Although she’s only eight weeks old, Critter (as we affectionately nicknamed my daughter in utero) is already a particular baby. Some might even dare to use the word “spoiled.” Spoiled or not, between her and me, we’ve amassed quite the list of favorite baby products, brands, and things that make our lives a little bit easier. Some of them are obvious, like the bottle warmer we cling to for late night feedings. Some as less obvious, like Dreft scent boosters. (Anything that covers the smell of soy formula is a bonus in our house.)
Today, Critter and I are sharing our top necessities for the first two months in a new installment on the blog: Critter’s Corner. If you’re looking for all things baby, you’ve come to the right place. Are you wondering how to survive the first eight weeks home with baby? Look no further. Here are our top ten necessities for the first two months.
Critter’s Necessities:
Halo Sleep Sack
Halo Sleep Sacks are a wearable blanket. Whether you’re buying the swaddler, with Velcro closures on the arms to keep baby safe and sound, or the regular Sleep Sack, these are ingenious. They have an inverted zipper for easy late night diaper changes, and there’s no more worrying about baby kicking or pulling a loose blanket up over their face. Easy for mom, comfy for baby. What else do you need?
Boppy Infant Lounger
There’s no better place to hang out than on the Boppy Infant Lounger. This pillow comes in cute patterns, and is perfect for propping up baby. Since Critter has reflux, the slight incline on this pillow makes it perfect for when she wants to stretch out and kick her legs, without the worry of laying her flat and having her aspirate formula.
Soothie Pacifier by Phillips Avent
The only pacifier Critter will use, this pacifier has the added bonus of making your baby look like a lamprey from the show River Monsters. This pacifier is latex free and has a unique one piece construction. No more worrying if a piece or handle of the pacifier is going to come off and become a choking hazard.
Brica Travel Bassinet
This travel bassinet is the perfect sleeping spot for babies on the go. When we traveled to Myrtle Beach while Critter was 3 weeks old, Critter took up residence in the travel bassinet. We didn’t have to worry about getting a germy hotel crib or trying to find a place for the baby to sleep at the last minute. The travel bassinet is also perfect for family gatherings or any time Critter may need a nap and a crib is not readily available.
Tummy Time Mat
The brand isn’t important, but tummy time is. These days, we know that it’s important for babies to spend their sleeping time on their back. The only problem? This has led to babies with poor neck control. That’s where tummy time comes in! Although a tummy time mat may not technically be a necessity, as you can create your own tummy time area by flipping baby over on a blanket (under close supervision!), a tummy time mat with mirrors and toys can help with baby’s development. Critter loves hers, especially the mirror!
Mom’s Necessities:
Boppy Pillow
The second Boppy product to make our list, the original Boppy pillow is a multi-purpose pillow. Use it as a hemorrhoid cushion, a breastfeeding support pillow, or wait a while and use it for propping up unsteady sitters or tummy time as the baby begins to develop better head control. The Boppy comes in plenty of fun patterns, and you can also buy slipcovers. You never need to have a Boppy that doesn’t match your style.
Dreft Blissfuls Scent Boosters
We got the chance to try these for free, and I’m so glad we did. These in wash scent boosters are safe to use on any clothes, including baby clothes, and are one of the only things that can get rid of the soy scent lingering on everything we own. One container lasts us about a month, so while they may seem pricey, I’ve found that the baby smell from the scent boosters is really worth it.
Graco Pack ‘n Play
The Pack ‘n Play was the number one item recommended by family and friends when I asked for registry suggestions, and I can see why. The Pack ‘n Play is a multipurpose nursery staple, working as a crib, changing table, and playard. There’s a Pack ‘n Play for everyone: ours has a bassinet attachment that conveniently flips over to become a changing table. Once the baby outgrows the bassinet, it’s easy to remove the bassinet attachment and convert the Pack ‘Play into a portable crib. Although we have a full crib for later use, I can see us using the Pack ‘n Play for a long time.
Burp rags
All babies spit up, so you’re going to find yourself covered in spit up at one point or another. Burp rags are great to have handy when you’re out in public or on the go and can’t change out of your outfit if a major spit up occurs after burping. If your baby has reflux, you’re going to want lots of burp clothes. Our favorite were homemade by a friend, but any thick and absorbent burp cloth will do.
Disposable diaper bags
Have you ever been at the pediatrician and noticed the signs asking you to carry your dirty diapers out with you? Whether you’re out in public and trying to be polite about disposing your baby’s waste, or you’re having to wrap up a dirty diaper to tote home, scented disposable diaper bags are a must. Available almost everywhere diapers are sold, these tiny bags have some serious scent power and can hide some pretty noxious fumes. If you’re sensitive to scents, they also make unscented versions. “Couldn’t I just use plastic grocery bags?” you ask. Sure, you could, but these disposable diaper bags take up a lot less space in your actual diaper bag, and if you’re anything like me, you can never find a plastic bag when you need one. I think mine walk off.
There are many things you will need in your baby’s first two months of life: from diapers and wipes to baby blankets and cribs. Although this isn’t a comprehensive new baby checklist, these are a few or Critter’s favorite things, and things that have made our lives simpler.
What were your favorite new baby products?
*Note: These products were either purchased by us or received as baby shower gifts from friends.
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I won’t ask why she got the nickname “critter” just in utero! LOL
Looks like you’ve got it all covered, great roundup! 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
such a cute little one! I love the list of product to make mama and baby happy : )
love the list and i have to say that first pic is sooo adorable. lol love it.
What a great list and so thorough too! I could not have breastfed the kids without my Bobby pillow.
I love to give Sleep Sacks for baby shower gifts. I loved the ones I had for my kids.
To be honest, I don’t use a pacifier and bottles. I breastfeed my child for 2 years,
New moms have to see these products. I was so lost at first with very little help, I would have loved to see this list!
I agree with everything on your list! Although when my boys were babies we didn’t have the Boppy lounger for them (I don’t think it came out on the market yet) but it looks cool and I would’ve totally used it!
I wish this list was around when I had my son. Being a first time mom I had NO idea what to purchase and looking back realized I purchased way more things than we ever needed.
Great list, my Boppy was probably the best gift ever for the babies. I used it all the time, my 4 year old still plays with her old boppy. lol As a nursing Mom it made both of us a bit more comfortable. It also helped the men relax a bit more while holding the baby.
You make some very good points here.
I am sure new mothers would love this reference work.
These are all amazing essential products for a new baby. I love the Halo Sleep Sack and it is a plus that it has a zipper for easy night time changes. Any of these items would be great for any baby shower gift. Thanks for sharing the list.
A lot of tgese i have. But i couldnt live without my boppy. Its so convenient and comfy when breastfeeding.
Many of these make life so much easier for a new baby and mom. I loved my newborn boppy.
This is really a great tips and very useful especially for the first time moms, Glad you share this
We loved the Boppy pillow. It lasted well past the nursing years, and now the kids fight over it while watching tv.
This is a great list. I wish I had some of this stuff when my kids were babies. That boppy pillow made life so much easier when my kids were infants. It made late night feedings so much easier.
What an adorable post and great information for any new parents!
I love that her nickname is Critter. We have a young man that is like part of the family that was affectionately nicknamed that as well. He carries it still today in his adult years. As for my favorite new baby product…gas drops. I know they are not that new, but they are new since I had kids. They are amazing and are a must have.
These will definitely make parenting a lot easier. The Pack n’ Play sounds great! These pictures are so cute!
Oh there is nothing sweeter than having a newborn baby in the house! This is a great list of products! We loved the Soothie pacifiers and used the Bumbo all the time once they got a little bigger.
I am long past the point of newborns, but when my son was little I could not live without the Bumbo or the Boppy. Those two things were my lifesaver!
This is a great overview of essential products for baby. We loved our tummy time mat and it definitely came in handy. It’s so important to give baby time on her tummy when she is old enough.
Great list! I wish that a list like this was around when I have my babies a long time ago – would’ve been so helpful!
Your daughter is beautiful! Love this list! It’s been a long time since I had a little one but I appreciate your list…practical, useful and truly the essentials.
Those are all great pics. I absolutely loved Dreft when my kids were babies. I’ve actually heard that they’re making it in new varieties now. Your daughter and your granddaughter are just gorgeous!
Yes! I had to have the swaddler for mine. I agree with that tummy time mat. What a great list.
One of my favorite things when my boys were little was a vibrating bouncy seat. I recommend them to all new parents 🙂
Your wish list sounds a lot like my daughter-in-law’s list. #1 on her list is a boppy pillow. So many people have told her how useful it is for breastfeeding and simply propping baby up to avoid reflux.
I formula fed, so I didn’t have a boppy, but my SIL swears by hers 🙂