Doona: If I had to pick one thing above all it would be this. can’t live without. Stroller + car seat in one. Genius 👍 And super affordable because you don’t have to buy a car seat for the first year.
Dock a Tot: We love this because we can have him with us in any room in the house. He sleeps so well in it and we can always keep an eye on him.
Love to Dream Swaddle: I was going crazy trying to swaddle him the old fashioned way for the first few nights - it was messy, never tight enough, and he always got out of it. I noticed that he likes to sleep with his hands up so when I tried this he slept instantly and it makes late night changes so much easier!
Seraphine Skin to Skin Top: We all know how important skin to skin time is. This top is so soft and delicious and we just have the most incredible bonding time whenever I wear this. I’m just in heaven.
FEEDING
I bought several different brands of bottles and now I use Medela for pumping and storing and Dr. Brown’s for feeding. I use the Medela pump (check your health insurance to get your free pump!) and it’s just so much easier to have everything be compatible and not need any adapters. The bottle goes straight from the pump into the fridge, and I especially love their date lids to mark each bottle.
Medela Breast Pump: I don’t have anything to compare to, but this one has worked well for me. Check if you can get a free one through your insurance before you buy.
Medela Milk Storage Set: This comes with everything you need. The dated lids for fridge storage are a game changer!
Dr. Brown’s Anti Collic Glass Bottles: Swapping to these for feeding has been life changing. I thought that it would be a gimic, but these really do reduce painful gas. He burps less and feeding is so much smoother. Plus, we prefer to use glass to avoid microplastics as much as possible.
Baby Brezza Sterilizer and Dryer: I made the mistake of getting a microwave sterilizer and drying rack, which took FOREVER and didn’t even work well. This has been a lifesaver and my whole household now knows the system for washing and sterilizing so we always have clean bottles ready to go.
Dr Brown’s Bottle Warmer: This compact warmer takes up very little countertop space and works well.
CHANGING
Skip Hop Changing Pad: I recommend a wipeable changing pad like this one, rather than one that requires changing covers that you have to wash. The mobile on this one is a good distraction during otherwise fussy diaper changes.
Ubbi Diaper Pail: Odor locking diaper trash can. This is necessary and also looks great.
Wipe Warmer: This is a bit extra and unnecessary, but it’s definitely a nice bonus.
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste: This brand makes the best diaper rash cream and we liked this version with the aloe.
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