Hey Mamas!
Being a new mama is craziness only new mamas know. The things that get you through in those early days, weeks and months is love, support AND gear! Yeah baby, GEAR! Baby gear has been designed specifically to make new mama’s lives a bit easier, and let me tell you our top 10 must haves sure fit the bill. Whether you’re a first time mom, or a seasoned vet baby gear is continuously changing and evolving. Manufacturers are always thinking about the next best thing! Because it’s a ridiculous task to navigate it all on your own we’ve compiled 10 of our top new mom must haves. Enjoy!
The 10 MUST haves for every NEW MAMA
1. SNAP AND GO
Although we are huge fans of convertible, jogging, umbrella, and pram stroller the realistic mamas in us know you don’t always want to be lugging a full size stroller around when you’re on the go with your newbie. We absolutely love the snap and go! It’s basically a super lightweight and simple stroller base that you set your infant car seat on and safely harness to. For mamas who prefer a full size stroller for the long run we recommend also purchasing/registering for a snap and go to leave in your trunk for those first few months. It’s a minimal investment that’s worth it’s weight in gold!
2. ROCK AND PLAY
Rock and Plays are a fabulous Bassinet/crib/pack and play hybrid. They are portable and stow easily like a pack and play, take up little space and are a great option to have baby close to you at night, and are a great option as a place for baby to sleep until they are ready to graduate to a crib. In addition, for babies who may be premature the slight incline is helpful for reflux which is common. We love the Fischer Price My Little Lamb Deluxe edition as it has a canopy, something you may find helpful when letting your babe snooze outside of their nursery during the day.
3. BOPPY PILLOW
Boppy pillows are a staple in any new parent’s home! Not only are Boppy pillows great for breastfeeding, but also for positioning your babe for bottle feedings, tummy time, and a safe and comfortable spot to set them down any old time!
4. TWO PHASE TECHNOLOGY BREAST PUMP
If you’re afforded the luxury of exclusively breastfeeding, wonderful! The truth is many mamas are either going back to work, or are only able to breastfeed part time which means they will need help from a breast pump to keep their supply up. As certified lactation consultants we always recommend going with a pump that has two phase technology like the Medela Freestyle. What does this mean? Well, it means that the pump mimics a newborns natural feeding rhythms which in return optimizes what you produce during a pumping. We also like the hands free option that comes with the Freestyle!
5. SWADDLE SLEEP SACKS
There are maybe a million different kind of sleep sack options and designs out there (ok maybe not a million, but a ton.) We love the Halo Sleep Sack for a couple of reasons, the main being that you can use the sleep sack swaddled or un-swaddled which is unique to Halo. In our experience the muslin and micro fleece sleep sacks do the best job at maintaining a swaddle, and keeping your little Houdini wrapped up.
6. WINE…. LOTS OF WINE
Or chocolate, or whatever your vice may be. Why? Because you deserve it! Being a new mom is a lot of work, and after a long day you need to reward yourself. You did it, everyone is healthy, happy and you made it through another day! GO YOU! Those first 3-6 months are definitely filled with ups and downs, but with every step towards more independence things get a little easier and before you know it your day to day will be a breeze, right? Right!
7. STRUCTURED BABY CARRIER
If you’re an active family who likes to attend events, get out and about, or lives in the city having a structured baby carrier that can work for a newborn well into the toddler years will be essential! Although having your stroller is a life saver, at times it just makes more sense to carry your babe. We love the Lille Baby Complete carrier that accommodates an infant from 7lbs-45 without a newborn insert. In addition to it’s ease, baby wearing is a fabulous way to bond with your baby and has shown many benefits to their vitals and overall health.
8. HYBRID SOOTHER
Because of the expense this is a common area where mamas may try to skimp (this one included) but you will quickly find out that the area where you need the most help is rockling, walking, and soothing your baby. We recommend the RockaRoo by 4moms. Not only is this hybrid soother fit the need for a bouncer and swing all in one, it takes up very little space, in fact 1/3 of the space of a standard swing making it perfect for any space.
9. BABY GYM
Babies LOVE to interact with their surroundings and also be free to kick and reach, and explore with their little bodies. Having a versatile play mat/baby gym is a must have for new mamas and new babies!
10. BABYTALK PRENATAL + NEW PARENT ONLINE EDUCATION
Our Prenatal + New Parent online classes have been developed specifically to prepare and support families from pregnancy through your baby’s first year. Delivered online, parents gain unlimited access for 6 months giving them the opportunity to revisit and refresh as you go. We know how overwhelming it can feel being a new mama and we’re here to help!
And lastly, just remember….
You’ve got this!!
Till next time, Cupcakes..
xoxo,
Maggie + The Babytalk Team
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