Less is more…What do I really NEED for a Baby and what should I register for?

coldcoffeewithkids

Every time I walk into a Baby store I am hit with how many options there are and how much “stuff” they advertise that we “Need” to raise a tiny human. Even knowing what I knew about raising kids from my time as a nanny and daycare provider I found myself drawn to filling my Baby Registry with a massive amount of “stuff” for this tiny human in my belly. But when that tiny human arrived I realized I was spending so much time trying to organize all these items and finding where I had organized them to! Chasing me anxiety, time missed with that sweet baby, and drowning in too much stuff. We ended up returning things and replacing all this “stuff” with the things we actually needed instead of just wanted. This is the list I wish someone had given me when I first started looking at the miles of baby “stuff”.

Less is More: 

  • Baby Crib: Look for something versatile and adjustable. Something that can be used as a bassinet, crib, and toddler bed(only three side rails). This will allow you to set it up perfectly for every stage of your baby’s early years and for your individual needs. Remember this should be STURDY! You never know if that sweet little monkey will actually scale your furniture like one in the future.
  • Baby mattress: look for something firm. We prefer Organic foam just as a personal choice.
  • Baby Bedding: 
    • Two mattress protectors/covers
    • Two or three sets of sheets
    • Remember: Baby bumpers and blankets are superrr cute but also super dangerous and a suffocation hazard. A baby should only be in a crib with a firm mattress, tightly fitted sheet, and that’s it.
    • Mobile 
  • Something for storage: A dresser/changing table/shelf with drawers. Weigh out how much storage your supplies will actually take up. Things to also think about: Is this your only storage spot? Do you have a closet to organize items in? Garage for extra diaper/wipes/clothes bins storage? Keeping the room simple will help you relax and not stress so much about organizing all your items each time you use them. My advice is to keep one pack of wipes/diapers/supplies out that will fit in a cute caddy and keep the rest stored away until you need to restock that bin. We currently use the IKEA Kallax shelf unit with Drona boxes for our diaper/toy/clothes/carrier/”extras” storage in our boys’ room.   We have chosen not to have a dresser or changing table due to our lack of space, so we just have a floating changing pad that stays in our living or dining room that we move as needed.
  • Changing pad with wipeable/washable cover:
  • Diaper organizing caddy: I keep diapers, wipes, butt cream, tooth brush/paste for our toddler, q-tips, nail clippers, breast pads and a baby brush/comb in ours. It floats around our house depending on where we are and was a lifesaver for those early weeks when you don’t really want to move around too much. https://amzn.to/2N4s5Xr
  • Toy Storage: We currently have an IKEA Kallax Shelf that we use in our living room for toy storage, but I recommend something with doors for your sanity and the ability to close off the “mess” for simplicity. Otherwise a shelf with baskets is also a good option. We also have a decorative toy bin that slides under our coffee table that I put an IKEA bin inside to give it more stability. Remember that less is more especially with toys. Keep half of them put a away in a bin in the top of a closet and rotate them as you think is best, this keeps the toys interesting because each time you switch it your child will rediscover each toy
  • Swing/ Mamaroo: Not something that you NEED but something that will make your life MUCH better for those moments when you need to just have ONE quiet, sane moment to your self take a shower, get things ready to leave, go to the bathroom in peace.
  • Bouncer/portable seat: This is great for being able to move a sleeping or content baby around your house or outside as needed. Having one that is a swing also is helpful if you have a little one who loves to move. We had the 4MOMs bouncer and I loved it for many reasons: lightweight, wipeable material, and had three different types of vibration patterns and three different intensities for each. This allows you to find out exactly what your little one prefers. I don’t believe they  make this anymore, but something with similar features is what you should be looking for.
  • Pack and Play:This is a must have if you ever intend to travel anywhere at any time with your little one. Traveling is hard enough but making sure that your baby has a confined safe place to sleep and play when you are on vacation: Most places will not be baby-proofed so this will make your vacation relaxing as opposed to chasing after your little one at all hours of the day.
  • High Chair: There are a few different options depending on what you’re looking for.
  • Strollers: see my recent blog post for suggestions! I do recommend making sure it has a car seat attachment that fits your Infant Carrier car seat. https://coldcoffeewithkids.com/2018/08/27/strollers-arent-just-for-kids-stroller-reviews/
  • Infant Car Seat: This is not necessary but will make your life a whole lot easier with transporting a very fragile little baby for the first few months of life. Especially in the winter months.
  • Convertible Car Seat: This is my absolute favorite car seat( and I have had experience with many different car seats from the little ones I have nannied for in the past). The Diono Radian is a very slim carseat while still being spacious enough for three seats to fit across the backseat of a regular car. This doesn’t mean you need to have three back there to experience the benefits though, it makes it easy to have an adult or two sitting next to the seat without feeling squished. It also has a steel frame(so it is heavy), but folds for transportation. We have enjoyed this seat for the past year with our 15 month old and have one in line for the baby too when she’s ready for it. https://amzn.to/2ND4slMWe also have a few accessories for it:
    • Angle Adjuster: makes the car seat not recline so far back: https://amzn.to/2MJAW1k
    • Seat protector: You’ll want one that has a high back for those dirty little feet or shoes when they are bigger. Also one with a front storage pocket is great for stashing toys, books, or diapers and wipes. https://amzn.to/2wzE19j
    • Baby back seat mirror 
  • Baby Bath tub: I’ve heard the Bloom bath seats are great, however we just use a regular one with infant sponge insert.
  • Baby bath towels: the ones with the hoods are great!
  • Baby wash cloths: you can use these for baths but also for wiping up after eating. It’s nice to know these towels will only be for baby related cleaning to keep them away from any other harsh cleaning product residues. I was these with our baby laundry.
  • Nursing/carseat/grocery cart cover: https://amzn.to/2PXSZyN
  • A few nice baby blankets: Aden and Anais blankets are my favorite for a few reasons: they are light weight but still keep them warm, they wash well and seem to get softer each wash and have cute patterns.
  • Baby bibs: 
  • Clothing Items: 
    • Two sleep sacks in each size (Small, Medium and Large): These will replace your need for a blanket. I recommend using a thin one and you can always later a sleeper or long sleeve/long pants pajama under it. Baby’s skin should be cool to the touch while sleeping (not cold or warm). I have also found that when my babies are cooler they sleep better! And it’s always good to have at least one back up for those middle of the night blow outs/spit ups/vomit/bottle spill occasions.
    • Clothes in every size: So many times we are focused on the little tiny outfits but  these babies grow out of clothes so quickly that you’ll find yourself needing the next sizes up before you know it. 
    • Pajamas/Sleep and Plays: Here are some of my absolute favorite brands that wear/wash/hold up well.
      • Hanna Andersson: perfect for both sleep and play, plus I like that they don’t have feet. You do have to add socks occasionally, but the ankles are fitted enough that they keep the socks on.  https://www.hannaandersson.com/pajamas/
      • Bonds Wondersuit: These are quickly becoming my absolute favorite since I got some from a friend. They have hand and foot optional covers, they are super soft, wear/wash extremely well, and are incredibly soft. https://amzn.to/2N6zCFq.
    •  A winter “jacket” romper is what we use for outwear in the winter instead of a jacket. Ours is thin fleece from Hanna Andersson but this one looks similar. I’d order up at least one size to make sure it will still fit for the entire winter. https://www.hannaandersson.com/sale-event-baby/41904-GW8.html?cgid=sale-event-baby&dwvar_41904-GW8_color=GW8
  • Bottles: Even if you don’t plan to use formula, you should still have a few bottles on hand for when you leave baby with a babysitter or family. I recommend only having a handful of good quality bottles. This will push you to wash them often(old milk curdles and creates a filmy layer quickly) and also will simplify your life because you don’t have to keep so many parts organized. We use glass(personal preference) and I have found that they clean better. You can get a silicone cover for them and they have proven to be incredibly durable. We also have a stainless steel one that is great for taking places. Here are my favorite bottle types (glass, stainless steel and plastic).
  • Food and Drink Supplies: Sippy Cups: Those first six months will fly by and before you know it you’ll be carrying one of these around all the time! What you’re looking for is something that is durable, will keep their drink cold and is easy to wash/prevent mold. We use Klean Kanteens and have loved them: they come with a sippy cup adapter and also a regular water bottle spout to grow with your baby into toddlerhood and beyond. https://amzn.to/2PqR4Sw
    • Silicone food tray for freezing baby food purees or breast milk. You can either freeze and store it in the container or pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag or container. https://amzn.to/2N8bQIZ
    • Blender: Making your own baby food blends is MUCH easier than I realized. By buying in bulk and making food in bulk, you can save so much money and spend just a little time doing it. A baby food maker specifically isn’t needed although some people have said they prefer it. We just steamed veggies in a pot or kept fruit raw and blended it up in the Ninja Blender poured it into the freezer trays and froze it. I would pull out a few days worth of each and put them in the fridge to thaw.  https://amzn.to/2NBY12F
    • Food containers: A bento box will be your friend whether you’re doing baby food and especially when you pack up lunches to take with you. https://amzn.to/2PW9uvp
  • Baby soaps, baby laundry detergent, baby lotion. (I’ll be review these items in a future blog post so keep an eye out!)

 

DIAPERS, DIAPERS, MORE DIAPERS IN ALL SIZES, WIPES, WIPES AND MORE WIPES!!! 

Those are the basics of raising your sweet little one. However, there are a few more items that I recommend especially if you plan on taking your baby on adventures like we do! 

Happy Registering, Nesting and enjoy your coffee hot well you can. Because soon you’ll have  sweet little baby who will lovingly distract you long enough for your coffee to get cold…so enjoy your coffee, even if it’s cold. 

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Published by coldcoffeewithkids

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