parenting: our favorite baby items - month one
Putting together a baby registry was so much fun, but also a bit overwhelming! I wanted to put together a short list of our key favorite items that we used during our first month as new parents, categorized by what we got new versus used. This also includes a number of suggestions from other parents.
Key takeaway: Something to remember is that every baby is different, and so I recommend borrowing or getting as many things second hand in case your baby doesn’t like it. Also at least for us, it took a few tries for him to like some of the carriers and chairs! And most importantly, prioritize your sanity, time, and happiness.
Starred (*) the items - we used with within the first few days of taking the baby home. Note: I am not affiliated with any of these companies, but I wanted to share some things that we found useful.
New (from our registry)
* ($) Yogasleep - Hushh White Noise Machine + Travel Case Bundle: We use this all the time, when he is sleeping in the bassinet upstairs, sleeping in his carseat while we are driving, in the stroller… I love the simplicity, portability, and ease of use. Link
* ($) Skip Hop Pronto Baby Changing Station & Diaper Clutch: We bring this with us every time we leave house. It’s really compact, easy to clean (wipe down and no washing machine required), and has pockets for diapers, wipes etc. We brought this with us on the way to our pediatrician appointment, the day after we took him home. It’s also durable enough that I feel comfortable changing him on the floor (if I have to, and I have multiple times).
($) OXO Tot Space Saving Drying Rack - Grey: Great counter saver if you’re going to be using bottles or pumping. We are constantly using this at our place. Link
* ($) Nail file: Baby nails grow at miraculous speeds, and I used this the second day we were home. Definitely recommend having this handy. There are a few out there, but this is the one we are using. Link
($) Frida Baby Basics Kit: We bought the Frida snot sucker, and then had to buy the bathing brush to help with cradle cap later, so probably would recommend this (which includes both), or buying them separately. Link
* ($) Bath towels and wash cloths: Carters again for the win! I wanted to get some of those hipster fancy brands, but really we blow through so many of these, and they are really soft and affordable. Just stick with the Carters. Link
($) Britax Backseat Mirror: Especially great when it’s just me and the baby going out. The mirror is really big and clear so I can see him in the backseat. Link
($) High contrast books and toys: Newborns can only see about 6-12 inches and in black and white. We ended up really loving this high contrast book (Hello, Baby Animals High-Contrast Board Book Link) and Sassy Reversible Soft Sensory Activity Panels Link
* ($$) Keekaroo Peanut Wipeable Changing Pad: There are definitely cheaper changing pads out there, but I loved the look and feel of this one. He also likes it because there is a little give on it, and it’s easy to clean if there is an accident during diaper changing. Link There were used ones on Facebook marketplace, but not in the color that I wanted. (guilty)
($$) LÍLLÉbaby - structured baby carrier: Any one of these will work, but we chose this one because it worked for infants as well as larger toddlers, and was made out of mesh for better air flow. Note: the infant insert is sold separately. Link
($$) Pehr Printed Baby Play Mat: This was a splurge, but I had no idea how much we would use this in the first month for tummy time and just general playtime. It’s quilted, so I can put him on this mat on our hardwood floors. Link We also received the Parachute Linen Baby quilt (link) from our registry, and I love it.
* ($$$) Nanit Baby Monitor w/ the floor stand - My sister loved this monitor so much she gifted it to us. She (and we) love the floor stand because you can really get a good view of your baby. It has high picture resolution, even in the dark, and it has its own built in light and sound machine built in (which we use all 100% of the time). The best part is that you just download their app on your phone, and there is a “background noise” setting that you can enable, and even if your phone is on the lock screen you’ll be able to hear if your baby is crying. Link
($$) * Nursing bras: updated June 2023 I finally found a nursing and pumping bra that I love. The essential pumping and every day nursing bra from Hatch have been a godsend. Super comfortable, and easy to clip/use, and also washing is easy too. And they have cute colors! I also like how they have some structure so you feel like you a little more put together than wearing completely elastic bras all the time. I have also been wearing the following brands: A pea in the pod, and Girlfriend Collective.
Burp Bibs - Our kiddo had a lot of spit up, multiple times a day (and the type that hit the floor with a spatter). My cousin gifted us these Aden and Anais gems, which has worked for us wonderfully. Highly recommend those who struggle with spit up.
Used (facebook marketplace, or from friends)
* Newborn clothes: Both Newborn, and 0-3 months. He grew out of the newborn clothes at about a month, and we definitely preferred onesies with zippers (either inverted zippers, or two zippers). Baby clothes are so cute (but also can be pretty pricey!). Surprisingly our favorites have been Carters and Target’s Cloud Island outfits.
* Halo Swivel Bassinet: really convenient to have next to my bed, and ours has a retractable sidewall, which makes it really easy to get the baby in an out of the bassinet without getting out of bed.
Spectra S1: This one has the built-in battery, so you can walk around the house with it. I typically don’t pump and walk around the house, but the option is nice. It’s a portable and relatively quiet breast pump. I also got the Spectra S2 from insurance (they didn’t offer the S1), and its also really nice, but you’ll need to be plugged into the wall to use it.
* Nursing Bra pads: I had no idea how much I would need these. My sister gave me a bunch of disposable ones and the bamboosies, but my favorite reusable ones are Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads. Link
* Muslin blankets: I bought a whole bunch of these from another mama (maybe 10 or so), and amazingly we use them all between washings. We use these as blankets, burp cloths, swaddles, sun covers, etc. They are pretty light and can easily be thrown into a bag.
* Swaddles: We got a bunch of different kinds from other moms, and we are still trying to find the one that he likes best! (Love to Dream, Aden & Anais, Halo swaddle, traditional swaddle.) It seems like every baby is different, so it’s a bit of a learning experience for everyone.
* My brest friend - Nursing Pillow: It’s a bit cumbersome, but definitely saves your back and your arms. I went a week or two without it because I didn’t want to become dependent on it, and then my body really started hurting. I now use it maybe 50% of of the time, but also can breast feed on the go without it. I definitely recommend some sort of breast feeding support for mom because you’ll be spending a lot of time breast feeding. Link
Ikea HOLMVI throw: We got this as a gift from our friends wedding, and I use this every day as a shawl for me, blanket for the baby, and a nursing cover. They are also machine washable, and extremely affordable. I never leave the house without it (note: it is December now), and I have multiple. Link
Baby Björn - Baby bouncer: At first he didn’t like it, but he is starting to warm up to it. He has bad acid reflux, and prefers to be upright, so this.is a great alternative to carrying him everywhere. Link
Baby Björn - Baby carrier Mini - We are borrowing this from a friend, and thought we would use this as a backup, however it is so easy to put on that we use it all the time in the house and out of the house. I highly recommend this (at least right now while he is 12 pounds), but I would use the structured carrier for a longer walk / hike though for more support. Link
We decided to use Baby Connect for our baby tracker. It’s at least for the first month, it’s been convenient to see when he last ate (and for how long), giving us a better sense of when he’s going to want to eat again. You can log his feedings (and time), naps, and diapers. It’s also useful when other family members help out with baby things, and they can log it in the app as well. Probably obvious, but it’s only helpful if you take the time to log things. More info
The other bigger items which is probably more of a personal / lifestyle choice - we landed on the Nuna Pipa carseat (new), and Uppa baby Cruz stroller (used) and bassinet. As a result, we also got the Nuna Pipa car seat and Uppa baby stroller adapter.
Not listed are diapers, and Aquaphor and Triple Paste for diaper cream and to prevent rash (which works like a charm). We also use Vaseline or Petrolum Jelly as a moisturizer (multiple times a day) to help his eczema.
Things that we also have and used but didn’t make the critical list: Snuggle Me Organic, Kiindle Bottle Warmer (because I’m primarily breast feeding), Solly baby wrap.
