Magnolia is now one month old! This means Nate and I survived the first month of new life and as parents of two. Phew! Hooray!
Right now I am extra conscientious about things, people, and experiences that make life easier. After all, this is not the time to add extra work to anyone’s caseload considering there is an additional human to care for 24/7! I’ve been reflecting on what products I’ve used nonstop this month to share with you; some of these are similar to this post on baby gear essentials for 0-4 month-olds, and some are new as I’ve whittled down what’s really important or discovered new brands. I know you all know the basics, like an endless supply of diapers, wipes, and cozy onesies so consider this an “extra” list.
In the past month, I’ve come to this conclusion: Great baby gear is definitely needed and can make life so much easier, but what has really made an impact on Magnolia’s first month of life are helpful people. I couldn’t have survived without the generosity of friends and family who’ve donated their time by bringing over meals (the BEST gift you can give a new parent), keeping Waverley occupied, or just calling to ask how we’re surviving. And, let’s be real, our house cleaner because this mama has no time or desire to clean out a toilet. However, since it’s difficult to order up such lovely humans I’ve prepared a list of the products that have helped us survive this past month. I hope you find these items equally helpful!
One: Magnolia practically lives in the Solly Baby Wrap. Since I am busy with Waverley in addition to life, I need free hands. Magnolia, however, needs to be held and does not particularly enjoy her swing yet or being left anywhere solo for more than seven seconds. The Solly Baby Wrap is easy to wear, comes in a variety of colors (I actually had it on at the grocery store without Magnolia in it and I was complimented on my cute scarf wrap!), and Magnolia loves it.
Two: What did women do while breastfeeding before the advent of smart phones? Really though? I could not survive without my iPhone during marathon breastfeeding sessions. Make sure to have a charging station at your frequent breastfeeding location to avoid the devastation of low battery.
Three: We love the Babyhome Dream cot. It came in so handy when Waverley was a babe with all of our traveling and is still the perfect option for us with Magnolia. It sits at the end of our bed (equal distance between parents!) yet can easily be transported throughout the house. The rocking mechanism is essential for when she needs just a little soothing without being picked up.
Four: In addition to my breast pump of choice, please do yourself a major favor and purchase this hands-free pumping bra. It is necessary for making the most of your time when pumping and as a new mother, time seems to be the thing we have the least of!
Five: Coffee. Sometimes the most essential thing one can do with a newborn in tow is to get out of the house and meet a friend for coffee. Or have a friend over for coffee. Either way, coffee + socialization is good for a new mama’s wellbeing.
Six: The puj tub. This little bathtub has made bathing Magnolia so easy. It fits perfectly into our bathroom sink, which saves our backs a lot of strain from bending over. Set-up and clean-up are very easy since the bathwater just drains right into the sink and the material is soft and squishy. This has to be one of my favorite newborn baby products that we didn’t have with Waverley!
Seven: The softest swaddle blankets. We have swaddle blankets just littering our house. I need them in every nook because we use them for everything: wiping up spit-up, a blanket for Waverley, wrapping up Magnolia, pretty backgrounds for pictures, blankets for Waverley’s babies…everything! I love Little Unicorn’s beautiful prints and impossibly soft materials, which just seem to get softer with each wash.
Eight: I was curious to try the Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad and really love it. It saves time since it is easy to wipe up and does not require a cover, which inevitably becomes covered in excrement multiple times per day. The slight angle allows for accidents to flow downwards rather than all over the baby.
Nine: I’ve been such a fan of The Honest Co for years and have yet to try a product I don’t love. This is especially so for their baby skincare products. I am not sure if the lavender scent really does calm Magnolia for bedtime but we are willing to try anything for a few hours of straight sleep!
For more baby gear recommendations, read my picks for 0-4 months, 4-8 months, and 8-12 months.
