One of my biggest questions when I was pregnant was, “What should I register for?” I went around to my friends that already had children, grilling them on the top 5 favorites things they used the most. After hearing that they had to say, compiling my favorite things for Red, and taking at look at the baby market’s most popular items, I was able to created this list, (one month listed at a time) of my personal favorites for each month of baby’s life. The master list can be found right here!
2. 
1. Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Swing – This super portable swing is one of the most sanity saving items you’ll have during the first few months. It can calm a baby instantly, and just may buy you a few minutes to eat or shower. A few speeds, a vibrating feature, and a stationary seat option make this small moveable swing the BEST thing ever. EVER. Ours is actually out on perma-loan to Nugget and his family while he grows up!
2. Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers – Ya’ll. Take a tube of this to the hospital. If you’re going to breastfeed your little one, your nips are in for a world of hurt. After your baby learns to latch, your nipples will start to toughen up, but the lanolin will ease the discomfort. Use it liberally, and gently wipe off before each nursing session!
3. BooginHead PaciGrip – One of the worst things about babies? They have no idea how much you paid for all their gear. They will toss their pacifier into the cereal aisle at Publix and all your hard earned cash will be hidden in the frosted flakes until the Rapture comes. This specific pacigrip is the only readily available one that will hold every single kind of pacifier. It’s universal. And you can wash it. So there’s that.
4. Summer Infant Bath Sponge
– Throw out the baby bath with the bathwater. Seriously. Those large plastic hunks get all the love and people have almost forgotten about these bath sponges. Lay a newborn on top of it for a sponge bath, or run 1-2″ of water in the bath and lay baby down on it in the tub. You can wash, they can kick, and your space is saved. Sit it upright to drain and you’re in the clear. It also costs less than $8, whereas those bulky bathtubs are pricey!
– Throw out the baby bath with the bathwater. Seriously. Those large plastic hunks get all the love and people have almost forgotten about these bath sponges. Lay a newborn on top of it for a sponge bath, or run 1-2″ of water in the bath and lay baby down on it in the tub. You can wash, they can kick, and your space is saved. Sit it upright to drain and you’re in the clear. It also costs less than $8, whereas those bulky bathtubs are pricey! 5. HoMedics Sound Machine – Another serious sanity saver. This particular model features a white noise button, which is really what you want. If you run this on a low level in the nursery, (or, if you’re a cosleeper, your room), you’ll set the tone (see what I did there… pun intended) for sleep. This machine is so small and compact it can travel to help you set up a mobile nursery and establish a good sleep pattern no matter if you’re napping at home or vacationing in a hotel. Guaranteed to work – 3 babies I’ve helped train as proof.
6. MAM 2 Pack Pacifier – I like the MAM Air pacifiers A LOT. There’s no top or bottom to them, they are easy to clean, and the lovely air holes in the shield allow both air and moisture to pass. This means an easier time teething and less rashes on the face. They come in several sizes according to the age of your baby, so choose accordingly. Be aware that a 6 month old baby might not be willing to accept a bigger pacifier just like that, so use your own judgement. Each paci works great with the pacigrip.
7. Boppy Pillow – I don’t know a nursing mother that doesn’t have one of these. You can buy them at almost any baby store, but I got mine on consignment for 1/3 of the price, bought a new organic cover and had the whole thing cleaned. Not only will this help support baby during breastfeeding and bottle feeding, it’s also a great newborn/infant baby seat for play and entertaining. When baby needs tummy time, support them under the arms and chest with the boppy to help them gain strength.
8. Medela Breast Shells – Hands down, a big boobie saver. Another must have for a nursing mother, these shells get placed over your nipples, inside your nursing bra. Don’t worry, they aren’t as big as they look. Your nipples go through the large openings and any leaking milk is completely conserved. The air holes at the top provide great circulation. When my milk came in, I was actually napping, and woke to find these puppies full. The shells (combined with lanolin above) also provide instant, must-have relief for sore nipples.
9. aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets – Blankies GALORE. We have 8 (2 packs) of these, and they proved to be such favorites, that Red adopted them as his “blankies”. These large, thin, soft blankets provide a comfortable, snug swaddle that even the most wiggly baby can’t get out of. They wash so well that they still look new, and are the softest things you will ever touch. Except your baby’s booty, of course. Not that you go around touching butts, but you totally could – you’re the Mom.
I wish I had number 4 when my kids were little and that boppy pillow I always wanted one but never got it oh well no more kids for me but these things are a must have.
there’s still a chance hubs can talk you into baby #2?? Partner… you hearing this!!!
don’t get too excited. I feel pressured to write like this because if I don’t people give me a hard time – let ’em think! 😉
Here’s to that. I still have it in my closet, it’s so comfy.
I like the idea of the Hot Medics Sound Machine, not only for a baby but I want one for myself. So relaxing.
Great list. I remember being so lost when I had my first baby! I had no idea what I actually needed until he was already here.
It really is the best sound machine out there. So slim, and great volume control. We actually take our on vacation all the time!
Thank you!! I’m pretty proud of all of the lists. This one is my favorite.
These are all perfect for newborns! Thanks for the great list!
YUM! You did a great job sharing how to cut flank steak. I sort of just pretend I know what I’m doing in the kitchen, and it usually works out!
These are great product. Registering for baby products is so fun! Think about it gives me a low-grade baby fever.
Thanks for the visual. I was wondering what against the grain meant!
Great pic of this. I love a good looking meal like this. Yum
We were trying to figure this out last year! Where were you then 🙂
Good gift ideas….I have two baby showers in August. Thanks for the gift giving ideas.
What a great list. I’ll have to grab some of these for our next baby shower.
I’m always wondering which side I”m supposed to cut! I love Flank Steak! 🙂
Yes to all of the above. We waited on the sound machine until my son was a lot older (I don’t know what we were thinking.) And he still sleeps with it on. I’m terrified to not have the sound machine in his room.
These are all great ideas.when we have another baby we are going to get all new stuff as i gave most to my sister in law as she could not afford everything.
Those swaddle blankets are my favorite brand. They’re such a great size and not overly thick. Also, yes to the lanolin. Just yes.
I carried Lanolin and my Boppy pillow around with me forever! The breast shields were also a lifesaver with my first.
I know those paci grips are a life saver! I have picked up a few of those and extra pacis for many gift baskets over the years.
I loved my boppy pillow. We used it for about six months after the baby was born.
My son really liked his sound machine. It was the only way we could get him to go to sleep. You’ve got a great list here.
This list will surely come in handy when I decide to have a child. I’m definitely pinning for later.
I totally agree with #5 and still like having them with older kids. They help everyone sleep better.
Your steak and twice baked potato look so tasty. I never knew to cut the steak against the grain. Great tips!
I love a good flank steak! One of my faves!
This is a great list! You made some awesome choices.
I’ve heard great things about the Boppy pillow. My sister-in-law received one when she had my nephew and all I’ve heard since is how she wishes that she’d had it when my niece was born.
This is a great round up of must haves for baby. I will have to share with my pregnant sister
That is a helpful list for a new mom. Had many of those myself.
Great list! I completely agree! a+a swaddles were our favorite the first 6 months:)
awesome list, definitely all must haves for new mommy’s and newborns!
great list. You must have lanolin for sure if you’re breastfeeding.
This is a great list. I loved my boppy pillow.
I love steak. Any kind really but i never knew how to cut it. Thanks.
I need to pin this list for my sister she is 5 months pregnant now. Very interested in the sound machine.
Perfect list of baby necessities. Like them all.
Yes, yes, and yes – great list! The only thing I would add is a video monitor. I don’t know what I would’ve done without one.
This is a great list for baby things. I love that space saver swing.
Great list! That lanolin was a boob saver! We loved the swaddling blankets too and still use our sound machine!
Thank you for the picture of against the grain. This will be very helpful!
We had that exact swing! It was a life saver!
isn’t it? I loaned it out to a few friends, too!
OMG the lanolin. all of the tubes everywhere. 🙂
yes! I have a video monitor on another one of my short lists. There’s too many good things out there that I loved!
The sound machine is EXCELLENT. We still use it for my 3 year old and would get another one for another child in an instant.
And they turned into Red’s blankies, too! win win!
yes and yes. It’s my one must-give little gift along with any registry something. ALL of the lanolin.
Super ideas. We are all for the second one 🙂 If you do so please check out toojoyful dot com for your registry.
Love.
Jessica