5 Game Changing New Mom Must-Haves You’ll Love
As a new mom the choices are, in a nutshell, overwhelming. Some say to put everything you could possibly want on your registry – some say keep it simple. Out of “all the things” I received, here are the top 5 must haves and an explanation as to why they are essential.
- Doona stroller. This was a purchase from my brother who lives in Chicago. I live in the country and thought this stroller was maybe more essential for those who lived in the city (paved streets, taking baby on flights, etc.). Not the case! This stroller is a must have to quickly pop your baby in and out of your vehicle, literally stroll them in to the grocery store, doctor appointments, older brother’s baseball games, etc. Comfy for baby to sleep in (while supervised), and of utmost importance – easy and convenient for the parents. A simple must have. My baby sized out of the stroller at a year (he’s a biggin’), but it was well worth the investment even for the 1 year.
- I also purchased a Jeep stroller (we live on a gravel driveway and walking my son down the driveway in anything other than a stroller with off-road capabilities was impossible).This Summer by Ingenuity 3D Mini Convenience umbrella stroller is easy to throw in the back of your vehicle and take anywhere you may need one (theme parks, shopping, etc.).
- This Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat takes baby from rear-facing to front facing to booster seat with ease. It is very comfortable if baby falls asleep while in the car.
- Coterie diapers & wipes. I did the math – these are worth the $$. The absorption alone eliminates numerous diaper changes (especially as a new born) and diaper rash. The quality is simply the best. My baby is now 2 years old and – no lie – has had less than a handful of blowouts (blowouts he did have were mainly due to the diaper being misaligned on his rear). Dare I say, he has NEVER had diaper rash. Possibly the best perk of this company is the Auto-Renew feature with text/SMS alerts. Once set-up, you receive text alerts when a shipment is scheduled with options to ship now, delay, change a size, switch product (e.g., diapers to pull ups), or edit your order. AMAZING. There were even times when I ran out sooner than I thought – I just pulled up the text and asked to ship now. Boom – yes, it was that easy.
- The wipes are large and big enough to handle the messiest poops. I had to use multiple wipes when using other brands. The case closes very easy, even when you have a wipe wadded up in the top.
- As your little one begins to potty train, the pull ups are amazing as well. They are not bulky and absorbent enough to hold the bigger kid poops and pee.
- EllaOlla skincare and vitamins. Save yourself the headache of worrying about what is in your baby’s shampoo, bodywash, and lotions. If you’ve ever looked at the list of ingredients on a store brand product you know what I’m talking about. EllaOlla has what you need for diaper rash (although your baby shouldn’t have diaper rash if you are using Coterie diapers), baby acne, dryness, eczema, cradle cap or sensitive skin. Oh, and bonus, they have products for mom too! My little guy has bouts with sensitive skin or bug bites – the organic Bath Soak packets are filled with oatmeal and other ingredients to help sooth baby’s skin. There is also a subscribe and save option, which allows you to earn reward points.
- Vitamins – I recently started trying their vitamins, which I reviewed with my son’s doctor. The ingredient list is legit and provides them with what they need. I add a vitamin packet to his food/drink in the morning and know he is getting all of the nutrients he needs and may be missing from his regular food intake.
- Little Spoon Organic Baby Food – this company has all the options your baby will need even beyond toddlerhood. I started off making my own baby food, and when calculating the cost to buy organic + the time, etc., I started exploring options to purchase for sake of convenience. Little Spoon offers healthy meal time options that are delivered right to your door. Uhm, yes please! They literally have it all – and it’s all organic. I personally have bought the baby blends, pouches, biteables, plates, and snacks. The company also offers auto subscription with text alerts allowing you to modify, delay or cancel your orders each time.
- Lovevery – have no idea what toys are going to help your child develop appropriately? No worries – Lovevery has personalized play kits that ship right to your door. We participate in the local school Parents as Teachers program where a counselor comes in to evaluate if your child is progressing in line with their age. I do believe that providing the toys Lovevery ships to the house has given my son a head start on developing fine motor skills – and most importantly, they keep him entertained vs. just throwing the toy in the toybox.
- Literali book subscription – I participate in the free Dolly Parton kids books as well, but Literali has really helped to develop my son’s interest in reading. Custom selected books are delivered on a monthly cadence, with the option to send back any you don’t want. Some of my son’s favorite books have been provided by Literali – they are books I truly would not know where to find or purchase for him, which makes my life a lot easier.