I’ve had babies on my mind lately. Perhaps, because …I don’t know…there is a baby in my belly?? And, it’s number 5, and I’m freakin’ out! I’ve got plenty of time left before October, but I’m determined to be as prepared as I can be for this little one to come. Anything that helps alleviate stress (like, being prepared), I’m all for (see my recent “stress” post). I’m trying to get homeschool (which we’re starting next year) all sorted out…curriculum chosen, a flexible schedule in mind, supplies, etc. I’m trying to get my unfinished house projects complete AND I’m thinking of all the things I might need for this new little one. Which brings me to the post. Obviously, I’m no stranger to new babies and I’ve found some favorite things over the years that I would NOT go without. My baby’s love them, thus…I love them.
Here are my must-haves:
NUK Pacifiers (they HAVE to be silicone). Before my babes were born, I would buy several different brands and styles of binkys (or “binks” as we say around here). I would diplomatically let my new one choose their favorite…and it was always, oh yes, NUK…and silicone. Now, I just KNOW what they want so I just give them these. If you’re a binky-hater for any reason, or worried about being able to take the binky away, refer to this post. Binkys can be slightly exhausting at first when the new baby doesn’t quite know how to keep it in their mouth, they wake up crying every time it falls out. But, soon enough…they get the hang of it and you are in the clear to get some sleep. It’s totally worth the small struggle. Take note, these come in different sizes 🙂
Womb Noises. There are a variety of products out there that simulate the noise of the womb, get one. When I first received a DEX Womb Sounds Bear as a gift, I was literally thinking “whatever” (with a huge attitude flair). Little did I know it would quickly become one of my favorite things! I would put it next to the babe in the bassinet and magic would happen. It turns off automatically, so just leave it on and fall asleep. If the baby started fussing (and you know they can’t possibly be hungry, poopie, or feeling sick), turn it up, give them back their binky and they’re usually happy (and, they’re used to LOUD womb noises). They love it. Now that my youngest is almost two, she still sleeps best to sound…like a fan, space heater, white noise, whatever. Her naps last longer and she sleeps deeper. Here’s the link to one of Amazon’s top products, which happens to be a noise maker, Sleep Mate Sound Conditioner. I want that one for myself!
Silk/Minky Blankets – Every baby needs a blankie. I’m all about security objects…they bring peace of mind to the babe and help me sleep. And, I know for new mothers…sleep is SO precious. Besides, have you ever tried sleeping on a woobie?? I have and I NOW I totally get the attraction to them. You can bunch it up under your head, propping it in just the right spot. Waaaaay better than pillows, it’s only my pride keeping me from having my own. Anyway, you will likely be given 15 different blankies (we call them “woobies”) at your baby shower. But, there is only ONE kind that I’ve noticed my kids latch on to like magnets…the silk/minky blankets (meaning, one side is that satiny silk material and the other is the super soft minky material…those soft “rosebuds” work too.) Oh, baby. They’re soft & adorable. So, Wal-Mart and Target sell the standard blue and pink ones but if you don’t want them getting mixed up with every other Joe-Schmo baby’s woobie…you need to go the Etsy route. My favorite shop is Yatoil, they have the most unique, beautiful silk/minky blankets. They might cost ten to twenty bucks more…but, my kids hang on to their woobies for several years, so I don’t mind the extra cost for something I really love. Check out some of these favorites from Yatoil’s shop…
Parent’s Choice Formula – I breastfeed my babies, but I’m also a huge fan of supplementing with bottles after a few months…you know, just at those times when you’re in the middle of dinner at Olive Garden, your in the middle of church service, or you’re grocery shopping and the babe is going nuts. I figure that a stressed, frazzled mother is more detrimental to my child than an occasional bottle of formula. Regardless, my favorite formula has always been Parent’s Choice. It’s the only kind that seems to sit well with my babies and they actually like it. Even better, my super favorite pediatrician (who has been around forever and knows his stuff) recommends it AND it’s the Wal-Mart brand, so its priced better than all the rest! Yay, I’ll take it! They have a huge variety of different formulas for your baby’s needs.
Playtex Drop-Ins BPA Free Bottles – Again, these are my babies favorite bottles…I’ve tried lots of different kinds! With these, they like the brownish latex nipples…not the clear silicone. They’ve never had a problem toggling from breastfeeding to their occasional bottle from this brand. You have to buy the drop-in bags, but I like them because they eliminate a lot of the air trapped in standard bottles. It helps to reduce gas and spit-up…both of which my babies are well-known for. Also, the bags make the bottles easier to clean. But, you don’t need to throw it out after each and every bottle. Just wash it out. I re-use the same bag for the whole day.
Bumbo Chair – I’m not a huge Bumbo Chair user for the typical reason people use them. When my babies are a few months old and younger, my husband and I usually just hold them in the shower to wash them. They seem to be more comforted than being put in their baby bath. Once the babies are a few months old, I set them in it, on the floor of my shower…while I shower. Ya know, we mothers have to multi-task. But, my babies are as happy as can be…being close to mom and being all warm in the water. No more showering while baby is screaming their heads off outside the shower door. Isn’t that the worst?? Here’s my post all about Making Bath Time Easier (with the Bumbo Chair).
Sleep Gowns – Not only are babies SO stinkin’ cute in sleep gowns, but when you are changing 50 newborn diapers a day…it’s so nice to have such easy and quick access! You can usually find them in a two pack for under $20 bucks. These cuties that I found at Target are a serious rip-off of $28 bucks each…but, just wanted to show you the pics for reference 🙂
Baby Trend’s Sit N Stand Stroller
– This stroller is the best! Your little one can go up front while your toddler can either sit on the back bench or stand on the bottom platform. It’s not unusual to see me around town pushing all four kids on this thing (not by choice…they just all want a ride)!
– This stroller is the best! Your little one can go up front while your toddler can either sit on the back bench or stand on the bottom platform. It’s not unusual to see me around town pushing all four kids on this thing (not by choice…they just all want a ride)!
Fresh Food Feeders
-If you have a baby-choking fear, like me, these feeders come in so handy! Just pop a piece of fruit, meat, or veggie in the mesh bag and let baby gnaw away! Only itsy bitsy pieces of food will escape the small holes, so you don’t have to worry! These are also great for bringing to relatives/babysitters homes…you know how other people don’t quite know the capabilities of your baby, so they stuff a hunk of cantaloupe in their mouths? Get these.
-If you have a baby-choking fear, like me, these feeders come in so handy! Just pop a piece of fruit, meat, or veggie in the mesh bag and let baby gnaw away! Only itsy bitsy pieces of food will escape the small holes, so you don’t have to worry! These are also great for bringing to relatives/babysitters homes…you know how other people don’t quite know the capabilities of your baby, so they stuff a hunk of cantaloupe in their mouths? Get these.
I could probably go on for a while…but, I better wrap it up.
Need more ideas? Here’s some, Great Gifts for New Moms & Babies ~ Also, be sure to pin Gift Idea Central, where I store all of my past and future gift idea posts!
Throwing a baby shower?? Baby Shower Ideas and more Baby Shower Ideas
What are some of your must-haves for new babies??
~ Mariel
Mariel, one of my good friends just had a baby, so this article is so timely! I’m going to have to shop from this list for her!
I recently discovered teething jewelry via another friend. I was about to compliment her on her necklace a couple weeks ago when I noticed her baby girl chewing on it. So, I told her, and she responded that it was ok since that was what it was made for! I thought that was such a genius idea, so I’m picking up one of those for my friend too.
Oh my heck, congrats on #5! Home school? You are so brave! You are my idol.
My favorite are the Avent bottles! I even tried Dr. Browns and had to go back to Avent. Sawyer LOVES his Silk minky blanket….. he won’t go anywhere without it! Good post!
We are still learning what we like but a friend noticed that Kendyl liked the “hospital” binkis… you know the HUGE green ones and she suggested gum drop pacifiers (www.gumdroppacifier.com) the nipple is the same shape as the hospital ones but they come in shades like pink, purple, orange, and blue.. they are smaller…and so much cuter than the hospital ones.
I LOVE those Silk/Minky blankets from Yatoil… I really wish I was having more babies so I could buy one. Maybe one for myself? 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I’m going to bookmark it for future babyshower gifts.
London and Belle love thier silk/soft blankets. Something about them I guess.
I love Target’s brand of formula-it’s the generic for Similac for my babies w/upset tummies.
With Belle I’ve been liking the Bjorn carrier-it’s small to just keep in the car and easy to use. So much nicer than just carrying the kids everywhere.
Also, since my babies are also breastfed, the only bottle they would take are the Nuk ones.
Good luck on homeschool w/a new baby! I couldn’t do it w/out a baby #5:) I think you’re going for some type of award…
Good luck!
Congrats on baby #5! something I just recently bought and absolutely LOVE is the Johnsons ‘cucumber melon’ baby wash. My favorite of all the washes!
OMW, I could do a few posts on my favorite things for babies too! Love yours. Hmmm…maybe that’ll be a future one for me when I’m back in your position 😉 Congratulations, again! And great post.
You should check out SproutShell, it’s an all in one carrier cover, it’s also a nursing cover, high chair cover, shopping car cover, and now that my baby is in a forward facing carseat, I also use it to cover the seat in the summer so the buckles don’t get direct sun. Their website is sproutshell.com