Baby Essentials: the first 6 months

Bennett may be my 3rd child, and you would think I would have tons of stuff sitting around from my 1st two, but you are wrong. We kind of thought we were done, and I was sick of hoarding and storing ALL the baby things that were years old, so I sold and donated it all. However, so many things have changed since I had the boys and there are all kinds of products that didn’t exist when they were babies. So, it has been fun getting new (many resale), fun things for B. It only took me 6 months to put together an “essentials” post, so we are going with essentials for the first 6 months. These are things we have used on a daily basis, that have maybe made our lives easier.

FOR BABY

Bjorn Bassinet: With the boys we used a pack-n-play in our room the 1st couple of weeks, but I love how small, simple, and sleek this bassinet is. Plus, it is mesh, so it’s safe and easy to spray down to clean. It’s also very easy to move from room to room.

Rock N Play: I know these are recalled, but my boys loved this thing and apparently so does B. They love movement. If you have a momma in your area selling one, buy it….just be smart about it and don’t leave your baby unstrapped in, unattended for hours.

Bjorn Bouncer: I loved having this bouncer to put B in so I could get things done around the house. We started placing her in this bouncer once she had head control. I love that it keeps her at an incline after feedings. She loved kicking her feet to bounce!

Keekaroo: This is an expensive changing table, but SO worth it. Super easy to clean and water resistant!

Aden & Anais Burp Cloths: these have always been my favorite burp cloths because of the easy shape to throw over your shoulder and they make cute prints too!

Marpac Hush Portable Sound Machine: Love this easy, chargable travel sound machine. Perfect for the stroller or carseat.

Baby Bum Brush Diaper Rash Applicator: Why didn’t I think of this one? Not that I mind wiping cream on my baby’s bottom, but if I have the option, I’m gonna use an applicator and spare myself of fingers that spell like Desitin.

AllSett Muslin Burp Cloths: These are great to just have around the house…for anything. Plus, we have a “spitter”, so we go through burp clothes like crazy!

Eufy Baby Monitor: The picture clarity is amazing compared to the Motorola we used years ago. This monitor is also known for having great range.

Hatch Sound Machine: We used the Hatch sound machine with the boys as well. It is the best. It’s a great white noise sound machine, has a night light, and you can control it from your phone.

Ollie Swaddle: In all honesty, I fought this one. We have used other velcro swaddles that I thought were good enough and the Ollie just seemed expensive and trendy. I was wrong. It’s the best, and although it’s expensive, it easily grows with your baby and is adjustable.

Boppy Lounger or Snuggle Me: Of the two, I would choose the Boppy Lounger. I like that the lounger has a bit of an incline to prevent spit-ups and also so that you can engage with your baby sitting on the couch etc…

Solly Baby Wrap: Still my favorite – I only used briefly the first few weeks but I loved it for walks and around the house.

Skip-Hop Activity Center: B’s happy place. She LOVES being on this mat.

Inglesina High Chair: We started using this around 4 months when B could sit supported and started pureed foods. She will also happily sit and play with her musical piano in this thing while we do things around the kitchen.

FOR MOM

The majority of this post is for the baby stuff, but figured I would also include some of the things that have been my favorites for me. Things that I have used every single day for the past 6 months.

Baby Buddha Pump: I could probably write an entire post on this pump. It has far exceeded my expectations. No, it isn’t discreet like the Willow or Elvie, but it is so, so good. The pump itself is tiny and portable, and you can wear it as a lanyard around your neck. It is also just as powerful (if not more) than the Medela pump I used with the boys. (More than happy to elaborate further on this topic for anyone who is interested!)

Nursing Bras/Tanks: Kindred Bravely for sure my favorite bras all around. I probably wear the sports bra the most, and wear this one every single night. In the mornings, I feed Bennett on 1 side and pump on the other, so this bra allows me to do both hands-free. These bras are pricier than the ones I snagged on Amazon, but I promise you won’t regret it. Much better quality and function!