Baby must-haves that helped us the first 3 months of parenthood
Do you have a little one on the way? First off, congratulations! It's a journey filled with so many emotions and planning, but so worth it. Hopefully we can make your planning stress a little less with our helpful suggestions of what you'll need the first 3 months.
Before having our first son I searched countless hours of must-haves for babies, never quite knowing what was necessary and what was a bit excessive, or just a nice-to-have. I spoke with other moms and got plenty of recommendations from family and friends, but it was just so much stuff to look at and take in, that it became overwhelming. There were items that we read about and others we were recommended that worked for us, and some that definitely didn't.
The truth is, every baby is different, and what worked for ours might not work for your child, but at least you have a starting point.
The below items were the items we truly used the first 3 months consistently, some of which, we purchased after realizing what we had originally bought wasn't ideal.
- Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack - You will take this everywhere! You're now a mom, which means you're a walking supermarket. This Backpack makes carrying bottles, and keeping them chilled, easy with it's insulated pouch. Don't forget a change of clothes and multiple diapers!
- Chicco Viaro Travel System I researched a lot of travel systems and this one was the most suitable for us, was a great value, and is a top-rated carseat. The carrier clips into the base for the car and easily into the stroller so you don't have to wake them up when transporting them from car to house. You may want a secondary base for another family member's car that will be helping out. We have a secondary carseat only, and it's a struggle sometimes getting Gray in and out when he's asleep.
- Kekaroo Peanut Changing pad - Not sure who thought liquids and cloth covers go together, but this solves that problem. Easy cleanup with a wet-wipe when baby decides to pee while getting changed.
- Boppy lounger - Loved this lounger! The Boppy pillow - not so much. You can set this on the dining table, floor, bed, couch, and counter when they are in the newborn stage and of course not rolling yet.
- Angelcare bath support - It's small and takes little space when not in use. Supports the little one just right making bath time enjoyable for both baby and parents.
- Desitin - Diaper rash, drool rash - it's going to happen. We tried other creams but this one worked the best for us. Comes with us wherever we go.
- Breastfriend - I tried the Boppy pillow but dumped it for my new Breastfriend after using one at my lactation consultant's office. This is so much better for breastfeeding since it gives support and takes a bit of the weight off your arms.
- Burp Cloths - You will go through lots of these to clean the spit up and drool. Better them than your shirt. We put one under our son's chin when feeding to catch a bit of the milk that spills as well.
- Swaddles - The first three months I swaddled our son at bedtime to help him sleep. They may not always like it, but it's a necessity to keep their arms from flailing and waking themselves up. These did the trick just fine.
- Pack and Play- Perfect to travel with and use as an alternative crib. The first couple months we used it only as a changing area.
- Scrub brush for cradle cap - our son was born with a full head of hair, a few weeks later he was almost bald thanks to cradle cap. This brush worked well and got rid of Gray’s cradle cap!
- Sound machines - A must have to block out all the noise during naps, bedtime and on the go.
- Baby Einstein sound with lights - our son loved this toy! He loved following the light and the music. We used to bring this toy everywhere we went. It's a great distraction when he gets fussy
Having a baby is great but also a lot of work. We found value in the items above and we think you would too to help your 0-3 month parenting chapter.
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