How we survived the first 3 months - My Newborn Essentials List

Every new mom has her own list of necessities that she must have with a newborn. Before having Henry I read every pin and blog post that listed some of their favorite items. For us we found comfort in many different items. So here is my list.

1. Halo SleepSack Swaddle - We discovered the swaddle sleepsack about a month after Henry was born, and it was the most glorious finding. While the swaddle blankets were very useful when he was first home, he soon started wiggling too much and was able to loosen the blanket throughout the night. Once we found one of these it was so much easier to swaddle him at night. We were able to make it taught with the velcro closures. He definitely slept more soundly with it on.
2. Nosefrida - Henry caught his first cold the first week he was in daycare. After multiple attempts to suction his nose with both a bulb syringe and an automatic aspirator... I gave up and found myself at New Baby Products buying a Nosefrida. [since writing this I've seen them for sale at Target] This was the best decision. It gets the job done! He hates it, but honestly he would hate anything I put up his nose. There is a filter that you replace frequently, and this prevents any germs coming through the tube. You get over the whole idea of sucking out the snot when you do it the first time. It makes you and your baby's day so much better. Promise! Every new mom should have this on their registry.
3. Medela Harmony Pump - When my "milk came in" I found myself in much discomfort. I wasn't ready to use the electric pump because I hadn't replaced all the parts yet (my sister gave me her Medela Freestyle pump), but I needed something to take the edge off of the engorgement. Let's just say I wasn't lacking in milk production. I used this hand pump frequently those first few weeks as my supply was leveling out. This may not be for everyone, but if you find yourself uncomfortable I'd say $40 is worth investing to feel better.
4. Aden & Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blankets - Like I mentioned before, the swaddling blankets (see #1) weren't Henry's thing but we found these blankets useful for other things: Carseat cover, floor mat, light blanket for covering, wipe-up cloth, etc. What I loved the most about these blankets vs. the standard Aden & Anais was how soft they were! Because they are made from bamboo fibers it really made a huge difference. I can equate it to the difference between wool and cashmere.
5. BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier - With her second child, my sister was a "babywearer". The number of wraps, slings, and ties she had to carry Maren was quite unusual. However I'm happy she did because then I had the benefit of getting her hand-me-downs. We can both agree that the BabyHawk Mei Tai (pronounced May Tie) is our favorite because it allows you hold your baby as close and comfortable since it uses tie straps instead of "click" straps. If you are interested in babywearing but it's not in the budget to buy and try out all the different types I suggest finding your local Babywearing International (BWI) group and borrow from their lending library. Many people are familiar with the Ergos and Moby wraps and these are nice, but I encourage you to look at more options out there. There is a whole world of baby carriers that we don't see in the main stream brands.
6. Gumdrops pacifier by Hawaiian Medical - I know that amongst the breastfeeding world there is a big no no for using pacifiers too soon... but we were rebels and took our chances. The lactation consultant at the hospital made us aware of the free pacificers that were in the drawers of the baby crib. She said that even though some LCs say don't use one until breastfeeding is established these pacifiers were BF friendly. You can find gumdrops in the pacifier section at any store, but these were different. These had a soft silicone feel to them and Henry took them immediately. Later we were gifted a set that was a hard shiny silicone (from the store) and he didn't want them at all. Before we left the hospital we kept "stocking-up" with the nurses. I think we took home 10+. The only store I've found these particular gumdrops for sale is New Baby Products here in Atlanta. The hospital offered gender neutral orange ones, but if you care they make them in blue and pink too. (Oh and just for the record... Henry took the pacifier no problem AND he latched just fine. 6 months + of breastfeeding and going!)
7. Up & Up Infant Gas drops and Acetaminophen - Newborns have tummy troubles and the gas drops helped relieve those. Some swear by these and others don't. I say it's worth a shot. Babies are just fussy in general and you really don't know why most of the time. We also later figured out he had reflux issues too. The infant Tylenol was helpful during monthly check-ups when Henry received shots. He was very grumpy afterwards and the Tylenol helped with the pain. I went with the Target Up & Up brand because it was cheaper.
8. Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 LX Infant Car Seat & SnugRider Elite - We have loved our click connect carseat. Not only is it the lightest seat on the market currently, but it literally clicks into the base to ensure it's connected properly. We chose Graco because of the referrals from other family and friends who have used their products before. The SnugRider Elite has been wonderful when you need to run into a store quickly and pick up a few things. You can take the carseat out and snap it in. No fussing with moving your little one to a new stroller. Although, if I'm by myself at the store and I can only push the buggy, so I don't typically bring in the stroller. I will usually wear Henry on me (see #5).
9. Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing My Little Snugabunny - WE LOVE OUR SWING! Henry is 6 months old and we still use is so frequently. When he was really little it helped prop him up to relieve him from reflux pain. Now it soothes him to sleep when he takes naps at the house. The best thing about this swing is that it plugs into a wall outlet... no batteries!! This was important because I knew we would be using it often. We moved it around the apartment a lot and looking back on that I may decide to get a Rock 'n Play for the next child, but this was a life saver for many different reasons. In my opinion everyone needs a swing --- if it's the only thing you get for your newborn.
10. My Brest Friend pillow - Before Henry arrived I had debated on whether or not to buy this pillow. With some deliberation I finally decided that my hand-me-down Boppy from my sister will be sufficient enough. During our first week at home I learned quickly that the Boppy was not for me and I needed something more structured to nurse him from. What I love about the MBF pillow is that it snaps around you like a belt and stays put. When they are so little it's hard to get them in the right position and with the MBF I tightened it to just under my boobs. The Boppy never stayed put and Henry was alway falling through the "crack" that was made between the pillow and my abdomen because it wasn't fitted properly around my waist. I will say that even though I only used the pillow for the first 1-2 months it was still the best purchase. I will definitely use this for future babies.

So there you go. My top 10. I know there are more items I'm missing and there are definitely some I hated and were unnecessary, but these are the shining stars that I could not have gotten through those first 3 months without. My advice for soon-to-be new moms --- pick other mommy brains, find out what worked from them and what did not... however take advice like a grain of salt. It's so true when they say every baby is different. You figure out what works for you. Also don't go overboard before baby arrives, just get what you think are the necessities. You or your spouse will be making many trips to Target, Babies R Us, or [fill in your store preference here] the first few weeks. You typically have to keep trying things until you find one that work... and then just wait until the baby changes it up on you again.

Good Luck!