Wow! The last three weeks have been absolutely insane. One kid was a breeze, two kids is a whole different ballgame. Luckily, for the first two weeks we had a revolving door between my parents and my in-laws to help adjust to our new “normal”.
When we brought Blake home I had been planning for every type of event for a newborn and I had ordered ALOT of baby items; some of which were amazing and some of which were a waste of money.
Having said that, Blake and Graham were two completely different newborns. Blake had silent reflux and wouldn’t sleep for more than 45 minutes to an hour at a time. Graham loves to eat, sleep, poop and repeat.
Below I have done a round up of newborn necessities that have worked for both kids and that have made the newborn stage easier for us.
Dock-a-Tot – I cannot day enough good things about the dock-a-tot. We used it for Blake until she was sleep trained at 4 months, and we have used it for Graham so far. BOTH kids loved it. I did have the Snuggle Me Organic to try it out and Graham hated it so I sent it back. It seems the SMO is for small infants – Graham is not a small infant weighing in at over 10 LBS at not even a month old. You can shop the Dock-a-tot here.
Sleepea 5 Second Swaddle – This swaddle has been amazing. It is so easy. Graham has loved it (and he doesn’t like being swaddled). It really does take five seconds and is super breathable. We have also used the Muslin swaddles and the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle which are both great this one is just quick and easy. You can shop it here.
Fisher Price Infant and Toddler Rocker – This chair cost $30 bucks and Blake loved it so much I ordered the boy version for Graham! Surprise surprise Graham loves it too. He has actually been sleeping in it for about a week. The chair is light weight and is easy to take around the house. It also has multiple positions and a vibrate feature which he likes. You can shop it here.
Ergobaby 360 Carrier – We didn’t have to buy this because we already had for Blake and I still love it. When Mike isn’t around it makes handling a newborn and a toddler a little easier ( and safer). I love this for everyday hands free baby time, or airport travel. You can shop it here.
Boppy – This pillow makes breastfeeding and having a baby sleeping on you (on the couch or in a chair) a lot more comfortable. You can shop the boppy here.
In addition to the above items the below have been awesome, but you don’t need a specific brand so I am just going to list them:
1. Soothers ( Graham is partial to MAM brand, Blake liked the Wubba Nub)
2. Burp Cloths (one in every room of your house)
3. Newborn socks
4. Triple Paste (I don’t know if it’s necessary but it makes diaper changes easier)
5. Blankets (warm, soft, and cozy)
6. Muslin Swaddles (I use these as light weight stroller blankets because it is so hot in Florida)
7. Infant Bathtub (Amazon has a ton of options)
8. White-noise machine
9. Stroller fan (again Florida is hot)
10. Wet ones and Clorox wipes ( for car and diaper bag)
I am sure there are items I am forgetting but I am slightly sleep deprived. As always if you have any questions don’t hesitate to send me a note at theblakeroselife@gmail.com.
Good luck!
AK
The Blake Rose Life 