I’ve been a mother for half a year now and these past six months have been incredible. I’ve learned so much during my first months as a parent – I finally feel ready to pass on some advice!
I do believe that no amount of reading and guidance can truly prepare you for parenthood (at least that’s what I like to tell myself since I barely made it through What to Expect When You’re Expecting). You really have to discover a lot on your own since every baby and every situation is different. However, there is one bit of knowledge that I think is helpful for new parents to understand:
Nothing stays the same. Change is the only constant when it comes to infants.
This is both good news and bad news. The good news – things change. Babies do outgrow their fussy stage. They do eat less often over time. The bad news – things change. When you think you have settled into a routine, there’s always a developmental curveball to throw things off. One day, baby is sleeping fine; the next day, baby is teething and awake all night.
All the change really stressed me out in the beginning. I’m slowly starting to expect and accept the constant ups and downs, letting myself relax more and go with the flow. Don’t get me wrong – I’m still high-strung more often than not. I’m never going to be completely laidback (unless I’ve consumed a bottle of wine); it’s just not my personality.
During the past 196 days, I’ve relied on a few items that have definitely made life easier as a new parent. So here are my mommy must-haves for infants! Please note that I didn’t include obvious essentials, like car seats, strollers, pack ‘n plays, and baby wipes (although I do think Target brand wet wipes are the best value). Hope this is helpful to new mommies and daddies!
1. Rock and Play Sleeper
I know there were recently some issues with mold for this sleeper. However, we never had any problems. In fact, this reclined rocker was our favorite thing during the first few months. Owen loved sleeping in it next to our bed. Plus, it was super easy to fold up and take with us.
2. Baby in a Bag
I love Owen’s sleeping bag – special thanks to my friend Audrey for giving it to us. It’s made of cotton with a plush filling so it keeps him warm but doesn’t make him sweat like fleece. Owen is quite active in his crib and he quickly kicks off a regular blanket; this sleep sack is the perfect solution.
3. Sound Machine
Since Owen started sleeping in his own room in his crib, we’ve been using a sound machine for white noise. Our house is very small so it helps to have something drown out our noises and keep Owen asleep. More than anything, I think the noise lets Owen know that it’s time for bed. It also helped when Owen was a newborn in his fussy stage; it soothed him as I rocked him (which reminds me – a small rocking chair that you can move to different places in your house is great to have).
4. Small Diaper Bag
We have a large diaper bag too, which I’m sure we’ll need to use more and more as Owen gets older and needs more stuff. But for quick trips to the grocery store, I love having a small bag that fits a few diapers, a change of clothes, wet wipes, and a burp cloth (that’s really all you need when you’re breastfeeding). No need to take the entire nursery with you! The less I have to carry the better, especially since Owen is a heavy load all by himself.
5. Activity Gym
Owen loves his activity gym. It was the first place where I could plop him and he would entertain himself for a bit. And since it’s on the floor, you don’t have to worry about your baby falling.
6. Baby Bjorn Carrier
A baby carrier is great to have when you need your hands free. Owen was also happier and more content in his baby carrier; he would get frustrated in his stroller after a while. Plus, carrying Owen around in the grocery store in the Baby Bjorn is an excellent workout.
7. Pacifier
There’s a reason why they are called soothers. If your baby will take one, use it.
8. Jumperoo
Owen loves jumping around in this thing! Not only does it keep him occupied longer than anything else, it also tuckers him out.
9. Changing Pads
These multi-use waterproof flat pads to use on your changing pad or anywhere else making diaper changes much easier. You don’t have to worry about your baby making a mess; you just throw it in the wash and keep your changing pad cover, your bed, or wherever else you’re changing your baby clean.
10. Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Since I had Owen during the summer, I loved the lightweight fabric of these blankets. And they’re great for covering yourself while breastfeeding – they’re big and thin so you don’t feel like you’re suffocating your little one.
11. Swing
For the first few months, this was the only place where Owen would take a nap other than his rock and play sleeper. The swinging motion helps keep him asleep, rocking him into slumber. We’ve found that it’s helpful to have a swing that rocks both front to back and side to side.
Obviously, I’m not having any more babies, but I think this is very helpful for someone who is.