Because that is the world I am currently living in, I am taking a brief break from posting about art today to talk about things related to new mothers. When we found out last year we were expecting a baby, we were over the moon. I started making a baby shopping list early on and quickly became overwhelmed by all the things new moms could buy. As a minimalist, I wanted a short, simple list containing only the basics. I couldn’t find a list like this anywhere. As a result, I ended up buying a lot of things we didn’t need and missing some we did. That’s why, today, I’m sharing all the items we needed in hopes that I make someone else’s baby buying experience easier.
Carseat And Stroller
Because you and your baby need only a carseat to leave the hospital, this item is not optional. To keep things simple, I wanted a carseat that fit into a stroller, but also a stroller our baby could grow into. Until I saw this system at a Buy Buy Baby closing sale, I had my heart set on a jogging stroller for our long walks. I’ve never experienced a lighter, more sleek stroller. I can walk miles with it because it feels like I’m barely pushing anything. Also, it folds up really small in the car trunk. This stroller is great for anyone who has to go up stairs with a baby. Also excellent if you simply do not require anything bulky.
Bassinet Snoo
This was a last minute purchase. I received several recommendations for this bassinet. However, I was hesitant to buy because the price is ridiculous. I ordered this item late, so we received it several days after we brought our son home from the hospital. Buying the Snoo on Black Friday for $1100, as we did, is a good idea. The resale value for the Snoo is great, so you can always get your money back later.
Changing Peanut
I actually bought two changing tables. A cloth cover was used to cushion one for our baby’s nursery. I bought this Keekaroo for our first floor. I haven’t used the cushioned one at all. Having a changing table you can wipe down makes too much sense. I love this changing pad so much I don’t ever see us using the other one.
Bouncy Seat
I bought a swing too, as well as some other things to help us go hands-free with baby. This is the only way we can go hands-free and keep our son happy. We put him in it all the time. Additionally, I adore how simple it is to move this item from room to room. We take it all over the house.
Carrier
We had both the Baby Bjorn Mini and I borrowed the Solly (a traditional wrap carrier) from my sister-in-law. The wrap was great in the beginning and the mini was great when since it fits babies of all sizes (including newborns) and is super supportive with padded straps and a hip belt. Our infant also enjoys it.
Blankets
To keep our baby warm and prevent the spread of germs, blankets are ideal for covering the car seat. We even use them for diaper changes or cleaning up spitup. We got lots of these as gifts but I think moms only need a few – maybe 1 heavier one and 1-2 lighter ones.
0-3 Month Onesies
When I went shopping for clothes, I thought dresses were best. They’re most convenient for changing diapers right? I was unaware that gowns are incompatible with carriers, swings, and carseats. We ended up using zipper onesies instead of the gowns I bought, which we barely used. We tried Gerber, Kyte and Old Navy.
Portable Sound Machine
You might not think that this is necessary, but it is for us! We bring this sound machine everywhere. I even hook it on myself when I have our baby in the carrier and want him to sleep. It instantly sooths him.
Huggies Diapers (+ Unscented Wipes)
We tried all the major diaper brands – Pampers, Honest, Target brand – the list goes on. In my opinion, Huggies are superior. They fit our baby best and were great at catching messy diapers. Kirkland brand was our second favorite. I would assume you’re going to go through at least 8-10 diapers per day in the beginning. We usually change his diaper with every feeding.
Drops Of Saline For Infants
I was told by the doctor not to suction baby boogers unless absolutely necessary. I guess suctioning makes babies produce more congestion. Moreover, the hospital is probably going to give you a snot sucker. Instead, they advised using saline drops, and the congestion would disappear on its own. Our baby goes through periods were his nose is really stuffy, and these drops work great.
Baby Aquaphor
We use this for everything – cradle cap, scratches, his lips, you name it. Fun fact, you can also use this on diaper rash which eliminates the need for diaper rash cream.
Diaper Pail
The two options for dirty diapers are to either to throw them in a garage/outdoor garbage can or to get an air tight diaper pail. The second option is more convenient. We tried another brand that didn’t hold odors very well, then ended up upgrading to this one. It works great!
Temperature Monitors For The Room
We live in an older house where the temperature is inconsistent in every room. As a couple who used to sleep with the windows cracked in winter and the air blazing in the summer, we had no concept of what temps were good for baby. It appears that 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for infants. We keep one of these in the family room and one in our room to check the temperature frequenting.
Cotton Burp Rags
Really, you can just use a wash cloth or tissue to clean up messes. You don’t need rags specific for baby use. We have these and always throw one in the carseat and diaper bag just in case.
Diaper Bag
What no one told me is that you don’t really need a diaper bag. And large backpack or purse will do as long as you buy something to change baby on. What’s nice is that ours clips onto the stroller and has a waterproof pocket for bottles. However, I would never label this as a necessity.
Wipe Warmer
In the beginning, our baby would freak out when we changed his diaper. After that, we started using a wipe warmer, and in a flash, our panic attacks stopped. I used to think these were too many, but it was so important to us that I thought it was important to mention.
Hand Sanitizer
Our pediatrician uses this “clean for babies” brand and we love it. We have the bigger bottles all over the house, and I keep the little bottles in our car and diaper bag.
Seasonal Gear
We realized quickly that we could use a snowsuit for our Christmas baby. We were able to get by for a while without one, wrapping him up in blankets and hats. Nevertheless, it was a useful item. We have one from Baby Gap. Also warm weather hats were essential. I like these. Other seasonal items for summer babies could be sunblock and a sunhat.
Unnecessary Items
Swaddles
I bought two Ollie Swaddles, but I didn’t know that if you have the Snoo sleep sacks, you don’t need these. Maybe we will use them later. However, I have yet to get them out of their box. I have some other sleep sacks we never got out as well.
Baby Towel
Although these are adorable, you can easily use any towel.
Diaper Cream
I found Baby Aquaphor works better.
Baby Hair Brush
Our baby does not have much hair, so this item was totally unnecessary for us. Plus. I could just use our combs on him.
Topponcino
I read about this item in a Montessori book and I was sold. You’re supposed to keep your baby in it when you hold them and it mimics the womb. However, in those first few months you are in survival mode. I kept forgetting to grab this item and put him in it. It was good in theory, but unnecessary in reality.