @ Run Pretty]

Love the Aveeno lotion! We use it all the time.

[Dana]

I am loving the baby section now as I am also having a girl, due on 2/25!! We are so excited and this is a big help!

thanks so much. :)