But what do you actually need for baby to make their arrival a smooth transition for everyone and not spend all of your hard-earned money? I’ve narrowed down a list of my baby essentials as a new mom to a 5-month-old boy.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5564″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Diaper Bag
You need a diaper bag. It’s the thing you grab when you’re rushing out the door that already has all the essentials packed away. If I’ve got Lucas out and about, I’ve got my diaper bag. They’re a package deal! I’ve actually had my bag for longer than I’ve had my kid, as I used mine as my hospital bag as well. When the moment arrived (you can read about my labour and delivery in Welcome Little One: My Labour & Delivery Story) I grabbed my Sleepy Panda Kaitlin Diaper Bag Backpack. There are a few key reasons why this diaper bag beats out all the rest.
This bag already has everything built into it. You’ve got enough stuff to buy and think about when you’re preparing for baby to arrive, let this diaper bag do some of the thinking for you. Unlike other bags, it includes a whole bunch of add-ons like a changing pad, wet bag (for dirty diapers and soiled clothing), cooler pouch for milk, and even a purse insert in case you’d prefer to leave yours at home. But, the coolest feature has got to be the fact that you can charge this bag. That’s right, it’s got a power bank so you can charge your devices on the go by plugging them into the USB port on this diaper bag. That’s super unique! I also love that it’s a backpack as it leaves my hands free, doesn’t look like a purse so hubby doesn’t mind wearing it, and is comfortable and super durable. I wouldn’t be surprised if this bag survived until baby number two (not that anyone is even discussing a second baby around here yet).
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5630″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Sleep Swaddle
You’re probably aware that when you bring home a newborn you won’t be getting much sleep, but you can certainly increase the chances with the right swaddle. If you haven’t learned this already, new babies love to be swaddled. It makes them feel safe and secure and replicates how they felt inside the womb so they can doze off to la-la land.
But, if your baby is anything like mine, finding the right swaddle may be no easy feat. Lucas hated all swaddles that didn’t allow him to raise his arms up. We wasted so much time and energy trying many different kinds. Zippers, velcro, different methods of wrapping him into a burrito-like state just to keep him from startling himself awake. He would squirm, fight, and grunt to get his hands out and cry as if we were torturing him to sleep.
That is until we found the Love to Dream Swaddle Up Original. Finally, he could have his hands, sort of. This swaddle is shaped in such a way that baby can position his arms up beside his head but still fit snuggly inside the ride at all times. Since we found it we haven’t used anything else. Lucas absolutely loves it and knows when we put it on that it’s going to be time for rest. It’s part of his nap and bedtime routine. Now that he is just about 5 months, self soothes and is on the brink of rolling, we use the transition swaddle which unzips at the arms.
I’m telling you, if you only buy one thing for baby-to-be or are looking for a new-mom gift, let it be this swaddle. It’s a gamechanger and I regret buying any others.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Baby Bouncer
In all honesty, we bought one of these completely on a whim at when I was pregnant and had no idea how absolutely necessary it would be in our home once Lucas arrived. If you ever want to put the baby down to perhaps go to the washroom, feed yourself, or scratch a hard-to-reach itch, you need a bouncy chair. They are a dime a dozen but essentially all do the same thing: give baby something to do while you take a minute to yourself. We have this one and it’s been fantastic.
Regardless of which chair you choose, most of them come with toys that hang from above and give baby something to look at. Once they’re strapped in they can freely learn to kick their legs and make the chair bounce on their own. Lucas absolutely adores his chair and I can easily move it around the house while I cook, clean, or do my make-up as he bounces away.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Baby Carrier
Wearing baby is all the rage these days, and that’s because it’s both convenient and makes baby happy. Sometimes all they want is to do is be close to you and to be held. There were times where nothing else would settle Lucas, he just wanted to be on me or my husband. But, as much as he’d love for me to spend all of my waking hours holding him, that’s obviously not feasible. Enter the baby carrier. A fabulous invention that pleases baby but still leaves your hands available to do what you need to do.
I tried quite a few. I borrowed some from friends and tried a hand-me-down or two from family, but ultimately settled on the Ergo Baby. I like it because it’s ready to go. You put on the straps, slide baby in, and you’re done. I personally couldn’t be bothered with all the wrapping and fabric that many baby carriers consist of. I’m just trying to strap my kid to myself so I can go about my day, not perform a full ribbon-dancing circus routine while trying to figure out how to safely cloak myself in fabric and become a human kangaroo. The Ergo Baby keeps things simple and is easy to adjust whether I am wearing it or my husband is. It’s great for hikes where a stroller may not be easy to maneuver and was a must-have during our trip to Mexico for a family wedding (see a photo of me wearing Lucas here). It’s a well-made product that I’m sure we’ll be using all the way into toddler-hood.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5626″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Black & White Books
I didn’t know much about baby’s eyesight before Lucas arrived, but once he was here I wasn’t sure how to entertain him in those first few weeks. There is very little a newborn can do. They spend most of their time eating, pooping, crying, or sleeping before wanting to eat again.
But when they are awake one fun thing to do is show them black and white books. Not much could get Lucas’ attention in the beginning, he would just sorta gaze around at this and that. That was until I popped one of these books in front of him. He would stare at them in complete awe. He loves looking at these baby animals, but his absolute favourite is this board book.
It makes sense because when babies are first born they see high-contrast images best. They can’t really make out details or colours yet, so black and white is the easiest for them to see. As he grew older, he would begin to follow the pictures with his eyes and it was good practice for him to learn how to track things in front of him. Lucas still loves these books months later. He studies them intensely. One of my favourite uses for them is during tummy time, which has not traditionally been Lucas’ favourite. But, tummy time is a necessary strength building activity and integral to infant development. So, my trick is to stand up this accordion-style black and white book in front of him to encourage him to lift his head. It works like a charm!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5631″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Baby Bath Accessories
Bath time for baby can go one of two ways: they will either hate it or absolutely love it. Lucas started out loathing his bath, but once we sat him in this Summer Infant Bath Chair he suddenly transformed into a happy little fish.
He quickly learned how to flail his arms and kick his feet and becomes so pleased with himself when he creates a big splash and soaks his parents. As he’s grown longer we ditched the baby tub and sat the chair itself in the big bath which Lucas absolutely loves.
The nice thing about this set is that we’ve been able to use it since Lucas came home and will still be using it when he’s bigger. It’s called The Right Height Bath Centre Tub because of the blue portion that raises baby up and saves mom and dad’s back as they lean over the tub. This piece later doubles as a step stool for your little one to reach the sink. Genius!
It’s also important that the bath water be the right temperature for your baby for obvious reasons. But, what has been even more important for us has been to consistently fill the tub with water that is the same temperature night after night. That’s where this 4moms Spout Cover comes in handy.
One evening I was in a rush and decided to forgo turning this on and making sure the temperature was the same as usual. Total mom fail. Lucas got in the bath and was unusually unhappy. Why? Because it wasn’t the exact same temperature that it was the night before. Babies thrive off of routine and consistency. This product helps us to make sure that the temperature isn’t too hot, too cold, but exactly the way he likes it, night after night.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]White Noise, Portable Black Out Shades, and Speaker
Ok, we’re going to talk some more about products you need to get baby to sleep because it’s so central to survival with a little one. I was so exhausted when Lucas was a newborn that I would have spent every penny I had just to get him to sleep so I could too.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]First off, you need white noise. I know it sounds counter-intuitive because you would think that the baby would prefer it to be super quiet in order to sleep. False. It’s actually crazy noisy in the womb. Baby can hear your blood rushing around, that burger you’re digesting (after you’ve had your prenatal pill and veggies of course) and your heartbeat 24/7. Imagine coming out into the world and being asked to sleep in total silence, kinda weird! So, turns out babies sleep much better with white noise absolutely blaring while they snooze away. Seriously, this kid has slept through thunderstorms, fireworks, and even the fire alarm thanks to white noise.
You can choose to buy a sound machine for baby, but all we did was put an old iPhone in Lucas’ room (or our room when he was still in it) and downloaded the White Noise app. If you’re like us, you have an old device kicking around the house that you can wipe and use for just this purpose and save yourself some money. However, it may not be loud enough on its own and you really should be consistent with what you use to signal to baby that it’s time for sleep whether you’re home or on the road.
To solve this, what we do is connect the device to a Bluetooth speaker. This also makes the sound pretty loud which helps to drown out environmental noise (just don’t place it right near the baby’s head, obviously). We purchased this Mifa Bluetooth Speaker as it was inexpensive and does everything we need it to do. You can take it on the go with you if you want baby to nap in the car or at the store. Yes, sometimes I’m the crazy lady in the produce aisle who is getting weird looks because white noise is playing out of her shopping cart. But you know what, my baby is peacefully asleep in his bucket seat for hours while I get stuff done. A practical miracle considering this kid would never nap on the go (he’s much better at this now that he’s a little older).
Lastly, you need to make baby’s sleep environment as dark as possible. Newborn melatonin wears off after a few weeks and they may no longer be able to sleep soundly in your kitchen or living room. Darkness is key. Although at home we have blinds and blackout curtains in his room, the challenge arises when we travel in the car or to a new place.
Whether we’re just visiting family or are traveling abroad, this portable blackout blind comes with us. It has saved our sanity on more than one occasion and allowed Lucas to maintain his daily routine. It suctions on to any window and creates an environment conducive to sleep. Paired with the white noise and swaddle, and he’s down for the count.
If you’re wondering how you can make it dark for baby in their bucket seat or stroller I would highly recommend you purchase the SnozeShade cover. They also make one for playyards if you use one. Lucas sometimes wakes up mid-nap and when he sees that he’s still where he fell asleep and there isn’t anything exciting to look at, he keeps sleeping.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5627″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Newborn to Infant Baby Toys
Maybe I’m a kid at heart, but toys still get me really excited. It’s one of my favourite things to buy for Lucas (and I already have way too many) But, you know what’s disappointing? Buying toys that he doesn’t like or pay any attention to. It’s not like he can tell me what he wants or is interested in yet!
However, that was thankfully not the case when we purchased this wooden baby play gym. Lucas adores this toy and it’s what we travel with when we’re visiting family.
There are few key reasons for this. Firstly, it’s fairly easy to take along. As your living room slowly gets taken over by baby toys this one will be your favourite because it’s pretty and fairly discrete. We easily move it around the house (and into the backyard with a picnic blanket) all the time. Secondly, it’s easy to adapt. Ours came with three wooden teething toys, but we’ve since added many of Lucas’ favourites to the gym to make it his own.
Grab a pack of these Bright Starts Lots of Links and you can hook any toy up to the gym to change up the fun for baby. We use these links on everything. His jumper, his sit-me-up chair, and his bouncer to hang his toys so he can grab, kick, and reach for them. The Winkel, OBall Classic, and O Ball Shaker are his ride or die toys at the moment.
Want to read more about toys and play? Including the scoop on toy rotation, how to come up with engaging play ideas, and get a snapshot of how to bring Montessori learning home? Check out this post, Common Questions About Toys and Play to also see a tour of my play spaces at home!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]Shop my Baby & Toddler Essentials
I’m always discovering new products that I love as Lucas continues to grow and develop beyond 5 months. Keep up with me on Instagram where I often share candid photos and daily necessities. Be sure to check out the STRUCKBLOG Shop to scope out my favorite maternity and nursing pieces as well.
Are you a parent or caregiver who has a favourite baby product that I have yet to discover? Be sure to share it in the comments below so we can all learn about it. After all, navigating baby land isn’t easy, so we’ve got to help one another out.
Anna
Disclosure: Some of the products featured in this post were gifted, specifically the Sleepy Panda Diaper Bag and Love to Dream Swaddle. Photography by my wonderful hubby. Thank you to baby Lucas for napping the entire time. All opinions and comments are my own. STRUCKBLOG uses affiliate links. For more information about this and the use of sponsored products please see my disclaimer page.
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