Your little one will soon be here and the list of must-haves is dizzying.
But are they all really “must-haves”?
Baby registries can be miles long but what are the absolute essentials to the first year of life? We want products that are simple and versatile – products that last for extended periods of time and even serve multiple functions. Here is our list of must-haves from postpartum doulas and experienced moms who have put the products to the test. These products make life easier, not more cluttered, in the hectic first year.
Month 1-
This month is all about adjusting to life outside the womb; for parents it’s all about adjusting to life with a new baby. You are learning how to read your baby’s cues and what they mean. Lots of eating is happening and lots of sleeping (for baby) – lots of night time waking for parents.
We love the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper for its convenience and safety. It’s easy to keep a close eye on baby and attend to their cues in the middle of the night. NO leaving the bed or staring at a monitor. The American Academy of Pediatrics now suggesting rooming with your baby for 6 months to help reduce risk – so this co-sleeper is a game changer.
Swaddling a baby helps ease the startle reflex making them feel safe and secure. Even tiny infants always manage to break out of a swaddle with the speed of a ninja. The velcro helps the swaddle to stay in place through all those little squirms and stretches, keeping them feeling safe secure.
My Brestfriend feeding pillow they early days of feedings are long and hard. Whether you are breast or bottle feeding a feeding pillow is super useful! It brings the baby to you and not you to the baby. This product will save you from a constant aching back.
Month 2-
Ergo baby carrier At two months babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb and they love to be close to their care provider. The ergo allows you closeness and stability so you can still get on with normal life even with a baby attached to you. It frees your hands and is ergonomically designed so weight is spread out over your torso. There’s nothing worse than a sleeping baby in a carrier and the feeling that it’s cutting your shoulder off.
Stroller – BOB stroller – sturdy enough to get around the neighborhood and even down a grassy path. Versatile enough to fold with one hand and fit through the airport TSA screening machine.
Month 3-
Black, white, and red board books– Infants love contrast. That is why they love your eyes and smiling face. At 2-3 months they are learning to scan objects. Believe it or not babies can get bored. Give them a little variety in their day. Hold them in your lap and hold the book.
Months 4&5-
Bumbo baby seat– this little seat is great to support them as they develop the muscles they needed to sit up. It is also small enough to travel. It’s great to take to a restaurant for the baby to sit in. It comes with a attachable tray; great for putting small toys on or food.
Kleynimals clean keys at five months babies are really starting to hold toys, and the first place they go is in their mouth! Kleynimals are toy keys made with non-toxic, food grade, stainless steel. They are eco friendly, and made in the USA. This is a toy that will last; from babies to toddlers they all love this toy
Month 6-
Tripp Trapp high chair – We love this high chair because it withstands the test of time. It can go from a high chair, toddler chair, to adult chair. Bonus points for being easy to clean; The Tripp Trapp wipes down with a wet cloth!
Food making equipment – Time to start eating! We love the Cuisine Art baby food maker & bottle warmer; it cooks and processes food or can warm a bottle.
Plastic bibs – because messes happen! We love Baby Brjorn plastic bibs; with new eaters these bibs are essential. They protect and catch food from dropping.
Months 7&8
Saucer seats – These seats are great to help build leg strength and develop hand eye coordination playing with the attached toys.
Months 9&10-
On the move and time for the safety gear! We love these Safety First packages full of everything you may need!
stacker toys – these are a classic and babies love chewing them and trying to put them on the peg.
Months 11&12-
push walker– this versatile wooden pusher is easy to push and full of beautiful blocks. At this age learning to stack toys is a developmental milestone. Knocking a tower of blocks down is a well-loved game for babies this age.
Congratulations! You made it through the first year! Now onto a lifetime of toys at your feet and smiles on little faces.