My Top 10 Newborn Must Haves
Dealing with your newborn's first cold is never fun. If you've managed to dodge cold and flu season (#tbt quarantine days), consider yourself lucky. But for those of us with baby number 2, it's a different story. The NozeBot has become our go-to solution. With three suction levels and an easy finger grip for one-handed use, it's like having a superhero for boogie removal.
Shoutout to my toddler for generously sharing those daycare germs! #iykyk
Finding the perfect swaddle for our little escape artists was a challenge. Enter the Ollie Swaddle – the only one that managed to keep our firstborn contained. Despite its snug appearance, the velcro is surprisingly strong. Don’t be surprised if your little gets a little startled the first time you take the swaddle off. I swear both of mine nearly JUMPED! The fabric is soft and gentle on even the most sensitive newborn skin. And it comes with a handy mesh bag for washing.
Whether sound machines truly help with sleep is debatable, but they've become a lifesaver for us. We can watch TV, have conversations and even have dance parties in the kitchen without worrying about waking the baby. The Hatch Sound Machine is a favorite because of its wide variety of sounds and the added bonus of being a night light. The red light feature has been a game-changer during those midnight feeds and diaper changes. Plus, the ability to control it with my phone is a nice touch.
These are pretty self-explanatory, right? Every baby spits up, and these burp cloths have saved many shirts from stains. They are incredibly soft, making them versatile for feedings, wiping baby's face, and yes, even dealing with boogers if you haven't invested in the NozeBot yet **cough cough**.
Let's be real, the breathable claim is probably just marketing, but the Newton Mattress caught our attention for its easy cleaning. Just take off the cover, throw it in the shower, and rinse away all the spit-up and drool. No need for vigorous scrubbing – a parent's dream!
Think of this as a newborn-friendly NetiPot. While my children may be a little scarred from me using this on them almost every day, it works wonders for easy breathing at night. Hold it in one nostril and spray for 2-4 seconds, wipe, and repeat on the other side. It's a simple solution for dealing with those tiny noses.
My first born LOVES medicine. I used to think this was normal. I now realize that the first tiny love of my life is actually just a weirdo and an item like this is actually necessary… For my more normal second child, this dispenser has been a game-changer. It's a simple yet ingenious invention – your baby sucks on a pacifier, and you have peace of mind knowing they got the medicine they need. Also there’s something about bypassing taste buds – I don't fully get it, but it works!
I had this one with my first and tried a different one with my youngest boy and let me tell you, I regret that decision. The Skip Hop Bath Seat is a winner because it grows with your baby. From a sling for newborns to a mini bath for the sitting-up stage, it's versatile and can be used in any bathtub or even a shower. Definitely worth the investment!
While babies probably don't NEED half the things we buy them, the Lovevery Play Mat has proven to be a great source of entertainment. Lay your baby down, and they entertain themselves for an hour straight. That’s right, themselves FOR AN HOUR. Or at least mine did. It has different textures and features for tummy time. And when they're a bit older, throw on the cover, and it becomes their little tent. A playmat that covers all bases.
Yes, it's a bit on the expensive side, but the Nanit Baby Monitor has been the best we've found. Wifi capability lets me check on my kiddos from anywhere – a nice convenience that may have fueled some anxiety but that’s neither here nor there. It also captures insights into your baby's sleep, and you can customize access for different caretakers through the app. For example, our weekly date night sitter has view access ONLY when she’s connected to the same wifi as the camera. Pretty cool, right?
