Must Have Baby Items: 0-3 months
When I made my baby registry, I was lost AF. I just added whatever was recommended and later learned that a lot of it wasn’t necessary or Nico just didn’t care for it. Stating the obvious, but not all babies/moms/dads are the same. What worked for Nico and us may not work for you. So I found that having our registry on Amazon worked out the best because of their return policy!
To help new moms like me who had no fucking idea, I gathered a list of some items that I 110% recommend you at least try. And if they don’t work out for you and baby, exchange for diapers! All linked HERE.
If you have other must have items that you recommend, please drop it in the comments!
EAT
Brest Friend - “That’s my brest friend, she a real bad b” - haha the Saweetie song always plays in my head as I grab it. I didn’t bring this to the hospital so I was breastfeeding with only pillows and my arms to support Nico. Ugh, tough times. This thing is so supportive, a real ass BFF. :) It has grooves in it for baby to rest comfortably while feeding. Comfort for mommy and baby - WIN WIN!
Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer - If you’re planning on bottle feeding expressed milk or formula feeding, this bottle warmer is clutch. I’ve tried others, and this one is worth the extra dollars because it’s super easy to use. You basically stick the bottle in, set the knob at the number of ounces you are heating up, click the button and poof it brings the milk to the perfect temp for baby. We went on a trip and left this at home and it sucked.
Spectra S1 - Breast pumps are typically covered by insurance, but for this one - you have to pay a copay. I like that it’s chargeable so you’re not glued to an outlet while pumping. I tried the Elvie and while I liked that you can just stick it in your bra, I found that for me it doesn’t pump as much as milk as the Spectra. (Also Elvie is not worth the $500 imo). I would also recommend getting extra pumping parts so that you’re not having to wash and dry the parts in between each pumping sesh.
Momcozy Hands Free Pumping Bras - If you like multi-tasking… actually no, if you don’t want your hands glued to your boobs for 15-30 minutes, you need this.
Freezer storage bags - if you’re planning on pumping and freezing breastmilk, get freezer storage bags. I like the Philips Avent ones, but I’m sure all work the same. Squeeze out all the air bubbles and lie it flat so it freezes flat to maximize storage space.
SLEEP
SNOO - Ok, the hype is REAL. If I had to recommend one item only, the SNOO is IT. Truly an angel and has helped my baby sleep so peacefully. Also it’s just a cute piece of furniture. Aesthetically pleasing AND super effective?? I love you. Pro tip: Make sure baby sleeps in the SNOO day 1 of taking baby home. If you don’t, you risk your baby not liking it and baby may prefer that YOU soothe them to sleep. Big yikes.
Onesies with 2-way zippers - Zipper onesies are the best because they’re quick, but 2-way zippers are NEXT LEVEL. These are absolutely necessary when your baby is not sleeping through the night yet. You are going to be doing diaper changes before multiple nighttime feeds. 2-way zippers allow you to unzip the bottom half of the onesie which (1) saves you a lot more time (=more time to sleep) and (2) minimum disruption to baby so they can fall back asleep quicker.
Hatch Baby Rest - White noise = Nico is instasleepy. The Hatch is both a noise machine and night light. You can control the sound/volume and color/brightness from your phone. There is a variety of sounds you can choose from (i.e. laundry machine, lullabies, waves) and colors. Tips on how to use the Hatch in my nighttime routine post (coming soon).
ON THE GO
Uppababy stroller/carseat- I admit I haven’t tried any other strollers, but I can confidently say the Uppababy Vista is the best. You ever have a shopping cart that just does not cooperate? This stroller is the exact opposite. Soooo easy to navigate. Super light and easy to pull out and pack up. The mesa carseat is compatible so it was the easy choice for us.
Baby Changing Pad by Lil Fox - It’s basically a portable changing table and diaper/wipe bag in one. Awesome for families who are on the go. I really like this one because it’s very simple, compact, fits easily in diaper bag, and super convenient to pull out and do a quickie change.
Owl white noise machine - It’s basically the Hatch to go. You can use it in the car, stroller wherever to help your baby nap wherever you are.
Baby’s Brew - Right before we went out, part of our routine was to boil hot water and pack it to go for heating up Nico’s milk. Or we would have to bug our waiter at the restaurant to bring us new bowls of hot water. Cue Baby’s Brew! The portable, rechargeable bottle warmer!!! Life changer!
Carrier - We tried a bunch but this Baby Bjorn was my favorite mainly because it is the easiest to put on and take off. I found that the others had great features but just way too complicated. I put this in the “on the go” section but it’s great for wearing at home when you need your arms to get things done! I use this a lot while washing dishes, vacuuming the house, etc.
MISC
Baby Bjorn Bouncer - I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking the same exact shit when we got it. Why the hell is this thing $200? It doesn’t move on its own, no music/sounds, bluetooth. BUT WOW WORTH EVERY PENNY. Nico is soooo comfortable in it. He sits in this the majority of the day. Sometimes he would cry when I would take him out of it to carry him. !!! I know, right?
Dockatot - If Nico is not in his bouncer or SNOO, he’s chillin in his dockatot. It’s like a little portable baby bed that you can put on your couch next to you. It’s pricey. so I would say it’s not absolutely necessary but Nico does love it so I had to include it in the list.
Pacifiers - Idk why I used to think pacifiers were bad for babies??? Just me? After Nico was born, I read a lot about how they prevent SIDS! I linked the ones he likes.
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub - Bath time is Nico’s favorite time of the day. He is so relaxed in this thing. Fits perfectly in our farmhouse kitchen sink.
Diaper Changing Pad - I didn’t want to spend money a changing table. For the first couple of weeks, we changed Nico’s diapers on the bed and that was not good for our backs. You can place this one on top of a dresser. Don’t forget to get covers. I linked a couple!