thanks to dockatot for sponsoring this post!
We’re celebrating big these days because we did a thing. A big ole’ thing. My husband and I survived our first month as parents! We’re a tad bit (ha!) exhausted, rarely know what day of the week it is, and can’t seem to find a minute to do our hair (see my last few photos on instagram for proof!) BUT we did it. Now let’s give credit where credit is due. Our families, friends, and fabulous baby products sure helped us along!
I’ve had loads of emails and messages from expectant mamas and friends with newborns, asking which products we’re using. It can be so incredibly overwhelming to sort through the thousands of baby gadgets available these days and figure out what you actually need. Today I’m sharing the products we swore by during our first month and a few that would have been nice to have on hand!
sleeping
Dockatot – This is a must have! She sleeps so well in her dockatot at night and it’s really easy to tote around with us when we’re on the go! It’s safe for baby which was my number one priority when it came down to where she’d sleep. So many uses for the DAT but sleeping is for sure my favorite!
Crib – Usually get a ton of questions about this one. I always knew I wanted a Jenny Lind style crib when we got pregnant. This one is a steal on Amazon! We put AG in her crib very early on (which has been a lifesaver!) so this was definitely an essential!
Sheets – We were gifted these at my shower. LOVE how soft they are. We doubled up on them with a waterproof mattress pad in between. A tip from several wise mamas! That way you’re not washing and drying sheets in the middle of the night after a mess!
Rock & Play – AG slept in this her first couple of nights before we transitioned to the Dockatot/crib setup. Definitely didn’t want her to get used to it after hearing friends and family tell us how hard the transition OUT of the Rock & Play can be. She occasionally takes a nap in here but it’s great to keep her happy while we’re getting ready or need our hands free for something else. Definitely recommend buying or registering for one!
Baby Shusher – MAGIC! There’s also an app you can download to take the sound on the go!
Alexa – At night we play white noise from Alexa. Also nice to have in her room to play music for mama while I’m nursing! I know it sounds silly but it’s so nice to use voice commands instead of having to mess around with settings/buttons when you have no free hands.
Swaddles – These are our favorite because they’re cute, soft, and work with the mom’s on call technique which has worked well for us.
feeding
Spectra pump – My insurance provided me with a pump at no cost. I had the option to choose between the Medela pump and this one. A quick google search led me to the Spectra. I’m pretty happy with it but I haven’t used any others so there’s really nothing for me to compare it to. I have several friends who use this one too!
Haakaa pump – I probably wouldn’t still be breastfeeding if it weren’t for this thing. It suctions right on so you can use your hands to do other things! You can also wear it while feeding baby to catch any leakage.
Bottles – We use Comotomo! Obsessed with them for two reasons. One, you can dishwash them. Two, they’re completely spill proof.
Milk Storage Bags – Gotta build that stash up! These came highly recommended.
Nipple Balm – Swear by this stuff. Yep, I’m officially talking about nipple care on the blog. Who the heck am I?!
Nursing Bra – Buy ten of these. Seriously! They’re cheap, comfy, and you will need ten because (tmi warning) breastfeeding is messy.
Nursing Pads – Buy these. I learned my lesson the hard way.
Boppy – An absolute must if you plan to nurse your baby! Makes positioning so much more comfortable.
Burp Cloths – These are so soft, come in the cutest patterns (which matter not since they’ll be covered in spit up) and are the perfect size!
*Bottle Warmer – We didn’t register for one or even think about needing one before baby. But… bottles do in fact need to be warmed. We’re so over warming them on the stove (takes forever and the temp is always off!) so we’re currently on the hunt for a warmer.
on the go
Solly Baby Wrap – Baby girl loves being snuggled up to me in this and I’ve so enjoyed carrying her in it!
Travel System – So happy with the TAVO system! Did a ton of research and have no complaints about this one! I think it’s a great price for the quality.
Dockatot – Not only is the DAT fabulous for sleeping at home, but it’s easy as pie to take with us when we go out! Whether we’re at a friend’s house or hanging out on the back porch – AG is already used to sleeping in her DAT so the transition is simple.
Diaper Bag – LOVE mine so much. Great price and big enough to carry all the essentials. Plus, it looks like a cute purse, not a diaper bag.
Clip on Fan – Southern mama’s, you need to have one of these! Clip onto your stroller and car seat to keep your little cool during these brutal summer months.
*Baby Hammock – Didn’t even think to register for one of these but would be so nice to have for leisurely strolls through the target dollar section and trips to the grocery store!
bathing
Flower – If you plan to bathe baby in the sink at first, get this. Once you transition to baths in the tub, you can use it as a knee pad!
Towels – Use these every night! Great size!
Washcloths – We use Burt’s Bees Baby. A brand I love and trust!
other
Changing Pad – Ours is on the top of the dresser. I like having a designated changing zone.
Waterproof Changing Liners – Life changing. Keeps our pretty changing pad cover clean and they’re easy to wash.
Nose Frida – Kind of gross in theory, but it works well!
Video Monitor & Snuza – So baby can sleep in her own room and you don’t have to worry.
Clothes – We do footies every night and cute outfits during the day. Yes, we know she’ll spit up on her cute outfits but they make me happy and I carried this child for 9 months in my belly… so cute outfits and big bows are happening. If we’re not going out and she’s just chilling at the house, we may do a onesie. Will do a separate post on my favorite places to shop for baby!
These were the essentials. Th
ings we actually used and loved. Feel free to ask if you have questions about any of these!
Would SO enjoy hearing y’alls favorite baby products that helped make those first few weeks easier for you. And would also appreciate recommendations on things we need to grab for the months ahead! 🙂
love y’all, mckenzie
