My Baby Must-Haves | Newborn + Up
Hey MAMAS! I’m finally sharing all my baby must-haves since having Evan. I’ve (admittedly) been trying to get this post up for weeks now. But early motherhood is proving to be all-consuming, and any plans I make never seem to quite go as expected. This is a really magical time that’s requiring all of me, so some things are proving to take longer than envisioned. Good news is — it’s given me some extra time to think about all my baby must-haves. I’m in love with anything that’s practical right now. And if it’s chic, too?? I’LL BUY A DOZEN.
Here are some of my favorites… and P.S. MAMA must-haves are coming next week!
RH Moses Basket
Restoration Hardware Moses Basket | I purchased this before having Evan — and, quite honestly — I wasn’t sure if it would actually be used, or, if it would merely look ultra adorbs on Instagram. It wound up being useful on both ends (cute IG pics included). Ev is obsessed with it. We keep the basket in our family room for daytime naps, and toss it in the car anytime we visit a friend or family member, so they have a place to nap. It’s light and super easy to bring anywhere. I also purchased the rocking stand with it.
This is my go-to brand for all things baby. I use the swaddles as summertime blankets, and I also have TONS of their blankets, burp cloths and bathrobes.
Did you know newborns can only see in black and white? A B/W images book boosts their baby brainpower. I show Evan the images during playtime everyday.
3. Little Giraffe Chenille Security Blanket
Little Giraffe sent me a blanket as a gift when I had Ev. As it would turn out, my boy became obsessed with the super soft material and (literally!) falls asleep minutes after I wrap him in it. I call it my magic blanket, because it soothes his tantrums. Now I own every size they offer — from security blankets to adult-sized versions! Use YOUANDLU to get 20-percent off any full-priced items on their site!
Little Giraffe ‘Plush Chenille Kint’ Blanket + Monica and Andy Hat
4. Boppy Newborn Elephant Lounger
Evan loves squiggling around in this lounger! It’s the perfect spot to place your tiny babe when you need to grab your cup of coffee or sneak in a quick shower. I take it all over the house, and especially used it the first six weeks (including popping it on the dinner table so our boy could ‘sit’ with us).
5. Hushh Portable Sound Machine
Pre-baby, I didn’t think a noise machine was an essential. But, IT IS. Babies like sounds that mimic the womb. This one is my favorite for its soothing noises and varying sound options. I’ve tried a number of noise machines, and didn’t like anything but this one. It’s certainly on my baby must-haves list!
I love this car seat for its safety and simplicity. The seat simply clicks into a super secure base that stays installed in your car, which makes getting the baby in and out really quick. It takes me (literally!) 10 seconds to pop Ev in the car.
7. Bugaboo Chameleon3 Stroller
Picking a stroller was a serious decision (and a major debate in our house pre-baby). Ultimately, we decided on the Bugaboo Chameleon for its lightness, practicality and chic-ness. Okay, I cared about the chic part a whole lot more than Jake. The wheels are great in any environment, the bassinet has room for a ton of blankets, and it’s easy to take down and store in the car. My only complaint? I don’t know how much I’ll love traveling with it when Evan is this little, because the bassinet is quite large.
Fisher Price knows what’s going on, people. They’re longtime pros at the baby game. I spent a lot of money trying out swing after swing after swing among the latest and greatest. My son wound up liking good ol’ Fisher Price, which also happened to be the most affordable. He loves it for indulging in some solo time.
9. Swaddle Me
When it comes to overnight swaddles, nothing is better than this brand. It takes mere seconds to swaddle your babe up and ZERO mega-swaddle skills. Trust me, when it comes to mothering, convenience is everything when your babe is screaming his or her head off. Evan wears these overnight, and is sleeping like a serious champ (10 hours!)
Genius, genius, genius. I don’t know how mothers did it before the Dock-a-Tot. I initially had Evan in a bassinet next to my bed, and he wasn’t sleeping or napping well. I switched him to his crib by placing the Dock-a-Tot inside, and he started sleeping for 6… then 7… then 10-hour stretches at night. It makes him feel cozy and protected. You can place the Dock-a-Tot anywhere – in bed with you for naps, or even within the bassinet you already own if you want to keep your little one in the same room as you. It’s among the best baby must-haves!
Avent Pacifier + RH Moses Basket
11. Avent pacifier
Before I became a mama, I naively thought my baby wouldn’t need a pacifier. Then I learned the paci is like a turn-off button for a hysterical newborn… annnnnd here we are, obsessed with these Avent pacifiers. They’re BPA-free, lightweight, and aesthetically adorable for when your babe won’t. let. it. go.
12. Monica + Andy top-knot cap
I always have Evan in these hats! They’re made from organic cotton and are oh-so-cozy. Plus, they’re lightweight, which makes them ideal for spring, summer and fall. I love them for both girls and boys, and Ev isn’t bothered by the feel of them at all.
KickKee Pants Onesie + Avent Pacifier
KicKee Pants Onesies | My friend introduced me to this brand, and I am in LOVE! It’s nearly all Evan wears right now. The material is incredibly soft, comfortable + thin, which makes them perfect for at-home and hot summer days.
Freshly Picked Moccasins
Freshly Picked Moccasins | Not only are these little shoes super adorable, they’re the only slip-ons that stay on Ev’s feet. I can get them on and off quickly, and they don’t seem to bother him. Plus, everyone loves a little boho baby!
… LOOKOUT FOR MY MAMA MUST-HAVES NEXT WEEK!
Photos by Annie Shak + myself | Graphics by Annie Bonenfant
