I remember feeling overwhelmed as I walked with my husband through Babies R' Us with the registry scanner in my hand. I had no idea what to choose. Looking back, I wish I would have had a mom with me who had a couple small children and who was in the know about the latest baby items. There were different items that I wound up with that I quickly found out DID NOT WORK! I remember a baby carrier that by the time my little man was just a few months old, I had knots in my shoulders. Then there was the small flannel receiving blankets that we had swaddled our baby dolls with in the baby care class we took. But why wouldn't my new baby stay swaddled in them??? A couple babies later and some pointers from other moms, and I finally know a little about what works and what doesn't. There are so many products and so many new items coming out every day, this post could be never ending. I am going to stick with just a few items here and items that are meant for the newborn.
1) Swaddlers
While newborn babies may no longer have the safe reassuring comfort of their mothers womb, swaddling them is often just the trick to calm a new little one. But when the moment your little one moves, it loosens or you cant quite get it to tuck around their little feet, trying to swaddle your baby can become a frustration. There are two different swaddlers that I use and have loved. One of these is Aden and Anais muslin swaddlers. These swaddlers are both breathable and durable. The great thing about these is their size. They are large enough that they stay nicely tucked when swaddling along with being used for a stroller cover, burp cloth, and nursing cover. They also make an easy swaddler which is wonderful for those little ones that love to be swaddled but have impressive escape skills! While these light weight blankets may be a little on the pricey side. I can assure you, they are well worth the cost! But be sure to check out your local TJ Max or Marshall's as they often come up at a discounted price at these retail stores.
My other favorite is the Halo Sleep Sack. When I discovered these as a new mom, I bought them in every size and especially loved the fact that they even made sleep sacks for my older baby so that he did not have multiple loose blankets in his crib.
2)Rock N Play sleeper
1) Swaddlers
While newborn babies may no longer have the safe reassuring comfort of their mothers womb, swaddling them is often just the trick to calm a new little one. But when the moment your little one moves, it loosens or you cant quite get it to tuck around their little feet, trying to swaddle your baby can become a frustration. There are two different swaddlers that I use and have loved. One of these is Aden and Anais muslin swaddlers. These swaddlers are both breathable and durable. The great thing about these is their size. They are large enough that they stay nicely tucked when swaddling along with being used for a stroller cover, burp cloth, and nursing cover. They also make an easy swaddler which is wonderful for those little ones that love to be swaddled but have impressive escape skills! While these light weight blankets may be a little on the pricey side. I can assure you, they are well worth the cost! But be sure to check out your local TJ Max or Marshall's as they often come up at a discounted price at these retail stores.
My other favorite is the Halo Sleep Sack. When I discovered these as a new mom, I bought them in every size and especially loved the fact that they even made sleep sacks for my older baby so that he did not have multiple loose blankets in his crib.
2)Rock N Play sleeper
Enjoying her rocking sleeper and Aden & Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blanket. With my first I thought a pack n play with an adjustable bottom was the best thing for co-sleeping (we co -slept in the same room), but honestly they are big and a pain to move around. Don't get me wrong, pack n' plays are great, but when it comes to 0-6 months, rock n' play sleepers are the best. There are a couple of brands that offer a product like this. I personally love the cradling design of INGENUITY Rocking Sleeper Deluxe . The other features I love about this sleeper are the soft washable textiles (we all know blow out are bound to happen), light weight design and the fact you disassemble for easy storage or travel.
3)Baby Carriers
I tend to be kind of a "whatever is a good deal" kind of mom. Especially when we were new in our parenting years when money was tight. Whatever I could find used or cheap was great for me! I learned that in the way of baby carries, cheap was not always a good thing. I had two different ones I tried and by the time my son was just 4 months old, my shoulders were in desperate need of a massage! It wasn't until my little guy was 6 months old and we were taking a trip back to Tennessee that I borrowed an Ergo baby carrier from a friend. I wore it constantly on our trip and never once did my shoulders suffer. I then purchased one myself and my son rode in it until he was two and a half! And he was a big kid! There is also a snazzy little newborn insert for when your baby is very tiny. Also, I am very excited about that Ergo just came out with the Ergo 360 which features side carry and front carry with the baby facing out, which the traditional Ergo did not do. Usually carriers that face out are not good for baby because of the risks of hip dysplasia. However, Ergo designed the carrier to have an ergonomic seat for baby in this position, which is great. The ergo is a great investment that is going to stick with you through the newborn stage and into the first couple years.
Another carrier I want to feature is the Moby wrap. This wrap is going to be amazing for the newborn and early baby months but probably wont be something you will use when your baby gets heavier. The wrap is stretch and soft and you can wear it at home without a shirt for lots of skin to skin. If baby wearing is something that interest you, check back later this year! We will have a guest blogger that is a total expert in baby wearing!
These are just a few of my faves. Clearly a lot more is needed for your new baby. When it comes time to do your baby shower registry, don't make the mistake I did! Take another mom with you that has little ones and has tested some items out! If you are already a mom what are some of your favorite tried and true baby items?
Another carrier I want to feature is the Moby wrap. This wrap is going to be amazing for the newborn and early baby months but probably wont be something you will use when your baby gets heavier. The wrap is stretch and soft and you can wear it at home without a shirt for lots of skin to skin. If baby wearing is something that interest you, check back later this year! We will have a guest blogger that is a total expert in baby wearing!
These are just a few of my faves. Clearly a lot more is needed for your new baby. When it comes time to do your baby shower registry, don't make the mistake I did! Take another mom with you that has little ones and has tested some items out! If you are already a mom what are some of your favorite tried and true baby items?
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