As a first time mommy & daddy, Derek and I knew that we would be needing all the essential baby goods to make sure our munchkin was happy, healthy and well cared for. As the incredible gifts started rolling in, we were just so overwhelmed with gratefulness! Our family and friends were so generous that we received pretty much everything we needed. There are some items however that are above and beyond the basics, that make daily life with an infant a little bit easier. So here is my list of things that we could not live without during the first month with our little bubba!
- Sophie The Giraffe - This little giraffe is actually a teething toy made in France and it's so sweet I think I love it as much as baby E does! Although Emerson isn't teething yet, EVERYTHING he gets his tiny hands on seems to go straight to his mouth and this is made from natural rubber with non-toxic coloring so you never have to worry about health or safety. It's light enough for Emerson to try to hold and it's squeaks when you squeeze it evoke many smiles and giggles!
- Arms Reach Clearvue Cosleeper - What more could a new parent with their first baby at home want than to sleep with their little one in "arms reach"? This bassinet is so affordable, stylish and most importantly provides total visibility, so you can see baby at all times. It attaches to our bed so no worries about it tipping over in the night when Emerson starts throwing his weight around. Also, being so close to me really makes those 2am feedings SO much more convenient.
- Cloud B Sleep Sheep - We affectionately call the Sleep Sheep "Mr. Lamb" after a toy that Derek had when he was a baby. We have attached him to the cosleeper and every night it helps not only Emerson, but gives us all a peaceful night's rest. Our favorite sound to sleep to is "spring showers".
- Collared onesies - Whether it's Target, Old Navy, Gap or Ralph Lauren these little onesie "polo's" have come in incredibly handy. They are so easy to put on, they're appropriate for any occasion or outing and let's face it, they are pretty darn cute!
- Johnson's Natural Baby Wash & Lotion - This line of bath goods from Johnson & Johnson is all natural, dye free, essential oil free, allergy tested and pediatrician tested all of which gets an A+ rating from this mommy. I love how the wash comes out as a light foam with a delicate scent that seems to soothe Emerson even when he gets fussy. The lotion dries quickly while providing a ton of moisture which is great to avoid having to attempt to wrangle a slippery little one!
- My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow - This wearable nursing pillow has all of the bells and whistles! A velcro strap for easy adjustment, a silent release clip so you can easily take it on and off without waking a sleepy baby, a storage pocket (where I store my breast pump so I can pump on one side while nursing on the other) and it's the perfect shape to provide support for my back and Emerson's to make feeding time so much more pleasant. I found out about this pillow in our breast feeding class, as it's the #1 choice of lactation consultants.
- Aden + Anais muslin swaddle blankets - These blankets are so soft I literally use them for a multitude of things. I have used them as a nursing cover, burpcloth and drape them over baby E's carseat when we go out if public to protect him from germs and nosey people! Made from 100% cotton muslin, these blue swaddles are breathable to help reduce the risk of overheating (something I worry about in the Texas heat) and the generous size makes swaddling easy.
