Things You Didn't Know You Needed...

If you've read my last few posts, the theme is that babies need A LOT of stuff...Seriously...

There are a few essentials I never even knew I needed until I became a Mama!  Hopefully this post will help some new Mamas out there.  :)

1.  Changing Pad Covers/Liners

So everybody knows you need a changing pad and a cover for the changing pad.  But did you know that you need a COVER for the changing pad cover?  Well, YES you do.  It's super important.  I learned this on the first day home from the hospital.  We had just gotten home from the hospital, and I put Reed down on our brand new, darling, personalized Pottery Barn changing pad and he PEES all over it.  Needless to say, he has gone #1, #2, and #8 ALL OVER the changing pad cover on a regular basis.  So, yes, you NEED covers/liners for the changing pad covers.  Actually, go ahead and get 2 packs.

2.  Extra Long iPhone Charger
During the first 3 months of Reed's life, I spent an average of six hours per day in the glider nursing my sweet baby.  My phone went dead FAST playing Candy Crush and checking Facebook.  Invest in a nice, super long iPhone cord to keep your mobile device charged up!

3.  Burp Cloths...TONS of them

Fortunately, I got bunches of adorable, personalized burp cloths at my baby showers.  I remember thinking to myself, "why do I need so many of these 'little towels'?"  Well, it turns out that babies spit up A LOT.  Therefore, you need tons of burp cloths.  All shapes and sizes are a good idea!  Here are a few of my faves:
-Aden & Anais Bamboo Burpy Bibs
-Personalized Etsy burp cloths
-Homemade Burp cloths!

4.  Exercise Ball 

It's not for crunches anymore...Baby boy LOVES to bounce.  We bounce on the ball to calm him down or get him to fall asleep at night.  It works miracles!  Also, if I need to talk on the phone, I'll bounce while talking, and Reed is perfectly happy.  Nursing and bouncing is his all time favorite.  :)

5.  Desitin

We got lots of Desitin at the baby shower.  I never realized you use Desitin EVERY TIME you change baby's diaper.  Yep.  It's not to "cure" diaper rash...It's to PREVENT diaper rash.  Who knew?

This is a very random list, I know...However, I hope it helps you as you prepare for little one or buy a baby shower gift!  Happy shopping!

Please tell...what item didn't you know you needed?  I'd love to add it to my list?  Add a comment or e-mail me at lizpledger85@gmail.com, and let me know what surprising item needs to be added to this list! :)

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Top 5 Baby Essentials

Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE to shop.  I particularly love to shop on AMAZON.  You can't beat FREE two-day shipping.  Half the time my purchases come overnight.  That makes my Mama heart happy!  {Please note: J.J. usually supports my Amazon habit.}  With all that being said, I buy A LOT of baby stuff on Amazon.  Since Reed has been born, I've bought at least one million baby things.  Anything that MIGHT work, I buy.  {Please note: J.J. does not like this so much...}  

I thought it would be fun to create a list of BABY ESSENTIALS for all of my girlfriends who are having babies in the near future.  These are the goodies you and your baby MUST have in my opinion.  I'll give a little commentary for each.  :)  

1. Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper

We've used this since Day 1.  It doesn't really DO anything, but it props Reed up at just the right angle, and he is content to sit in it.  In the very beginning, he also napped in it regularly.  At four months, he still hangs out in it every morning.  It collapses so it will be easy to store as well.  The price is just right, and there are lots of cute color options available.  

2.  Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano

Reed won't bounce or swing in those fancy swings that most babies like.  However, he LOVES his Kick 'n Play Piano like none other.  He is literally out of breath when he is done playing.  It's the toy that keeps his attention the longest.  Good exercise too!  Check out the little man in action...

Every baby is different, so my best advice is to BORROW a swing/bouncer/gym from a friend to see if your little one will enjoy it before spending a bunch of money.  :)  

3.  Medela Freestyle Pump 

If you plan to breastfeed, then you need a GREAT pump.  I think this breast pump has helped me continue to successfully breastfeed Reed.  I nurse Reed the majority of the time, but I pump every night when he goes to sleep.  It allows me to have milk in the fridge so we can have a babysitter, or I can have a few glasses of vino.  This pump is expensive but it's worth every penny.

4.  Swaddle Blankets

We probably have at least one swaddle blanket from every brand.  However, our two favorites are The Miracle Blanket and The Woombie.  In fact, we double swaddle Reed.  We get him all snugly in the Miracle Blanket and then zip him up in the Woombie!  No chance he can break free.  Swaddle blankets can get expensive so you may want to borrow various brands from a friend to see which kind/size your little one likes.  

5. White Noise

Reed's favorite soothing white noise is the sound of a HAIR DRYER.  We happen to find this CD from best selling author Dr. Harvey Karp.  The "hair dryer song" is the first track on the CD, and it is miraculous.  It INSTANTLY calms baby boy.  He generally still goes to sleep listening to the sound of the hair dryer.  We joke that he will be 18 years old listening to this hair dryer "song."   Do whatever works, right?  You can buy the CD or download it digitally.  

Baby stuff can get expensive so borrow and share what you can!  :)