Now that I’ve had three months to adjust to having a newborn in the house I thought I’d share the items that have made the transition easier and have truthfully saved my sanity. I’ve reused several items that were Owen’s, but I’ve also discovered a few new items that I really wish I’d known about with the other two. I try to just stick with the essentials, but with my third baby, sometimes the “nice to have” items really are just nice to have. 🙂
I am terrible at these posts. They’re a dime a dozen among blogs, but this one is nothing special. I’ve seen bloggers make these posts look so pretty and organized but I’m all like, I ain’t got time for that. My kids are currently destroying the house and I feel lucky that I found time between loads of laundry to sit down and slap this together. Content over quality here…are we good with that? Cool.
PLACE FOR BABY1. Solly Baby Wrap – Greta lives in this. She’s sleeping in it right now, in fact. I put it on at home before we go anywhere so it’s easy to transfer her from the car seat to the wrap and it keeps her happy and content. She takes the best naps in it because she’s snuggled up to me, right over my heartbeat and I have my hands free so that’s a major win for everyone. I especially love the Solly because of the fabric. It’s lightweight and breathable, perfect for the hot summer days and it has just the right amount of stretch so baby doesn’t end up falling out the bottom by the end of a good nap. I’ve tried other wraps but this one is hands down my favorite. To this point, so many people have told me to make sure I put baby down or I’ll create “bad sleep habits” and I just want to give my two cents on that after three kids: you can’t create bad habits at such a young age and you can’t spoil a baby. On two separate occasions, older men (and not the creepy kind, haha!) have stopped me to comment on how seeing me wearing Greta in the wrap made their day. One said it’s how the cavemen carried their babies and it’s the cultural norm in just about every country in the world, yet the US encourages us to put baby down which in his opinion, “messes them up.” The other said his wife was born very premature at home and the grandmother insisted the baby be worn around the clock for the first several months of life. He said “it’s the key to infant development and survival.”
2. Bouncey seat – I registered and received this as a gift when Owen was a baby so all three littles have used it. It’s the only way I get to shower, make dinner or eat dinner. I have to keep the older two contained while Greta is in it especially Della, which is why she takes a bath while I shower, otherwise Greta gets laid on or bounced just a little too much. They make some super fancy seats these days but this one works just fine for us, it’s simple…it vibrates, has sound options for lullabies or chirping birds and all our babies have adored the little birds hanging above.
3. Moses basket – I didn’t honestly think I’d use this as much as I have but it has been a lifesaver…if she’s napping swaddled instead of in the wrap or if the other kids need me for one reason or another and I need to put her down quickly, the basket is so nice to have. It weighs next to nothing and has sturdy handles to make carrying it around the house easier. It comes with a cushion that’s not too thick and not too thin. I have a stand for it in her nursery, but I haven’t used that quite as much.
4. My Wild Bird ring sling – The ring sling concept is very new to me. I purchased this sling during a sale because I’d heard so much about them and I wanted to have an option other than the wrap that was easy to slip on in a pinch. I’m still learning how to use it, and it’s a little hard on my shoulder after a while, but if I get her in there just right and keep good posture, it’s awesome. I nurse her to sleep, put the already threaded sling on and slip her in without disturbing her at all. It’s also handy when you go somewhere because you won’t drag it on the ground putting it on like you would tying on a wrap. I’ve even managed to nurse her in it (discretely) which is a huuuuge bonus. If you follow them on Instagram, they post live videos and lots of tutorials which make threading and wearing baby so much less intimidating.
BABY SLEEP1. Copper Pearl swaddles – These blankets are legit. They’re soft as butter, super stretchy, and I love how huge they are…it makes swaddling baby at any age convenient. You get a perfectly tight snug wrap with these blankets. Plus their matching knot hats just complete the look.
2. The Ollie Swaddle – When it comes to swaddling, I’m old fashioned and prefer blankets. I’ve tried all the fandangled sleep sack swaddle things and they just don’t work. Greta won’t sleep unless she’s wrapped up tight. I’m a firm believer that swaddling makes a major difference in their sleep and sleep is so significant to their development. The Ollie swaddle has been a total game changer. It’s so easy to use and Greta sleeps like a rock when she’s in it. She doesn’t bust out of it (which makes her so mad) and it’s designed to grow with baby. When I first started putting Greta in the Ollie at night, she miraculously started sleeping 4+ hour stretches. At her age, that’s fantastic. I could go on and on about this thing but instead I’ll just suggest you head to their website and look into it for yourself. The link above gives you 10% off!
3. L’oved Baby sleepers – I did a major baby clothes purge after Greta was born keeping only the pieces I knew she’d wear. Basically I narrowed it down to these soft, comfy sleepers. They are all she wears, day and night and they have built-in hand mitts. I kept a couple of cute sleepers that were Della’s but they nothing compared to these. Greta wore one home from the hospital with a matching hat (that actually stays on). Buy enough to get you between laundry days and that’s literally all you’ll need to clothe your new babe. Promise.
4. Max + Moose swaddles – These blankets are made from the same material as your favorite t-shirt. They’re absolutely cozy and wonderful. I like the weight of them and the fabric holds the wrap together really well. We alternate between these and Copper Pearl.
5. Babiease bedding – YOU GUYS. Meredith is your one-stop-shop for all the linens you’ll ever need for your nursery. From crib sheets to changing pad covers to custom sized bedding, she can do anything. And in any adorable print you could possibly imagine. As you may know, the cradle Greta sleeps in is an heirloom – it was the same one my mom slept in as a baby! It was in really rough shape so Alex fixed it up. I had to order a custom sized mattress for it and when I asked Meredith if she could help me out with the bedding for it as well as for the super weird oval shaped pad in the Moses basket, she didn’t even bat an eye at the weird dimensions (and I know that the Moses basket sheet couldn’t have been easy).
Item awaiting review: the Nook mattress. I’ll let you know what we think of it once we move Greta to her nursery. From what I’ve seen and used of it so far I am thinking she’ll sleep really well on it.
FEEDING BABY1. Haakaa Manual Pump – I’ve breastfed all three of my babies. It’s most convenient and what works best for us. I have learned so much over the years. One thing I learned is that pumping isn’t for me. I feel like such a cow hooked up to that noisy machine. I don’t work outside the house so it isn’t really necessary for me, anyway. I have a really nice pump that I’ve used a bit with Owen and Della to get milk for the freezer, but I’ve done things a little differently so far with Greta. We haven’t tried bottles (not opposed to them, just haven’t really needed to yet) but I’ve been collecting milk for a stash in a much easier way with this awesome manual pump. In the early days, I used it to catch the leaked milk from the side she wasn’t nursing on and I use it to catch the forceful let-downs that make her so mad. Now that my supply is a bit more regulated solely by Greta herself, I’ll occasionally use it to “pump” the side she’s not nursing on. I bet I have close to 40 oz or more in the freezer already without compromising my supply.
2. Cloth diapers (burp cloths) – There are a ton of adorable burp cloths out there. Mmmk, so here’s how I see it. Spit up isn’t pretty and not worthy of a cute cloth to the clean it up. These cloth diapers are cheap and I really don’t care if they get stained. I also put them on the changing pad to avoid any accidental…um, spills.
3. Oat Mama lactation granola bars – Nursing mamas, go order these right now. I ate one a day every day I nursed Della and am doing the same with Greta. They’re absolutely delicious, full of calories for the busy mom who doesn’t have time to eat a healthy meal three times a day and they promote a healthy milk supply. Just to be clear, these are for any breastfeeding mom and will not give you an oversupply. They’re just good for you. I keep one in my diaper bag for a snack on the go and the rest next to the two spots where I feed Greta most often. I try to limit myself to one a day, but Owen and Della love them as much as I do, they call them “mama bars” and bring me one periodically throughout the day to share. My favorite flavors are the s’mores and dark chocolate cherry.
4. Baby nail file – Not feeding related at all, but the only time I ever use this is when I’m feeding her so I’m just going to include it in the feeding category. I keep this on the table by my chair where I nurse her and use it after she conks out – she doesn’t even notice. If you’ve ever tried to clip a little baby’s fingernails before, then you know it’s pretty much next to impossible. Even if they’re motionless and sound asleep, it’s nerve wracking. This little glass nail file is delicate and does the job without having to use clippers.
5. Milk Snob – This thing is so handy. It is a car seat cover (works great to keep those nosy people and germs away from your babe) and a nursing cover. When Della got bigger, I used it as a cover for the shopping cart seat and restaurant high chairs.
6. Nursing pillow – I can’t feed Greta without my Boppy. I adore the covers from Madly Wish and Ivie Baby (an Iowa shop). Nursing is hard on the entire body, this helps.
7. BLANQI nursing tanks – The BLANQI supportwear is one of a kind. Their pieces are perfect for the ever-changing (and often uncomfortable) mama body. I live in the nursing tanks and leggings right now and I so wish I’d known about them when I was pregnant. They aren’t see-through, have a long hem to smooth and support where it is needed the most and looks great under just about anything or on their own. They’re easy, effortless style and there are NO ANNOYING CLIPS. I hate those things. Nursing tanks should be easy to use and comfortable and that’s exactly what these tanks are! Also, if you hurry and order before May 20th, they’re 50% off in honor of Motherhood Appreciate Month!
8. Tommee Tippee bibs – These are great for messy eaters and drooly babies. The thick rim around the neck catches everything and keeps clothes and skin nice and dry.
Clean Baby
1. floating bath thermometer – All these years I used the good old wrist test for bath water. Too many times my kids have come out of the bath with red skin or with blue lips. I purchased this thermometer and it was the end of an era. To turn it on, you just give it a little shake and it digitally displays the temperature of the air or water. It floats so you can always see it easily. If it’s too cold for baby it says “cold” and has a flashing red light if it’s too hot. I mean, it doesn’t get much easier than that.
2. silicone bath scrub – Cradle cap is really annoying and pretty much inevitable, whether you have bald babies or lots of hair. Mine were all bald so it was very evident when the crusty flakes started. To conquer cradle cap, you need this cute little fish brush. It’s antimicrobial so no gunky bacteria. Owen and Della can’t keep their hands off it, it is fun to feel so I let them play with it in the bath as a sensory toy. You just gently rub the bristles on baby’s skin and top of head to loosen the dry skin. Greta LOVES it, it’s like a little baby massage and it totally relaxes her. I also put it in her hands to clean out the lint that gets stuck in the little crevices between her fingers and her toes.
3. Eco by Naty products – Since moving back to the US, I’ve been transitioning our family over to safer products. Chemicals that can cause cancer, reproductive harm and other serious health issues are not banned in the United States from the skin care and costmetic products that people use every day. So most companies are free to make their own judgments about safety, which is scary…you have to be smart about the products you use, just because the label says it’s safe doesn’t mean it actually is. I’ve gone through many different soaps and lotions and finally found Eco by Naty to be the best fit for us. Free of fragrance, parabens, mineral oils, chemicals, certified by Ecocert, cruelty and ethically sourced…the list of why their stuff is awesome goes on and on. It’s reasonably priced and actually works – those two things rarely go hand-in-hand I’ve found. They have products for big people too, I love their foot cream for my tired feet at the end of the day. Just do yourself a favor and give it a try, your body and mother nature will thank you. 🙂 *steps down off crunchy mom tree hugger soap box*
4. Tubby Todd All Over Ointment – When Greta gets any kind of redness, baby acne, or dry skin, I dab a little of this magical stuff to make it disappear in minutes. I kid you not, this stuff has fairy dust in it. Our whole family uses it daily and a little goes a very long way. It takes care of dry skin, cracked knuckles, eczema, keratosis pilaris, you name it. Tubby Todd is another good, safe option for soaps and lotions but it does come with a bit higher price tag so I don’t buy it as often. I do really like that their soaps are naturally scented and they smell amazing.
5. Honest Diapers – I used the cheap diapers with Owen (Luvs, I think) thinking I was saving all this money and what a hoax the expensive diapers were. When Della was born (remember we lived in Korea at the time) she almost constantly had a diaper rash. One day I was shopping at the BX and saw these adorable diapers with a cute floral pattern on them. I’d heard of Honest and swore I’d never spend that kind of money on something my kid poops in. But I couldn’t resist the flowers, you guys know I’m a sucker for girly things, so I bought them. That pack of diapers changed everything. Her diaper rash cleared up right away. I couldn’t believe how absorbent they were, I didn’t have to change her diaper 20 times a day and somehow they didn’t gross and saggy. From then on, I’ve ordered diapers through the subscribe and save on their website. Yes, they cost more, but they really are SO MUCH BETTER than the cheap ones and they’re SAFE for baby’s bum. And the cute prints are just a fun bonus. I also use their baby stain remover and highly recommend it for any and all stains.
For diaper rash I use my own concoction: melt 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil in a glass cup using a microwave or double boiler, add 15 drops Lavender essential oil, 10 drops Melaleuca (tea tree) oil. I keep it in a glass container and apply a bit as needed for instant healing powers. It’s soothing so she doesn’t even flinch!
6. Mustela Cleansing Wipes – These wipes are wonderful. I keep them in my diaper bag and her nursery. I use them to clean up Greta’s face, neck, hands…well really her entire body, before bed in lieu of a regular bath. I also keep their Hydra-stick (I first discovered this in a pharmacy in Paris) in my diaper bag and in the kitchen next to the Tubby Todd ointment. It works wonderful as a lip balm or on the go moisture cream and won’t make a mess in your bag. It did not, however, work very well for eczema but did stop the itching.
7. Nose Frida – I debated adding this to the list because it’s just okay. The dry air here has Greta stuffy almost all the time and we’ve had our fair share of colds lately so I’ve had to use this more with her than I did with the others. A couple of drops of breastmilk (or saline) in the nose and then suck the gunk out with this little device. It works pretty well, but sometimes I feel like I have to all but suck her brains out just to get those boogs. Maybe there’s something better out there…
OTHER STUFF
1. Baby’s First Year calendar – I had a calendar for Owen’s first year and a baby book for Della. Guess which one is still blank? Poor Della, I feel so bad. The one I linked is the one we have for Greta. It’s really adorable, handmade and comes in boy, girl and neutral colors. I keep a pen in the basket with her wipes and toiletries so I can easily jot down all the milestones from her first year as they occur. These make wonderful baby shower gifts!!
5. Polaroid camera – I’m going out of order because this one goes along with the calendar. I also keep a Polaroid camera in the basket with the pen so I can grab snapshots to put in the calendar. Owen and Della love to take turns taking pictures too! My little future photographers 🙂
2. June & January – These clothes are so much fun. They come in a rainbow of colors and make the perfect play clothes. They’re also a great way to match brothers and sisters (and that’s not always easy). Aside from the headbands, all three kids are dressed in J&J in this photo and the best part is, when Owen grows out of his, Della can wear them…and so on…
3. Fawn Design diaper bag – I can’t sing enough praise for these bags. They’re functional, sturdy and super convenient as a shoulder bag or backpack. Don’t forget to get the ToteSavvy organizer to make a good thing even better!
4. Tenth & Pine – This is one of my all-time favorite shops. A lot of people have asked about Greta’s “loved” onesie, this is where it’s from! Kerynn stocks only the best brands and everything is gender neutral. You can use DELLA10 for 10% off your order.
6. Maxi Cosi car seat – This seat has safely carried all three of our babies. It’s the Pebble, the European version but I’m linking a newer model. We bought it for Owen when we lived in Germany. Della has the Maxi Cosi convertible seat (linking similar, we have the Euro version of these too) and we have a second one for Greta, and Owen has the the Diono Radian RXT. All of which we are very impressed with.
7. Ryan & Rose PATpat – I’m not big into giving my babies pacifiers, but Della took one and it was pretty convenient. We have a road trip coming up and with Greta hating the car (she screams her little lungs out every time she’s in the car) I was hoping maybe a pacifier might help. I introduced the Natursutten, which is what Della used, at around 2.5 months once we had a good nursing relationship established but much to my dismay, she just chewed on it. Then I saw Ryan & Rose, where I bought Della’s pacifiers and clips from, came out with a pacifier/teether designed by the cutest shop owner herself. “Made with 100% medical grade silicone, PATpat is safe, non-toxic, BPA free, PVC free, phthalates free, and latex free. PATpat is US CPSIA compliant and FDA approved.” (Copied from the website.) So I thought, well why not and ordered one. And guys, she took it after a little convincing. She still needs some encouragement and isn’t always interested in it, but I have been offering it at least once a day to keep it going so that it just might save our road trip. And I love that it’s also a teether so she has options once she figures out how to use her hands. While you’re buying your PATpat, grab one of her Cutie Clips!! Also on Amazon!!
Haven’t used/Didn’t buy:
Hand mitts, BUT only because most of her sleepers have them built-in. We really like these when we do use them.
Knotted gowns – I totally thought we would use these a lot because they’re so convenient but she loves to be swaddled and spends most of her time in the wrap with me so these don’t serve us much purpose.
Stroller adapter for car seat – Haven’t used. We have this stroller and LOVE LOVE LOVE it (also comes in a single) however I have yet to clip Greta’s car seat onto it. I wish I hadn’t bought the adapter. I think as long as she’s little I’ll put her in the wrap and Owen and/or Della can hitch a ride in the stroller for our walks. Once Greta is a little bigger, I’ll just put her in the stroller seat and grab the glider board for Owen.
Baby swing – Haven’t really used much. It has collected dust and taken up space with all three kids. None of my kids have hated it, but they don’t nap it in and they get cold and fussy after about 20 minutes.
Play mat – Haven’t really used much. It’s only fun for a few minutes when they’re little before it becomes overwhelming and overstimulating. And then all of a sudden they’re too mobile for it. We have, however, gotten a lot of use out of the hanging toys that came with it.
Dock-a-tot – Didn’t buy. People swear by these. They freak me out, I’m old school and am totally good with putting baby flat on their back in the bassinet or crib. Wasn’t worth the boatload of money for one of these puppies.
The Owlet – Didn’t buy. There is such thing as being overly cautious and while this device works wonderfully for some parents, I believe it would only give me me unnecessary anxiety.
Wipe warmer – Didn’t buy. Here’s a little trick…as soon as you lay baby down on the changing table, grab a couple wipes and stick them down your shirt. By the time you get baby undressed and need them, they’re nice and toasty.
Amber teething necklaces – Didn’t buy. I’ve seen these on so many babies so apparently they do work or it’s a placebo effect. The potential choking hazard freaks me out, though, and I will never be able to get past that. Teething was tough for my kids, but not so bad that I was desperate so maybe I’m just lucky that I didn’t need to try these.
What are some of your favorite baby items? What are some things you didn’t end up using? Remember, this phase of life is different for everyone and every baby is unique!