So you are a new momma or you are expecting. Maybe your best friend is expecting or maybe you just got that invite to a baby shower. Are you at a loss of what to buy? I am a third time momma with a sweet little nugget that just turned 1 this past week. I have some great ideas that are budget friendly, that will be used all the time and that are tried and turly needed for that new little bundle!
That first year
Wow! That first year is always such a bittersweet year of trying to soak in all the sweet, snuggly, and quiet moments paired with wanting your baby to grow up and start hitting all those milestones. Even more so, if you have two little ones in diapers, you want to start potty training right away, amiright?
This is my 3rd little one to bless our family and I can say, by the 3rd baby, I am only wanting the necessities. What is it that we actually need for our newest one and what is so dang cute in the package and online, but do we really need it?
I have 5 great items that we believe to be a necessity for that first year. Whether these may be perfect for you, your friend expecting or the baby shower you were just invited to. I promise that we have used these items almost every day!
Top 5 baby items you need in your life
- Nose Frida – When I first saw this thing, I was rather disgusted. It wasn’t until I read the instructions (apparently reading instructions is important most of the time)and used it for the first time on my very stuffy baby, that I was blown away! There is no way any of the gross stuff will get remotely close to your mouth/lips. This was a game changer.
- Kyte Sleep sack – I am a huge advocate for babies sleeping safely in their crib. I also knew that I wanted to use something that would be easy to transition out of when she got older. We wanted something that was soft to the touch (made out of bamboo), had a bit of weight to it ( we use the TOG 1.0) and was easy for her to move in. We didn’t want her to feel constricted. Also, side note- she hated, I mean hated with a passion, having her arms swaddled. This was the perfect addition to our home for the first year! Best part about it, she used the 0-6 month sleeper all the way til she was 11 months!
- Safety 1st Nail clippers – I have used the same nail clippers since my first born and they have worked perfectly every time. They are small enough to fit those little baby nails. There is also a magnifying glass that swings out so you can look even closer. I have always loved these clippers. Now if you are too afraid of using the clippers on your little one, there is a new option on the block – The Haakaa Nail grinder! This carefully and safely grinds your baby’s nails down instead of having to clip them. This is also an amazing gift, especially for those first-time mommas!
- Sound maker and Shusher for traveling. Sleep is incredibly important. I also have not been one to tiptoe and be super quiet around my sleeping baby. I think it is so important to have some kind of noise or sound on in the background – gentle, soft. To this day, all of my babies (even my old babies) have been able to sleep through all the noises. I have listed the sound maker that we have had since my 2nd was a baby. It still works, has great sound options (you do not need a million), great lighting options and has always been plugged into their room. The second I posted is all about on the go. The Shusher is for traveling and you need that sound maker to go with you. We have used the Shusher and keep it clipped to her car seat as we travel!
- I love essential oils. I love the mood and the tone that oils can bring. I love the atmosphere that an oil can provide. I stumbled across Plant Therapy Oils during a deep dive of trying to find good ethical, oils that I could view their verified tests AND didn’t cost me my first born to buy! I love Plant Therapy Essential Oils for their single oils as well as their blends. I also really appreciate that they tell me if they are kid safe, pet safe, pregnancy safe, and much more. I always diffuse a couple drops of Lavender and a couple drops of Cedarwood about 30 minutes before bedtime and then keep it going all night long on the lowest setting possible.
Bonus Item!
Okay, I know that I said I would only do 5, but I have one last AHHmazing gift that you can get for you or someone you know. I had an in-home daycare for almost 5 years before going back to teaching and I can say without a doubt these work perfectly.
These Arm & Hammer diaper bags and Dispenser are exactly what they say they are. They work wonders at keeping the diaper odor at bay. Trust me we had 12 children and our in-home still smelled so fresh and so clean, clean (Props to OutKast there). Anyways, this is a simple idea that I buy for every single person I know that is going to have a baby or just had a baby recently.
Enjoy That First year!
Now that we have those essential and very necessary baby items bought; now it’s time to go snuggle on that baby. Lean into your partner, your family, and your friends. Love yourself this first year, you brought a new little one into the world or you may have given life by adopting a little one. You got this momma. You are strong, brave, and exactly perfect for your baby. Soak in every moment, the good, the bad, and the meh. It all revolves around that precious bundle.
Have you tried any of these items? Which one is your favorite? I can’t wait to hear, post in the comments below!