In this post I talk about 10 items I used for my children that stood the test of time. Some of the items mentioned below I still use for my toddler today. Considering the uses I have got out of these items, they are some of the greatest purchases value for money.
Newborn Essentials
Car seat adaptor connects your infant car seat to your stroller for seamless travel. Often times we purchase stroller and car seat of different brands. When you purchase those items separately, they do not work together as a unit. By using a car seat adaptor, you can still use your car seat and stroller as a travel system.
These handy gadgets make it possible to snap infant car seats into strollers, even if they’re from different brands. Being able to attach your infant car seat to the stroller lets your baby stay asleep during the transition of getting in and out of the car. I find this to be especially helpful when we go into for doctor’s visits during the first couple weeks. Being able to let your little one nap 15 minutes longer is precious for a new parent. You are exhausted and tired, your house is a mess, and you just need that extra 15 minutes of snooze yourself before the next round of feeding, changing, and burping.
2. Baby Carrier
Baby carriers aren't recommended for babies under four months of age or babies who can't hold up their heads yet. This is because they're at greater risk of neck injuries. When your baby is old enough to lift his/her head, and turn from back to tummy, carrying your baby in a baby carrier, gives you the advantage of having your hands free. I mean, who is going to do the dishes, laundry, or cook when both of your hands are occupied holding onto your baby?
It’s important to note that your baby carrier should allow your baby’s hips to spread so their legs are straddling your body. Your baby’s knees should be spread apart, the thighs should be supported, and the hips should be bent to prevent from hip dysplasia.
If you are a nursing mom, you have experienced let down on the other side when your baby nurses. The Haakaa manual breast pump helps collect extra milk while feeding that would normally be lost. It is super easy to use, portable, and convenient. But make sure you get the one with a suction base & a topper. Its top heavy design is prone to tipping over, if you do not have a suction base.
A muslin swaddle blanket is large muslin made from cotton or bamboo. It is light, breathable, and used to swaddle babies.
Large muslin swaddle blankets are also great to use as covers when you are nursing in public and feel the need for a bit of privacy. They also act as great stroller covers, sun shades. It is light and breathable that I often use it as blankets for my older child during warmer days.
5. Changing mat
Changing mat is padded and waterproof, with a surface that can be easily wipe-cleaned and a cotton washable cover for added comfort. It is wedge-shaped on two sides for added peace of mind if you're worried about baby rolling off. We do not have a changing table because we thought a changing mat was versatile enough that can be placed on the floor, on the bed, or on the table. It usually comes with a clasp belt securing baby on to the mat and prevents them from rolling away.
I feel it is more sanitary than simply putting baby on a piece of cloth because the surface can be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe and is water resistant.
6. Ikea’s Box with compartments
Many good things can be said about this box with compartments. It is intended to divide your storage and make good use of space in the closet. Accessories such as socks, gloves, undergarment, scarves goes neatly into each box, and easily accessible. You no longer have to dig through a drawer full of items to find the other matching sock.
We borrowed from this idea and assembled a baby necessity box. We stored it with diapers, wet wipes, cotton balls, q-tips, diaper creams, and lotions. It is often placed right beside baby’s changing mat or beneath baby’s bassinet. The last thing you want is to open your baby’s diaper, find something a little more than expected, and cannot find your next wet wipe.
If your baby uses a pacifier, I strongly recommend using a pacifier strap. The straps keep pacifiers from getting lot. If you are out and about, the least thing you want is to lose your child’s soother to the floor. The type I have has silicone beads on them, it also work as a teether. However, we only use it under supervision. Never let your baby sleep with these straps as it poses as a choking and strangulation hazard.
Another gadget for the stroller. This stroller blanker clip secures blanket on a baby’s stroller or car seat. It is the most useful when you are out and about, and baby needs a little nap or it’s a bit chilly outside.
The type of blanket clip I own has velcro on the ends which can be attached to the sides of the stroller. You can also get clamp like blanket clips which works just as well.
The Hatch is a white-noise machine that plays 11 different sounds. It is also a night lamp that illuminates with customizable colors. Parents can adjust the sound and light on the lamp itself or with the Hatch app, which syncs via Bluetooth. The second generation of the hatch machine, Hatch Rest + has a built in clock, and voice control. You might want to stick it with the first generation as it does most of the job, and is cheaper than the second generation. I purchased the Rest + and find that I really don’t use the voice control at all, but I greatly appreciate the clock function. I love the design and style of the machine. Its simplicity matches to any décor in your baby’s room.
10. Halo sleep sack
The Halo sleep sack is a wearable blanket that replaces loose blankets in the crib. Children and babies do not stay in one position when they sleep. A loose blanket is a risk to cover your baby's face and interfere with breathing. Baby can also move freely in the sleep sack as there is enough room on the bottom. The sleeveless design is to prevent overheating at night. Once our daughter was out of swaddling, we moved her into a sleep sacks, and I never have to worry about her being cold during winter nights.
These are the 10 items that I use and some of them still use on my children. Let me know what is your must have items for baby that I should know about. Leave it in the comment box below!
I’ll see you next time.
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