For Baby and Mama
Before I had Maggie I always read posts like this and found them VERY helpful. A big reason why I already had a lot of my now favorites is because I saved / bookmarked suggestions from friends and family! And, while I felt pretty prepared, a lot comes up in the first few weeks that I simply didn’t expect. Let’s just say we ended up ordering quite a bit on Amazon Prime!
Maggie just turned 5 weeks, so at this point we have a pretty solid idea of what we really NEED around here. With that in mind, I rounded up a few of my favorites from the last month, for both baby and mama!
If you’re looking for more details on what we purchased / were gifted, you can find my registry post here. I’ll definitely do a follow up post to share what we use and love most from that so stay tuned!
FOR BABY
Feeding and Support Pillow
C says this is hands down his favorite baby item and I’d have to agree! This feeding / support pillow is so versatile. I use it while breastfeeding and we use it on laps when anyone holds Maggie. It helps a LOT with arm fatigue and keeps people comfortable. Comfortable = less stressed! I also love that it has covers so we can easily manage spills and stains.
Ollie Swaddle
We’ve tried a LOT of swaddles and use most of them – the classic swaddle (we prefer to use the hospital blankets for this) is one of our favorites, but our little Houdini always gets her arms out. The Ollie is GREAT for this! We were gifted one and bought a second because #laundry.
Burp Cloths
We have about a million of these and we go through them ALL every single week. We probably have more than most people since our laundry isn’t in unit, but we also have a very big eater with spit up tendencies and use these for EVERYTHING.
Stain Remover
This was a rec from a friend and I swear by it! Milk stains – especially in the early days – are TOUGH! That early milk is so fatty that it’s close to impossible to remove, but this almost always does it. I also like this one.
Butt Spatula
When I asked my community about baby must haves – this was almost #1 on the list and I now know why! During changes (especially in the middle of the night) it is SO much easier and less messy to use this spatula to apply diaper or barrier cream. The idea of using my hands/fingers now makes me squirm!
Newborn White Onesies
Maggie was 8lbs when she was born and I was convinced based on how she was tracking (and the wacko sizing on baby brands) that she wouldn’t need newborn sized clothes. I was wrong! I ordered these and these while we were in the hospital and we used them during the day and under swaddles at night when she wasn’t in footies / zippies. They were also great as we were getting our groove with spit up and diapering – we didn’t stress about stains or blowouts! We recently switched to these for 0-3 months now that she is more aware – they are easier to get on (no over the head shenanigans).
2 Way Zip Footies
Maggie lived in these for her first 2 weeks! Per the above, we had to order them in Newborn sizing (which she grew out of around 2-2.5 weeks) so I’m glad we didn’t spend a ton of money on them. The ones we purchased were durable and super easy to clean, which ends up being key! We also prefer 2 way zippers for easy diaper changes! Maggie does not like being cold or wet (we’ve heard this is the case for most babies!), so if we can keep her upper body covered while changing that is a huge plus for all involved! Adding some of our favorites below:
Mini Blankets // Versatile Blankets
A must. We use them for snuggling, extra support when feeding, in the stroller, on walks… you get the drift. It helps to have a variety of weights and sizes, though most are “baby” or “stroller” sized for ease. Our favorites are this one, this one and this one.
A Variety of Pacifiers
Interestingly, babies can be really picky about pacifiers because they have different nipple preferences! We purchased several options, and Maggie prefers these, these and these.
Monitor
Admittedly we did not set up our monitor(s) until we were home for a few weeks, but now that Maggie is sleeping more/longer our monitor is really helpful. I reference it at night – even while she is next to me – to make sure she’s asleep. She also naps in her bassinet for her first nap and I get things done in the apartment. I like being able to check on her. We can also get a feel for how long she is sleeping/restless! I do not mind that it is on my phone because C and I can both use and reference the app, but I know some people have preferences about that.
Diaper Caddy
We have one of these in our bedroom and one in our living space! I also have this one to help sort my feeding cart. I keep all the essentials organized this way – diapers, creams, lotions, burp cloths, wipes etc.
Do-it-all Cream
Speaking of creams, we LOVE this one by Tubby Todd. It has helped Maggie’s dry and sensitive skin so much!
Vava Light
Our sleep consultant and doula both suggested keeping light to a minimum during nighttime changes/feeds. I was using a smaller light that wasn’t really cutting it, and a friend recommended this one instead. It was a GAME changer. I love that it is touch controlled and easily dimmable.
Keekaroo
I will sing the praises of this changing pad for EVER. It is SO easy to clean which is key – I cannot imagine having a pad with a washable cover. I talked about why we purchased it in this post and can confirm it lives up to the hype!
FOR MAMA
Overnight Bra
So, these aren’t padded but they are hands down the easiest to maneuver for nighttime feeds. I don’t love unclipping during the night! They are also soft and easy to wash / dry.
Lactation Massager
This massager changed the game for me! I got it as a part of this kit that our doula recommended. Maggie typically only feeds on one side at a time, so I can get soreness/tenderness and engorgement on the other side from time to time. This heated massager provides a tremendous amount of relief!
Haaka + Ladybug
Speaking of engorgement, this hand pump and let down collectors have been a gamechanger for feeds! I’m able to get a good amount of overflow from both and freeze excess milk for the occasional bottle feed since I am not pumping yet.
Button Down Jammies
Comfortable, cozy and feed friendly is the name of the game these days! Right now my faves are this nightgown (I also wore in the hospital), these, these and these.
Unscented Pads
I used and love ALL of the free goodies from the hospital, and in the beginning I NEEDED their unscented massive pads. Overtime, needs change, and I don’t love the ingredients in your classic drug store brand pads. Honey Pot makes great products and I’ve been really happy with them postpartum!
Hand Sanitizer with Pump
I absolutely fell for this ad on Instagram and have been really happy with it! I keep it at our changing station so I can sanitize my hands after changing sessions. This is key because I can’t leave the baby on the changing pad solo to go to the bathroom sink!
Cotton Underwear
I’ve tried a LOT of high rise underpants and these are my favorite – a friend recommended them! I actually had a different brand from Amazon but these are a bit less constricting. I have tried the Bodily ones, and while they are VERY soft they are not mostly cotton (lots of stretch) and do NOT hold the sticky side of a pad. No thanks! Also these are inexpensive and easy to replace if needed.