Now that my little Liam is already 16 months I wanted to share some of my favorite newborn/baby essentials and gear that have been an absolute favorite of mine and also what maybe wasn’t.
1.Stokke Xplory Stroller
Check out the Xplory® V5 Stroller from Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/4531564
I can’t rave enough about my Stokke Xplory stroller. Its so comfortable and super stylish. I love how Liam can face me when we are out for a stroll or have him face forward so he can see the world! The stroller comes with tons of extra accessories like carseat attachments, bassinet or even a winter kit which it is sold separately but if your investing with your first baby its pretty great to have. I also love the bag that attaches to the stroller, there is a rain and mosquito net that is included. Overall its an amazing stroller and a great investment. We always get compliments when out and about.
2.Maxi Cosi Infant Car seat
Check out the ‘Mico 30’ Infant Car Seat from Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/4350134
When I was researching infant carseats while I was still pregnant one of the things I needed was a light carseat because I knew with Liam that I would have to have a c-section and one thing I didn’t need was caring a extremely heavy car seat. Another key factor which was super important was safety. These two things I found in the maxi cost infant carseat. Also the great thing with this carseat is that you can buy an attachment which can go on most new strollers including the Stokke which would make it easier for on the go mamas.
3. Mamaroo Baby swing by 4moms
Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/4moms-174-mamaroo-174-baby-swing-gray/-/A-52338571
This is an essential with an infant and can be used up until 6 months or longer depending on your babies weight. Liam would take the longest naps in the swing and it made it so much easier for this mama after surgery. Honestly it doesn’t matter what swing you get babies love movement because it reminds them of the womb but since this is the one I had, totally recommend!
4.Breast Pump
Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-backpack/-/A-10762066
This is basically as essential as it gets. Now if you plan to only breastfeed thats awesome but not every baby does and for most mamas this is extremely helpful. Liam wasn’t a breastfeeding baby from the beginning it took me 5 months of trying to get him to nurse so having a breast pump was a key for him to get the best nutrition. Im so thankful I got to nurse/pump for 11 months with Liam and honestly I don’t know what I would of done if I didn’t have a pump. I did purchase mine from target at first but if your insurance covers breast pump which is most likely does you will pay a very small amount compared to the retail price which can get pretty costly!
5.Dock-a-tot Deluxe
Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/dockatot-deluxe-plus-dock-pristine-white/-/A-51818615
This is something I wish I had 9 years ago with my first born. My first boy was an emergency c-section so I had a really rough labor with him. Coming home in complete shock and having to constantly get up during the night was extremely painful. Having a dock a tot with Liam was a life saver. I loved having him next to me and also after the first month he slept all through the night. I honestly think it had to do with the snuggle feel which reminds babies of the womb. Liam was a big boy so he grew out of it after 6 months and slept in his crib afterwards but Im so glad that I invested.
6.Swaddles
Check out the Silky Soft Pack of 3 Swaddling Cloths (Nordstrom Exclusive) from Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/4630836
This is key, every baby needs to be swaddled so that they can sleep without waking themselves up from movements. They are so used to being in a tight space for 9 months so it’s really important to swaddle your little one. My favorite was the silky soft swaddles. You can find them pretty much anywhere even home goods has some. Try to have plenty because it’s a constant was and fold situation.
7.Baby Bottles
Natursutten Glass Baby Bottles with Newborn/Slow Flow Rubber/Latex Nipple, Clear, 2 … https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01673596S/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_rqtGAb7GRCQS3
Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/baby-bottle-set-lifefactory/-/A-17213667
Check out the Baby Slow Flow Bottles (2-Pack) from Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3962814
https://twistshake.com/us/product/122-starter-kit-s.html
There are lots of different baby bottles. I personally prefer glass especially when dealing with breast milk. Once the little ones are over a year or even formula fed I would recommend getting either the Comotomo bottles or the Twistshake baby bottles especially with formula it’s so convenient. I loved using the natursutten bottles with breast milk because it was an easy grip to feed and the fact that they where glass made me at ease.
use code everythingjewels to get up to 60% off the Twistshake neon collection.
8.Baby Shampoo & Skincare products
Check out the Newborn Arrival Gift Set from Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/4699682
I used mustela with both my boys and it’s been my go to product. Again there are tons of amazing baby shampoos out there. Do your research as far as the ingredients. Now that liam is Oder I mix his shampoos often.
9.pampers swaddle diapers
Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/pampers-swaddlers-diapers-giant-pack-select-size/-/A-15122174
I’ve used so many diapers probably every brand that exists. I’ve tried as organic as they get and cloth diapers but truthfully I love the pampers ones. They don’t leak for the most part and are super soft on a babies skin.
10. Baby Camera & Noise maker
Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/nokia-digital-homevideo-baby-monitor/-/A-52421466
Honestly for these two definitely try to find the one that will work for you. I found a camera in the clearance section at target that works with WiFi so I can connect on my iPad. With the noise maker you can easily download apps on your phone or iPad and have that going 24/7. I have a spare iPad that plays calm water sound all day long. I made sure from the beginning liam was used to some sort of nose.
Thanks so much for reading this post I hope it was a little helpful. There is so much stuff a baby needs but these are the basics.
Xo, Jewels