Hi everyone! I've kept it quiet around here for the past couple weeks because I've been soaking in every second with our new little one, Chloe! I can't wait to share a very special newborn shoot I did with my bestie Erin Krespan so stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!
However, I did want to put together something short for you sharing the things I've found most helpful in these first few weeks with a newborn.
FOR BABY:
Wipes warmer
This was one of those things that you'd think are excessive, but actually an essential. Our first day home, we tried using cold wipes, and baby did not enjoy those one bit. The Prince Lionheart EVO Wipes Warmer made things a little easier during changing time. Shop it here!
DockATot
I don't know what I'd do without our DockATot. In the first few weeks, I've been staying downstairs so I can easily access the kitchen and TV, since the doctor advised not going up and down the stairs a ton. This is where baby naps - and she naps very soundly in it (see photo for proof!) Other times, if I need to use the restroom, I can place her in it, knowing she'll be safe and sound until I get back. (New mom anxiety is REAL, friends!) The DockATot comes in two sizes, Deluxe for 0-8 Months, and Grand 9-36 months. It's breathable and all natural too - plus, it's absolutely gorgeous. Shop it here!
Nose Frida
I hadn't heard of the Nose Frida before, but a friend got it for our baby shower. Guys - GET THIS ASAP. Our babe had a stuffy nose in the first week and was miserable. The Nose Frida literally sucks the snot from their nose, into a filter so it clears them up quickly. We've used this about five times in the last week and has been a LIFE SAVER. Shop it here!
Magnetic Onesie
I don't know why more clothing wasn't invented with magnets but it should have. We used a magnetic onesie for our first doctor's appointment and it made getting in and out of her clothing a breeze. Magnetic Me has a ton of cute options on Amazon too, and they're all super soft. Shop the one babe is wearing here!
Pee Pads
After our first poopy diaper (and the mess that ensued), I knew I had to find a better solution for changing our little babe on her fancy Pottery Barn changing cover. When we went to the doctor's office, I noticed they were using pee pads (which we used when we had a new puppy years ago!) I just place one of these on our changing table each time we change her and it's made changing so much less of a mess. Shop them here!
The Snoo
Okay - The Snoo may be a bit out there because I'll admit - the price tag is HEAVY. But we purchased the Snoo during one of their big sales (it was 40% off) and it not only looks incredibly chic and modern, but our little one sleeps SO well in it. It's a smart bassinet, so it rocks her to sleep, monitors how long she's sleeping, and has a strap-in swaddle so she doesn't roll over during the night (again, solving another one of my biggest new mom worries!) Shop it here!
FOR MOM
Breastfeeding Clothing
Upon recommendation from my friend Rebecca, I started collecting some nursing-friendly pieces while I was pregnant. In summer, I've found that button-up tops, looser tank tops, dresses with boob zippers and larger blouses for an easy lift have been essential for me. A few brands that do a terrific job in that department (while also being super chic) are Loyal Hana, Boobs, and ASOS. I brought the Loyal Hana dress seen below to our first appointment, and when babe started screaming for her milkies, I easily unzipped the boob zippers for easy, painless access.
And - don't forget to pick up a few nursing bras. I love this Bravado one from Nordstrom, but these ones from Target are also a great find at a much better price point. I have both, and the Amazon ones are much comfier to sleep in, but the Target ones are a bit more structured. They say get your normal size - DO NOT GET YOUR NORMAL SIZE. Go up in size. Your boobs get like 2-3x larger if you are breastfeeding so keep that in mind.
Lanolin Cream
Again, if you're breastfeeding, your boobs are gonna get REAL sore REAL fast. I really like this Medela Lanolin Cream they gave us at the hospital, and will get a larger size when I run out. Shop it here!
Diaper Changing Station on Both Levels
My friend Maria suggested this, and it's been another brilliant life hack. I got this cute canvas bin from Petit Pehr and filled it with changing table essentials - pee pads, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and a change of clothes (for the very messy moments.)
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
This was another great find from our first pediatrician appointment - they had the Brest Friend Nursing Pillow in the room, and when babe got hungry, this made it so easy for feeding. It's basically a comfortable tray you place the baby on for booby time. We also have the Boppy (which I think will be great long-term because of its multiple uses), but it doesn't quite fit well around my stomach...My Brest Friend is a much better fit. Shop it here!
Glow Baby App
There are lots of apps like this but Glow Baby is the one we have been using. You can easily keep track of diaper changes and breast feedings since babe needs to eat every 2-3 hours. You can also keep track of which breast you used last in feeding which is great since my mind has been a bit haywire lately! Download it here.
So those are my newborn essentials - did I miss anything you've loved?
