Our Favorite Products for the Newborn Phase
I know, I know - my content is very baby focused these days. We're really in the thick of this "new parent" thing, lately, and we're discovering what works for us…
I know, I know - my content is very baby focused these days. We're really in the thick of this "new parent" thing, lately, and we're discovering what works for us and what doesn't, so along the way I'm taking note of what's been particularly helpful in terms of products.
To be honest, when we started looking for baby stuff, I was super overwhelmed with the amount of products out there. Seriously... there has to be at least a gazillion different carseats! I had to do a lot of sifting through to find what was necessary, minimalist, and useful. I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the new products on the market! I say "new products" because I think I had in my mind that I'd use the same things my parents or my older siblings used for their kids. But some of the latest products are pretty amazing!
In this post I'm simply going to list off all the products we've found to be worth mentioning and why in this 4th Trimester (as they call it.. for good reason). The prices vary from a few bucks, to a little more expensive, but they all have a place in our home during these first months, so maybe you'll find them to be helpful in your home too!
I'll link all these products at the bottom of the post, so if you want to skip my commentary, scroll on down.
1. LugBug Carseat Handle
This was one of those serendipitous blogging moments. Tom and I had been talking about how ergonomically awkward carseat handles are, and I kid you not, two days later LugBug reached out to me asking if I'd like to try their carseat handle and share it with you. This is a game-changer, guys! It's simple, but totally solved the carseat handle dilemma in seconds. Since, I'm short (5'1"), it doesn't help me a whole lot because it makes the distance from the carseat to the ground a bit close (just being honest), but Tom is our carseat-carrier, so it's perfect for him! He loved it immediately.
2. Carseat Fan
Silas (like a lot of babies) is such a little furnace. Plus, Nashville gets super hot in the summer, so to help keep his temperature regulated, I picked up one of these fans on Amazon. It's been SO helpful and a lot of older people stop us and comment on what a smart thing that is to have. It's rechargeable, has a controllable blade speed, it rotates in any direction, and clips on easily to his seat. As a bonus, the sound of it soothes him!
3. Calmoseptine Ointment (for diaper rash)
A nurse friend gave me this stuff and it's a miracle worker. Seriously. Clears up diaper rash or irritation super fast.
4. Diaper station
I like these wood cubbies because I can move them around however I need. They could even get screwed onto the wall and used for a different purpose later on. Multi-functional and nice looking!
5. DockATot
Read my review on it here. Pictured above. We love this thing and use it all day and night. It's worth the price, people. Our baby lovessss this thing.
6. Diaper changing mats
They are just cheap, waterproof, machine washable mats that save you from having to wash your changing pad covers all the time. Believe me, you'll run into some messes and be glad you had one!
7. Sleepers with bottom zipper
Target carries footie pajama sleepers (Cloud Island brand) that have the zipper connect at the neck so that to unzip, you start at the feet. It makes diaper changes much easier.
8. Freezer meals
Okay, not really a baby product, but I'm extremely happy we made so many freezer meals before Silas arrived. We have yet to actually cook something for dinner, and Silas is inching towards two months old! We finished our freezer meals MINUTES before my water broke. Talk about timing! I put them off a little longer than I should have - haha
9. Water bottle
Breastfeeding or not, I'm so glad I have a big water bottle with a straw. It's with me everywhere I go and reminds me to stay hydrated. Since I do happen to be breastfeeding, I get parched pretty fast, so it's important to always be sipping some water.
10. Coconut oil
In the hospital, they gave me some olive oil to use on my nipples for breastfeeding, and while it's good, it's obviously super liquid-y and it's sort of annoying if you drip any. Coconut oil has been amazing for chapped or dry nipples, but also for Silas's chapped lips! Bonus that it's a natural remedy (and has that hint of coconut smell)!
11. Netflix
Need I say more? Feedings happen a LOT at this stage, and sometimes it gets pretty boring to just sit there with only one arm free. Netflix (or other streaming services) have been a must.
12. Moses basket and rocking stand
Not only is it aesthetically really cute, this set has been amazingggg at night. The height of the basket is right up to the edge of the bed which made it so much easier to grab him in the night while recovering from surgery. At this point, he does all his sleeping in it, and being able to soothe him with a little rocking motion is really nice.
13. Touch lamp
Such a lifesaver next to his changing station. When your hands are full, being able to tap the lamp super quick is really helpful.
14. Lorena Canals blanket
Tom wanted me to mention this one specifically from his opinion. He's pretty picky about blankets, because he really likes a good heavy blanket for weight and warmth. This one from Lorena Canals is woven/knit. He's normally not a fan of those types of blankets because they tend to be too breathable, but he said he loves this one. It's the only blanket like that, that he honestly sleeps under really comfortably. Plus it's plenty long (he's 6'4") so he can cozy up under it, and rock Silas (and himself) to sleep with ease. We both love having an adult sized blanket for the nursery, and it never leaves the chair. It's also machine washable, eco friendly with natural dyes, and handmade. It's absolutely beautiful and gets BOTH Tom and my stamp of approval for being a great nursery asset! Lorena Canals also carries other home and children's room pieces, including machine washable rugs. Isn't that amazing?? They have these really gorgeous rugs that you can actually wash! Anyways, like I always say, I'd never tell you guys something was great if I didn't truly think so, and this blanket is no exception. I weirdly look forward to using it every chance I get :) This blanket was sent to me courtesy of Lorena Canals.
15. IKEA baby gym
You know me, miss minimalist! I like this baby gym because it's soft, simple, but still has tastefully colorful toys. There are also cute little tee-pee style wood set baby gyms, but for once I decided to go with something more colorful, yet still minimal. The bottom is well padded, which is also really nice. It easily folds up and can be put away when not in use. Plus, it's on the cheaper side of most baby gyms at only $30.
16. Muslin blankets
We've used these light blankets for just about everything. They've caught spit up, been used as swaddles, been used as a nursing cover, a blanket to hold Silas in the bath, and more. They're an awesome multi-purpose product, and I'm glad we got so many as gifts!
17. Diaper backpack
I'm honestly not one for big totes, so way before Silas came along, I knew a backpack would be the best route. Plus, Tom doesn't look weird carrying it. The one we have is meant for use as a diaper bag, so the compartments are perfect - I love this thing! Plus, you can't beat the price.
18. Dapple bottle soap
Seems unnecessary, but one of my friends suggested this soap and I have to say it's actually really nice. Cleaning breastmilk or formula out of bottles can be difficult as they sometimes leave a film. This soap has left all my breast pump parts sparkling clean with just a quick wash.
19. Small dish basin
Haha okay. My mom made me steal this from the hospital and I was really embarrassed about it, but she swore I'd use it all the time.... and as moms usually are, she was right! I use it for washing all the bottles, pumping parts, etc... It's been a really handy little thing! It's smaller than most dishwashing basins, but that's what's particularly nice about it. It's cheap and flimsy, so just steal one from the hospital, otherwise I linked what looks like the exact same one below.
20. Nose Frida
Yup. It's true. This dang thing is everything people crack it up to be. It's a million times better than the bulbs, and believe me when I say I'm a HUGE skeptic about most popular things. Worth every.single.penny.
I know there are plenty more products we love right now, and will love in the future depending on Silas's age/stage... but these are our current favorites. Scroll on down, and I'll link them below!
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Our Minimalist-Modern Baby Registry
If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I'm not big on "stuff." Search for "minimalist" on my blog and lots of posts will come up...
If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I'm not big on "stuff." Search for "minimalist" on my blog and lots of posts will come up. This is not to say that our home is a vast quarry of echoey rooms and empty closets - not at all - but gifts and shopping are just not the way to my heart (food is, though).
When it came time to organize a registry of items for our upcoming baby, I was excited....
..until I saw how many baby things there ARE in the world!
Talk about overwhelming! So, for months I spent tons of time diligently reading reviews and narrowing down our list to lots of basics and very little fluff. The way we saw it, should our baby need more, we can get it after he's here. They don't need much, so as I am in all areas of our home, I kept it minimal.
Below, I've created a handy infographic that you can Pin, but each number correlates below for further explanation. Of course, this does exclude a few things like diapers and wipes and bottles (which are pretty par-for-the-course), but these are all items I am starting with.
1. Crib: Ours is the SUNDVIK from IKEA and I love the enclosed ends and minimal, simple look. Plus, that price is pretty great. We also purchased a mattress from IKEA and went with their mid-priced one.
2. Glider-Swivel-Recliner: I really wanted something particularly comfortable, so we splurged on this a bit. It's the Baby Relax Rylan and honestly, it's my favorite piece of furniture in the house right now. It's very roomy, and is even comfy enough that I could see myself falling asleep in it with a baby in my arms.
3. Dresser: We already had this from IKEA (that you definitely need to anchor to the wall for safety) and it's minimal, spacious, and doubles as a changing table AND side table next to the glider.
4. Changing pad: Pretty straightforward - just a good basic for those littles. We also got this Burts Bees cover.
5. Nursery blanket: Of course, baby needs blankets, but I loved the idea of having one for myself and baby to snuggle under that is meant just for the nursery. This one is from Lorena Canals. It's handmade and has these super cute pom-tassels on each corner. Care is easy as it's machine washable, but it just feels like such a little luxury to have in the nursery. Since it's handmade, the dye may differ slightly from one to the next, but I think that's such an awesome upside to own something truly unique! Lorena Canals also carries amazing, washable rugs (which is seriously such an amazing feature). I received this beautiful blanket courtesy of Lorena Canals.
6. Metal step trash: This one is small and out of the way. Several people suggested a small one because you'll want to empty it often anyways, but the stainless steel will help trap the smell between changes.
7. Nest cam: Personally, I've heard enough creepy stories about baby monitors being hacked, that we opted for something we felt was more secure. This Nest cam should be great!
8. Sleepers: I am not super into complicated outfits for tiny babies. They just seem coziest and easiest to change when they're in a simple little sleeper. We have a week's worth in Newborn and perhaps just a couple more than that for 0-3.
9. Onesies: Probably the most basic of all baby necessities. Onesies can be worn alone, under sleepers, with little pants, etc... and this pack is a cute neutral choice.
10. Fridababy NoseFrida: This nose aspirator practically has a cult following! I had a lot of people suggest this to me, and figured it could be my one peer-pressure-induced purchase.
11. Basic newborn kit: Another good basic that includes nail clippers, a brush, little nail files, and more.
12. Bath towel: Gotta wrap that baby up and keep them cozy after a bath :)
13. Washcloths: A few soft, gentle washcloths for bath time, of course.
14. Dock-A-Tot: There are a lot of options out there for multi-functional baby loungers, but I just kept coming back to the Dock-A-Tot. I love that it's been tested for breathability, is all-natural 100% cotton, handmade in Europe, and comes in two sizes (Deluxe or Grand). You can use it for supervised tummy-time, changing diapers, playing, resting, lounging, etc... This page on their website really explains the uses and functionality of it. I'm so excited to have a safe, cozy spot to put my baby boy! It's fun to picture him resting in it next to me on the couch or soaking in some cozy mornings in bed. I'll be back once he's here with a review for you. I received a Dock-A-Tot courtesy of their company.
15. Rock N' Play: This is something every parent I know seems to swear by. It'll be nice to have a place off the floor to put our little bub. Especially when I picture our big bear dog, and his serious lack of personal space - haha! This should keep baby comfy and safe from Hondo's overly loving snuggles.
16. Baby gym: These always offer a nice spot for stimulation and play, and I particularly liked this simple, minimal one from IKEA.
17. Swaddle blankets: I could hoard swaddles and muslins all the day long! I'm a sweatshirt person, and for some reason, baby blankets are my baby equivalent to sweatshirts.
18. Toys and Books: Honestly, we have not gone overboard at all. We bought the two pictured, and only have a couple more. Kids get so many toys, and I think this is going to be an area I'll be pretty picky as a parent and aspiring minimalist. "Babies don't need much" is my mantra!
19. Carseat cover: This is one of those 4-in-1 covers. It can be used as a scarf, nursing cover, carseat cover, and cart cover. I love how stretchy and breathable it is. Not sure how many of the four functions I'll actually use it for, but I love the options and material!
20. Backpack diaper bag: When it comes to purses, I have always been a cross-body kinda girl. I hate totes that drape over my arm or I have to balance on my shoulder, so I've always known that a stylish backpack would be the choice for me. This one is structured and has SUCH awesome places for storage and organization. I can't wait to use it!
21. Travel system: Carseats are obviously a necessity, but I also liked that we found one that came with a nice stroller. Of course, there are a million options based on price, if it can convert to a two-child stroller to last through your next baby, etc... but ultimately the decision is up to you. We decided on a middle-of-the-road system in terms of price and quality, and I'm really excited to use it.
There you have it - our minimalist-modern baby registry! Of course, as I mentioned, there are other basics that I excluded (thermometer, diapers, wipes, socks, etc...) but beyond the very, very basics, this is really it for us! We didn't go overly boyish or babyish and kept it all pretty modern and neutral. Once you figure out an aesthetic and "niche" (if you will) of baby items that suit you, they become easier to find. I'll have a review on the Dock-A-Tot once our little guy has arrived, but I think we are going to love it! The material is so much softer in person than I expected, and it just feels so cozy for baby!