5 Momma’s Share Their Top 3 Baby Essentials
When I found out I was pregnant with Liv, I searched the internet for the top baby essentials. You know, the absolute must have’s for when she made her arrival. I found so many lists with 20+ must have baby items and I really just wanted to find what I really needed. Any momma out there knows – it’s dang expensive to have a baby these days! Baby essentials change so quickly as technology advances so asking those who have had babies will change over time. Having a baby is hard enough, knowing exactly what baby needs is even harder.
With that, I decided to ask some of my favorite momma’s for their Top 3 Baby Essentials. The items that basically made life easier – what momma doesn’t want that?
A huge thank you to my momma friends that took the time to share their top 3 baby essentials for baby’s first year. I wanted to share their instagram handles and blogs responsible for this amazing content!
Kris Buckhout- @homewithharper
Tori Jahner – @toricasanova
Stevie Maxine – @steviemaxine
Liz Franco – @heyitslizfranco
KOURTNI LEIGH
Blogger and Interior Designer and momma to Liv James
Of course I had to share my Top 3 Baby Essentials! After a lot of research, trial and error, and products I was told I had to purchase (with tags still on them to this day) – I’m sharing what Liv and I can’t live without!
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
The DocakAtot Deluxe – I read so many raving reviews about these and I was convinced we absolutely needed it. I was sold on the idea that the DockAtot reinvents the womb for a snug comforting sleep. This has been with us since Day 2! Funny story, our DockAtot didn’t arrive till after the day we brought our sweet Livvie home from the hospital. The first night at home with a newborn is rough, but without our DockAtot it was extremely rough. Since then we’ve toted this thing all over the place with us: bedtime, living room lounging, shower time for momma, tons of overnights in hotels and even cross country road trips.
Nested Bean Swaddle – We continued swaddling Liv at night when brought her home from the hospital and it was wonderful for the first few weeks. Honestly, re-swaddling a baby while sleep deprived gets old very quickly. Especially if you don’t know how to do it that well – first time momma over. Plus, if we didn’t swaddle tight enough she would slip her arms and feet out. My mom actually suggested putting beans in a latex glove and putting it on Liv’s chest to help her fall sleep so she could feel pressure like a swaddle. Come to find out, they actually make bean filled swaddles! There are beans in the egg that go on the chest as well on the sides under or on top of the arms (Depending on if you swaddle with arms in or out). This was also a great transitionary item to stop swaddling at night when they are able to start rolling.
Happy Baby Wrap – Baby wearing may seem like a “trendy” thing to do, but honestly your baby wants to be close to you. They want to feel your heart beat and the warmth of your body – cue mimicking the womb. Baby wearing makes you more productive because you’re able to be hands free and your baby loves it. We love baby wearing while cleaning, shopping, or just walking out and about. I love the Happy Baby Wrap because it wasn’t as stretchy as other wraps I’ve tried. That may sound odd since you want something stretchy to wrap your baby in, but the longer you wear baby the wrap will loosen up. I got a lot longer wear with the Happy Baby Wrap and less adjusting while wearing.
KRIS BUCKHOUT
Blogger at Home with Harper and momma to Harper Lee
Kris and I met a few months ago and if virtual best friends is a thing she’s definitely mine. Harper is a few months older than Liv, so I always know what I’m about to get into as Liv gets older. Kris is in Los Angeles, California and that’s probably why we get along so well since she’s from Southern California just like me! If you want a laugh or a late night wine loving friend she’s your girl.
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
UppaBaby Vista Stroller – Look, I know this seems like a no brainer but you need this one specifically. I know, I know, almost a G for a stroller!? But it is SO worth it. It has the biggest basket underneath pretty much on the market which means when I do grocery shopping solo, I just use my stroller. It also grows with your family which makes it an investment piece, it can hold up two THREE children…I think it only makes sense to pop out 3 babies now, right? Also, I remember the first doctor appointment we took Harper to my husband decided to try to carry the carseat in (ugh, men) without using the stroller. Well, once we made it to the 3rd floor of the office, he decided he would never do that again, and also mentioned that he has a new found respect for women when he sees them lugging around that heavy car seat!
DockATot Deluxe – When I tried to explain to my dad why I needed a “175 dollar pillow (his words)” as a baby shower gift, he didn’t quite understand but eventually caved and got it! I seriously can’t say enough good things about the DockATot. At the end of the day, I think parents would pay ANY amount for a good nights sleep, and this product does just that. We used this to “bed share” with Harper during her first few months of life because it was the only thing that seemed even close to safe. Although some people would argue that bed sharing is “not safe”, it was the right decision for our family and it sure as heck made it convenient to roll over and give Harper a boob in the middle of the night while still half asleep.
TORI JAHNER
Blogger at Life After a Little and momma to Maddox
I met Tori a few months ago through instagram and we just clicked. She’s an interior design client turned really good friend. Tori is also a military wife in Georgia so having someone who is a fellow creative know the military life is amazing. Her little boy, Maddox is 5 months old and the sweetest little camera loving boy I’ve ever met!
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
Fridababy Windi (the Gaspasser) – Being a first time mom, the last thing on my mind was anything actually “productive”. Browsing the aisles of Target, I was too busy scanning away all the adorable onesies and cute toys (most, might I add, that my son has still yet to play with) rather than registering for items he would actually NEED. While I was always warned about babies and gas, I didn’t know to the full extent of how bad it could really be. My initial thought was getting gas drops would be enough. Oh boy; was I wrong. I don’t know what it was, but Maddox had terrible gas, no matter what we did or how we fed him. Gas drops never worked and I can’t tell you how many times I tried bicycle kicks and baby massages before I had to just give up and start crying too. Finally, someone recommended the Fridababy Windi to me, and honestly, it was a game changer. The concept is actually quite brilliant and even though the idea of sticking something up your child’s bum may seem a bit unorthodox (and a little unsanitary), I promise, it is a MUST-HAVE. Basically, the windi is a hollow tube that will help release any trapped air inside your babe’s belly instantly and I can’t tell you how many times my son immediately stopped crying and practically sighed in relief after we used it. Be warned though, things can get a bit messy if your little one is a little backed up… but, that’s parenthood, right? Fridababy Windi’s Video
The Baby Shusher – The Baby Shusher was another one of those “life-saving” products for my family and you may have already seen one of your favorite celeb moms endorsing it (because it really is awesome). This little device makes the continuous “shush” sound that we are all oh-so familiar with, especially if you are a parent. For the longest time, my son had a hard time falling asleep ANYWHERE and it wasn’t until I saw my newborn photographer using this that I knew that we needed to get one too. After she turned it on, my son was practically in a trance before he dozed off to the deepest sleep I had ever seen him have. What is nice about it is that you can raise the volume higher or lower depending on your preference and it also has a timer to run for either 15 or 30 minutes. I know what you may be thinking. The idea of a device that makes a “shush” sound can seem a bit lazy or unnecessary when you can “do it yourself,” right? At least, that was what I had thought initially. Honestly though, this was so worth investing it. I can’t tell you how many car rides, outings, and sleepless nights that this product came in handy and I really wish we had purchased it sooner!
Munch Mitt – When my son was three months old, he started teething.. BAD. All he wanted to do was gnaw on everything in sight and would get so frustrated because he was not coordinated enough to hold anything on his own yet. It was hard because he wanted me to hold his teething toy in his mouth all day, every day, which is just. not. possible. This is where I used my best friend Google, and once again, it had come through for me! I came across Malarkey Kid’s Munch Mitt and I was actually upset that I had not been the one to have come up with this product. Kudos to whoever did because it is honestly one of the greatest things I have ever seen. The Munch Mitt is a little glove that you slide over your baby’s hand and it has a Velcro strip to help secure and keep it from sliding off. On the very top, there are little teething grips that your baby can chew on and it also makes a crinkly noise when it moves which helps keep your babe entertained longer. The best part about it? It’s SO easy to clean! All you do is toss it in the washing machine, air dry, and you are all good to go. My son is 5 months old and even though he is able to hold his teethers on his own now, he still loves his mitt! It’s actually in his car seat as I type this just to make sure we don’t forget it at home. Even if your little one is not teething yet, this is great to have on hand when they do!
STEVIE MAXINE
Blogger (blog coming soon!) and momma to Knox Lennon
Stevie has the biggest heart in a women and momma I’ve ever known. I also met her through instagram a few months ago. Motherhood is probably one of the best clubs to be in because of all the amazing friendships you develop with other women over one common thing. I never would have thought one of my good friends would be all the way in British Columbia, Canada.
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
The DockATot – Everyone and and their mama friends insisted that this product was a must have for bringing home a new babe and I couldn’t wrap my head around why this product was so damn good. So needless to say as a first time mama, I felt like I absolutely needed to experience the awesome-ness and I put this on the top of my baby registry list. As soon as we brought Knox home from the hospital, he took to it right away. Taking many of his afternoon naps and sleeping incredibly well through the night snug as a bug in his bassinet with the DockATot, When we took our first family getaway at only 3 weeks old, it was so easy to pack up and travel with and kept Knox cozy and sleeping patterns on track.
Beluga Baby Wrap – This was such a game changer for me. Our sweet boy was definitely one of those “don’t you DARE put me down” newborns. Being able to wrap Knox up in this super soft wrap and still keep him close to me while being able to sit and have something to eat, or do the laundry, or get outside for some fresh air, this was what kept my sanity. Bonus points that he almost instantly fell asleep once I got him all wrapped up on my chest. EXTRA bonus points that it was easy to put on all by myself.
Liz is one of those women who is just good for your soul. She is another wonderful momma I met through instagram a few months ago. When you find your tribe, stick with them because they become part of your life as you do theirs. It was amazing to see her launch something she’s so passionate about – check out her passion project, MTHR Collective.
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
Silverette Nursing Cups – These are absolutely my number one recommendation (for mamas who plan on breastfeeding). Honestly, after hearing all the horror stories about bleeding, cracked and sore nipples associated with breastfeeding, I was dreading that more actual labor! I had heard about these magical cups and I’ll be the first to tell you I was highly skeptical. However, much to my pleasant surprise — they actually worked! They’re made from 100% Italian silver, which is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal that also contains anti-inflammatory agents. It heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness, and infections. You just put a couple drops of your milk in and put them on over your nipples between feedings. I didn’t experience ANY of the common uncomfortable side effects of breastfeeding! So, so, so worth the $$.
Dohm White Noise Machine – Another lifesaver! What I like about this machine as opposed to other options is the fact that it doesn’t actually emit an electronic noise (which can be harmful over time) — it’s literally just a fan. We’re 5 months in and still use it for nap & bedtimes. My partner and I even sleep much better with it and now that our little guy is in his own room I need to purchase another one for us 😉
Solly Baby Wrap – Three days after Walker was born we were out running errands and visiting family; I don’t think I would have been able to pull that off without wearing him. There are many baby-wearing products out there but what I love about the Solly is how easy it is to use and how SOFT the natural material is since its made out of Lenzing Modal. Another plus to baby-wearing besides the ability to be hands-free(!) and get things done around the house while baby snoozes against your chest, is it prevents people from touching your brand-new babe — I was definitely that paranoid mom chasing people down with hand sanitizer, haha.
I hope knowing about all these baby essentials will ease your mind while you’re making your baby registry! I know if I found something like this out there it would have helped me tremendously. Especially because these are REAL momma’s talking about what REALLY works!
Great post! I’ve loved so many of these items too over the past 8 months with my new babe – and for baby #2, I will definitely be getting a DockaTot! xx