New Baby, Who Dis?
When my daughter and first born came along, I was seriously clueless as to what I needed. I had a gaggle of people sending me all kind of items that they swore I should have. Some of them were useful, some of them I never really used.
When my second was born at the end of 2023, it snuck up on me and I wasn't really prepared. I just got what I remembered I couldn't live without.
I recently had my third and last child, and I'd say I was "prepared", but truth be told, i don't think there is ever a way to be fully prepared for a baby, no matter how much you try. But, I did have a more streamlined list of just the things I can't live without when it comes to having a new baby. So I'm sharing this curated list of things I recommend that are actually useful.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Infant Car Seat + Stroller Combo
Obviously you'd think this is a no brainer but there's SO many options I think it's worth noting. Get yourself an infant carseat and a stroller it can snap into. Bonus points if the stroller transitions into a toddler seat (most of them do).
The Uppa Baby Vista- I like it because it has tons of storage. You can get a bassinet that snaps in, it works with a toddler carseat and it has a toddler seat. It can even convert to fit more than one kid if that's your plan. It's sturdy, I've taken it offroading, and it's very easy to fold up. It's an awesome option. I had this one with my first, and it's kind of a splurge, but worth it if you plan on having more than one, or want something you can use for years.
This is the one I got this time, because I'm kind of over the whole overspending part of having kids. It does the job well and comes with everything you need from infant to toddler. It folds up small, easy to use and has everything you need. You can't go wrong. Graco Modes Pramette.
Bassinet for sleeping
I was confused when I had my first why you need a bassinet to begin, then a crib later, then a toddler bed and all the things. Truth be told? You need a bassinet if you are anything like me, because your baby won't sleep in the crib at first. You'll be up bottle or breast feeding a lot in the night, and you'll be constantly worried if they are breathing and all those kinds of things. It just happens. I put my babies in a bassinet next to my bed until they are old enough to go into a crib. They make super fancy ones, but they are only going to use it for a couple of months. I used this one for my second and am now using it with my third. It's great!
Sound Machines save lives
You NEED a sound machine and you will use it for years to come. I thought this was snake oil in the beginning, but when my daughter was born she didn't sleep for more than two hours at a time for an entire 8 months. To say I was sleep deprived was an understatement. Then I came across Taking Cara Babies, and she changed my life. if you have little ones that don't sleep well, take her courses. I've repeated her courses with each kid because they are life changing. Anyhow, your baby is used to sleeping in the womb with all these noises. The white noise of a sound machine helps them fall asleep and stay asleep, which means you can actually get some.
Don't sleep on this sound machine- haha! It's great for the house and easy to take with you on trips. This is the only one you will ever need. It's tried and true and you won't regret it.
This one is good for on the go- think car rides, stroller walks, things like that.
Baby Carrier
Babies love to be held and you're going to love to hold them. Get one of these babies so you can have your hands free once in a while. Plus they are great for going on a walk, or getting some minor chores done.
I recommend this one for when they are very small and this one for when they get bigger.
Here's a full list of my non negotiable baby must haves that are probably common sense, but just in case it's helpful:
Bottles (these are the only bottles my boys would take as newborns) and a bottle warmer
Swaddle blankets (I love the muslin ones)
Baby Clothes
Pacifiers (these are tried and true)
Diaper Rash Cream (you can also use tallow or coconut oil)
Diapers and Wipes
Carseat and stroller
Bassinet
White noise machine
Baby carrier
