Honestly you cannot go past these zip up onesies. Millie lived in hers for the first few months. The easiest way to keep bub warm but still allows for easy nappy changes. No on has time for those one million buttons on some other baby onesies especially during the night when you need to do those in the dark changes. They are definitely worth the extra few dollars to get the Bonds quality too.
There are so many options out there but I think its good to have both an electric pump to express full feeds (if that’s what you want to do) and also a manual silicone suction pump.
The Haakaa is something I used SOOO much with Remi and it quickly became one of the most used products in my house. Even though she never took a bottle I used it a lot to relieve pressure in my breasts as I had an oversupply and to catch the milk that would come out when feeding on the opposite side. I collected it and used it for baths, in her food when she started solids and had a back up supply in the freezer in case we needed it.
Tip: They actually fit in one half of a suitcase meaning they are easily packed for travel. This will help bub adjust to napping anywhere you go because they will have their familiar bed.
For safety details and how to use your DockATot click here.
White noise and a red light are both super important and simple ways to help you new baby sleep.
Having a sleep aid like Euky Bear will help set your baby in a positive sleep routine. It not only has a red light and “pink noise” it is also a humidifier which you can use essential oils in from 3 months old and also has other sleep noises such as lullaby, rain and womb sounds.
If you have followed me for a while you will know that I have owned and used many prams in the last few years. I have researched and tested so many and a few things I can pass on to look for in your pram are:
A large basket underneath. You will seriously use this pram so much and it will be like a trolley when you’re out and about so find one with a big basket that is easily accessible with both the bassinet and seat attachment.
Conversion to a double. This is something that is super important to remember if you’re wanting more kids. Not only if it will convert but how well does it actually convert? Can you practically use it as a double or would it not be suitable for a large toddler and baby. How is the configuration as a double? Can toddler see out? etc.
Large toddler seat. This one is so much more important than you realise once bub starts growing and is getting taller. This can be particularly when you’re wanting to have a second and need to use it as a double. Some of the most popular and most expensive prams have the smallest/shortest toddler seats.
Push/glide. Does this pram easily push? Something I like to test is if I can push with one hand? If you can its a winner as you will more than likely need one hand free at some point.
Fold down. Check to make sure the pram fold down small. Can you fold it in one piece etc? Make sure it fits easily into your boot. How heavy is it to put in the boot yourself?
Seat recline. Does the seat recline comfortable and enough for your baby/toddler to nap.
These little sleep suits allow for baby to sleep arms up which is a natural way for them to sleep and these suits also mean that their hips are in the correct sleeping position. Because they simply zip up and down they are so easy to get bub in and out of and also allow for easy nappy changes. I would 100% recommend at least having one of these on hand when bub is born. Perfect thing to ask for from family members or friends as a gift.
Something that is easily forgotten but will be used lots is your sterilizer, especially if you plan on expressing, mix feeding or bottle feeding. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. We just have a basic one that you put a small amount of water in the bottom and place in the microwave.
This is a random tip but go and buy yourself a heap of those old school re-usable nappies/cloth (the big white terry toweling ones) – these will seriously come in handy as a burp cloth, to lay baby on while changing in random places, to wipe up mess and spills all over the place. These nappies were used probably more than any other item in our house for the first few months. You don’t need to fork out on expensive burp cloths that just get covered in spew – these are perfect.
I know I mentioned the LTD swaddles earlier in this blog but you will also want to stock up traditional swaddles for bub. Not only will you use them as a swaddle for baby sleeping but they come in handy as a light pram blanket, change mat or also as a breastfeeding cover for mum.
Personally I find the stretchy Jersey ones the best to keep baby swaddled and the muslin ones for everything else.
Snuggle Hunny Kids also do the most beautiful little swaddle sacks. Great for announcements but also super easy to use especially found it easy when out and about.
When choosing a nappy bag there is so much choice out there, I've had so many in the last couple of years but I can honestly say nothing beats a big backpack style. Check it has lots of compartments for bottles, nappies, creams, spare clothes and the kitchen sink that you will need to pack before leaving the house with a newborn. Also make sure it has a small front OR side pocket for mum or dad to put phone and car keys.
We like to have two packed all the time – one for each car.
A baby carrier is a must have for those early days so you can have your hands free while baby is nice and close to you.
We love and use the Cubo Ai baby monitor. It is a Smart Baby monitor that connects straight to your phone. No more worrying about an extra monitor to carry around or worrying about it’s going flat. Wherever you have your phone, you have your monitor with you. The monitor will send you an alert straight to your phone when the baby cries, rolls over, face is covered, is no longer detected in cot, if the room is too hot or humid or for other reasons that you may need notifying so you can check on the baby. You can also modify or remove these alerts if you don’t wish to receive them.
These would be my top essentials for new born life but I also wanted to share a list of things of other essentials that you could need to check off for baby and mama.
MAMA/FEEDING:
SLEEP TIME:
Comforter (a safe option always)
CLOTHES FOR BUB:
CHANGING & OTHER THINGS:
Helpful tip: set up change stations around the house so that they’re always close by especially if you have a two story home.
CAR & PRAM:
I hope this has helped and let me know below or on my Instagram of anything I’ve forgotten that you think is a must have or essential for bub because I know I would have forgotten things!
With Love,
Brittany xx
The multi-functional DockATot is the perfect place for your baby to lounge, play, rest, cuddle, and enjoy tummy time. The DockATot is here for you no matter where the day takes you! Created to mimic the womb and voted as a must-have baby product, parents and babies around the world love DockATot.
"Life saver! No matter if we are home or out and about, we always take our DockATot with us. So easy for on the go and also easy to clean." - Alexia D.
"Best baby investment ever - worth every dollar! Extremely versatile and handy, it's like having an extra set of hands. My boy Quinton absolutely loves his DockAtot. Time to upgrade to the Grand soon." - Anna D.
"This has honestly been my lifesaver post c-section. The DockATot means I can have him next to me all the time and not move around too much." - Meagan L.
- Just You Wait and See by Jess Urlichs
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Christine Demangos
September 26, 2022
Hi
What size Docks to most buy?