When I was pregnant, I was constantly searching "registry must-haves" and "registry checklists" on Pinterest. I did so much research on what items were the best on the market and the best for my little baby! In honor of Lola turning three months this week (where is time going?!?!), I decided to create a list of my own! This is not a complete checklist of what you'll need to buy or register for, but it is definitely a list of products that I LOVED, products that work wonderfully for newborns (or at least mine), and products that just make life a little easier! Hope that you find something on this list that you will love too! (P.S.-There is no special order to this list... I'm never been too organized!)
1. Fisher-Price Cradle 'N Swing, My Little Sweetie
This thing is AH-MAZING!!! I am currently able to write this post solely because little Lola is swinging peacefully in this swing. When we are in the living room and she needs to take a nap, we put her in this, turn the music and mobile on, and she falls asleep pretty quickly. She LOVES it. Every once and a while when I need to set her down for a second if I need to do laundry or dishes or even just eat lunch, I'll stick her in there. Even if she's still wide awake, she will stare, smile, and sometimes giggle as she watches the mobile spin. It is seriously awesome, and I definitely recommend!
2. Crane Drop Shape Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
I never understood what humidifiers are for... and then I had a baby. I can actually tell a difference in the days we do use it overnight and when we don't (specifically in the winter). Lola Jade always has more issues with congestion and dry skin when we forget to use it. Buy this, and use it!
I never understood what humidifiers are for... and then I had a baby. I can actually tell a difference in the days we do use it overnight and when we don't (specifically in the winter). Lola Jade always has more issues with congestion and dry skin when we forget to use it. Buy this, and use it!
"What's so special about burp cloths?" you may be asking yourself. Let me tell you... burp cloths are special. Very special. Baby spits ups? Burp cloth. Baby drools everywhere? Burp cloth. Milk spills? Burp cloth. Baby snots everywhere? Burp cloth. I'm thinking you're getting the picture. You never know what kind of other scary messes you might be cleaning up. Babies specialize in getting all kinds of bodily fluids everywhere. Burp cloths for the win. And... the cheaper, the better.
4. Boppy Bare Naked Nursing Pillow
The famous Boppy pillow. At first, this thing felt totally awkward. I didn't understand it. A few times experimenting with body placement and this thing will be your favorite prop when you and baby are getting the breastfeeding process down. Also, it makes a great prop to sit them up (as long as mama is still present and monitoring). Girl, go getchu a cute cover, too! Boppy Slipcovers
The famous Boppy pillow. At first, this thing felt totally awkward. I didn't understand it. A few times experimenting with body placement and this thing will be your favorite prop when you and baby are getting the breastfeeding process down. Also, it makes a great prop to sit them up (as long as mama is still present and monitoring). Girl, go getchu a cute cover, too! Boppy Slipcovers
5. Tommee Tippee Travel Bottle and Food Warmer
This was a whopping $13. If you are breastfeeding and pumping exclusively, you aren't supposed to microwave the milk for a few reasons. I heat breastmilk up in hot water, so this was perfect for us. It works for any brand of bottles, and you don't need batteries or electricity to use it when you're out and about!
This was a whopping $13. If you are breastfeeding and pumping exclusively, you aren't supposed to microwave the milk for a few reasons. I heat breastmilk up in hot water, so this was perfect for us. It works for any brand of bottles, and you don't need batteries or electricity to use it when you're out and about!
If you want a video monitor that won't break the bank, check this one out! It's right under $100 and works like a charm. I love the fun, bright blue color of it, too! Amazon never fails me.
7. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Newborn Starter Kit
Tommee Tippee is supposed to be one of the best to prevent "nipple confusion" (yes, that's a thing) when breastfeeding. Every baby is different, so I'm going to pass on the advice my sister-in-law gave me: try one bottle before you buy the set. Lola did well with this bottle, so we bought this starter kit complete with four bottles, a sippy cup, and a bottle brush. These bottles are so cute and pink too, so of course that's a bonus!
Tommee Tippee is supposed to be one of the best to prevent "nipple confusion" (yes, that's a thing) when breastfeeding. Every baby is different, so I'm going to pass on the advice my sister-in-law gave me: try one bottle before you buy the set. Lola did well with this bottle, so we bought this starter kit complete with four bottles, a sippy cup, and a bottle brush. These bottles are so cute and pink too, so of course that's a bonus!
8. Marc by Marc Jacobs "Pretty Nylon Eliz-A-Baby" Diaper Bag
I don't have this diaper bag personally, but it was one of the most requested and highest recommend diaper bag when I was working in a Nordstrom's handbag department. Any good quality, nylon diaper bag is the best option because they're lightweight and won't weigh 50 lbs by the time you get all your crap in there! I prefer neutral colors so it matches everything and can go with baby boy or girl stuff. This Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag in grey is perfect!
I don't have this diaper bag personally, but it was one of the most requested and highest recommend diaper bag when I was working in a Nordstrom's handbag department. Any good quality, nylon diaper bag is the best option because they're lightweight and won't weigh 50 lbs by the time you get all your crap in there! I prefer neutral colors so it matches everything and can go with baby boy or girl stuff. This Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag in grey is perfect!
9. Philips Avent Soothie Pacifiers, 0-3 months
This is the only pacifier Lola would take, and it just so happens to come in a variety of fun, bright colors! I waited until the advised 6-8 week range to give one to her though, in order to prevent the nipple confusion mentioned earlier. P.S.-these work great with pacifier clips!
This is the only pacifier Lola would take, and it just so happens to come in a variety of fun, bright colors! I waited until the advised 6-8 week range to give one to her though, in order to prevent the nipple confusion mentioned earlier. P.S.-these work great with pacifier clips!
10. Bandana and Infinity Bibs
Lola got an infinity bib (=infinity scarf+drool bib) from her cousin for Christmas, and it is amazing. We love that thing! There are both bandana and infinity bibs that are great for babies prone to drooling and spitting up. I'm convinced Lola could win the gold in an Olympic drooling contest, but if I put one of these on her I spare myself a lot of outfit changes! Totally worth the money. Etsy is loaded with cute options!
Lola got an infinity bib (=infinity scarf+drool bib) from her cousin for Christmas, and it is amazing. We love that thing! There are both bandana and infinity bibs that are great for babies prone to drooling and spitting up. I'm convinced Lola could win the gold in an Olympic drooling contest, but if I put one of these on her I spare myself a lot of outfit changes! Totally worth the money. Etsy is loaded with cute options!
11. Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack
We find ourselves hand washing bottles often, and this drying rack and the accessories that go with it are life savers! It has such a simple, appealing design too so it's not an eyesore in your kitchen.
We find ourselves hand washing bottles often, and this drying rack and the accessories that go with it are life savers! It has such a simple, appealing design too so it's not an eyesore in your kitchen.
12. Soft Gear My Deluxe Changing Mat
Spare yourself the difficulty of buying and washing multiple changing pad covers. Buy the one in the link above! It is impermeable to fluids and therefore can be easily cleaned by wiping it down which prevents any bacteria growth. It is worth every penny!
Spare yourself the difficulty of buying and washing multiple changing pad covers. Buy the one in the link above! It is impermeable to fluids and therefore can be easily cleaned by wiping it down which prevents any bacteria growth. It is worth every penny!
13. Loved by Sophia Braided Leather Pacifier Clip
If your baby is going to use a pacifier, you're going to want (need) a pacifier clip! My personal favorite is these adorable ones from Loved by Sophia on Etsy! Even if your baby doesn't use a pacifier, these work great for teethers and other toys and keep them from getting lost or falling on the floor. They are such great quality and also come in lots of pretty colors and different shaped clips!
If your baby is going to use a pacifier, you're going to want (need) a pacifier clip! My personal favorite is these adorable ones from Loved by Sophia on Etsy! Even if your baby doesn't use a pacifier, these work great for teethers and other toys and keep them from getting lost or falling on the floor. They are such great quality and also come in lots of pretty colors and different shaped clips!
14. Insulated Water Mug
I think these are pretty standard issue when you give birth in a hospital. If for some weird reason you didn't get one or lost yours and are breastfeeding, I highly recommend investing in one of these! I'm pretty sure most moms who still use theirs could rant and rave about how awesome these are all day... I am definitely one of them. These help you stay hydrated all day which is important for milk supply!
I think these are pretty standard issue when you give birth in a hospital. If for some weird reason you didn't get one or lost yours and are breastfeeding, I highly recommend investing in one of these! I'm pretty sure most moms who still use theirs could rant and rave about how awesome these are all day... I am definitely one of them. These help you stay hydrated all day which is important for milk supply!
15. Fisher-Price Newborn Rock n Play Sleeper
My friend Danielle introduced me to this thing. I bought one for her to sleep in while traveling or hanging out around the house because it folds up nicely, and this ended up becoming her bed for nighttime too! We swaddled Lola until just recently, and when we laid her in the bassinet swaddled, she would roll over. Obviously that's not safe for a swaddled newborn, so this was perfect for keeping her upright overnight! I love this sleeper, and I am going to be so sad when she outgrows it!
My friend Danielle introduced me to this thing. I bought one for her to sleep in while traveling or hanging out around the house because it folds up nicely, and this ended up becoming her bed for nighttime too! We swaddled Lola until just recently, and when we laid her in the bassinet swaddled, she would roll over. Obviously that's not safe for a swaddled newborn, so this was perfect for keeping her upright overnight! I love this sleeper, and I am going to be so sad when she outgrows it!
16. SwaddleMe Muslin Blankets, 3-Pack
If you can't tell already, we are all about that swaddle life. These were the best swaddle blankets! This was the first swaddle blanket we used when we were in the hospital. We got them in the color "Lavender Diva" and they were perfect for my little diva-child. Animal print is always the answer.
If you can't tell already, we are all about that swaddle life. These were the best swaddle blankets! This was the first swaddle blanket we used when we were in the hospital. We got them in the color "Lavender Diva" and they were perfect for my little diva-child. Animal print is always the answer.
17. HALO SleepSack 100% Cotton Swaddle
Once again: Swaddle. Life. Lola has been a pretty good, sound sleeper, and I think it has to do a lot with us swaddling her. Newborns often deal with the Moro reflex (AKA startle reflex) and can wake themselves up because of it. The HALO SleepSack worked so well and kept her perfectly swaddle all night. This is better for babies' safety than letting them sleep in swaddle blankets overnight. I would get a few because we used ours every night!
Once again: Swaddle. Life. Lola has been a pretty good, sound sleeper, and I think it has to do a lot with us swaddling her. Newborns often deal with the Moro reflex (AKA startle reflex) and can wake themselves up because of it. The HALO SleepSack worked so well and kept her perfectly swaddle all night. This is better for babies' safety than letting them sleep in swaddle blankets overnight. I would get a few because we used ours every night!
18. Nuk Reusable Nursing Pads, 8 countIf you're going to breastfeed, leaking milk is going to be something you'll experience for a while (yes, it's a glamorous life we live). They have disposable ones as well, but these have worked well for me, and I don't have to keep buying them! I just throw them in with the baby laundry and then they're ready to go!
19. Medela Tender Care Hydrogel Pads
Another great one for breastfeeding. These were LIFESAVERS! Whoever said "breastfeeding doesn't hurt if you're doing it right" either: A) is full of crap, B) haven't breastfed a day in their life, C) breastfed and for some odd reason already had calloused nipples of steel. Breastfeeding is so painful when you're getting started for a variety of reasons. The first two and a half weeks was so hard. These were one of the products that got me through that time. I highly recommend them, despite the high price! If you're lucky, the nurses might have samples to give you in the hospital. USE THEM!!!
Another great one for breastfeeding. These were LIFESAVERS! Whoever said "breastfeeding doesn't hurt if you're doing it right" either: A) is full of crap, B) haven't breastfed a day in their life, C) breastfed and for some odd reason already had calloused nipples of steel. Breastfeeding is so painful when you're getting started for a variety of reasons. The first two and a half weeks was so hard. These were one of the products that got me through that time. I highly recommend them, despite the high price! If you're lucky, the nurses might have samples to give you in the hospital. USE THEM!!!
20. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers
Buy this and use this immediately! Use it often. Save the nips.
Buy this and use this immediately! Use it often. Save the nips.
21. Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump
My starter kit wasn't this elaborate, but I love my Medela pump! Either most or all insurance cover you getting a free pump, so call your company while pregnant and get more information. Mine was completely free, and I use it all the time! These help especially when you are producing too much milk and need to pump a little off to prevent engorgement, or when you are producing too little and need to up your supply by pumping between breastfeeding sessions.
My starter kit wasn't this elaborate, but I love my Medela pump! Either most or all insurance cover you getting a free pump, so call your company while pregnant and get more information. Mine was completely free, and I use it all the time! These help especially when you are producing too much milk and need to pump a little off to prevent engorgement, or when you are producing too little and need to up your supply by pumping between breastfeeding sessions.
22. Women's Nursing Seamless Bra
I promise... last breastfeeding product!! This bra, y'all. I love it. Inexpensive and good quality! This makes life so much easier when breastfeeding and is way comfortable to sleep in.
I promise... last breastfeeding product!! This bra, y'all. I love it. Inexpensive and good quality! This makes life so much easier when breastfeeding and is way comfortable to sleep in.
I have always loved Aveeno skincare products for myself, so I knew I wanted to try their baby skincare line for Lola. It has worked great and helps keep her soft little skin moisturized in this dry winter weather! I love the smell, too! She smells so clean, and it's not loaded with unnecessary fragrance.
Having a rear-facing carseat for infants is of course the safest for the baby, but being a new mom, it's so hard being in the car and not able to check on your newborn! That is what these are for. I promise you'll want one!
This kit has everything from a thermometer, to baby nail clippers, to a pacifier medicine dispenser. It's loaded with great stuff to take care of your newborn!
After seeing tons of great reviews on safety and having heard even better things about it from friends, I decided to register for this travel system. I absolutely love it. It's not only one of the safest ones on the market, but also has a nice, sleek design. If you end up getting this travel system, I highly recommend going ahead and getting this Britax Stroller Organizer as well!
I'm all for functional, but style is just as important in my book. I found this perfect little glider with awesome reviews, and it is SO comfortable! I am so happy with how it looks in Lola's nursery and how functional it is for feeding her or rocking her to sleep.
Thanks for reading! If you have been through the newborn stage and have additional product recommendations, please feel free to add in the comments below! Also, what products would you recommend for our next stage, 3-6 months? We would love to hear about the products that make your life a little easier!
This sleep sheep is awesome in the middle of the night with the natural sounds it makes! I have he one that attaches to the side of the bassinet or crib.
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