BABY ESSENTIALS WE LOVE

Transitioning to motherhood can be overwhelming and sometimes mama-to-be’s are unsure of where to begin when it comes to what you need for your newborn baby.  I’m partnering with Ivory Snow to share with you a list of 10 things that we swear by and every new mom could use to make the transition into those beautiful, yet equally as difficult, first few months of motherhood easier.

#1. A detergent you can rely on to clean baby’s messes while still being safe and gentle for baby’s sensitive skin is essential.   We have tried everything from natural, to homemade and I could never find a product that worked well enough to get out those difficult stains but was gentle enough for a newborn babies gentle skin. Ivory Snow’s hypoallergenic formula is specifically made for newborns delicate skin and is the #1 Paediatrician-recommended baby detergent.  I have wasted a lot of money trying products that were so expensive and didn’t work or throwing out ruined clothing items, so I feel relieved to have found a product that has been reliable for us.

I always pre-wash all of our baby clothes because of everywhere the fabric has been before touching our baby’s skin.  I’ll wash everything from their baby swaddles, to clothes, to stuffed animals.  Anything that is going to be close to baby gets washed before using.  I’ll usually do this before I put everything away in drawers or closets prior to baby’s arrival so everything is ready when baby and I get home. 

#2. A good baby carrier so you can have your baby close and hands free for all the day-to-day things you love doing.  Baby carriers have been especially useful for us when baby doesn’t want to be put down and the other two littles need me as well.  We are currently loving our Wild Bird as well as our Solly Baby Wraps for the newborn stage.  As they get older we also love the Ergo for longer hikes.  I have tried a lot of baby carriers and believe each one works differently but these are the three I would recommend.  We used our Wild Bird all through Santorini when Harlow was a baby and we didn’t bring a stroller with us and continued to use it for Arrow and now with baby Oaks.  The wrap is really nice for when they are tiny and you just want to feel like you’re cuddling with your baby even when sometimes that isn’t a possibility, as you go throughout your day.  Do not be discouraged with how to use them–both sites have amazing tutorials and the more you use them the easier they get to use.

#3.  Baby Swaddles/Muslin Blankets.  This is one of our most used baby products.  We used them from day one for swaddling a newborn to providing comfort for your toddler as they get older.  Swaddling a newborn baby really helps with sleep and comfort especially while they have their startle reflex.  I have so many brands and styles I love so make sure to check out my instagram for my brand recommendations.   

#4. Diapers + Wipes.  There are so many options on the market and I think you need to find what works for you and your baby. 

#5. A bassinet that gives you peace of mind.  In the past we really struggled with being able to get Harlow or Arrow to sleep on their own so when I heard everyone raving about the SNOO and how much of a difference it made with their baby’s sleep I really wanted to know more.  Now that we have been using it, I cannot say enough good things about it.  It is definitely expensive but without a doubt one of the best baby items we have ever used.  It offers you peace of mind but is also a responsive baby bassinet that imitates the calming environment of womb.  The SNOO supports your baby’s sleep by combining gentle rocking with soothing white noise and snug, safe swaddling.  When your baby starts to fuss, the bassinet responds and gentle starts settling your baby so you can stay in bed and catch up on that much needed rest.  I would say it is worth every penny and more–highly recommend. There is also and option to rent the SNOO if that works better for you.    

#6. A good baby monitor.  This is one of my favourites because nothing helps me rest peacefully knowing my babies are okay throughout the night. Currently we are using and loving Vtech Video Baby monitors for both our children and have the Angelcare (which we used for Harlow and loved) for Oaks.
 
#7. A double stroller and car seat you love to make your life easier.  I would say this is one of our most used items and definitely worth the investment to get one that can accommodate all of your children as you grow your family.  We walk a lot as a family, we love attending festivals and summer events (when it’s not a global pandemic) so this was a very important item for us.  As part of my job, I have had the opportunity to try various strollers over the years and the Silver Cross Wave has been without a doubt our favourite.  You can grow into if you’re ever considering have more than one child, it is very sturdy and well made and it’s so simple to switch our the carseat for bassinet or toddler seats.  We are also using the Nuna Pipa Lite as an infant car seat and it is remarkably light which makes life easier! 
  
#8. Zipper or knot sleepers for those middle of the night changes.  This really does make a difference for those middle of the night diaper changes when you can barely keep your exhausted mama eyes open. 

#9. A reliable thermometer. Maybe it’s the past nurse in me, but I like to keep an eye on anything that feels warm, especially in the first 6 months of a baby’s life.  

#10. Activities to keep your toddlers/other kids busy for the moments you are tending to the baby or maybe even just need a minute to yourself.  Our kids are in LOVE with their kitchen and helps them play creatively . Other options we love are things like colouring books, art activities like painting or easy self-directed crafts, yard games, water tables, and ready to go snacks.  I find the more I’m organized in this area that easier the rest of the day goes and the happier the older kids are.  There is nothing harder than all three needing you at once.  

Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you found this post helpful as you transition into motherhood.  For all you experienced mamas, let me know in the comments some of your favourite baby essentials in order to help other mamas who are beginning their journey.   

Thank you so much to Ivory Snow for sponsoring this post, all opinions are my own.