The newborn baby essentials that have made my life as a new mama so much easier. Register for these must-have baby products, or gift them to the new mama in your life!
Time has never flown so fast in my life. Baby Table will already be TWO MONTHS OLD next week! I guess that makes me an expert baby mama and super qualified to recommend baby products right?
Well I might not be an expert yet, but I did want to share a few of the baby things that I have absolutely loved the past couple of months. I know, I said I wouldn’t turn Lively Table into a mommy blog. But I also know that many of my readers are young women, so you might be in the market for baby things, too. If you aren’t, feel free to skip this post and just browse my recipes. But if you are, read on for the products that have made my life as a new mom easier the past few weeks!
Newborn baby essentials
- Boppy – Do you really need a Boppy? Yes. Yes you do. And get extra covers because there will always be one in the wash. (I love this one from Pottery Barn!) I was hesitant to get one, because I hate things that don’t have a place, but the Boppy has been my best friend when it comes to breastfeeding. We also like to prop baby up on it on the bed when we’re watching Netflix together at night. Just get one.
- Boppy Lounger – I know. A Boppy nursing pillow and lounger? Isn’t that excessive? Nope. Nothing is excessive when it buys you some peace and quiet as a new parent. Baby Table hates being put down and will scream the second I’m not holding her. I can actually get her to not scream and sometimes even take a nap in the Boppy Lounger. As far as I’m concerned, it is a miracle.
- Solly Wrap– Again, baby hates being put down. But I have to get something done during the day besides cradle my baby in my arms (as much as I would love to do only that). She loves hanging out in the super soft Solly wrap close to my chest, and my hands are free to work or make myself something to eat.
- Ingenuity Power Adapt Portable Swing – Another solution to the baby doesn’t want to be put down problem. I originally didn’t want a swing (where would I put it?), but I was desperate for something that I could put her down in that might make the crying stop. I bought an inexpensive one just in case she hated it, and definitely went with one that had the plug-in option so that we don’t have to keep buying batteries. This one is on the smaller side, it has multiple speed settings, a music option, and a timer. Also I hate colors, so the gender-neutral grey option in this swing is nice. So far, Baby Table has taken to it well and stayed quiet and happy in it. I’m so hopeful that it will continue to work!
- Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad – I registered for a cheap changing pad, because, like, it will have poop on it, right? My sister got me this Keekaroo changing pad, and I was like, why would someone spend that much money on a changing pad? UM, BECAUSE IT’S AWESOME. This changing pad is seriously amazing. You NEED it. It’s a comfy foam that’s super easy to wipe off (and sanitize!) and baby doesn’t shift and slide all over it like the cheap one (that one’s at grandma’s house). I even gave baby her little sponge baths on it for the first few weeks. This is probably the MVP of baby things.
- VAVA Nightlight – We have lamps by our bedside, but baby was already confused by day and night when we brought her home, so I didn’t want to have a bright light in her face while she was feeding at night. I found this nightlight on Amazon, and it’s perfect for my bedside for night feedings. It has adjustable dimming and turns on and off with just a tap on the top. Plus it won’t wake up my husband like a big lamp would.
- Angel Care Baby Bathtub – Baby Table loves bath time. This bathtub makes it so easy to give her a bath in the kitchen sink by myself with the shower nozzle. Also, it’s not a bright color, which I love. (Why are all baby things bright colors with goofy characters?)
- Burt’s Bees Baby Burp Cloths– Baby spits up A TON. I mean, I don’t even know if there’s still milk left in her belly. I go through about 5 burp rags a day, and I love these ones. They are made with soft, absorbent, organic cotton. BUY THEM ALL.
- Lou Lou & Co Gown and Newborn Bundle – Oh my gosh, yall. These are the softest, cutest little baby gowns and blankets. I bought the newborn bundle to take to the hospital and still use the mittens, bow, and blanket all the time. And they’re so buttery soft that I bought the adorable gown, too. Baby loves the gown because her arms are free, but she’s still warm and cozy.
- Canvas Organizing Boxes – Babies seriously need so much stuff. And like I said, I hate things that don’t have a place. These kind of give all of the baby things a place. The different sizes are nice to organize things like bows, bath things, the dozens of burp rags, and pacifiers (baby loves these ones.) I keep one with diapers, wipes and burp rags in multiple rooms in our house so that I’m not constantly having to run to her room for something. If you’re a type A organization freak with OCD tendencies, you’ll need a lot of these.
- Nursing Tanks – These tanks are what I wear around the house 90% of the time. They are comfy and supportive and make it super easy to breastfeed (and pump) on demand. I’m also small-chested (or at least I used to be), so you may need more support than me, but I love these. I also really love these nursing bras (Use code AMB-livelytable2 for $10 off) for something pretty but also functional for when I’m wearing ‘real’ clothes…aka not workout clothes.
- Cloud Island Muslin Swaddle Blankets– These are my absolute favorite swaddle blankets! They are so soft, and HUGE, which is so helpful when trying to get a good swaddle on our squirmy little babe. I also use them to drape over the car seat out in public or to cover myself when I’m breast feeding. They come in some really cute prints, but I love the little hedgehogs that best!
- Milk Snob Car Seat Cover – If you’re going to take your baby anywhere in public, a stretchy car seat cover is an absolute must. I debated getting one, but I’m so glad I did. I was checking out at Target one day without the cover and baby started crying. Some woman came up and tried to hold her pacifier in her mouth. Like, WHAT THE ACTUAL F. GET YOUR GERMY HANDS AWAY FROM MY BABY, LADY! I almost punched her, but I was civil and just gave her a mean glare and ran out of there as fast as I could. People have serious boundary issues when it comes to babies, so keep them (and their germs) away by just covering the car seat. I love this one because it’s stretchy and easy to put on, and there is a little room at the top for you to peek in and see baby, but nobody else can really see them. It also doubles as a cover for nursing in public, which is awesome!
- Pottery Barn Kids Phoenix Rocker – Baby Table loooves to be rocked. So we moved the rocker into our bedroom so we can soothe her by rocking, or just sit by the window to read a book. I’m super happy with the fabric I chose (performance basket weave), because our dog totally peed on it when we first set up the nursery and it came right out.
- Amazon Prime – I can’t tell you how many orders I placed on Amazon Prime in the first month alone, since the thought of going out to run even a quick errand with the baby was overwhelming. Prime will be your best friend with a new baby.
- My Therapist – Because mental health is important. And being a new mom is hard. I’ve battled depression before, so I knew I’d be predisposed to postpartum depression. Luckily I haven’t had depressive symptoms yet, but the anxiety that comes with a baby who cries all day long has been totally real, so keeping my regular appointments with my therapist has been important for me. Seriously, y’all, there is no shame in taking care of your mental health so that you can be the best mama.
I’ll be sure to keep this list updated as I find more products I love to keep me and baby sane!
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. That means I earn a small commission off purchases at no extra cost to you. I only link products that I use and truly love!
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