If you’re new here, I just recently gave birth to my sweet little girl Everly Kate. I am currently about three weeks postpartum and enjoying every bit of it! Okay, most of it haha.
I’m soaking up lots of baby snuggles (you can see pics on my Instagram @young_mommyhood_), changing poopie diapers, nursing around the clock and overall recovering and navigating this new life with a toddler and an infant.
It hasn’t been easy but this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve had a newborn before so I’d like to think I’m a little more seasoned this time around.
With Emmett, I had no idea what to expect and learned along the way. Looking back I really could’ve used some pointers. But I’m also glad I was able to grow on my own because now I get to share my tips with all of you!
With that being said, I wanted to share my favorite newborn essentials. These items are used every day in our household and I’m not sure how we would function without them. I thought sharing these new loved finds would benefit all you wonderful mommies and mommies to be.
Newborns need a lot of stuff. And if you have no clue where to begin, I have a Baby Registry Checklist with over 80 items that you can check out. But if you need a handful of items that will make your life much easier, then these newborn essentials are just for you.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thank you for helping me support my blog and my babies:)
Lulyboo Lounge To-Go
This portable baby bed is the most convenient lounger I have owned! It offers a safe place for your little one to play while on the go and can also be a designated changing station.
We’ve already taken our lounge to go with us to Grandma’s house, the playground and the lake!
I especially appreciated having it at the playground because it was too hot to carry Everly the entire time Emmett played and babies aren’t supposed to lay in their carseat. So it was the perfect place to lay her! Its lightweight and folds into a backpack so it’s easy to pack up in the car. And when we’re home, I can lay Everly in her lounge to go while Emmett and I play games next to her on the floor. If she spits up or wets the cover, I can simply unzip it and throw it in the wash.
There’s nothing quite like this lounger and I get asked about it everywhere we take it! Out of all my favorite newborn essentials, this one is functional and chic! An absolute must have!
And until July 31st you can receive 15% off your Lulyboo Lounge To-Go! Just click here and use the discount code MAKAYLA15
If you want to learn more I have a full unboxing video saved in my highlights on my Instagram! (@young_mommyhood_)
Hatch Sound Machine & Night Light
If you want to know my secret to getting my newborn to calm down and fall asleep independently, here it is!
The Hatch sound machine has given Everly so much comfort during middle of the night wakings and calms her down for feedings whenever latching becomes frustrating. As of right now she’s sleeping in her bassinet in the master with me and her daddy so we have the Hatch on my night stand. I use the night light when getting her ready for bed and play ocean sounds when laying her down.
It connects to your phone via bluetooth so when Everly needs a diaper change in the middle of the night I can easily change the color of the light and turn up the brightness. I found using a lamp was too bright and stimulated her, therefore keeping her up longer.
Chin To Toe Zipper Onesies
For starters, zipper onesies are much more practical than onesies with snaps. Newborns need their diaper changed about 10 times a day. And unlike you and I, they poop in the middle of the night. Do you really want to be up at 4 a.m. dealing with poop and snaps? I don’t think so.
As you know, most zipper onesies zip up. From toe to chin. But the ones you really want zip from chin to toe. I know it may not seem like a big difference but I promise they’re more efficient than the traditional zip up onesies. They allow baby to stay warm and content during diaper changes and if your little one is anything like Everly, it’ll prevent them from wiggling their arms out of their jammies.
Elvie Breast Pump
If you’re planning to breastfeed I highly recommend the Elvie breast pump! Having a wireless breast pump has been so incredibly convenient for me. I have a 2 year old who needs my time and attention and being able to pump while I cook for him, play with him, take him on walks, etc., has really been a game changer.
When I was breastfeeding Emmett I always had to find a nearby outlet whenever I needed to pump along with a private room to sit in. Because with my previous pump, both breasts would be completely exposed during pumping sessions. I also needed a pumping bra or both hands available to hold the breast pump in place.
With my Elvie, it fits perfectly in my bra and has a battery life of about 2.5 hours. Which for me can be anywhere from 5-10 pumping sessions! It automatically switches from Stimulation mode to Expression mode when it detects let-down and pauses when the bottle is full. I can’t tell you how many times I’d be pumping in the middle of the night with my old breast pump, half asleep and milk would pour out of the pump because I had dozed off for too long. Such a mess and very frustrating!
There is also a free Elvie Pump app that monitors milk volume, tracks pumping history and controls the pump remotely. I have not used the app but I’m happy to have access to it if I need it!
Mittens
This may seem like a silly essential but the Just One You by Carter’s mittens are the ONLY mittens that I have found that don’t slip off Everly’s hands. So I thought it couldn’t hurt to share them! I’ve gone as far as putting socks on her hands during bedtime but she manages to slip those off as well.
I think the reason for them staying put is the fabric. They’re 96% polyester and 4% spandex whereas most baby mittens are 100% cotton. But that’s just my guess! Either way, they’re still comfortable and very affordable!
Conclusion
Although the mittens may not work for everyone, I guarantee the other four newborn essentials will make life with a little much easier! I know they have for us!
What are your must have newborn essentials?
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