I learned a lot in Greer's first month, which prepped me for month two! There have been staple baby and mama items that have made all the difference as I settle more into motherhood and understand the likes/dislikes of my baby. I've also found and accepted that sometimes convenience is key. Don't take that one for granted, even if it means a bit of a splurge. If you can swing it, then spend that little extra money to make your life a little easier as you transition into parenthood!
I'm sharing the items that have been the essentials in the first month for both Greer and myself. I know I love looking at other similar posts detailing the items that made the biggest difference. And since I've found some key players in this caring-for-baby-game, I thought I would make my own essentials list and pass it along. I hope it helps you!
1. Little Unicorn Cotton Swaddle >> These have been great for covering Greer when she has on warmer clothing or her daddy or I are holding her. It helps keep her from getting to hot from being wrapped in a thicker/heavier blanket. Not to mention, they're great for photos :)
2. Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Preemie Standard Nipple >> Greer can be a ravenous eater and consequently takes in a lot of air in the process. While we rarely use a bottle, it is something we're introducing so that her daddy can feed her too. The preemie nipples allows for a slower milk drip, which slows down her eating. I don't believe the bottles typically come with a preemie nipple, and it's something you'll have to buy separately and switch out.
3. Dr. Brown's Bottles with Vent (4 oz) >> For us, these bottles and the preemie nipple go hand-in-hand. The vents in the bottles help with the air coming through. Pair that with the smaller nipple, and it creates a much friendlier feeding for our sweet girl. She took so well to the bottle, and I think it all has to do with the features I've mentioned.
4. 4Moms Infant Tub >> Greer girl is really growing to love bath time. Our favorite feature of this tub is the thermometer that helps us get the temperature just right for her. We also love that there are holes perfectly placed in the sides of the tub to keep water at a level that is never too high for her.
5. NUK Newborn 100% Silicone Pacifiers >> We haven't used this exact pacifier yet, but we are fans of the brand. These are currently being ordered to give a try. We like that they are silicone and not a hard plastic, which will hopefully not cause the lines around the mouth that the plastic ones do. Greer prefers NUK pacifiers to other pacifiers, and I'm thinking it's because of the nipple shape and size. It's much easier for her to hold onto and keep in her mouth.
6. HALO SleepSack 100% Cotton Swaddle >> Our girl is not and never was a swaddler. These sleep sacks, while still not my very favorite, do create a way for us to wrap her up, but keep her arms out.
7. Boudreaux's Paste (Natural) Diaper Rash Cream >> This stuff clears up those red and irritated cheeks right away!
8. Graco DuetConnect DLX Swing & Bouncer >> The swing was Greer's favorite way to snooze. She had a week of disdain with it, but is back to swinging contentedly in it and catching some zzz's. My favorite part of the swing is that the bouncer/seat can be detached. It has helped this mama get her showers in! It also plays a variety of sounds and some music, including white noise. Combine the noise options with the swinging and you've got a happy (hopefully sleeping) baby!
9. Babies R Us Wipes Warmer With Light >> Babies appreciate warm wipes. I tell you it's true. Well, at least our girl does. Since this warmer is in her nursery, it's where all of the nighttime changes occur. The warm wipes help keep her sleeping, or if already awake, calm. The cold wipes we use downstairs do just the opposite. Our very favorite feature of this wipe warmer though, is the light. It's the perfect nightlight for the night diaper changes, allowing you to see exactly what you're doing without disturbing baby.
10. Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer >> This is the splurge item, and I can't recommend it enough. There have been one too many times that something has gotten on it during a changing and all it takes to clean it up is a diaper wipe. So simple. There's no taking off a cotton cover, washing that cover, and then replacing it. Nope, just a wipe down and you're good to go! Not to mention, it's very soft for baby!
1. CamelBak Eddy Insulated .6L Water Bottle >> As a nursing mama, I'm just about always thirsty. This bottle is great for keeping water with you always. I highly recommend getting an insulated bottle so that no condensation gets on anything. Having the straw is also helpful for one-hand access when nursing.
2. Aquaphor Lip Repair >> This has worked wonders on my lips. After having Greer, my lips became very dry and cracked. Maybe from the pain medicine I was taking or from the medicine given to me for the c-section. This ointment got my lips back into tip top, healthy shape. It's also great for applying around baby's mouth if baby is breastfeeding. I used it for Greer in the first couple of weeks until her delicate skin got used to feeding. **baby girl's pediatrician recommended putting it around her mouth, not her lips, when I asked if there was something I could use so she wouldn't get chapped
3. Goody Thin Black Elastics >> These are a part of my everyday, and you can find them all over my house. With a new baby and not a whole lot of time to do my hair, they are great for pulling my locks up and out of my face. Plus they're gentle on my hair, key for that postpartum hair loss.
4. Gilligan & O'Malley Seamless Nursing Bra >> This bra is fantastic, and I love it! I wear it at home and during the night. It gives me enough support without being too constricting. It also allows for easy access, which is huge during a middle of the night feeding when you're waking up and have a hungry baby to feed!
5. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set >> This pump has been great, especially for those times when baby girl gets full before switching sides. It's simple to use, and the parts are easy to clean.
6. Old Navy's Jersey Stretch Tank >> These have been great for wearing under shirts. They aren't nursing tanks, but they are stretchy enough that you can easily maneuver it to work during a nursing session. Not to mention they are long without being too long and super comfortable.
7. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lotion>> I used this while pregnant and continue to do so now in hopes that it will help with the stretch marks that popped up at the end of pregnancy. I'm also hoping it will help as my skin tightens back up.
What have been your baby + mama essentials??
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