I Didn’t Know I Needed…
As a first time parent you are inundated with all of the THINGS your baby must have. It’s exciting (ohmygosh! tinybabysocks!) and totally overwhelming (how many different types of bottles are there and do we need them all?) I found myself peeping other people’s registries just to get an idea of what we actually needed for our tiny human. Luckily, I also have an incredible tribe of mama friends who were able to share their wealth of wisdom and point me in the right direction. I’ve been thinking about this as Rory’s first birthday inches closer, and wanted to share some things I didn’t know I needed, other things I absolutely did not need, and maybe a couple bonuses too. If you’re looking for your mama tribe, count me in! (I’m adding in links for ease, but I’m not affiliated in any way. Not an ad.)
Didn’t Know I Needed:
Bum Brush - This might sound extra, but trust me, it’s the guac kind of extra. (Thanks Madi!)
Big Blanket - Tiny blankies are adorable, but you need a grown up blanket for snuggling up in baby’s room on tough nights. (No link because Choose Your Own Adventure, but here’s a pic that includes our amazing Harry Potter blanket. Thanks Court!)
Gowns - Total game changer for overnight diaper changers! 🙌🏼🤪 (Thanks Star!)
Frida Pacifier - Because sometimes Tylenol is necessary. And (little known fact), Rory has had to take meds twice a day since he was 3 months for his hemangioma. This has made it so easy. (Thanks Will & Kristin!)
Really Good Pumping Bra - If you’re hoping to breastfeed, a hands free pumping bra is the best. Do yourself a favor and get the strapless one so you can put it on and take it off without wearing it all day. This was so convenient for me at work. (Thanks Star!)
Velcro Swaddles - Easy, breezy, beautiful Velcro swaddles. They do the hard work for you.
Electric Nail Kit - The one time I nicked Rory’s perfect unmarred skin by getting too close with nail scissors I berated myself for hours. The electric nail trimmer saved me from myself.
Konjac Sponge - Durable and soft and just the easiest way to clean that precious newborn skin. (Thanks Nat!)
An Awesome Tracking App - Your brain can no longer retain all the details. You’d think it would not be difficult to remember what time it was when you last changed a diaper, how long the baby slept… you’d be wrong. You’ll now want to track EVERYTHING. The Huckleberry app is my best friend. Not only will it track all the things, but it’ll help immensely once you’re hoping to get sleep a bit more regulated. Two words: Wake Windows. (Thanks Anna!)
Savor Box - For all the sentimental fools like me. A special place to save little treasures and memories is a must. (Thanks Steph!)
Didn’t Know I Didn’t Need:
Postpartum Kit - Thought I was being prepared, buuut I didn’t end up needing it. (#UnplannedCSection) Would totally recommend waiting to order once you know what kind of delivery you’ll have. It could be waiting on your doorstep when you get home from the hospital (with the bag of extra stuff you already got there! You better take those mesh undies!).
Mittens - we used a couple pairs, but SO many things have them built in. They basically weren’t a necessary purchase. Maybe different for warmer months and short sleeves?
Baby Shusher - Rated so highly! But we hardly ever used it ourselves.
Baby Food Things - plates, cups, snack holders, bibs… it’s going to be several the days are long but the years are short absolutely true cliches before you need these. If you don’t have a ton of room to store them and not think about them for many months, don’t worry about having them on hand yet.
A Couple Bonuses/A Few of My Fav Finds:
Black Out Curtains - You want that room as dark as possible. The regular curtains alone weren’t enough for us. This one that suctions onto the window itself is genius. It fits under our blinds and the cuter curtains. It’s also perfect for travel!
Baby Ear Muffs - Speaking of travel… if you’re planning to do any with your little one, these are a must to protect little ears.
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment - Yes, it’s pricey. But so worth it. It lasts for a long time. Literal tub of magic… basically overnight healing for baby acne, dry skin, tiny cuts, and your cracked hands from all the bottle and hand washing!
White Noise Machine - Yep, the Hatch is worth the hype. (You can see our hatch, bum brush, Tubby Todd, and big blanket all in one spot! Oh, and a peek at the Keekaroo! Such a fan of this changing pad. No purchasing and constantly washing changing pad covers and so easy to clean!!)
Soft Baby Carrier - I personally love the lightweight Solly. Very useful in warm SoCal weather. I’d wear him forever if I could.
Everyone will find what works for them and their unique kiddo! What are your baby must haves? What do you wish never made it onto your registry? Now that we’re headed for toddler territory… any new recommendations for me?!
