In this article I am sharing with you our most loved and used items for a new bub PLUS a list of must haves that you might or might not have thought about that you can check off. The...
In this article I am sharing with you our most loved and used newborn essentials for a new bub and new mum PLUS a downloadable and printable list of items that you might or might not have thought about that you can check off.
Of course you don’t actually NEED anything besides some clothing, a safe car seat, a safe place for baby to sleep and lots of cuddles but I know a lot of us like to feel prepared for this very exciting time.
This blog is not sponsored by any of these brands just sharing products we love and know and will be using ourselves.
BONDS WONDERSUITS
BONDS
Honestly you cannot go past these zip up onesies. Millie lived in hers for the first few months. The easiest way to keep bub warm but still allows for easy nappy changes. MUST HAVE for mums and bubs.
PS Check them out online first because they often have sales on their website!!
BREAST PUMP
There are so many options out there but I think its good to have both an electric pump to express full feeds (if that’s what you want to do) and also a manual silicone suction pump.
The HAAKA is something I used SOOO much with Remi and it quickly became one of the most used products in my house. Even though she never took a bottle I used it a lot to relieve pressure in my breasts as I had an oversupply and to catch the milk that would come out when feeding on the opposite side. I collected it and used it for baths, in her food when she started solids and had a back up supply in the freezer in case we needed it.
TOMEE TIPEE DOUBLE ELECTRIC PUMP HERE
DOCKATOT – BABY NEST
We used one of these with Millie and Remi and they both absolutely LOVED it. It was extremely handy after my c-section to be able to have her in bed or on the lounge next to me while I was recovering. Also handy if you have other kids to have somewhere safe to lay Bub while you tend to their needs. I always felt safe knowing she was in her Dockadot sleep pod.
I love that they have high, firm sides and the cover completely removes to be able to wash in the washing machine.
Tip: They actually fit in one half of a suitcase meaning they are easily packed for travel. This will help bub adjust to napping anywhere you go because they will have their familiar bed.
For safety details and how to use your Dockatot click here
CHECK OUT THE DOCKADOT SLEEP POD HERE
SLEEP AID / WHITE NOISE MACHINE
White noise and a red light are both super important and simple ways to help you new baby sleep.
Having a sleep aid like Euky Bear sleep aid will help set your baby in a positive sleep routine. It not only has a red light and “pink noise” it is also a humidifier which you can use essential oils in from 3 months old and also has other sleep noises such as lullaby, rain and womb sounds.
I love that this one from Euky bear has ALL the features of more expensive brands but is only $79.95.
SWING/ROCKER/BOUNCER
One tip when buying a swing is to make sure that it swings side to side not just front to back as the the front to back movement can be particularly bad for a colicky or reflux baby and can make them more unsettled or upset.
Top choice suggested by my instagram community:
Electric (self rocking)
PRAM
If you have followed me for a while you will know that I have owned and used many prams over the years. I have researched and tested so many and a few things I can pass on to look for in your pram are:
A large basket underneath. You will seriously use this pram so much and it will be like a trolley when you’re out and about so find one with a big basket that is easily accessible with both the bassinet and seat attachment. Conversion to a double. This is something that is super important to remember if you’re wanting more kids. Not only if it will convert but how well does it actually convert? Can you practically use it as a double or would it not be suitable for a large toddler and baby. How is the configuration as a double? Can toddler see out? etc. Large toddler seat. This one is so much more important than you realise once bub starts growing and is getting taller. This can be particularly when you’re wanting to have a second and need to use it as a double. Some of the most popular and most expensive prams have the smallest/shortest toddler seats. Push/glide. Does this pram easily push? Something I like to test is if I can push with one hand? If you can its a winner as you will more than likely need one hand free at some point. Fold down. Check to make sure the pram fold down small. Can you fold it in one piece etc? Make sure it fits easily into your boot. How heavy is it to put in the boot yourself? Seat recline. Does the seat recline comfortable and enough for your baby/toddler to nap. Shade. Does the hood come down far enough to cover/block baby’s eyes from the sun and offer a nice dark space for nap time.LOVE TO DREAM SWADDLES
When my girls were newborns they always wanted their arms up to sleep and would struggle and somehow mange to free themselves from my swaddling.
These little sleep suits allow for baby to sleep arms up which is a natural way for them to sleep and these suits also mean that their hips are in the correct sleeping position. Because they simply zip up and down they are so easy to get bub in and out of and also allow for easy nappy changes. I would 100% recommend at least having one of these on hand when bub is born. Perfect thing to ask for from family members or friends as a gift.
BURP CLOTHS/RE-USABLE CLOTH NAPPIES
This is a random tip but go and buy yourself a heap of those old school re-usable nappies/cloth (the big white terry toweling ones) – these will seriously come in handy as a burp cloth, to lay baby on while changing in random places, to wipe up mess and spills all over the place. These nappies were used probably more than any other item in our house for the first few months. You don’t need to fork out on expensive burp cloths that just get covered in spew – these are perfect.
SWADDLES
I know I mentioned the LTD swaddles earlier in this blog but you will also want to stock up traditional swaddles for bub. Not only will you use them as a swaddle for baby sleeping but they come in handy as a light pram blanket, change mat or also as a breastfeeding cover for mum.
Personally I find the stretchy Jersey ones the best to keep baby swaddled and the muslin ones for everything else.
SNUGGLE HUNNY also do the most beautiful little swaddle sacks as pictured above. Great for announcements but also super easy to use especially found it easy when out and about.
BACKPACK NAPPY BAG
When choosing a nappy bag there is so much choice out there, Ive had so many in the last couple of years but I can honestly say nothing beats a big backpack style. Check it has lots of compartments for bottles, nappies, creams, spare clothes and the kitchen sink that you will need to pack before leaving the house with a new born. Also make sure it has a small front OR side pocket for mum or dad to put phone and car keys.
We like to have two packed all the time – one for each car.
A couple I have and love:
VOGUE AND VAN BACKPACK AS PICTURED
BABY CARRIER
A baby carrier is a must have for those early days so you can have your hands free while baby is nice and close to you.
BABY BJORN – One Air is the style we love and use CLICK HERE TO SEE MARSUPI – This is one we are trying this time – looks super easy and is suitable from birth CLICK HERECHEEKO BABY – wrap carrier or ring slings CLICK HEREBABY MONITOR
We love and use the Cubo Baby Smart monitor.
Read all about ALL the features and why I love it HERE and you can use code “CUBOBRITTANY” for a great discount.
These would be my top essentials for new born life but I also wanted to share a list of things of other essentials that you could need to check off for baby and mama.
I hope this has helped and let me know below or on my Instagram of anything I’ve forgotten that you think is a must have or essential for bub because I know I would have forgotten things!
With Love,
Brittany xx
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