Newborn Essentials

There are so many trendy things out there for baby, and believe me I've researched just about every single one. Being a new mom, I wanted the best of the best for this little life we were bringing into this crazy world. After going through those first few months of being home with baby, you quickly realize the things that are absolutely must haves. Similarly, you also recognize the things you really haven't used. Every baby is obviously so different and what works for ours may not work for yours. And no, we are not giving up on our top-of-the-line mamaroo swing just yet (maybe one of ours will tolerate it)!

Here is a list of recommendations for new moms, moms who may have been out of the game for a few years, or current moms who are simply curious about a fellow mama's reviews.

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Sleep Things

Because let's be honest, sleep is so very important- especially during those first few months.

Here are the swaddles that we swear by for those first few months. I'm not sure how people use swaddle blankets and expect them to stay wrapped up at nighttime. These are great because they velcro shut and keep that babe snug! They are also very hard to escape from, at least in our experience. Have at least two-- that way when baby pees through the one in the middle of the night you have another on hand. I washed these puppies almost daily. (I will have more than two for the next baby.)

When baby is transitioning out of the swaddle, we used this one! The great thing about this swaddle is that you can do arms in or out, depending on what your baby needs at the time. It was easy to transition from the infant swaddles to these ones because they are super similar in use and feel. Just pop baby's arms out when he/she is ready and then you're ready to move to a sleep sack!

This is our favorite sleep sack. It is on the pricier side but so worth it. It is soft and made from Merino wool. Don't ask me how it works, but it regulates your baby's temperature and can be used in all 4 seasons. I highly recommend this for when babe is rolling and cannot be swaddled anymore. It keeps his/her feet from getting stuck in the crib rungs and keeps them snug without the use of a blanket which is, of course, unsafe.

The most important thing that we originally did not know we needed was a sound machine! I always thought that the noise from a box fan would work just fine. Unbeknownst to me, a sound machine produces a far louder noise and one that pretty much knocks that baby out. Silence is awkward for babies; they never experienced it in the womb. To create a womb-like environment, a sound machine is key. We love this one-- it has many different sound choices, doubles as a nightlight, and gets good and loud! (It is also only $20!)

We also found out (the hard way) just how important nap time is; so very essential for a good night's sleep! Because life happens, we have two sound machines that we use on the go. They are perfect for when you have to be in the car over nap time or if you are going on a longer drive. Click on the pictures to check them out.

Let's talk black out curtains! Another thing I definitely did not think I needed. Truth be told, I thought they would clash so badly with my nursery aesthetics (because these things matter!) and I didn't want to give up my white, wispy, sheer ones. When you start sleep training during the summer you realize a couple things: 1) it stays light far after it is bedtime, and 2) it is bright for every nap time. I was able to find these white black-out curtains that I use now and that have worked wonders for us!

Another thing I will throw out there is that once you get your babe used to a completely dark sleeping space, he/she will expect a dark room for sleeping. We got a couple of these curtains for when we are traveling and aren't able to guarantee that the room will be dark enough.

The last thing I will mention here is a bassinet. We bought the nicest, newest Halo Bassinet. The thing vibrates, has a nightlight, has music, etc. Unfortunately, the only way our babe would sleep was in a dock-a-tot (not recommended by professionals or doctors by the way). We had the dock-a-tot next to us in bed because my anxious-new-mom-syndrome was in full swing and I checked his breathing multiple times a night (yikes!). All that to say, he went from our bed to his crib and totally skipped the bassinet. I would love for it to be different the next time around and do believe the Halo is a great purchase. My recommendation would be to borrow one from someone who has one and would kindly part with it for a few months. Babies use them for such a short amount of time and it might be worth it to save your money. If you are not able to borrow one, this is the one I recommend!

You can see all of my Baby Sleep Essentials here.

Play Things

Now let's get to the fun stuff. This is our favorite bouncer. I liked how the colors weren't too bright and "in your face". Gabe likes how the toys are close enough to bat at. We sat him here a lot in the beginning (because someone rejected the swing).

Sticking with the more muted colors, this play mat is far from obnoxious, is gender-neutral, and has lots of fun attachments.

See these and my other favorite infant toys here.

Baby "Holders"

Aka the places where infants are stored during the day. (I know, LOL.)

The Dock-a-tot was our saving grace in the beginning. It was legitimately the only way Gabriel would sleep (unless he was being held). Just for the record, the Dock-a-tot is not recommended for sleeping *shrugs shoulders*. It is also great for putting your newborn in during the day and you can get some really cute covers. Go for the off-brand covers (like these) from amazon, they are half the price of name-brand covers. I would definitely get yourself a couple covers (at least)!

We were so excited to try this mamaroo ! It has multiple motions, sounds, and even has a hookup for your phone to play music. It's also neutral in color and takes up minimal space. Unfortunately, Gabriel did not enjoy it. We will try again with the next babe, but it might be worth borrowing from someone to "test" it out on your baby before purchasing!

I am so happy we purchased this pack 'n play ! I truly never wanted to have one of these in my living room, but it is just so darn practical! During the first few months, I utilized the bassinet attachment often to lay Gabriel in. It comes out of the play 'n play and can stand alone as well. The changing side is a game changer (See what I did there?). And the storage on the side is perfect for diapers, wipes, etc. There is also extra storage underneath the bassinet & changing station where I store extra diapers and toys for easy access while still being "put away". This was one of our best purchases for the newborn stage!

Something that we splurged on was our stroller and carseat! I love the Nuna brand so much for so many reasons. This carseat is so light and I love the built-in cover for protection against bright sun, cold wind, or germs. (Hello, do not touch my infant please.) The seat connects to this stroller with no need for an extra attachment. The whole system is streamlined and is just so pretty. It comes in great neutral colors; just look at those leather handles *heart-eyes*. We got this stroller+carseat system.

Speaking of my stroller, I just have to share with you my cute Itsy Ritsy stroller caddy.This handy caddy just so happens to match with the Nuna stroller's leather handle perfectly. It holds my large Yeti water bottle, a coffee, and a sippy cup and has a great zipper compartment for your phone, chapstick, mask, etc. I use it religiously.

Lastly, I will share about our baby carrier experience. I got this wrap carrier and absolutely loved it for the first few weeks. It is a little complicated to put on and is definitely a bit time-consuming. I did love how snug he fit when he was itty bitty and how close he was to me. I found that quickly, he seemed to be outgrowing it. I felt like I had to support his head because it was popping out of the top. I totally am all for this wrap and will use it again during the first month or so.

I am so in love with this carrier that we switched to when Gabe was about a month old. This carrier can be used from 0-6+ months and we still use it comfortably now at 7 months. You can wear it 6 different ways, it is super supportive and comfortable for both mom/dad and baby, and it has a built in headrest and sun shield. I use it while walking, cleaning, nap time even. It also has some handy storage in the front to put your phone and other essentials if you want to be hands-free. I always recommend this carrier to other moms; it has been a life-savor for us!

Practical Things

My diaper bag is one of my favorite mom items. It has so many pockets and compartments, is super stylish, and has straps to attach it to your stroller! Honestly, it has sooo much storage and matches everything! I highly recommend the Isty Ritsy brand for everything cute yet practical!

Don't even get me started on all of the diaper bag essentials I have! To check out the best way to fill your diaper bag, see my suggestions here!

I love our baby bath for a couple reasons. It has one side for smaller babies

and another that can hold up to a toddler. It comes with a newborn sling that keeps your teeny baby submerged but not too much so, making it perfect for baby's first baths!

Another thing that made those first baths so much easier was this baby bath shower head! My little guy always liked the tub, but only if he didn't get cold. This shower head allows you to keep that warm water coming and helps rinse off soap quickly and effiencently. It also makes washing their hair so much easier. And it's on mega sale right now!

This thermometer is so easy to use and definitely a newborn essential. It is super quick and accurate.

Clothing

For all of our favorite baby brands and some of the pieces that we really love, check out Favorite Baby Brands.

Are you about to set up your nursery? Or maybe you want to freshen up the nursery you have. Either way, check out Nursery Set-Up for some nursery organization ideas!

These, of course, are simply one mama's suggestions of must-haves for the newborn stage. You can rest assured, however, that I have read just about every review and have researched each item before purchasing! My goal was to get the best for the best price. I hope you find these recommendations helpful. Make sure to pin this list below!

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See all of my Newborn Essentials here. Am I missing anything? Let me know in the comments below!

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