List: Things I Used in Baby’s First 2 Weeks

I would have loved a list of what someone actually used when I had a baby. I also would have saved a LOT of money. Babies need a lot of stuff – but mommies buy a lot more. So here it is – everything I have actually used in the first 2 weeks since coming home from the hospital with Violet. I will be creating a PDF of this as a simple list too as soon as I figure out how.     

I am excited to announce that a few of these products from some of my favorite companies are providing giveaways for Mommy Words readers!  These will be my first reviews and giveaways so keep visiting for your chance to win!     

Big Ticket Items for Baby     

All of these items (carseat is the exception) I bought or recieved before I had Sophia and have lent out to friends with newborns, so they are now being used with the 3rd, 4th or 5th child and are still in great condition and working well.  The cost per use is so small!  Note that you do not need doubles of everything – we have just been gifted items or found it easier to have one on each floor.   These are items that should be okay to purchase from a second hand store or craigslist as long as you really check them out first.  They are meant to last for more than 1 baby and you can save TONS of money this way.     

I will detail what I actually have because I am a huge fan of some of these products but in quick and dirty terms you need -     

1.  Place to sleep (Crib, Bassinet, Co-Sleeper or Sleeper Area for your bed)     

2.  Safe seat for the car (if you have a car) (Car Seat)      

You might also need / like      

3.  A stroller  Many moms do not really go out in the first couple of weeks but since you will need it anyway, better to have it on hand!     

4.  Bouncer, Swing or Rocker     

5.  A car seat snap on stroller      

Here’s What I Actually Have:      

Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat with additional base:  New car seat technologies convinced me to purchase a new car seat when I had Miles but the old one still worked and looked great.  It was the older Graco model.  The Graco seats, for a lesser price than others, got the highest safety reviews from Consumer Reports.  They were also a lot easier to figure out than some higher priced brands.  I am very happy with my Graco products for the newborn set.      

Graco Snug Rider Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame:  This just makes life a little easier for quick errands.  Run into the bagel store.  Have to return something.  In my house it is NOT used as a replacement for a stroller for a long walk or trip to the mall.  Babies should not be in their car seats for any longer than necessary.  It is hot in there and they are really strapped in tight!  It is also not good for their head shape and development.  As you may know, Miles was born with severe Plagiocephaly and needed a Doc Band.  Through this process we learned many things, including to keep babies out of car seats as much as possible.  Still, we do use this quite a bit as I have many tiny errands.  We simply do not use it when the stroller seems more comfortable and appropriate.     

Mini Arms Reach Co-Sleeper:  We chose with all of our babies to have them sleep in our room, next to me, rather than in a crib in another room or in our bed.  To be honest, the more kids we have had the closer we come to full co-sleeping but we will never be fully there.  I need a place to put the baby so I don’t have fear of crushing her!  I also sleep better with a little more space in my bed.  This co-sleeper is open on one side so I can simply reach in and pluck the baby out for feedings.  It is SO convenient!      

Bumbleride Rocket Single Stroller: I LOVE this stroller and while this model is no longer made, the company has made improvements and a similar but better model is called the Indie.  Bumbleride has a double version of this stroller too and I would just LOVE to try out either of these beauties.  I love that the recline allows newborns to ride in the stroller, I love all the accessories (they even have a little carrycot bassinet if that floats your boat), I am a huge fan of how easy my stroller is to turn and I absolutely love the style and colors on these babies!  Check out all the options and models at the Bumbleride site!     

 I should also note that when I had my second baby I chose to go with the Mountain Buggy Urban Double and was totally impressed! The steering is SO easy, it also has an incline that is great for babies and it came in purple.  I was in love.   I will be posting some stroller reviews and tips for choosing a stroller so stay tuned!     

Fisher Price Papasan Cradle Swing:  Everyone LOVES this swing.  From the first day home through the first months this swing relaxes baby and gives mom a few minutes of me time!     

Fisher Price Newborn to Toddler Rocker:  I love that this rocker has higher sides for a newborn and the vibration that many bouncers have.  It is great for the smallest babies and yes, my 1 and 3 year old love to use it as a rocker too!     

 Fisher Price Bouncer:  The bouncer is the standard Fisher Price $35 ish model with the lights and music bar above.  It is starting to have some problems with the vibration so we may replace it but it works just fine for a baby – other than the fact that I prefer higher sides.     

Feeding Items  

I breastfeed my babies, so this list is what I have actually used.  If you plan on formula feeding you will probably need more bottles and more burp cloths as well as a bottle sanitizer for all those bottle parts!  I have actually used my nursing cover and stool when feeding a bottle to my kids because the cover helped them to be calmer during feeding time and the stool made it more comfortable for me to sit.  A nursing pillow of some kind may also be helpful for bottle fed babies because it does provide some support and give your arms a rest!         

Breast Pump- to stimulate milk production or in my case – to empty breasts.  For me this is a big ticket item because I need the double electric pump.  I use the Medela Pump in Style for my daily pump out sessions and used it many times a day when I went back to investment banking after having Sophia.  It is still working great on baby number 3 although it does look a little worse for the wear!        

Nursing Cover- I have loved my Bebe Au Lait nursing cover since my first day home with Sophia.   They are beautiful and practical and allow you to nurse anywhere with ease and still see your baby!  The Bebe Au Lait company was kind enough to send me a new cover before Miss Violet was born and it is gorgeous!  I used in the hospital (see pic below) while all my in laws were in the room!  I will be hosting a giveaway for one lucky reader to choose a Bebe Au Lait cover as well.  Stay tuned for my full review and your chance to win!        

 Nursing Pillow - I have always used the My Brest Friend pillow and have had a great experience with it.  Not only does it support the baby perfectly but it also supports mom’s back and makes nursing SO much more comfortable!  The company now has a travel pillow that packs flat as well as a deluxe pillow.        

Nursing Bras - I used 2 daytime and 2 nightime bras.  Daytime I use the Medela underwire.  For nightime I love both the Blue Moon bras and the Majamas.  They are super comfortable and easy to feed baby!  

Footrest – Any one will work.  If you are short it will make feeding a whole lot easier!       

Breastmilk Storage – Bags or Bottles       

Breast Pads- I use the disposable Medela Pads because they work the best for me and really are the smallest under clothes.  However, there are tons of options out there.       

Gel Pads for Nipples – I have problematic breasts as we all know.  These make them feel better.       

Bottles -  Sophia and Miles never really caught on to the bottle thing but I am determined to get Violet to drink my milk from a bottle so that I can go out to dinner and have a couple glasses of wine before she is 8 months old.  I have a million bottles from trying out so many on my first 2 kids but in the first 2 weeks I have only used 2 small glass evenflo bottles with tiny stage 1 nipples.    

Bottle Cleaner – Hands down the Munchkin is the best.  When it gets too gross for bottles use it for dishes and pots and pans.  The suction cup bottom makes it stand up in the sink.  Awesome!  

Burp Cloths- I go for the pretty ones from Bebe Au Lait and Swaddle Me Designs – I can’t help it!      

Stuff for Baby    

Baby Carrier (Sling or Pack) - Babies love to be by their mommies and daddies and so baby wearing is a part of my life from the day I leave the hospital!  It is also totally necessary to have something to carry your newborn in to keep your hands free if you want to get anything done or keep your pre-schoolers grubby little hands off the newborn!       

I LOVE my Hotsling because it does not have to be adjusted and can easily be thrown in my purse or diaper bag!  You pick your size based on your measurements.  The company now offers an adjustable version that looks awesome!  All of their slings are super stylish and oh so comfy!       

Sophia at 4 Months in Hotsling

I also love the ERGO baby carrier and would love to try out the infant insert.  You could easily use this carrier with the insert for newborns all the way up through toddler hood.  I carried Miles in this (20 months old) while I was 8 months pregnant with Violet and we both remained comfortable – he slept the whole hour we were in Target! 

Kiddopotomus Swaddle Me - All my babies slept in these fuzzy swaddlers and I found them SO much easier than swaddling with a blanket.  I also love how they keep baby so warm while eating since I can leave the bottom on the baby.       

Special Blanket- I went with Little Giraffe for my first 2 and have been using an extra plush blanket for Violet until I find the perfect blankie.  I love to have one really nice blanket for my kids!      

Carseat / Stroller Blanket -I have used the Woobee from Rain or Shine Kidssince I had Sophia and loved it!  It ties on to the stroller or car seat so you don’t need to worry about it falling off.  It can also be used as an outdoor play mat, nursing cover or baby carrier cover!  The company, Rain or Shine Kids, has also come out with a newer and more affordable B Blanket which they sent me to try out!  Stay tuned for the Mommy Words full review and giveaway! 

Newborn Clothes- I go with 6 of everything and love the Carter’s NB size at Babies R Us.  I got a bunch of the CUTEST onesies and pants combos and then a  couple of footie jammie sets and we were set.  Violet was so tiny that we needed some preemie clothes but for Sophie and Miles (over 7 pounds at birth) the NB clothes were perfect for the 1st 2 weeks.      

Newborn Hats and Bibs – Newborn babies are really small – smaller than you think – and 0-6 month hats and bibs are really for bigger babies.  I had 3 hats and 10 bibs.       

Newborn Socks – I love the Carter’s super fuzzy socks from Babies R Us and they actually stay on!      

Receiving Blankets – I tuck these around my co-sleeper sheet so I don’t have to change it!

Books

Your Baby’s First Year Week by Week by Judith Schuler, M.S. 

The Nursing Mothers Companion by Kathleen Huggins

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition by Martha and William Spears)

Bathroom Business

Newborn Diapers and Wipes- I am a pampers girl all the way for the newborns.  Later I switch to a mix of Huggies and cloth but that is for another post!

Changing Table or Pad – I just use a changing pad and cover.  It is easy to move around and much cheaper!  

Trash Can with Lid and Bags or Diaper Pail – I prefer the Diaper Dekor or just a Good Trash Can.      

Diaper Cream – I use Boudreaux’s All Natural Butt Paste with Zinc Oxide.  The Zinc Ocide is important for frying baby’s tushie!

Very Gentle Shampoo- Mustela products are great.  I have also had good results with Aveeno products.  Stay away from anything with fragrance for your little addition! 

Alcohol- Sometimes the hospital will give you some umbilical cord wipes.  If not you will clean this area with alcohol and Q-Tips.      

Q-Tips - I use Q-Tips for everything from cleaning baby’s umbilical cord to their private parts to between their toes and then I take part of the box to my bathroom and part of the box to the the kitchen where I use them for projects of all kids!  Stay tuned for a designer Q-Tips giveaway for your nursery!      

Vaseline – If your baby is circumcised you will need Vaseline.  It is good to have around no matter what – but absolutely necessary for circumcised little boys. 

Towels and Washcloths – I used 2 of each.

Baby Bathtub- This is not necessary but I do use it both for the sponge baths and for regular baths once the umbilical cord has fallen off.  I just have a thing about putting my baby in the sink.  Call me strange I prefer the tub!  

Free and Clear Detergent – You don’t need to buy special baby detergent but you should make sure you have no colors or fragrance in your detergent and that you are not using dryer sheets but rather a ball or something that does not use chemicals to fragrance your clothes.  It can bother a newborns skin. 

Maxi Pads- Day and Night – After you have a baby you bleed.  I like the ones that come with little wipees.  Makes one feel a little cleaner!   

Stool Softener - You need to poop at some point.  This helps.  

Ibuprofen – Bring it on!  And you may even go home with a prescription for something stronger.  Fill it.  Just in case.

This is just my list but I can tell you my original registry had a whole lot more stuff!  In particular I had a lot of stuff that was special for newborns.  Newborn clothes were coming out my wazoo!  Only Violet has been little enough for long enough that she is actually getting wear out of these tiny things!  Then there are the newborn loungers and sleep things and mobiles and toys and special mats for tummy time.  I have now free cycled most of these items.  I simply did not need them.  Babies need you – they need humans – not a ton of stuff (Except the swing – get a swing).  I am not saying that you will not buy some additional stuff down the road but for the first month or so your little bundle of joy has very simple needs!  There is no need to freak out of you don’t have every little thing.

You may have other things that you need if you have a different situation than us.  For instance, we don’t have a monitor.  I sleep one foot from Violet and she is with me the whole day.  So I do not need a monitor to hear her.  I also have a fader on our bedroom lights (installed after Sophia’s birth) so that I can turn on a light at night to move around or to nurse without disturbing everyone.  If you do not have this you will probably want a night light of some kind.  If you live in Minnesota and it is winter you will need a warm car seat cover that really bundles the baby since you do not buckle babies in with big coats on.  You get my point – this is a starting point – this is what I actually used.  When I upload the checklist I w ill add some of these possible needs to the list for you consideration.

Of course – the MOST important thing to have is every possible form of technology used to document memories and extra batteries for all!  Over here in bloggy land I have multiple chargers always plugging away to keep all my gadgets fired up and ready to capture these all too rare moments in a child’s life.  They are only this small for such a short time!  Cherish every moment!

Don’t forget to come back for the upcoming giveaways!

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